Fender American Special Series

Royale with Cheese

Does anyone have experience with these guitars?

Tried the American Special Strat against the American Standard in Waltons at the weekend, and it held up quite favourably. The Standard was probably the nicer guitar but there wasn't that much in it.

Am thinking about getting myself a decent guitar but it'd probably just be for messing around with at home, and a few home recordings. Was going to go with a Mexican but played one of the higher end Mexicans for €700 and it was blown out of the water by the €870 American Special Strat (which is about €300 less than the American Standard). Only con is they don't come with a hard case, just a gig bag.

I know standard practice on this forum is to recommend spending the extra on top quality gear, but I genuinely really liked the American Special. With the €300 I saved I'd be able to get a small tube amp to go with it. Not sure I could justify going the whole hog and getting an American Standard that would probably never be used properly.

Bad idea? I know the Les Paul Studios are viewed as a waste of time, wondering if the American Special Fenders are viewed somewhat similar?

Squidgy Black

Just get whatever plays/sounds/feels best to you. There's no point in forking out a tonne of extra money when you won't be happy with it.

I've never used hardcases much but waltons sell one for around 50 quid.
You can always haggle with a shop, the prices are very rarely set in stone, and try and get them to throw something extra like a case or knock a few quid off.

You could easily pick up a nice used tube combo for around 300 easily.

Ravelleman

Nice enough guitars but not great value at that price if you ask me. I know you want opinions on Fenders but there are much better deals out there.

I considered an American Special Strat last year but ended up getting a 2011 G&L Legacy instead. There's no real comparison considering you can get one with a nice G&G tolex case shipped and taxed from the States for cheaper than the Fender if you shop around. I know from direct experience.

You may prefer to go for convenience and buy an American Special from Waltons but if you know what you want (in my case 12" fretboard radius was important) I certainly think you should check out G&L.

The Fender may be adequate but some day you may just think, "What if?".

Royale with Cheese

Am looking at second hand American standards now. Would prefer to buy new but I'd also prefer to get an American Strat and not have to pay €1200 for it.

Not keen on the idea of ordering something without playing it first. Did it with a €1k bass before. Had played the same model in the shop a year previously and loved it. Finally had the money to get one and when it came it was a bit of a piece of shít.

darrenw5094

Used US Strats go for around €700 on adverts or less.

Made in Japan is always a great option, uused for around €400-€500.

Check out the used inventory from Japan on here http://www.ishibashi.co.jp/u_box/e/