On the topic of new Fenders, I just saw this on the main page. I know it's old news, but it's relevant...
http://www.jag-stang.com/2010/01/13/fen ... al-series/
The word that comes to mind for me is *yawn*!!! As mush as I love Fender, this truly is my pet hate about them. Instead of looking forward with new ideas and designs, they just make more 'series' of the same old guitars. The only get away with it because the guitars are such untouchable classics. American Standard, Highway One, Classic Player, Vintage Re-issue, and now American Special. Is there that much difference between all these incarnations of a strat REALLY???
*Climbs off soapbox*