NGD - And it's going back

[peckhart]

For anyone that saw my recent thread asking for Strat recommendations, I had decided after some research and playing what I could locally that I wanted an American Elite.
Saw one on ebay 2 weekends ago that was marked down to $1600. I didn't pull the trigger as I didn't get my hands on one until the day after. So that Wednesday I go back to that listing and it's at full $2k price. I inquire and the seller (turns out to be a dealer) is willing to do $1600 shipped sale price. Pulled the trigger.
Got it yesterday and pretty well immediately notice what looked like a super fine hair line streak from middle of upper cutaway to about the bridge.
Informed seller and they said they hadn't seen it and verified it was a brand new guitar and not a demo or blem. Basically said sorry first impression wasnt good, but plug in and play because it's a great guitar.
Well I plug in this morning to find the bridge pickup is putting out about half the volume/output as it should.
After examining the line more, you can ever so slightly feel it so it is definitely a scratch.
They have agreed to take it back.
So no great $1600 brand new w/warranty Elite for me. Really bummed and kinda holding my breath until it's back to them and I am refunded. Could be worse!

 

[MetalHeadMike]

Sucks man! At least you can return it. Always a crap shoot it seems. I'm keeping my fingers crossed on the Mayones I have arriving tomorrow.

 

[jlbaxe]

I bought an Elite Tele semi hollow body from AMS this year and luv it. Sucks your Elite had issues and hopefully you find a keeper.

 

[Chris6870]

If you don't mind used get an American Deluxe. Same thing as an Elite. They just changed the name a few years ago. I just got a nice used 14' American Deluxe for about 800 from Sam Ash.

 

[jlbaxe]

If you don't mind used get an American Deluxe. Same thing as an Elite. They just changed the name a few years ago. I just got a nice used 14' American Deluxe for about 800 from Sam Ash.

True I have a 07 USA Deluxe the only thing I don’t like about it is the S1 and pup config HSS. The S1 on the Elite Tele is more usable/balanced to me. Can’t go wrong either way with the Strats. The Deluxe strat won out over my Standard 07 USA strat in playability and feel.

Don’t judge but I want to try the PRS strat

 

[peckhart]

If you don't mind used get an American Deluxe. Same thing as an Elite. They just changed the name a few years ago. I just got a nice used 14' American Deluxe for about 800 from Sam Ash.

The Elites have the new Gen4 Noiseless and a different neck. I did play a used Deluxe 2 weeks ago and while I liked it, I like the neck on the Elite a lot more.

I wouldn't necessarily mind used, but most of the used Elites I have seen go for about the same as what you can get a good deal on a new one for if you look hard enough. Maybe not though...thought I was getting a great deal and look where I am now.

I did reach out to the Sweetwater rep I have dealt with in the past to see what they can do and he offered a price not too far over what I had gotten this other one for. I may go that route once I am through the return/refund process.

 

[jlbaxe]

I’ve gotten a few guitars from Sweetwater and have not had a problem. I’ve been ordering Synergy amp stuff from them lately but only when I’m out of candy

I use to deal with Mark Stein for years. Bought 2 Strymon pedals from him then he left. I stay on a monthly pay with them and American Musical Supply (found receipts recently for AMS going back to the 80’s with COD) both good companies but Sweetwater is better at taken care of ya.

 

[cardinal]

Bummer.

I had an Elite Jazz V bass for a bit, and man that was a NICE instrument. I assume the guitars are equally nice.

 

[Chris6870]

If you don't mind used get an American Deluxe. Same thing as an Elite. They just changed the name a few years ago. I just got a nice used 14' American Deluxe for about 800 from Sam Ash.

The Elites have the new Gen4 Noiseless and a different neck. I did play a used Deluxe 2 weeks ago and while I liked it, I like the neck on the Elite a lot more.

Around 2010 they went to a compound radius 9.5" to 14" on the American Deluxe, which I believe is same radius the Elite has now. So if you get a newer Deluxe neck should be the same.Yea you get the new N4 pickups with Elite but I don't really care for Fender pickups, so I would't pay a premium for them. My deluxe is an HSS and had the N3. I got rid of the S1 switch and rewired with new 500K pots and The N3's sound pretty good although I may replace them with some Seymour Duncans. If you like the stock sound go for it. I love the neck and the 2 point trem.

 

[Apex1Rg7X]

Have you tried any of the American Professionals? I've played a couple and the necks on those are pretty damn amazing. Not sure off the top of my head on pickups but those are great guitars for around that $1600 price point. Actually around $1400-1500 I think.

 

[shredhead7]

After a lot of research, I bought an Eric Johnson strat. I couldn't be happier with the purchase. From my understanding amongst even Fender employees, it is their best guitar short of a custom shop as far as fit/finish and details. If you are looking to purchase another one, I would check these out if you haven't already.

 

[peckhart]

If you don't mind used get an American Deluxe. Same thing as an Elite. They just changed the name a few years ago. I just got a nice used 14' American Deluxe for about 800 from Sam Ash.

The Elites have the new Gen4 Noiseless and a different neck. I did play a used Deluxe 2 weeks ago and while I liked it, I like the neck on the Elite a lot more.

Around 2010 they went to a compound radius 9.5" to 14" on the American Deluxe, which I believe is same radius the Elite has now. So if you get a newer Deluxe neck should be the same.Yea you get the new N4 pickups with Elite but I don't really care for Fender pickups, so I would't pay a premium for them. My deluxe is an HSS and had the N3. I got rid of the S1 switch and rewired with new 500K pots and The N3's sound pretty good although I may replace them with some Seymour Duncans. If you like the stock sound go for it. I love the neck and the 2 point trem.

Ah, I didn't know that. The one I played was a 2004 so it was not a compound radius.
At a quick glance those newer year ones aren't going for much less than I can get a new one, but it does open up some options. Thanks for the info!

 

[peckhart]

Have you tried any of the American Professionals? I've played a couple and the necks on those are pretty damn amazing. Not sure off the top of my head on pickups but those are great guitars for around that $1600 price point. Actually around $1400-1500 I think.

Yes and I like the neck and overall feel of the Elite better.

 

[blackba]

FWIW the lacquer crack around the neck pocket is very common with strats. I can see not accepting it on a new guitar, but you may get another and it may develop that lacquer crack later.

 

[peckhart]

FWIW the lacquer crack around the neck pocket is very common with strats. I can see not accepting it on a new guitar, but you may get another and it may develop that lacquer crack later.

Yep, I am familiar with the common lacquer cracking. Not what this is though. It is on the front of the guitar on the left side of the pickguard. It's probably 10 inches long.