1998 Fender American Deluxe Series Stratocaster

This is an American Deluxe Series Stratocaster from 1998. The body is in a black finish with a maple neck and a maple fingerboard. The American Deluxe Series was introduced in 1998 after a survey of popular modifications and desired features among strat owners at the time. Fender looked up the original plans for the body contours for guitars of the 1950’s and 60’s and re-tooled to replicate the early designs beginning with this model, introduced in 1998. Other
thoughtful features include rolled off fingerboard edges, this smooths the transition between the neck and frets, “Vintage Noiseless” single coil pickups, Fender/Schaller cast/sealed locking tuning machines and a two-point synchronized tremolo with a pop-in arm. All modifications made in an effort to reduce noise and improve the ability to stay in tune while the tremolo is in use.

The body, under the black finish, is premium alder. The neck is a modern “C” shape with a 9.5” radius, 1.6875” nut width, 22 medium jumbo frets and a 25.5” scale. The guitar weighs in at comfortable 8.8 lbs. A three ply white pickguard, white pickup covers with the “Noiseless” logo and a white switch tip contrasts nicely with the black body. This particular example only shows the slightest signs of wear or use. It is only a few years away from the 30 year vintage designation, but the frets, body and neck look nearly unplayed.

The original red lined black Fender Tolex case is also in very clean condition complete with a set of original adjustment tools and strap locks. The setup is excellent and it plays and sounds great.