Deluxe Versus American Standard, Help making decision Options

[Hoosier Wolf]

Can someone give me the pluses/minuses between the two for a 2008 model Deluxe strat vs an American Standard?

I know it has more sound options but I would really like some opinions one the sound differences. Is the Deluxe worth the extra money?

I'm a novice player but whatever I buy I plan to never let go of so if it's worth the extra money up front I would consider a Deluxe.

Thank you in advance for your help!

[Tom Watson]

This is subjective, but the American Deluxe V-neck (in CAR) would be my non-Custom Shop Strat of choice. I like the S-1 system, the SCN pups and definitely prefer a V neck. If you're shopping online, by the way, you have to look for the Deluxe V-neck separately from the main Deluxe, which I assume is a C-neck. For example, if you go to Musicians Friend they have one page for the American Deluxe that doesn't mention the neck and another page for the American Deluxe V-neck that doesn't mention the first page, which again, I'm assuming is a C-neck.

Actually, it's even a little more complicated than that - there are four American Deluxe variations available: Regular American Deluxe (the one I'm assuming has a C-neck); the V-neck American Deluxe (same price as the Regular); the Regular American Deluxe in Ash (costs a couple of hundred more than the Regular); and the American Deluxe in HSS configuration (I'm assuming it's also a C-neck), which means the bridge pup is a humbucker (a hundred dollars more than the Regular Deluxe).

Currently on Musicians Friend: Regular American Deluxe: $1,599.99; V-neck: $1,599.99; American Deluxe Ash: $1,759.99; and the HSS American Deluxe: $1,639.99.

Here are four links to help make this clear:

Basic Non V-neck American Deluxe

V-neck American Deluxe

Non V-neck American Deluxe Ash

Non V-neck American Deluxe HSS

Meanwhile, the American Standard (Musicians Friend link) is what they call a "modern C-neck" (which, again, I assume is the same neck profile you get on the Non V-neck American Deluxe models), so being a V-neck fan, I'm going Deluxe. Plus, the Standard doesn't have the S-1 or SCN pups (opinions vary about the pups, but I see no downside to the S-1 switching system). The price difference? $200-300 less for the Standard (though if I were to buy a Standard it would be in the Sienna Sunburst finish that puts me even closer to the Deluxe V-neck in price.

Again, it's always subjective, but if you're sort of starting out and want a guitar that offers a great number of grow-in choices, the S-1 route makes sense.

[Hoosier Wolf]

I really appreciate the info.

Now I just need to check some things out and make a decision.

[Tom Watson]

Enjoy the decision making! Let us know what you get, why you got it and how you like it.


Tom

[Hoosier Wolf]

Got a good deal on a '07 C Strat Deluxe so I tried it and fell in love.

Now my only excuse for how I play is my own lack of skill

Thanks again for your help!

[Hoosier Wolf]

That should be "C" neck btw.

It's a 3 color sunburst, alder body.

Hopefully this works this time instead of signing me out again.