What's the difference between American Standard and American Deluxe?

In terms of Strats, I mean. Teles too, if you like.

well, the primary difference (on both) is the S-1 pickup selection system.

On the Strat, it allows many many more combinations than the standard 5-way switch. with the s-1, you can run many combinations or pickups, either in series or parralel, it allows you to get any combination you could think of on the strat.

I'm not too sure what options the Tele with S-1 offers, but since it already has a three way toggle, I assume it offers varitaions on series and parrallel combinations, and perhaps a few combinations of more than one pickup at once.

I also find the neck more comfortable on the Deluxe models (as far as I know they have a different finish on the necks...or the one I played could just have had a very nice neck...think the necks on the deluxes have some special finish though.)

Anyway, hope that helps.

The S-1 switching is the main difference... but there are also some other differences. Some Deluxe models have a cut away heel and special neck plate... similar to the old Jeff Beck Custom Shop Srats. The necks on the Deluxes also usually come with rolled edges.... meaning the edge of the Neck is rounded to make it more comfortable to play and also makes it feel broken in right out of the box... It's a nice touch... The Deluze is also available in some different finishes as well... and I believe they come with Abolone inlays rather than the phenolic black or white that the Standard comes with... either way an American Strat is a nice axe...

So basically, the Deluxe is better. :cool:

hence the reason why it's called a deluxe :P standard is just standard now isn't it, it's never gonna be deluxe.