High end instrument at affordable price. Unlike the Roadhouse model with S1 switch, this model has a truly natural original Stratocaster sound + 2 more combinations of pickups, which makes it really versatile. Noiseless pickups make it easy to recording in studio without any problem. Locking tuners are the real deal. Tuning is steady and string changing is a piece of cake. Overall quality is at very high level, so it feels like a "real" USA Fender, although is made in Mexico. Body finish is excellent, satine matt neck is fast and pleasant for playing, so yes, it's a genuine Fender. Not the cheapest one, but worthy of every cent invested. I love it :-)