I had tried two of the light ash strats...both at different times. The first one, the fretwork was really rough on the edges...I would have had to wear my hockey gloves to keep from getting cut.
The second one I tried, the gap in the neck pocket was so wide that I could have fit a stack of business cards in there. After trying the guitar twice and not being happy with the build, I no longer pursued the guitar any more.
I think a really good guitar (if you want ash) is to look at one of the Classic Series 70's strats. They cost a bit more, but the MIM Classic Series has a more consistent build quality. I recently saw the Aerodyne strat on GC's website, that looks pretty cool, and priced about the same. I don't know much about those guitars though.
Also in that price range are the G&L Tribute series Legacy and S-500...ash bodies if I recall, and you can get a nice used on on ebay for $425 or less.
Guitars: 2003 and 2004 American series strats, Squier Classic Vibe 50's Strat, Squier Deluxe Strat.
Amps: Line 6 Spider IV 120, Vox AD50VT 212, and Peavey Transtube Bandit 112.
Pedals: Digitech Bad Monkey.