55-Point Inspection for your Fender Deluxe Stratocaster HSS Blizzard Pearl. Why anyone would spend the extra money for a US made Fender is beyond me.
A comprehensive buyer’s guide to all Fender and Squier Stratocaster series electric guitars to help you choose the best Strat model for you.The is among the most iconic electric guitars to have ever been produced, and it’s been a major influence on the sounds of modern music. Since it’s introduction in 1954, the Strat has been featured on countless recordings, and played by rock, punk, jazz, blues, soul, R&B, and country artists the world over. During its six-decade history, the Stratocaster has consistently been one of the most popular (and copied) guitars in production.
Table of ContentsA Brief History of the StratocasterWhy Choose a Stratocaster?Basic Stratocaster FeaturesSquier StratocastersFender StratocastersUSA Fender StratocastersFender Custom ShopSo, Which Stratocaster is Right for Me? A Brief History of the StratocasterIn 1954 California inventor Leo Fender along with his cohorts Freddie Tavares and George Fullerton set out to design a guitar that would build on the success of Fender’s. Seeking to create a guitar with more tonal versatility as well as improved playability and comfort, the trio came up with the Stratocaster. Adapted from the profile of the P-Bass, its double-cutaway, deeply contoured solid body offered easier access to the higher frets and nestled more comfortably against the player’s body. The addition of a middle single-coil pickup gave the Strat greater tonal versatility than its Telecaster stablemate’s two-pickup design.The original Strat had a 3-way pickup selector switch. Players soon discovered they could engage two pickups simultaneously by using a toothpick to wedge the switch between the “factory” settings and thus create unique tones. As we’ll see, Fender was paying attention, and over the years switching and wiring grew more sophisticated.The Strat also had a cavity routed into its back, housing a through-body pivoting bridge that anchored the strings.
Strat players began modifying their guitars’ standard fixed bridge by removing two of its five retaining springs and adjusting the anchoring screws allowing the bridge to “float.” By doing this, they could move the tremolo arm that was attached to the bridge up and down, thus modulating the pitch of the played notes. Jimi Hendrix, Ike Turner, and Jeff Beck were all notorious for their enthusiastic use of these pitch-bending tremolo effects.But vigorously yanking on the trem bar caused the guitar to go out of tune. In response, guitarists such as Ron Wood and Eric Clapton modified their bridges to remain fixed while retaining the floating tremolo. Others did away with the tremolo entirely leading to what are now referred to as “hard-tail” Strats. Here too, Fender was watching, and as the Strat evolved, new models incorporated many of the modifications pioneered by these artists and their guitar techs.In 1965 Leo Fender sold his company to CBS—a move that many Fender fans associate with a change in the quality of Fender instruments.
Nonetheless, the business grew, and in 1977 the company introduced 5-way pickup switching and a reverse-wound, reverse-polarity middle pickup. This provided a hum-canceling effect in positions 2 and 4 on the selector switch, creating the tones popularized by iconic guitarist such as Jimi Hendrix, Dick Dale, Eric Clapton, and David Gilmour. Today, the 5-way switch and reverse-wound middle pickup are standard on most Strats.In 1982 introduced a version of the Stratocaster produced under its trademark—a division spun off to create value-priced instruments. Originally built in Japan, it became one of the company’s most successful models. Since then, Fender has produced Stratocasters in Korea, Indonesia, and China, aiming to provide instruments that retain the Fender heritage and quality standards while being very affordable.A group of Fender employees and investors bought the company from CBS in 1985 reinvigorating a business largely lacking in leadership that understood music gear and musicians. Following the buyout, Fender initially built its instruments in overseas factories that had the skills to create instruments meeting the company’s standards.Later in 1985, Fender’s flagship factory began production in Corona, California.
This was followed two years later with the opening of its second North American factory in Ensenada, Mexico. That same year—1987—Fender’s revered Custom Shop was launched and began building some of the finest Stratocasters ever.Since then Fender has continued to rethink its flagship Stratocaster, introducing dozens of model variations with unique capabilities and cosmetics. Yet the essential shape, playability, and sound of the Strat remains unchanged six decades later.In this guide we’ll walk you through the many Stratocaster series and models available today. Ado 2.7 download. As you browse Musician’s Friend’s huge collection of Strats, we hope you’ll find this guide a useful companion in sorting out all the details and ultimately helping you purchase the best Stratocaster for your needs, budgets and desires.
Why Choose a Stratocaster?With all the electric guitars available, why should you choose a? While only you can determine if a particular guitar is a good fit, there are compelling reasons the Stratocaster has proven to be the guitar of choice for so many players. With its 3-pickup array and 5-way selector switch, the Strat offers players a variety of options to achieve the sound they want. From bright and twangy to mellow and moody, the Strat covers many colors on the tonal palette.Aside from tone, the Strat offers a very smooth, comfortable feel.
The contoured body and neck joint make the Stratocaster easy to hold and play, and its deep cutaways give the player ready access to the entire fretboard. With several neck profiles to choose from, there’s a Strat to match just about everybody’s hand and playing style.Famous Stratocaster PlayersCountless guitarists have chosen the Fender Stratocaster as their instrument of choice. Whether playing a tasty blues lick or laying down some righteous funk, the Strat has earned its place among the most revered guitars ever.
Some famous Stratocaster players include:. Jimi Hendrix. Eric Clapton.
Jeff Beck. Stevie Ray Vaughan.
George Harrison. John Frusciante.
Dave Murray. Ritchie Blackmore. The Edge. David Gilmour.
Buddy Holly. Eddie Hazel. Buddy Guy. Robert Cray. Eric Johnson.
Mark Knopfler. Bonnie RaittThis is just a short list—if space were no issue, we could fill your screen several times over with the names of notable Stat players.
Ideal for the new guitarist, the ultra-affordable offers plenty of tonal choices with its bridge humbucker pickup and single coils in the middle and neck positions. Squier Affinity SeriesA step up in the Squier line, offer more features than the Bullet including upgraded wood and pickups for a fuller, richer sound. Solid alder body with thinner 40mm depth.
Maple or rosewood neck. 9.5' fingerboard radius. 21 medium-jumbo frets. Model-specific pickup arrays. Large, ’60s-style headstock. 1-ply pickguard. Made in China and Indonesia.
Based on its Fender American Series counterpart, the Squier Standard Strat sports a classically old-school antique burst finish and vintage single-coil sound. Squier Deluxe Seriesare tricked out with modern features that enhance their old-school vibe with advanced playability, sound, and visuals. Basswood body. Finish: Polyester.
Neck: 1-Piece Maple, Modern 'C' Shape. Fingerboard: Rosewood or Maple, 9.5'. Frets: 22, Medium-jumbo. Scale Length: 25.5'.
Nut Width: 1.65'. Hardware: Chrome. Tuning Keys: Standard die-cast. Bridge: Vintage-style, 6-saddle tremolo. Pickguard: 3-ply parchment. This Squier Deluxe Strat is loaded with three Duncan Designed SC-101 single coils that add presence and chime to its traditional Strat tone. Squier Classic Vibe SeriesReminiscent of early Strat designs, the serves up affordable versions of the vintage Strats from the '50s and 60's you’ve always dreamed about with some choice modern touches.
Alder body. Finish: Polyester. Neck: 1-Piece Maple, Modern 'C' Shape.
Fingerboard: Maple, 9.5'. Frets: 21, Medium-jumbo. Scale Length: 25.5'. Nut Width: 1.65'. Hardware: Chrome. Tuning Keys: Vintage-style tuning machines.
Bridge: Vintage-style, 6-saddle tremolo. Pickguard: 1-ply.
The Squier Vintage Modified ‘70s Strat delivers extra snarl courtesy of a trio of Duncan Designed TM SC-101 single-coil pickups. Fender StratocastersFender Stratocasters have proved to be one of the most enduring electric guitars ever, having been in continuous production in one form or another since 1954. The Stratocasters below are produced in Fender’s Ensenada, Mexico plant. Artist SeriesThe moderately priced includes Stratocasters built to evoke the sound and look of iconic axes played by some of the world's most important guitarists. The pickups, electronics, and cosmetics reflect the choices of the artists whose names they bear. A great example is the Jimi Hendrix Stratocaster with its reversed headstock and bridge pickup that recall the southpaw master’s habit of restringing and flipping over right-hand Strats to play them left-handed. The altered string geometry coupled with Vintage 65 pickups deliver the snap and fire that were signatures of Jimi’s jaw-dropping technique.
This includes all the original features: U-shaped neck, large headstock, “bullet” truss rod, and Schaller vintage machines. Fender Player SeriesThe was introduced in June of 2018 as the next generation of budget-friendly Fender electric guitars. The series offers a variety of different models.
Different pickup configurations, color choices and more mean there's something here for everyone, including lefties. Whether you're rocking out in your bedroom or playing with a full band on a stage, you'll want to consider the Fender Player Strats.Now, let's take a look at some of the key features and specs that are found on the entire Player Series Strat family:. Alder body. Modern C-shaped maple neck. Choice of a maple or Pao Ferro fingerboard. 9.5' fingerboard radius.
Gloss neck and body finish. Chrome hardware. White plastic parts. Die-cast sealed tuning machines.
Made in Mexico. With a variety of different models available, great feel and fantastic sounding Alnico pickups, any potential Strat buyer should check out the Fender Player Series.Learn more about the entire family of electric guitars and basses. Fender Standard StratocasterWidely considered an industry standard, the incorporates classic Strat features at a midrange price.
It’s an excellent choice for the weekend warrior or committed hobbyist in need of a guitar that’ll keep coming back for more year after year. Alder body. Modern C-shaped maple neck. Choice of a maple or rosewood fingerboard.
Satin polyurethane neck finish. Chrome hardware. White plastic parts. Ping standard cast/sealed tuning machines. Made in Mexico. The was designed by Master Builder Greg Fessler and is loaded with cool elements such as its 2-point custom vintage bridge—previously a Custom Shop exclusive.
USA Fender StratocastersBuilt in Fender's Corona, California factory, USA Stratocasters set the standard for quality, tone and playability. Made with premium tonewoods (usually alder or ash), custom shop pickups, and master craftsmanship, the USA Strats are sure to please demanding players across a variety of styles. Fender American Special SeriesIn recognition that musicians were struggling along with most everyone else during the economic downturn of the late 2000s, Fender introduced this remarkably affordable U.S.-made series in 2010.
These axes include special pickups, bridges, circuitry, and finishes, and represent an incredible value where domestically made Strats are concerned. Contoured alder body. Glossy urethane finish. Modern C-shaped maple neck. 22 jumbo frets.
Model-specific special pickups deliver upgraded tones. Vintage-style synchronized tremolo. The Texas Special pickups serve up tight bass, midrange chirp, and crystalline highs. Built in the U.S., it’s an outstanding value. Fender American Performer SeriesIntroduced in Winter of 2018, Fender's new are a direct replacement for the American Special family.
The American Performer Series includes two Stratocaster models: a standard SSS configuration and an HSS configuration. Each model features Fender's new Yosemite ™ single-coil pickups. These pickups have flat-staggered pole pieces which increase output.
The shellac coating allows the coils to breathe, while taming your Strat's feedback.Fender's American Performer Stratocaster HSS model features a new DoubleTap humbucker in the bridge position. The DoubleTap can be used in humbucker mode or single-coil mode, controllable via a push-pull tone pot. The American Performer Strat HSS is available with or.Let's look a closer look at their shared specifications. Alder body. Modern C-shaped maple neck.
9.5' radius fingerboard (available in maple or rosewood). 22 jumbo frets. 6-Saddle vintage-style synchronized tremolo. 1.685' synthetic bone nut. The Fender American Performer Stratocaster features three new Yosemite ™ single-coil pickups, designed for rich, expressive tones.
The American Performer Stratocaster is available with or.Read our full. Fender American Professional SeriesThe American Professional Stratocaster is the time-honored workhorse of seasoned pros and discerning hobbyists alike. Tim Shaw's Newly designed V-Mod single coil pickups give the new high-output vintage warmth with classic clear, cutting Fender tone.Fender American Elite SeriesIntroduced in 2016, Fender’s deliver all the proven design features of their forerunners, but up the ante with newly developed 4th Generation Noiseless pickups that deliver the electromagnetic energy required by today’s musically intense guitar styles.
The American Elite Stratocaster is also equipped with a modern, compound-radius fretboard plus compound-profile neck that marries the best of C and D necks into one of the most comfortable Strats you’ll ever play. Under the familiar rosewood or maple fingerboard (your choice,) the has a sleek compound-radius fingerboard and new, transitional neck profile for outstanding feel.Fender American Original SeriesFender took a collection of vintage specimen instruments from the ‘50s and ‘60s and then dissected and documented them to come up with modern recreations in creating the.
Each of the models that make up the American Original series feature a “Best Of” list of specifications for the decade that they represent. ‘50s model Body is Ash or Alder (depending on finish), ‘60s model is Alder. ‘50s models feature a “V” soft maple neck while ‘60s models feature “C” thick maple neck. Lightweight alder body (ash on white blonde) with deep contours. Newly designed Pure Vintage Pickups (’59 Pickups and ’65 Pickups).
Vintage-style hardware. Model-specific special pickups. Includes hardshell case. While adhering to meticulously re-created retro cosmetics, dimensions and finishes, the has newly voiced Pure Vintage pickups that breathe new life into an iconic axe.Fender Custom ShopStaffed by a crew of Master Builders, Fender’s Custom Shop has produced a trove of world-class instruments since its inception in 1987. Working with and for some of the greatest guitarists of our age, these luthiers craft instruments of unparalleled beauty and playability. Their talents have been put to work in executing guitars for the likes of Clapton, Beck, Townshend, Gilmour, and many more—a veritable Who’s-Who of guitar wizardry. Fender Custom Shop luthiers have undertaken all manner of commissions from modifying existing guitars to creating entirely new instruments from the ground up.Many Custom Shop creations are one-offs; designs that will never be repeated.
Other designs are retired after limited runs, never to be produced again. Every Fender Custom Shop instrument is a tribute to the luthier’s artistry and is an investment-grade purchase.And, if you're looking for a vintage Stratocaster but don't have the deep pockets to support that lust, Fender Custom Shop guitars are a great alternative, offering a variety of vintage spec Strats built to exacting standards by Fender's famed luthiers.Visit our collection to see the current selection of Custom Shop Stratocasters. Custom Shop Artistare based on each artist’s unique specs, executed with master craftsmanship by Fender’s premier luthiers. Based on the guitar that figured prominently in the recording of Dark Side of the Moon, the is the result of close collaboration with the Pink Floyd guitarist and his guitar tech, Phil Taylor. Time MachineIn conceiving the, Fender set out to create a shrine devoted to its most revered vintage instruments. Using varied degrees of distressing, Custom Shop luthiers artfully craft instruments that appear to have lived long and muscially eventful lives. Each instrument meticulously mirrors the model on which it is based.
This has received a relic treatment, replicating the look and feel of an instrument that has been subjected to thousands of hours of playing time. Masterbuiltare one-of-a kind instruments that represent the pinnacle of Custom Shop design. Custom Shop Master Builders design and hand-make each guitar to be utterly unique and world-class. Builders personally select the materials and craft each guitar to their exacting standards. So, Which Stratocaster is Right for You?As you can see in this guide, the Strat is available in dozens of variations in features to provide a huge range of options for the enthusiast.Pick the Stratocaster that suits your budget and your style.
Maybe you don’t want to spend a lot, but you want your Strat to have the look and feel of a timeless guitar. Consider the Squier Vintage Modified Series.
Perhaps you want to invest in a true piece of art—not just something to play, but a timeless treasure and heirloom. A Masterbuilt or Custom Deluxe Strat will likely meet that aim. Or, you might be a working pro who needs a Strat that you can play every night, year in and year out. The American Professional Stratocaster is probably an excellent choice for you.We want you to be pleased with your Stratocaster purchase, and offer a so you can order your new Stratocaster with confidence.After reading this guide, if you’re still not sure which Strat is right for you, we invite you call to one of our friendly and knowledgeable Gear Heads at (877) 880-5907.Tags. I have 4 different 'strats', a 95 American Standard that has lost ALL of it's finish on the freboard that Fender wouldn't acknowledge as an issue, an 07 Mexi strat that has the very best neck of any strat I've ever played, a 60 buck garage Indo Squier with a butt ugly mahogany fake finish and is the best Reggae guitar I've ever played, and yes, a Kramer Classic Strat clone that is just plain worn out and doesn't get played any longer.
Of them all, I love the tone from my AMSTD, even if the neck is a wreck, and I love the playability of the Mexi strat, now going soft yellow from it's original Arctic White, but I live in Hawaii, they never see their cases and the UV has aged them beautifully. Fender is awesome. I own a blk/white 57 crafted in Japan strat.
Always wanted a wider neck guitar and fender answered my dreams releasing the hm strat. I have a raspberry hm strat maple neck dimarzio super distortion (perfect). Then last but not least is my lovely Eric Johnson sunburst.
It's the hm strat mixed with the 57 reissue. Every strat lover should have a ej strat or just try one.
I like the Gibson family but it's so hard to pull the trigger on one ya know. Thanks fender and everyone reading all strats are good, Mexican or American, I perfer Japan products.
Squires are also good after a setup (had a few of those). I am 62 years old I have been playing guitar since I was 11 years old my first real guitar was a Fender strat I bought with paper route money from Sam Ash in Huntington, New York. I still had it until last Dec 17th when a fire destroyed my studio at 11:30 pm I had no renters insurance and it took 31 other axe's in my collection. After I got disabilied in 2001 I went full bore back into my guitar playing and song writing the strat was my main axe and had been with me thru many stage's of my life. Needless to say that guitar was like a dependable old friend when ever I picked her up.
I still get the chills when I hit that sweet spot on my guitar, its the best high anyone can ask for. Its amazing the quality of my guitar I have became over the years,I still play 8 to 10 hours a day and I am never bored. The Strat is the Bomb. To Lenn- You're right about the G&L, I played one in 1982 and fell in love with it, I bought, and I still have it.
It's and Invader with a Kahler System (not Floyd Rose) and has the locking nut, I can dive bomb as hard as I want and it stays right in tune always. I did some work on it, putting EMG's in it and they are great in that guitar. It is a screamer with great tone and sustain. But mainly it plays like a dream and the tremolo is just right on it. But I still love my 70's Midnight Wine Strat, it will always be my favorite. Thank you Fender. Oh yeah, almost blockedot, to solve the sound and amp problem and even any tonal problems get a POD HD 500, it makes you sound great through any amp, I promise.
You can also make it sound like just about any amp at any volume. They're great! I have 7 Stratocasters, 1970 4 bolt,1995 Standard Strat, made in the U.S.A., one of a few made here after the Mexico plant burned down in 94. A 2008 Standard Strat, 2005 American Deluxe, my best one, 2009 Deluxe Player's Strat, 2010 Squire Strat, 2013 American Standard. All decent guitars, priced according to craftsmanship.
The American Deluxe is a superior model, I'm not thrilled by the newer bent saddle design, I'll always be partial to the American Standard solid stainless steel saddles. I also install locking tuners on those without them, it's just faster to change strings. I own over 40 6 string guitars and the Strats are my favorite, I love my Les Paul's but something about a Strat just feels like an extension of the body, so more easily becomes part of me when I play. Strat and Les Paul will always be top dogs, but the Strat just epitomizes the working musician imo. I have 3 Telecasters and they aren't too shabby either, but Jimi Hendrix chose Strats for a reason right.
Been dreaming of playing since age 5 (wanted to be the next Hendrix or King) Finally stated lessons 5 yrs ago I got interrupted but I am going to give it another try just for me. I love fender guitars (ive owned a total of 3 all made in Mexico) I currently own a fender HSS (fat strat) because they fit my budget and are great quality guitars. I plan to add a few others like a standard strat, a standard tele and a 72 tele custom. I would like to find a good amp for playing the blues on a budget my current amp is only 25 watts. I hope to get good enough to use all of this stuff. I would appreciate any suggestions. I've been playing 50 years and I'm still hotter than a firecracker.
Should have made it big, but never really cared about that, I just love to play, and when I play, I play my Strat. I've played in hundreds of bands, from Las Vegas show bands to hard rock, early rock, modern rock, country/western, and my Strats have helped me be so versatile as to achieve this sound coupled now with the Line 6 HD500, I've got all I need. Thank you Fender, for making the best guitars in the world as far as I'm concerned, I will never ever play another type of guitar(except for my acoustic work). I've already played all the other top guitars and nothing comes close to the tone and smoothness/or bite of my Strat. When my guitar speaks, it speaks volumes of tone/richness/smoothness or bite/crunchy or clean/or hotter than the hinges on the gates of hell. The absolute best guitar in the world by far, and I can make it do anything I want, because it will. Thank you Fender.
Loyal player forever.
Hi smallaxe101,I don't know if you need a diagram, if you have a standard 5-way selector switch. If the rear tone is wired for the middle pickup, just follow the wire from the rear tone pot to the selector switch terminal. Unsolder the wire and move it up to the next terminal (the empty one) and resolder, that's all there is to it. You didn't say what kind of Strat that you have, here's a Standard diagram that will work for most strats.Hi guys: though there's another way to do it that is very familiar to many.
If you study this diagram you will see on the side of the switch facing the pots a tiny length of wire running between the middle two tags:That little half inch 'jumper' wire adds the bridge pickup to the second tone knob, without removing the middle pickup from the circuit. So now both middle and bridge are controlled by the second tone pot; the neck pup gets the first tone control to itself.Such a popular mod that Fender have included it as standard on many of their Strat models for years.An option.Cheers - C. Good alternative Ceri. I guess that many like tone control on the bridge AND middle pickups. I don't care for the position 4 that has 2 tone controls when wired that way. And to me, the middle pickup sounds best 'wide open' with no tone control. But the bridge pickup definitely needs tone control, so either way, it is great to have options.Right on.
Many tastes, many good alternatives.Strange thing though. For years the 'jumper' mod I described above was an absolute requirement to me because, as you say, I wanted to be able to roll off the tone on the bridge pup - though I also like the middle with the treble taken down too: hence the version I suggested. But in recent years I find myself often reverting to the 'original' setup Leo gave us: I want the neck rolled way off to about 2-3 on the knob, the middle with the treble turned down about half way, and the bridge wide open. I think that's because I only go the the bridge occasionally in a solo and use that wide open sound for maximum attack when things get nasty. ( )For that reason my '50s style Strats appeal to me more and more - which is a development that would have surpised me a decade ago.I guess our playing is always changing, isn't it? Thank goodness the Strat offers us such a flexible platform for all these possibilities!Cheers guys - C. Can't believe all of the info I'm getting, this is great!
ThanksHi smallaxe101: just for the fun of it, would you like to have your mind boggled? Take a look at the increadible wiring harness Forum user AndyBigHair has just installed in his latest Strat, on this page of a long thread:That's guitar wiring performed as a martial art.And for very interesting and beautifully achieved options that us mere mortals might even consider trying, take a look at the work the great Xhefri does, for example on this thread:Jeff ('Xhefri') is a bit of a legend in the Strat world: that is seriously top drawer action you're looking at there.You need to scroll back and forth through both of those threads. Lot of excellent stuff to be found in them.Cheers - C.