showing normal light signs of use and wear – minor things like dings, rosewood fingerboard wear in the first 3 frets under the first three or four strings, and just a couple of scrapes, dings, etc. The American Standard, which model was discontinued a few years ago, is the essential Stratocaster. It has the small headstock design (not the massive one from the mid ‘60s) sporting the “Fender” logo in black bordered matte gold, the word “STRATOCASTER” in black block, and the “Made in U.S.A.” Its tuners are chrome plated square-back, sealed-back with medium sized chrome metal buttons; there are twin double string trees, the serial number, which says “Serial Number” in case one might think it meant something else, is a decal on the back of the headstock. The back of the neck carries the always welcome skunk stripe in what looks like walnut but the back of the neck and the headstock are blonde maple. 10 round dotmarkers are white ivoroid. The pickguard is white, bordered in a white-black laminated; pickups are 3 single coil white with exposed magnets; three white high-hat knobs occupy the lower treble area as well as a 5-position toggle. The bridge saddles are not traditional, but pewter in color and texture and fully adjustable. A strap button depends from the upper bass horn and the bottom side. Its tremolo arm and a black strap reside in the pocket of the case. You get, with this guitar, everything you need to both rock and roll. And the admission fee is so low as to be imperceptible.