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...