I was watching two vintage videos yesterday - The Bee Gees and Roy Orbison. It was sort of a Fender time warp. I do like the hard tail bridge as I never have used whammy bars, Bigsbys etc. To sum it up - fun guitar, great value and good companion at home or on the road. I was surprised to discover the 5 way switch.
Pots work, but seem almost irrelevant.
7 Actually sounds Strat-like. I Play thru a number of amps including a 65 BF Showman, a 71 SF Bassman, and a 54 Tweed Deluxe. Also have a sweet little 40W all 2-12 Univox U255r tube amp that sounds great with just about ANY guitar. I occasionally get out the stereo chorus too. As I stated, the pickups buzz a little, but no more than my 'normal' Strat.