Owners of the 50th American Series Strat

[Kmaz]

I'd like to hear from owners of the 50th American Series Strat. Just another modern Stratocaster or is there something very different about its sound/appeal?

[Kmaz]

And do you think there is future collectibility in this series?

[Lemonhand]

I assume you're talking about the model that was only available in 2-Tone Sunburst with the upgraded case and the specially wound pickups? I owned one for a while. Pretty nice guitar but I didn't like the sounds from it - it sounded too thin and brittle to me and I like Stratocasters...a lot! I traded mine in and got something else, but I can't remember what it was. Most owners rave about them though, especially the pickups. They've held their value a bit better than any other American Series Stratocaster but I don't see them becoming collectible - there's too many Stratocasters out there.

[docfox]

I have one. It has a beautiful ash body with '54 countours and a great sunburst finish. The pickups are special '54's as noted above, and they are fabulous. It has a parchment single ply beveled pg that is thicker than most. Case has 50th logo sewn into the lining. And of course the 50th anni neck plate. It's definitely a step up from the regular American Standard, and I believe it is worth more, but in this market who knows? I have 5 Strats, all Custom Shop except for the 50th. I am keeping it!

I will say, though, that like most Am Stds it benefitted from Callaham bridge saddle and trem block upgrade. Truly a kick-ass guitar now.

[TELECOLLECTOR]

I have one and ordered it in just because it was the 50th............

Ok guitar but it has that damnable S1 switching.

[treeofpain]

There were 4 different "50th Anniversary" Strats:
1. A Mexican model in gold finish
2. A USA model that's basically an American Strat with ash body and 2 tone finish and special case.
3. A USA model that's basically an American Deluxe Strat with gold hardware and 2 tone finish and special case.
4. A Custom Shop model.

I do not think any of them will be collectible. A LOT of them were made. It has been 7 years since they were introduced, and they are worth about what they cost new (as long as they are extremely clean w/ no mods).

[Kmaz]

There were 4 different "50th Anniversary" Strats:
1. A Mexican model in gold finish
2. A USA model that's basically an American Strat with ash body and 2 tone finish and special case.
3. A USA model that's basically an American Deluxe Strat with gold hardware and 2 tone finish and special case.
4. A Custom Shop model.

I do not think any of them will be collectible. A LOT of them were made. It has been 7 years since they were introduced, and they are worth about what they cost new (as long as they are extremely clean w/ no mods).

Number 2 is the one I'm referring to. I own a Left Hand version which should be more rare.

[jmontgomery]

There were 4 different "50th Anniversary" Strats:
1. A Mexican model in gold finish
2. A USA model that's basically an American Strat with ash body and 2 tone finish and special case.
3. A USA model that's basically an American Deluxe Strat with gold hardware and 2 tone finish and special case.
4. A Custom Shop model.

I do not think any of them will be collectible. A LOT of them were made. It has been 7 years since they were introduced, and they are worth about what they cost new (as long as they are extremely clean w/ no mods).

#2 also has the same '54 pickups that the custom shop model has. They only used these pickups on these two guitar models. I'd say they'll be collectable someday.