So that's the American Deluxe Plus Stratocaster.
It came out of the case actually still in tune! (pretty good for 2 years sitting in the box, and UPS probably kicking the thing all the way to my door).
It had a great paint job that I could not find a single scratch or flaw. You can, of course buff out any scratches with Novus2, just like any guitar shop does. I thought I would hate the "Mystic Black" sparkle, but it's very cool in person.
The Card Rewire system can indeed be completely bypassed if you somehow had all your cards stolen (you can actually buy the 3 included cards, and other oddball configuration cards at any Fender dealer) or if you wanted to go with Active (powered) pickups.
The extra room beneath the Cards is perfect for a battery if you needed it for Active pickups.
The freting was perfect, with no high or dead frets (as expected on an American Fender).
The string action was very low, allowing a dime to just barely pass at the 12th fret. Once the guitar sits out for a few weeks, I'll restring it with my favorite strings (GHS Thick N' Thins) and then adjust the truss rod and the bridge for lowest possible action.
The Deluxe Tremolo is great with it's included spring that keeps the Arm from loosely swinging.
It plays like liquid butter right out of the box.
I can't wait to restring, and really dig in to it.
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A crazy closeout steal at $799