Fender Stratocaster review

If you know how to play the guitar, or at least were interested in this direction, then you are sure to be familiar with the Fender Stratocaster electric guitar. It has been known for over 50 years and continues to be in high demand. In this article, we will consider the features and overview of Fender Stratocaster guitars with their components and accessories, as well as the subtleties of choice.

The Fender Stratocaster is a popular electric guitar model, which appeared thanks to the efforts of three outstanding people - Freddie Tavares, Leo Fender and George Fullert... This guitar appeared back in 1954, but it still continues to be popular with professional guitarists. Please be aware that not all Strat or Stratocaster guitars are Fender products. Many unscrupulous manufacturers who offer guitars with the same specs as Fender brand models use “Strat” or “Stratocaster” lettering to increase the market value of their products.

The name "Stratocaster" was not invented by chance. It was supposed to be associated with innovative developments. Fender has created a new series with a modern design. Initially, the guitar resting places and the back have become sloped, which allowed for a better fit of the body to the musician's arms and chest. To get to the upper frets, there were 2 cutouts. The design of such a guitar was revolutionary.

It should be noted the use of sophisticated electronics, namely:

• tone and volume controls;
• a three-position switch (later the original five-position switch model appeared);
• pickups presented with AlNiCo magnets.

The standard model Stratocaster has the following features:

• the headstock is rather small;
• the neck is made of solid maple;
• Nickel Kluson tuners;
• the Fender logo is in the old style;
• the neck is attached with 4 screws;
• the tremolo consists of only 2 parts, while there is a separate keel;
• one-layer white cover attached with 8 screws;
• Nickel-plated steel saddles are Fender stamped;
• the body is made of ash (since 1956, alder has been used);
• model includes 3 singles, supplemented with profiled cores;
• model covered with nitrocellulose varnish;
• the design is ergonomic.

It is worth delving deeper into the history of the Fender brand to better understand the variety of guitars. Fender was born in 1948. Then she put up for sale the first electric guitar made in Spain. The model was quite simple in terms of design and was called the Telecaster. The nuance was that to shift the sounds down or up, it was necessary to use a special Bigsby spring-loaded tremolo.

Leo Fender decided not to add Bigsby, but to make a more expensive series of electric guitars made from alder and ash. Such models had vibrato in the design. The shape of the instruments has also changed. At the request of guitarists Bill Carson and Rex Galion, the sharp edges of the Fender Telecaster have been smoothed out.

The Stratocaster guitar has become an integral part of the style of the famous rock musician Buddy Holly. He always held a guitar in his hands, and on his nose flaunted glasses in black frames. Even on the musician's tombstone there is an image of a Stratocaster guitar. Fender electric guitars became famous thanks to such guitarists as Ritchie Blackmore, Jimi Hendrix.

To better understand the range of Stratocaster electric guitars, here's a quick overview of the most popular models.

The series is in many ways reminiscent of the originals made by Leo Fender. The models have some upgrades that modern musicians love. The peculiarity is that all guitars are presented in classic colors, equipped with original pickups, have vintage fittings, materials and finishes, and they come with vintage cases. To make guitars as comfortable to play as possible, there are modern-style guitar effects control, narrow high frets and an optimal fretboard radius.

This line is quite popular. A striking representative is the American Professional Stratocaster MN (Natural) electric guitar. The model is presented in natural color, made of alder. She has 6 strings, maple neck, 22 frets. The guitar is sold complete with a case.

The American Professional Stratocaster RW (SNG) is another representative of this series. The tool is made in gray color. The body is made of alder and the neck is made of maple. The fittings are presented in chrome. The average price for this model is 50 thousand rubles.

Of this series, the Eric Clapton American Stratocaster should be distinguished - a luxury version made of alder. The neck is made of a solid maple, and maple is also used as a fretboard. The model has 22 frets. The creator of the guitar was Eric Clapton, who combined three models into one, taking from each what he liked best. The set includes a tweed case, a connecting cable, and a strap.

Jeff Beck is a signature tool that is the pride of the company. The guitar is equipped with lacquer tuners, two-point tremolo and roller nut.

In 1997, fans of Fender products had the opportunity to experience a new line of electric guitars called America Deluxe. This series replaced the Plus Series. The Deluxe collection of guitars is a successful combination of high quality elements and accessories, as well as a wide range of specifications. The entire range features Noiseless N3 pickups. Models from this line are characterized by their versatility.

2019 saw the arrival of another exciting line of electric guitars, replacing the American Special. This series includes several well-known improved models. They are all characterized by perfect sound and high performance. It is a great choice for performing on stage. All models have traditional elements, but are complemented by modern technical characteristics.

A series of these tools was released in 2016, immediately captivating buyers. American Ultra guitars are characterized by the following features:

• an overlay with a difficult radius;
• D-profile neck;
• secure fastening of the neck with 4 bolts.

Trunk adjustment is done through the headstock. The models in this series are distinguished by their ergonomics and small dimensions. This line-up includes the Double Tap Humbucker for the first time.

A prominent representative of this line is the Made in Japan Hybrid 60s Stratocaster. The guitar was created in 2018, but based on a model made in the 60s of the twentieth century. It is made of alder and is presented in the color "lilac metallic". The fingerboard is made of rosewood.

A small group of high quality guitars with great sound. Such tools are very expensive, but exclusive things cannot be cheap.

In this line, the 70s Mustang, which has a blue body, attracts attention. The guitar is made of basswood and the neck is made of maple.

Stylish, high-performance guitars belong to the Parallel Universe Volume II line. High-quality material and impeccable workmanship, purity of sound, modern technical characteristics ensured the popularity of the models.

A striking representative of this series is the Fender Player Stratocaster Floyd Rose Maple (Polar White). The black-and-white design looks great and the specs allow for a luxurious sound. The electric guitar has 6 strings, the body is made of alder, the neck is made of maple. The number of frets is 22, the frets are medium jumbo. The interstring distance is 54 mm.

Another fairly popular series of electric guitars. The models are made of alder, the neck is made of rosewood. The Quilt Maple Top Stratocaster is a good example. The deck is formed from a layer of alder and maple top. The set includes a case made in vintage style.

New for 2019, which has become quite popular among rock musicians and not only. Models are characterized by reliability, quality characteristics and affordable cost. This line includes guitars and basses that have designs from the 50s, 60s and 70s of the last century.

This line is the youngest family of guitars from Fender. Bullet Strat Tremolo is a classic representative that is used quite often in various clips and films. The body of the model is made of basswood and the neck is made of maple. Luxurious sound is one of the main advantages of these instruments. Guitars have 3 pickups - 2 singles and 1 humbucker. It's pretty easy to tune your guitar as it features a 5-way switch, two tone knobs, and a volume knob.The red color combines perfectly with white.

The Squier Affinity Stratocaster is another memorable model in the series. It is a six-stringed instrument made from alder. The number of frets is 21, and the deck thickness is 43-45 mm. The guitar has 2 tone controls and 1 volume control. Stylish design is one of the main advantages of the instrument.

The Classic Vibe 70s Stratocaster is the third model in the Squier series that deserves attention. It is a six-stringed musical instrument, the body of which is made of poplar, the neck is made of maple, and the fingerboard is made of Indian laurel. The model is presented in a natural shade (natural wood). The peculiarity of the model is the large headstock and the presence of nickel fittings.

Among the signature guitars, attention should be paid to the Fender Jim Root Telecaster Flat White EB, which belongs to Jim Root. It is chosen for making music in heavy styles, because it reproduces a rather powerful and strong sound. The body is made of mahogany, the neck is made of maple, the fingerboard is made of ebony.

The American Acoustasonic is a hybrid semi-acoustic electric guitar that is a popular model. It features a new deck style and wood combination, the patented String Resonance System (SIRS) and 3 pickup systems. It features a mahogany neck and integrated forearm and back contours.

The American manufacturer Fender presents on the market not only a wide selection of electric guitars, but also a variety of components and accessories. These include:

• strings;
• mediators;
• guitar straps;
• covers and cases;
• guitar stands and holders;
• care products for musical instruments;
• spare parts for amplifiers;
• guitar fittings;
• electronic components.

To choose a Fender Stratocaster electric guitar among a large assortment, you need to pay attention to some recommendations from experts.

As practice shows, quite often people play only what they like to listen to. Take a closer look at the guitars of your favorite guitarists, perhaps something similar and you will like it. If there are none yet, then experiment. Learning to play better with simpler models. But here, too, there should be criteria.

Consider the sound of the instrument you intend to play. It is worth understanding which musical styles you are not indifferent to, which timbre you like more, which is closer: rock and roll, jazz, romances or heavy metal. You can prefer the sonorous timbre of a pop guitar, the soft sound of a classic model, or an unusual palette of sounds from an electric guitar. But you need to decide on your own, and then make a choice.

For romances and classics, the classical guitar is suitable. For solo jazz, rock or pop music, the pop model is ideal. To play rock music in a band, the only right decision is to purchase an electric guitar.

Fender electric guitars are not cheap, have many fakes, so you need to be very careful when choosing. You should pay attention to the following points:

• build quality;
• be sure to check the guitar by the serial number in the manufacturer's database;
• the integrity and quality of the varnish coating;
• compliance of material and equipment with those indicated in the documentation.

In addition, it is advisable to know the history of the production of tools, assembly technology, the original differences between the models.