Originally Posted by
Five Aces
Wow....
I had been casually browsing around looking for info on modding my Stratocaster XII (2005 LP Blue & at that time it was marketed as a Limited Edition). I was considering adding a Blender circuit, and was particularly caught off guard to find several press releases about the Fender re-release of the Strat XII again. It also shows on Fender's website! If I recall correctly, it was discontinued around 2010. Anyway, it seems that it has the identical specs as previously released. I love it and, as the original owner, wouldn't part with it!
What surprised me is I purchased my Strat XII brand new in 2005 for $699 (SRP was listed as $799). Here is is, 13 years later and the price has not increased significantly! The news releases have advertised the SRP of $899 for this new release and I'd expect the shops can be had for $799.
I'd forget about Ebay and start looking at a local Fender dealer. This way you can see exactly what you're getting and pick it out yourself! Forget the $1000+ that everyone is trying to sell the older ones. Get yourself a new one! The only difference I have been able to determine between my 2005 model and the latest release is that my guitar says "Hand Crafted in Japan" at the base of the neck and the new ones have "Made in Japan" on the back of the headstock. Otherwise, the pulished specs are identical.
P.S>
I'm guessing, the "FSR" designation is just another way of calling it a "Limited Edition" as mine was listed.
Further investigation shows they are at Guitar Center & Musician Friend sites, too, listed for $899...... It's real, a good deal, and if you can get lucky on a discount, it's a steal!!!!!
Only 3T Sunburst or White this time around.
Play On!