Fender American Standard FSR "Thin Skin" Stratocaster Electric Guitar  

Ok, right off the bat, I was not too impressed seeing that axe for the first time unwrapped. It is actually pretty light weight, and I was hoping for the neck to be darker tinted, and feeling a little heavier and chunkier. Well, I guess in my mind I was comparing to my G&L Legacy Strat, that I love, except for the pickups, which are a little weak in my taste.

Anyway, plugging in my new Strat, I was like “What the heck… , where did that sound come from?” If you’re looking for this powerful unmistakable strat tone, this is your axe. And playability is awesome. Kind of like a wolf in disguise. Don’t get me wrong. It is a nice looking ax, just not as fancy as expected - but maybe that’s the idea, with all those vintage features.

Some really minor flaws in the finish, little chip at the nut. Only visible, when you're quite picky about these things. Otherwise in perfect condition. Good quality and craftsmanship.

The good folks at Musicians Friend got me a good deal on this one. Definitely worth the money.

I've had this awesome sounding guitar for about 3 weeks now, put it through all the gears, and still love it. This is definitely a keeper.

Now I know for sure that I have to upgrade my G&L.

First thing I noticed when I opened the case was the plastic (pickguard, knobs, switch tip). They were aged, they appear white in the photos... something that I was happy to see though. The finish is amazing (Ocean Turquoise). The playability is great and the tolerances in the neck pocket are tight. The action is set a little high for my taste but I'm sure that's to accomodate the people who will use the tremolo more than I will. Great quality for the price for sure. The electronics are great... they really expand the versatility of an already versatile guitar... The 2nd tone knob controls both the middle and the bridge pickups and there is a detent at the 10 position. When you turn it far enough you feel it click - This disengages all tone controls to those two pickups and runs them "load free". Which basically makes it a boost switch and really lets the pickup dynamics scream...

Try to find something with this quality, in this price range, with the Gibson or PRS name on it... not going to happen.

It is a little extra for the FSR over the American Standard and they are essentially the same guitar... However, I believe the Thin Skin finish is worth it still.

Overall, a great guitar for the money... I bought mine Used condition Level 1 and it was marked as such becuase it didn't have the strap in the Accesories kit that comes with it. Got a great deal and actually ended up paying less than I would have if I bought a brand new American Standard. I'm very very very happy with this purchase.

I bought one of these a couple of months ago and waited awhile to write this review so I could be totally familiar with the guitar before I wrote this. There are a ton of Strats out there, some better than others, but this Thin Skin is definitely a winner. Great fit and finish, playability was good out of the box, but I still had to have my luthier take care of a couple of uneven frets.  Even so, I would recommend this guitar to anyone. It's got all the Strat sound and personality. I play out several nights a week and this is my new Daily player. It does everything very well.

Now, the looks: I got the vintage color, the Olympic White that looks like it has turned a buttery cream color, along with the maple neck this guitar talks to your visual senses. I have been playing for over 40 years and own everything from 65 Strats to ES-339's, to Gretsch 6120's and must tell you that the Thin Skin Strat will not disappoint.  However, the new case stinks, one of the latches already broke completely off. They're just molded plastic, invest in a hardshell.  Do not let this be a deterrant from buying the guitar.  It's worth the money considering what's on the market today.  You won't be disappointed.

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