Welcome to the 2004-2009 Fender American Deluxe Stratocaster series page. The Fender American Deluxe Stratocaster is the top of Fender’s American made production Stratocaster line. The Fender American Deluxe represents the latest in Stratocaster technology. Loaded with Fender’s most cutting edge Strat innovations, these innovations definitely put the American Deluxe Stratocaster a cut above all the other Strats. Let’s talk about a few of the features that make the American Deluxe such a fantastic Strat. All the following features come standard on the American Deluxe Stratocaster.
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Pickups
The biggest and most exciting innovation on the 2004-2009 American Deluxe Strat are the Samarium Cobalt Noiseless Pickups. These pickups solve the age old Stratocaster problem of 60 Cycle hum caused by traditional single-coil pickups. The Samarium Cobalt pickups use Samarium Cobalt magnetic material along with traditional magnets and a stacked coil design to give you a traditional Strat tone without the annoying hum. The Samarium Cobalt magnet also gives the pickups their own unique voice. As I have noted, these pickups are standard equipment on the American Deluxe Stratocaster.
S-1 Switch
The cleverly placed S-1 push/push switching system is an award winning innovation. The S-1 push-button switch is cleverly hidden in the 2nd Tone control of the 2004-2009 American Deluxe Stratocaster. With a push of the button, you get 5 more pickup combinations in addition to the traditional 5 pickup combinations you get with the 5-position blade switch. Here’s a look at all the pickup combinations you get on the 2004-2009 American Deluxe Stratocaster:
S-1 Switch Up:
Position 1. Bridge Pickup
Position 2. Bridge and Middle Pickup in Parallel
Position 3. Middle Pickup
Position 4. Middle and Neck Pickup in Parallel
Position 5. Neck Pickup
S-1 Switch Down:
Position 1. Bridge Pickup in Series with Middle Pickup
Position 2. Bridge Pickup in Parallel with Special Capacitor and in Series with Middle Pickup
Position 3. Bridge/Middle/Neck Pickups with Neck and Bridge Pickups in Parallel and in Series with Middle pickup
Position 4. Neck Pickup in Parallel with Special Capacitor and in Series with Middle Pickup
Position 5. Neck Pickup in Series with Middle Pickup
As can be seen, this amazing variety of tonal options is brought to you by a simple, well designed push button switch. Again, S-1 switching is standard equipment on the 2004-2009 American Deluxe Stratocaster.
Tuners and Headstock
You also get excellent, Schaller designed, staggered locking tuners on the headstock. Locking tuners make changing strings on the American Deluxe Stratocaster an absolute breeze. Changing strings is as simple as inserting the string through the bridge, pulling the string through the locking tuner, tightening the lock, clipping the string and turning the tuner about a quarter turn to get your guitar in tune. No more hassle with slipping string windings, or strings popping out of the tuner while you’re trying to get them to grab hold of the string. The fact that they’re staggered means your strings are pulled properly across the nut, as a result, this eliminates one of the two string trees found on older Stratocasters. This means the guitar plays better and stays in tune easier. Locking tuners are standard on the American Deluxe.
Tremolo
You also get the well engineered two-point tremolo system with solid stainless steel block saddles. The two-point tremolo greatly decreases the amount of friction found in the old 5-point tremolo system which means is stays in tune much better when doing more radical bends. This is the same tremolo that Jeff Beck uses and you know how much he uses his tremolo. The solid stainless steel block saddles have more mass than the cheaper bent-steel saddles found on the lesser Strats which means more sustain and a better anchor to the bridge. The tremolo also has a pop-in tremolo arm instead of the screw-in type making it much quicker to set up.
Neck
You also get your choice of a C-shape or V-shape neck. A lot of people say the V-shape fits better in your hand but it really comes down to personal preference. I have have one of each neck and I personally do prefer the V-shape neck. The smooth rolled edges that make the guitar feel silky smooth when you play it is what I really love about the neck. The frets are perfectly dressed right to the edge of rolled neck without any hanging over to snag your hand. It’s really a gorgeous neck with Abalone dot inlays on either Rosewood or Maple fingerboards.
The neck pocket is also contoured to fit your hand more comfortably when playing the higher frets on the neck. Without a doubt, this is a nice detail to have and Fender is really paying attention to player comfort by adding this feature to the American Deluxe Stratocaster.
As shown above, the 2004-2009 Fender American Deluxe Stratocaster has some unique features you cannot find on any other Stratocaster series. Make sure you check out the Fender American Elite Stratocaster and the Fender American Ultra Stratocaster to see the evolution of this guitar.
24 responses to “Fender American Deluxe Stratocaster 2004-2009 Series”
I have a 2000 model DZ series ‘American Deluxe’ HSS, the first year edition.
Although there were some hybrids that went out at the end of 1999 that were missing the D on the new serial numbering system using Z, for ‘American Series’ and DZ for the ‘American Deluxe’, so there were a few Deluxe models with only the Z, sans the D.
The first few series of the ‘American Deluxe’ stratocaster didn’t have S1 switching, I believe that came in 2004 model AD Strats?.
Mine also came with a newly designed fender locking bridge, which was the worst piece of engineering I ever saw and I changed it out for the ‘American Standard’ two post, solid saddle bridge, but their original noiseless PU’s and the locking Schaller tuners were very nice and the body and neck were shaped to perfection.
Fender made many name changes and upgrades to existing models in 2000 including adding the Deluxe, although in 2016 they’ve changed it to the ‘American Elite’ the ‘AD’ proved it was a good design, lasting for 15 years.
The new ‘American Elite’ that is taking the place of the ‘American Deluxe’, is a much more contemporary design, that many vintage fans may not like, so we will see if it has the same staying power as the ‘American Deluxe’ had.
I just bought a used DZ4….. locking tuners, noiseless scn pickups, a humbucker bridge… maybe an atomic?? Not sure, 2 point trem, s1 switch and really cool.. a roller nut! It is the tri burst with a Rosewood neck. Neck plate is a normal fender corona, no mention of Anniversary model, I’ve been all over the net looking for the proper specs, so far your site has the most of it, and accurate too, but nowhere is there a mention of the roller nut. The original owner told me it came that way new. Anyhow an awesome guitar!!
That’s really cool Reg! I have a roller nut on my Jeff Beck signature Stratocaster but hadn’t seen one on any of the American Deluxe series. Yours sounds really awesome!
Awesome post! It gave a really good insight of the Deluxe’s Family.
I have one question, I’m chasing a deal (800 bucks) for an American Deluxe V-Neck Serial DZ9 so it’s a 2009 but comes with no S1 switch, that makes me think it’s fake, it’s weird because everything else seems legit. Any ideas?
Thank you!
Pablo, it could be that someone switched out the pickguard electronics.
I just ordered a used American Deluxe from Guitar Center. It is being shipped to me now, but when I did some research online I’m confused about the info that the salesman gave me. I called the store asking specifically about the neck. I wanted to know if it had the v profile and if it had the compound radius. He told me yes on both, but from what I’ve found online I’m not sure he is correct.
It has a serial number beginning with DZ6, and it has a rosewood neck. When I put the serial number into the Fender site it says “American Deluxe Stratocaster® “V” Neck (2004-2010).” But, I’ve read in other places that the rosewood neck on this model have a C profile and 9.5 radius. Could you help me find some info on this guitar? Thanks.
John, the compound radius neck wasn’t introduced until 2010 and it was found on both the C and V neck profiles. It sounds like you have a rosewood V-neck with a 9.5-inch radius. The Fender site probably has it right.
Just found an advertised “2008 american deluxe strat Plus” HSS, but the pic clearly shows an S-1 volume knob, and the description says “push pull”. Is this possible? I thought the Plus never had the S-1 or any push-pull. However, It does have the “standard” nut, not a roller, and one string tree that the Plus had. thx
Hello. I have a Fender American Deluxe Strat from 2000.
I just found your site. It’s great. Is it a forum? If so, can I join?
In the meantime, I had a quick question. Do you know if a 2004-2009 Deluxe neck would have the same back-of-neck profile as my 2000? Would it be the same C profile or fatter?
Hi there. I’ve been wondering about the lacquer finish on mine. It’s a DZ717 serial number. Did they use nitro?
I have a new 2004 model,,,maple fretboard…..v neck shape…..tobacco burst…..with a new tweed case…..it has three hours play on it…..what would this absolutely mint guitar and case sell for because im going to sell it….
I own a 2005 Fender American Deluxe Stratocaster Tungsten Rosewood Fretboard Abalone Inlays Bill Lawrence “Samarian Cobalt Nickel” single coil pickup’s. Mine came with the Black/Silver “Moto” Pickguard and Back Plate. The neck is very comfortable and the body has deep contours. I use a 4 1/2″ Leather Bass Guitar Strap to lighten the load as this Strat is Heavy!! I do not use the S-1 Switch as I do not like any of the S-1 tones. There is a setting for all (3) pickup’s on at the same time. To me that sounds horrible. The bridge pickup is hot and works very well to get that Foreigner “Double Vision” tone and that Bad Company “Burnin’ Sky” tone. I love this Strat. I love it so much that I sold off all of my Fender Stratocaster’s as this one does it all. I sold my 1987 Fender AVRI ’62 Stratocaster, 2014 Fender “60th Anniversary” ’54 Reissue Stratocaster, 1997 Fender “California Series” Stratocaster, 1990 Fender “Custom Shop” Eric Clapton Stratocaster, 1994 Fender Jeff Beck Stratocaster, 2010 Fender “Custom Shop” David Gilmour” Stratocaster, and my 1990 Fender AVRI ’57 Stratocaster (Red Maple Neck EMG SA’s with EMG “EXP” and “SPC”) David Gilmour Copy. Although I spent a lot of time and money on those other Strat’s this 2005 Fender American Deluxe Stratocaster does it all. I was always worried at gigs that someone would steal my “high end” Strat’s. I mean having a Clapton Strat, a Gilmour Strat, and a ’54 Reissue Strat sitting on their guitar stands brought a lot of attention from audience members. One guy even tried to distract me as his friend tried to make off with my $4,550.00 Fender “Custom Shop” David Gilmour Stratocaster. What is wrong with people? Now I had a friend design and build me (2) guitar stands which have built in alarm systems so if anyone tries to nick my Strat or Gibson Les Paul Custom, the guitar will not release from the weighted guitar stand and the ear piercing alarm system will go off deterring anyone from attempting to steal either of my stage guitars. Those (2) weighted stands with the built in audible alarm system give me piece of mind and I can relax between sets not worrying about someone trying to nick my guitars.
I am the “proud” owner of a 2005 Fender American Deluxe Stratocaster Tungsten with Rosewood Fretboard. The Fender American Deluxe Series instruments are without question a big leap forward from the more tradition American Standard Series. The engineering and design that went into building these amazing instruments takes the Fender legacy to a whole new level. Although not for everybody, these are outstanding Stratocaster’s for the modern forward thinking guitarist. I have been playing Fender Reissue Stratocaster’s for well over 20 years. I started with a 2008 Fender American Deluxe Telecaster Aged Cherry ‘Burst Maple Neck which really impressed me as to what a true “top shelf” Fender instrument can be. For me the modern features fit my playing style, desired tone, exceptional playing ease, and the super solid build quality with top shelf hardware and electronics. Mine being a 2005 has the Bill Lawrence designed “Samarian Cobalt” single coil pickup’s which have a more modern sound and this aspect of the instrument works for my tendency to play with moderate to high gain. No feedback, no 60 cycle hum, no hiss, but a really smooth noiseless aggressive tone rich with harmonic overtones and a wonderful increase in output power. The fit and finish are second to none. A bit heavier than the above mentioned Reissue Stratocaster’s but worth the extra weight for that solid quiet aggressive modern Stratocaster tone. I play through Marshall vacuum tube amplifiers and the “SCN” pickup’s feel as though they are a perfect match for my playing style and tone. Great job Fender. My 2005 Fender American Deluxe Stratocaster is a life time keeper. I couldn’t be happier.
Hey, does anyone know if the 2004-2010 deluxe strats have the biflex truss rod? I just got a 2007 deluxe and I can’t find any info on that.
Thanks
Eric, yes the 2004-2010 Deluxe Stratocaster does have a biflex truss rod.
I have owned and played Fender AVRI ’62 Stratocaster’s and I also bought the Fender “60th Anniversary” 1954 Reissue Stratocaster. Being a staunch Les Paul player I only owned one Reissue Strat at a time. I owned a ’62 Fiesta Red for well over 20 years. I sold it for 4X what I paid for it. So, I ended up with the ’54 Reissue with the COA and everything. While it was an outstanding “first year” Stratocaster I found it to be sort of limiting. Luckily I knew about the Bill Lawrence “Samarian Cobalt” pickup’s as I was a “Guitar Broker” for about (4) years. I flipped an awesome 2008 Fender American Deluxe Telecaster Aged Cherry ‘Burst. That was how I found out about these awesome pickup’s. Long story short, I made a straight up trade with Dave’s Music Shop. I sent them my ’54 Reissue Strat and they sent me a “MINT” 2005 or DZ5 Fender American Deluxe Stratocaster Tungsten Rosewood Fretboard. This is without question the absolute BEST Fender Stratocaster I have ever owned and/or played. It is a true modern amazingly designed and engineered “TOP SHELF” Strat. This Strat sounds incredible, plays like butter, stays in tune like a “Floyd Rose” and has the best of the best hardware and tone woods. This is my one and only Fender Stratocaster and it will be with me for the rest of my life. It came in the original Fender HSC with all the factory paperwork and case candy too. It’s like an NOS DZ5 Fender American Deluxe Stratocaster. Look no further as these are the BEST Strat’s ever made by Fender.
I just bought a 2006 Fender USA 60th anniversary edition deluxe STRAT HSS. I love it. Now like the other guy says, I want to sell all my other guitars. and BTW it DOES have the compound radius neck. My question to you is this “what humbucker is used in this guitar? ” Thanks!
Save $ get a roadhouse
The 60th fender anniversary amarican dlx. Strat is the much sought after ax to have. Hold on to yours !
D. Peter Makowski, it’s interesting the difference in meaning of certain British vs. American words. I know that across the pond, “nicked” means “stolen”, whereas over here, “nicked” means a small chip in the paint, whether it’s on a guitar or car.
Mark S Henry
I have a Deluxe DZ6 Strat with HSS and S1, it has a 60th anniversary medallion on the back of the head stock which I believe they all had at the time (in other ways the Guitar itself is not a 60th Anniversary version) rosewood neck ‘C’ profile, roller nut, locking tuners, but mine came in a rectangular tweed case with a 50th anniversary embroidered onto the inside of the case lid. I don’t think the guitar is a 50th reissue as far as I am aware, what case did yours come in?
On the inside of the body on my 2009 American deluxe strat it is stamped ‘Beck’ I’ve always wondered why the American deluxe would have Beck stamped inside the pickup ‘well’. Any information anyone might have on this would be greatly appreciated. Model number DZ9331857.
I have a 2006 American deluxe hss. Roller nut. S1 switch. Pop out tremolo bar. Stays in tune. Beautiful. I love it. Best guitar I’ve ever owned.
I found my 2006 Deluxe hanging in the used section at my local GC. I didn’t know anything about the model, but this one was in mint condition, even set up better than what you usually find at GC. The playability and overall build quality was not like anything I’ve seen in some time. And that’s compared to my current family of American Vintage and Standard Fenders, which are all incredible in their own rights. I don’t remember the asking price, but I bought it on the spot and have been enjoying it ever since.