Musikmesse 2010: Fender release new American Deluxe Stratocaster Electric Guitars and Bass Guitars/news/article/Musikmesse-2010-Fender-release-new-American-Deluxe-Stratocaster-Electric-Guitars-and-Bass-Guitars/1D3/2010-03-24

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The Fender American Deluxe series of Stratocasters and Telecasters is receiving a 2010 update at the Frankfurt Musikmesse, with four additions to the Stratocaster line plus two new Tele models.

At the heart of the changes made to the guitars are new N3 noiseless pickups, which are featured on all of the new instruments.

The N3 noiseless pickups reportedly use an improved stacked-coil design to deliver a vintage tone without any unwanted noise.

Each N3 pickup is tailored to its position on the guitar in question, with the thickness and composition of its insulated metal core altered for purpose.

The shape, size and wire-gauge of the coils have also been matched to each pickup?s Alnico magnet to balance magnetic responsiveness.

Different Alnico magnets have been used for each pickup position, with the Stratocaster bridge and both Telecaster pickups served by an Alnico V, and an Alnico II for the new Strat's middle position.

Leading the new range is the American Deluxe Strat, now boasting a compound radius fretboard that Fender describes as allowing exhilaratingly effortless string bending anywhere along the neck.

The redesigned guitar also boasts reconfigured S-1 switching intended to offer increased tonal options.

Other features include staggered locking tuners, a two-point synchronised American Deluxe tremolo bridge with pop-in arm, and a bevelled neck heel.

The American Deluxe Strat HSS meanwhile offers the same compound radius fretboard alongside two N3 noiseless pickups described as 'supercharging' the user's sound, plus a DH-1 humbucking bridge pickup.

Included within the guitar's S1 switching is a new for 2010 'Passing lane' switch designed to instantly route the player's signal from any pickup position to the bridge position, bypassing the tone circuit.

Adding something a little different to the range is the American Deluxe Ash Strat, delivering the same specifications as the American Deluxe Strat but boasting an Ash body with its distinctive grain pattern and tone.

Finally, the American Deluxe Strat V Neck is described as offering all the modern features today's guitarists demand, with some vintage flavour thrown in.

Alongside the appointments shared throughout the range, players can expect to find a classic tinted maple neck with a 1950s style V-shape.

The two new American Deluxe Telecasters share the Stratocaster range's innovations, boasting N3 noiseless pickups and compound radius fretboards.

The American Deluxe Tele adds a bound-top body with belly cut, S-1 switching, chromed brass bridge saddles, a bound top and a bevelled neck heel.

Again reflecting the Strat range, the American Deluxe Ash Tele takes the above features and couples them with an Ash body to offer a different tone.