 The third pickup required a new selector switch, so a 5-way "Strat-o-Tele" selector with an S-1 switching system was added.All other features remained the same as the 1996 model.Introduced in June 2000, the redesigned American Series model added Schaller staggered tuning machines, a new neck shape with rolled edges and a 4-ply white pearloid pickguard.