Hi, In my humble opinion, ( and I have sold over 1,000 Fender Strat's) The last of the Real Deal.. Bell Tone Best Tone for your Ears will always be the early 1996..to late 1999 Fender Custom Shop Relic, Stratocaster & Telecaster. Fender was stepping into a whole new "Smart" journey in making/building a new shinny guitar, then beating it up to look old. Well I guess some call it ageing. But like any new guitar company, how come the very 1st years are the best and increase in value and demand. Simple they whip out the best wood, the best everything. You only get 1 chance at 1st impression.. You nail it, or you eat dinner at McDonald for life.. In these days, you go to a Fender dealer.. pay up front and order like this 1960 Fender Strat, and go home and in about a year you receive it.. Fender build the Strat. Like only 2 Fender crafstmen were doing this. They ship the Neck and Bodies to the man.. Vince Cunetto. He had a small shop that started out in his garage. He would finish and aged these guitar's.. Send the parts and wood back to Fender, they get assembled and sent to the dealer. Then the new owner got his baby. Now Fender makes some nice Custom Shops today. But nothing compares to the Look, Tone, Vibe, Feel .. MoJo..and just makes you smile every time your paws grab hold... I am a Strat;o'holic and I approve this message. Thanks For Stop'IN bye.. Stay safe and L@@k up.