spro's Reviews

The "Deluxe American Standard" Stratocaster, a rare model from 1989 and 1990

"Deluxe American Standard" - what is that ? At Fender, you're either "Deluxe" or "American Standard," right?

Actually, no because for a few months in 1989 and 1990, Fender produced a "Deluxe American Standard" Stratocaster model, with a production run of around 400 units : "Deluxe" because, like the Deluxe Strat Plus series, the "Deluxe American Standard" was equipped with three Fender Lace Sensor Gold pickups (also fitted on the 1990s Fender Eric Clapton Stratocaster) / "American Standard" because, like the American Standard series, the "Deluxe American Standard" was equipped with a standard nut and standard tuners (whereas the Deluxe Strat Plus featured a Wilkinson roller nut and locking tuners).

To learn more about these rare "Deluxe American Standard" Stratocaster models, you can consult these links : https://www.fuzzfaced.net/stratocaster-deluxe-american-standard.html and https://xhefriguitars.com/page2.html (see the part: "It Looks Like a Plus, But It's NOT!").

The model name "Deluxe American Standard Strat" can be found in a 1989 Fender advertisement, available at the link https://xhefriguitars.com/Stuff/PlusAdd1989.jpg (see the fourth column of text, to the right of the photo of the neck).

So, how can you tell the difference with certainty between a rare "Deluxe American Standard" Stratocaster model and an American Standard Stratocaster fitted with Fender Lace Sensor Gold pickups ? It’s very simple. You just need to look at the label Fender used to place inside the guitar case to verify that it says "Deluxe American Stand. Strat" (see the third photo at the top on this page).

The build quality is exceptional and rock-solid... I’ve been playing a Fender Deluxe American Standard Stratocaster for over 30 years, and nothing has budged.

In terms of sound, the Deluxe American Standard Stratocaster is an excellent guitar, thanks to its Fender Lace Sensor Gold pickups that deliver top-notch sound - whether clean or overdriven - all without any background noise !

For even more aggressive distortion, simply install a Fender Lace Sensor Red pickup in the bridge position... I’ve rarely heard such punch and dynamics as with this setup !

Truly a very rare guitar.