New-Old Stock 2015 Model. Really nice instrument. The American Deluxe Stratocaster electric guitar, maintains its traditional look and feel while introducing upgrades that include three N3 Noiseless single-coil pickups that still produce their revered sparkle and snap andwith noiseless designno annoying hum. The S-1 switching system adds additional pickup combinations beyond those provided by a standard five-way switch including new combinations of series and parallel wiring for a dazzling array of tonal choice. The compound radius fretboard that modern guitarists demand ensures strings won't fret out even with extreme bending. Other improvements include the high-mass tremolo block that increases sustain; locking tuning keys; and a molded case with glass-reinforced latches and TSA locks. N3 Noiseless pickups N3 Noiseless pickups deliver the best of yesterday and today, because they deliver landmark vintage Fender tone and response without the hum that can plague single-coil pickups. Using an improved stacked coil-coil design, N3 Noiseless pickups are specially tailored for each Stratocaster and Telecaster pickup position. The insulated metal core of each pickup position type differs in thickness and composition for enhanced tone, and Fender has fine-tuned the sized, shape, and wire gauge of the coils to balance the magnetic responsiveness essential to great tone. N3 pickups represent a welcome return to the warmth and clarity of alnico magnets. An Alnico 5 magnet is used in the bridge position, Alnico 2 in the middle position, and Alnico 3 for the neck position.