What is a stratocaster and how to tune a guitar?

Those who are faced with the choice of the type of guitar for learning to play it need to know what a stratocaster is. How to tune the guitar - such a question requires an answer for beginners who are just taking their first steps in mastering the guitar.

The Stratocaster is one of the most popular electric guitar models. The model was developed in 1954 by Fender. At this time, small musical groups came into vogue, which began to use electric guitars. Such an instrument with its sound can replace a whole brass ensemble. The Stratocaster is played by many famous guitarists in various musical genres (Jimmy Hendrix, Bill Carson, Eric Clapton). The streamlined shape of the guitar is reminiscent of a spaceship or a Formula 1 car.

The Stratocaster was developed on the basis of a semi-acoustic guitar with an arch-shaped body. Arcotopes were popular and made it possible to play high notes, but had one significant drawback - the "sound feedback" effect. This effect was especially pronounced at large concert venues. The developers of the Stratocaster decided to leave the usual arched shape, but to make the body one-piece from a single piece of wood. Thus, they managed to eliminate the "feedback" effect and reduce the cost of the production process of electric guitars.

One of the first models released was called a telecaster, it is still being produced and is in demand among pop musicians. Telecaster models have 1 or 2 pickups. The Stratocaster first saw the light of day 4 years after the Telecaster. When developing it, the manufacturers decided not to improve the previous models, but to invent something fundamentally new.

The fundamental difference between the stratocaster and other models is the one-piece body and the presence of three separate pickups. They can be included individually or in any combination. They are switched with a special switch, which can be set in 5 different positions (the maximum number of possible combinations of used pickups). The guitar body has 2 arches at the top. This body design allows guitarists to play more easily on the top of the neck and reproduce the highest sounds possible. This model has a special device for creating vibrating sounds; for ease of use, it was made rounded, and not flat, as it was before.

The stratocaster also has a different way of attaching the neck to the body. It is attached to the base with metal bolts that are hidden under a metal plate. It is engraved with the emblem of the Feder company, and on some models - the year of issue. This method of fastening does not allow you to adjust the height of the neck and the tuning of the guitar (as is possible with a special mechanism), but it is very reliable. The size and streamline shape of the body, the embossed soundboard and sides allow the musician to press the body of the guitar closer to him. The guitarist himself can choose a comfortable hand position while playing.

The shape of the guitar was developed based on the principles of constructing orthopedic shoes and insoles. The body of the guitar completely repeats the anatomical features of the human body. Since 2004, the release of guitars with a bright color panel on the top of the body from alder began. Almost any strings for the stratocaster model can be used, it all depends on the desired sound. But there are also strings designed specifically for this model - the Fender Bullet strings. The tips of these strings have a special shape that perfectly matches the shape of the guitar's tailpiece.

The original Stratocaster (Strat) sounds very clear without distorting sounds. The standard model is not very confident in producing sounds at maximum power. A humbucker or slim humbucker can fix this problem. They need to be installed on the guitar. If the guitarist is playing near an amplifier set, strong hum may be generated. In such cases, you can install an additional protective screen if it is not possible to stand further. The sound may vary slightly depending on the country of manufacture (from the wood used to make the cabinet).

Rhythm, solo and normal tone sensors ensure a wide range and clear, rich sound. Professional musicians have noticed that the guitar can reproduce the original sound when the pickups are in an intermediate position. Many of them used materials at hand (matches or toothpicks) to fix the switch in the desired position. It was at this point that the manufacturers launched the production of guitars with a five-step switch.

The original Fender Stratocaster is made in America, of course. Most of the replicas of this model are produced in Mexico, Korea and Japan. Many models of guitars with identical characteristics are called Strat and Stratocaster. The name is used regardless of the country of origin. Good replicas are made using the same technology, the difference is that less valuable types of wood are used. The quality of the instruments practically does not differ from the original.

A beginner musician will hardly be able to distinguish between the sound of two instruments (original or replica). Guitars from Mexico, Korea and Japan will cost 2-3 times less than a Stratocaster from America. For the budding amateur guitarist, buying a Stratocaster (even from Mexico or Korea) is a great investment. The sound will be excellent in any case, and the shape will be ergonomic and comfortable.Some models of guitars under the Stratocaster label are licensed by the manufacturer, but they are not original models.

On the original stratocaster models, you can see the inscription Fender Stratocaster MIA, the abbreviation MIA in this inscription means made in America (made in America). If the word standard appears in the name of the model, it means that the model belongs to the standard (usual) modification. Such models were produced in the period from 1954 to 2000 and from 2008 to the present.

Throughout the existence of the Stratocaster guitar, models such as Deluxe, Artist, Custom Shop and Re-issue have been released. And a replica of Eric Clapton's Blackie model is produced in America, at the Corona plant. These guitars are also originals from the manufacturer, but they are considered replicas, because Clapton assembled his Blackie guitar himself from different parts of the Stratocaster models from different years. Later, according to his individual model, the Fender company began production of exclusive Blackie guitars.

All original stratocasters bear the inscription Made in USA. It was placed on the back or front of the neck, it all depends on the year of manufacture. The serial number of each guitar can be found on the fretboard. Using this number on the official website, you can find out the year of release of a particular guitar. It should be borne in mind that all the guitars were not numbered from the very beginning of the release (not from the first copy). So, the number 0001 on the fretboard does not mean that you have the very first copy in your hands. On the official website, by the serial number, you can find out all the available information (true).

Depending on the country of manufacture, the neck of the guitar may be labeled Made in Mexico (MIM), Fender Standard, or Made in Chine, or Made in Indonesia. All models differ in price, regardless of the year of manufacture. Replicas are several times cheaper, regardless of the condition of the guitar itself. But all models of guitars can be updated, replace the pickups and other mechanisms, repaint the body, panel and so on. All stratocaster models are available in different body panel colors (red, white, black, pink and green). The panel can be changed or repainted as you wish. It is bolted to the top of the chassis.

Practically all components and accessories for guitars of any manufacturer are suitable for a guitar of the "stratocaster" model.

• Models can change strings, key and volume knobs, pickup covers and toggle cap. In online stores for musicians, you can easily find options for accessories for this model.
• When buying a guitar, of course, you should immediately purchase a case for it for safe and comfortable transportation of the instrument. When choosing a cover, pay attention to its size and material. The size should match the parameters of the guitar, the material should be strong enough, and the handles (straps) should be easy to carry.
• Guitar kit can be supplied with humbuckers or slim humbuckers for better sound at maximum loads. If they are not included, they can be purchased separately if necessary. Any guitarist with minimal experience and good hearing can install humbuckers.
• You can find many parts and accessories for electric guitars on online shopping sites. Most of the known models of capacitors and tuners can be connected to stratocaster.

When tuning a Stratocaster guitar, you need to pay attention to the shape of the strings. If they are not suitable for the strings you have selected, you can change the tailpiece on the guitar body or select different strings (you will have to contact the master for this). When winding the strings, make sure they go up. When winding for the first time, lubricate all screws with automotive grease. Once all the strings have been stretched, you can start tuning.

Each musician selects the tuning of the instrument to suit his taste and style of playing the instrument. This tuning (tuning) includes many details and an individual approach to the guitar. The Stratocaster is difficult to set up, especially for beginners. All adjustments must be made in dynamics, after each step you need to check the instrument for sound. All the necessary steps for tuning the instrument must be carried out in the correct order, all the actions (manipulations) performed make changes in the general process of sound extraction.

Recommended string heights (distance between string and neck) can be easily found on the Internet. When setting up, take into account that the recommended distance can be increased, but not decreased, depending on the style of play. If the distance between the string and the neck is small, a rattling effect may appear when playing; this can be avoided by increasing the distance between the string and the neck or changing the way the strings are played (playing the guitar). Lowering the strings (decreasing the distance between them and the neck) is not recommended, in which case the sound will deteriorate.

Before starting to tune the bridge, make sure that the key of the guitar itself is set correctly. If you are not sure, select the standard key E. You should only start tuning the bridge after you have established the pitch of the strings. There are several standard bridge positions available, but each musician can customize the position of the bridge saddles.

The string scale must be tuned by ear. The sound of the string should match on an open string and at the 12th fret of the same string. If the sound does not match, then the string must be tightened or loosened. Everything seems very simple, provided you have perfect hearing. But in reality, this process requires skill and patience.

When tuning the instrument, consider the degree of curvature (concavity) of the neck. This can be determined by eye by holding the 6th string at any fret. After that, you can focus on the position of this string at the last fret. This is how the guitar is completely tuned, the degree of string tension is changed after each tuning step.

But still, when setting up, it is better to move from one stage to another. Then the sound will be clearer and more melodic. For the desired setting, it is better to repeat all the steps 3 times, then the setting will be more successful. In this case, you should focus on your ear for music and the desired melody of sounds.