jfn home recording & guitar: 2016

March 15, 2016

Squier Stratocaster Buyers Guide from Sam Ash Music

Built And Backed By Fender

Let's get something straight: Although Squier Stratocasters (and for that matter all Squier guitars and basses) are for the budget conscious, they are not just beginner instruments and they are not cheaply made. Every Squier Stratocaster is made to the strict specifications of the Fender Musical Instrument Corporation and under Fender supervision. Many well known recording artists use Squier guitars and basses, such as:

Avril Lavigne
Pete Wentz
Frank Bello of Anthrax
Deryck Whibley of Sum 41
John 5
Green Day's Mike Dirnt

Squier Stratocasters have the same basic features that have made the Stratocaster one of the most successful and enduring guitars of all time:

Traditional 3 pickup design
5 position pickup selector
Comfort Contour Body
Most have the Synchronized Tremolo
And the other basic features that make a Stratocaster a Strat.

You won't get a fancy case and, with the exception of the higher end Squier Strats, you won't get the latest, most powerful pickups, but you will get a great guitar that puts the classic sound and feel of a Strat in your hands.

Choosing your Squier Stratocaster

There are quite a few Squier Stratocaster models, each with its own unique features. Your choices include:

*** "Fat Strat" refers to the HSS pickup configuration, which means that one of the single-coil pickups has been replaced by a humbucker. Many people describe the humbucker as having a "thicker" sound, so this type of Strat is called a "Fat Strat"

Squier Mini Stratocaster

If you are looking for a guitar for travel or for a smaller size guitar player, the Squier Mini Stratocaster is just the ticket. It has the traditional 3 single coil ceramic pickups and, at 20 frets, a shorter scale. The Squier Mini Stratocaster also lacks the tremolo bridge in favor of the fixed hard-tail design that many artists prefer.

Squier Bullet Stratocaster

The Squier Bullet Stratocaster is the perfect guitar for the beginner. It has the classic Strat features including the three pickup design, 5 way selector switch, and synchronous tremolo with cast saddles. The neck is maple with a rosewood fingerboard and covered tuners and the body is basswood. The Bullet Strat gives you ceramic pickups instead of the more powerful pickups used on the higher end models. This model is also available in an HSS or "Fat Strat" version.

Squier Affinity Strat

For a few dollars more, the Squier Affinity Strat upgrades you to an alder body with die cast tuners. It also gives you the option of a maple fingerboard. The Affinity Stratocaster is available in a left handed version and in an HSS model for those who prefer the sound of a Humbucking pickup at the bridge position.

Squier Standard Stratocaster

All the critical features are upgraded in the Squier Standard Stratocaster. At this level you get:

More powerful Alnico pickups
Standard die cast tuners with lifetime lubrication
Slimmer neck for easier playing and 22 frets
The better synchronous twin-pivot tremolo with satin anodized saddles
An agathis body

What all this means is that the Squier Standard Stratocaster will feel better, play better, and sound better than the Bullet and Affinity models. There is even a Special Edition version with a gorgeous Cherry Sunburst Finish and mint green pickguard. Although the Squier Standard Stratocaster will satisfy a more advanced player than the Bullet and Affinity models, we recommend it as an excellent choice for beginners as well. With its improved sound and features, the Squier Standard Stratocaster will be a more enjoyable instrument when learning to play and will remain so for years.

Squier Classic Vibe Stratocaster

If you yearn for the sound and feel of the vintage Strats of the 1950's and 60's, but the price tag of a vintage or vintage reissue model is not for you, then you should consider the Squire Classic Vibe Stratocaster 50's and the Squier Classic Vibe Stratocaster 60's models. These are not reproductions of the instruments of the era, but they have design and features that give you much of the sound and feel of the classic models. Both have classic alder bodies and one piece "C shape" maple necks, with a rosewood fingerboard for the Classic Vibe 60's Strat or a maple fingerboard for the Classic Vibe 50's Strat. Aside from the fingerboards, the most important difference between the two is that the 50's model has vintage style Alnico 3 pickups and the 60's model has Alnico 5 pickups, giving each the characteristic sound of its era. Other differences between the two are cosmetic and include color choices and pickguard design and colors.

Squier Vintage Modified Strat

An instant hit when they were released, the Squier Vintage Modified Strats are as if you took an older model Strat and gave it the "hot-rod" treatment. Medium-jumbo frets and a fast-playing rosewood neck, along with the three Duncan designed SC-101 pickups set this one apart from the pack. The Squire Vintange Modified Strat is also available in an HSS version.

Squier Strat Value Packs

When you want a single package including everything you need, The Squier Value Packs can't be beat. The Squier Packages include all of the essentials - a guitar, amp, headphones, strap, tuner, gig bag and instructional DVD - and they offer you three choices based on which kind of guitar and amp you would prefer:

Squier SE Special Strat Pack i

The Squier SE Special Strat Pack includes the SE Special Stratocaster, with three single coil pickups, agathis body, and synchronous tremolo and the Squier SP-10 amp.

Affinity Strat Special and Frontman 15 Pack

The Affinity Strat Special and Frontman 15 Pack upgrades you to the standard Affinity Strat electric guitar with the Fender Frontman 15 practice amp, a great sounding compact model perfect for dorm rooms.The Affinity Strat in this package has an agathis body instead of alder.

Affinity Strat HSS and GDEC Jr Pack

The Affinity Strat HSS and GDEC Jr Pack gives you the Affinity "Fat Strat" and the fantastic Fender G-DEC junior amplifier, which has 15 digital amp models allowing you to sound like you're playing through many different classic amps. The G-DEC also includes several accompaniments making it a fun amp to play along with. The Affinity Strat in this package is the Affinity Fat Strat HSS model (two single coil pickups and one Humbucking pickup at the bridge position) also with the agathis body of the Squier Standard Strat.

Other Things You'll Need:

The Squier Value Packages include everything you need to get started, but you might want to pick up a few extra things along the way.

Extra Guitar Strings - Whether you buy one of the Strat value pack or any other Squier guitar, you will need to buy extra strings Strings oxidize over time so, you should replace the strings on your guitar at least every 90 days to keep them sounding great and feeling good.
Hardshell Case - If you are planning to transport your guitar other than by carrying it yourself, you need to protect it with a hardshell case.
I nstructor - If you're a beginner without a guitar teacher, we also recommend that you sign up to the Sam Ash Music Institute. This is more than on-line instructions, we have guitar teachers standing by to help you whenever you have difficulty

March 14, 2016

Stratocaster Buying Guide

The specs & features that matter when you shop for a Fender or Squier Strat
The Fender Stratocaster 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.

A Brief History of the Stratocaster
Why Choose a Stratocaster?
Basic Stratocaster Features
Squier Stratocasters
Fender Stratocasters
USA Fender Stratocasters
Fender Custom Shop
So, Which Stratocaster is Right for Me?

A Brief History of the Stratocaster

In 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 Telecaster and Precision Bass. 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 Fender introduced a version of the Stratocaster produced under its Squier 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. 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.

Why Choose a Stratocaster?

With all the electric guitars available, why should you choose a Strat? 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 Players

Countless 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
John Mayer
Buddy Guy
Robert Cray
Eric Johnson
Mark Knopfler
Bonnie Raitt

This 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.

Basic Stratocaster Features

The Fender Stratocaster comes in many variations, but the following features are generally found on most Strats produced under the Fender and Squier nameplates:

A double cutaway contoured alder or ash body offers excellent resonance, comfort, and playability.
3 single-coil pickups with a 5-way blade switch accesses 5 different pickup configurations: Neck, Neck/Middle, Middle, Middle/Bridge, and Bridge.
Master volume and 2 tone knobs control the output signal and the treble frequencies of the Neck and Middle pickups.
A bolt-on maple neck provides strength and stability, while being easily removed for repairs or replacement
Maple or rosewood fingerboard for tonal definition and durability
Nitrocellulose lacquer finish (vintage and Custom Shop), Urethane or Polyester finish (modern)
Synchronized tremolo bar
25-1/2” scale length
7-1/4” fretboard radius (vintage) 9-1/2” (modern)
Classic “C”-shaped or “V”-shaped neck

Squier Stratocasters

Squier is a division of Fender and its Stratocasters are based on Fender models, sharing many of the same design features at super-affordable prices. In the company's own words, Squier is the “value brand alternative to its big brother, Fender.” Squier Strats are largely made in Asia.

Squier Bullet Series

The Bullet series offers a tremolo-equipped Stratocaster for the new player on a tight budget. These guitars deliver the tone and playability of a Stratocaster without breaking the bank.

Designed for beginners and students
Mini option available (¾ scale, 20 frets)
Bullet (21 frets)
Laminated hardwood body
Maple C-shaped neck
Model-specific pickup arrays
Rosewood fretboard
9.5" fretboard radius
Chrome-covered machine heads
Large, ’60s style headstock
1-ply white pickguard
Made in Asia

Ideal for the new guitarist, the ultra-affordable Squier Bullet Stratocaster HSS offers plenty of tonal choices with its bridge humbucker pickup and single coils in the middle and neck positions.

Squier Affinity Series

A step up in the Squier line, Affinity Stratocasters 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

Squire Affinity HSS Stratocaster Burgundy Mist

This Squier Affinity HSS Strat in Burgundy Mist has a humbucker in the bridge position to make a sonic impact equal to its knockout looks.

Squier Affinity Stratocaster Packs

These money-saving packs come complete with an amp, guitar tuner, strap, gig bag, cable, and an instructional DVD—everything you need to start playing the guitar! They’re an excellent choice for the cash-strapped beginning guitarist.

This Squier Affinity Strat Pack includes everything you need to make your dream a reality. Just add your commitment and start playing!

Squier Standard Series

The Squier Standard Stratocaster delivers the feel and comfort of a Standard Fender at a more accessible price.

Solid agathis body; 45mm depth like most Fender models
C-shaped neck
9.5" fingerboard radius
22 medium jumbo frets
Large, ’60s style headstock
3-ply parchment or 4-ply tortoise shell 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 Series

Squier’s Deluxe Series Strats are 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 Series

Reminiscent of early Strat designs, the Classic Vibe series serves up affordable versions of the vintage Strats 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

Dripping with vintage vibe, the Squier Classic Vibe ‘50s Strat improves on its forerunner with a modern neck profile and searing AlNiCo 3 single-coil pickups.

Squier Vintage Modified Series

Vintage Modified Strats offer the playability and tonal characteristics of classic-era Stratocasters with hot-rodded updates such as hotter pickups and unique finishes. All they’re missing is the steeper chop-shop price tag.

Despite its very modest price tag, the ‘70s-era Squier Vintage Modified Strat delivers full-bodied sound and great playability.

Bolt-on neck construction
Basswood body
25.5" scale maple neck
9.5" radius fretboard
21 frets
Upgraded model-specific pickups

Squier Vintage Modified '70s Stratocaster Black

The Squier Vintage Modified ‘70s Strat delivers extra snarl courtesy of a trio of Duncan Designed TM SC-101 single-coil pickups.

Fender Stratocasters

Fender 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 Series

The moderately priced Artist Series 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.

The Jimi Hendrix Stratocaster offers easier bends on treble strings and a tighter feel on the bass strings thanks to the “flipped" headstock.

$Fender Artist Series Jimmie Vaughan Tex-Mex Stratocaster Red$

Three Tex Mex single-coils with an extra-hot bridge pup plus custom tone-control wiring give the Artist Series Jimmie Vaughan Tex-Mex Strat Vaughan’s nasty trademark tone.

Fender Classic Series

Fender builds these moderately priced Classic Strats using period-correct specs from the 1950s, ‘60s, and ‘70s. Each Strat model in the series has its own unique vibe and quality components that do full justice to this iconic guitar’s status.

This ‘70s Classic Series Strat includes all the original features: U-shaped neck, large headstock, “bullet” truss rod, and Schaller vintage machines.

Fender Standard Series

Widely considered an industry standard, the Fender Standard Stratocaster 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

Infused with the same playability and vibe as the first Stratocaster created in Leo Fender’s workshop, the Fender Standard Strat continues its tradition of affordability.

Deluxe Lonestar Strat

It’s got all the Standard Strat specs plus Texas Special pickups in the neck and middle position for extra-bluesy grit. A Seymour Duncan Pearly Gates Plus humbucker in the bridge pours out its own meaty tone making the Deluxe Lonestar Strat a budget-friendly choice for the rocker seeking extra power and versatility.

Body: Alder
Neck: 1-Piece Tinted Maple, "C" Shape (Satin Urethane Finish)
Fingerboard: Rosewood, 9.5" Radius
Frets: 21 Medium-Jumbo
Scale Length: 25.5" (648 mm)
Width at nut: 1.650" (42 mm)
Hardware: Chrome
Machine Heads: Fender/Ping Standard Cast/Sealed Tuning Machines
Bridge: Vintage-Style, Synchronized Tremolo
Pickguard: 4-Ply Brown Shell

The Deluxe Lonestar Strat serves up blues grit and fat ‘bucker tones for a Texas-size helping of tonal versatility.

Deluxe Player's Strat

Classic Strat style with a choice of sweet finishes, the Deluxe Players Strat offers a beautiful look and 7 potential pickup configurations for more tone at your fingertips.

Comfortable modern C-shaped maple neck
12" radius
21 medium-jumbo frets
3 Vintage Noiseless single-coil pickups with advanced switching for 7 pickup configurations
Traditional Vintage-style synchronized tremolo
Gold-plated hardware

Vintage Noiseless pups and 7-way switching mean you won’t run out of tone choices with the Deluxe Player’s Strat. The hard part’s choosing a color from all the options!

Fender Classic Player Series

Fender updates classic designs with modern improvements in the Classic Player Series. Based on revered 1950s and ‘60s instruments, a selection of choice mods give these timeless models the sonic juice and playability demanded by the contemporary guitarist.

The Classic Player 60's Stratocaster was designed by Master Builder Greg Fessler and bristles with cool elements such as its 2-point custom vintage bridge—previously a Custom Shop exclusive.

USA Fender Stratocasters

Built 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.

American Special Series

In 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 American Special Strat’s Texas Special pickups serve up tight bass, midrange chirp, and crystalline highs. Built in the U.S., it’s an outstanding value.

American Standard Series

The American Standard Stratocaster is the time-honored workhorse of seasoned pros and discerning hobbyists alike. Part of a series that debuted in 2008, it’s limited to four classic Fender instruments: the Strat, Tele, P-Bass and Jazz Bass.

Traditional alder body for classic Strat tone
Popular C-shaped neck with gloss fingerboard and smooth satin back
3 full-sounding Fender Custom Shop Fat ’50s pickups
Delta-tone no-load circuit for more midrange and hotter output
Copper-infused cast Strat bridge block
Aged plastic parts
Fender SKB hardshell case

Fender American Standard Stratocaster Ocean Blue Metallic

Custom Shop Fat ‘50s pickups and aged plastic components give the American Standard Strat a distinctly vintage vibe while the copper-infused bridge block adds newfound sustain.

American Deluxe Series

The American Deluxe Strat features all the quality you’d expect from an American-made Fender, plus enhancements that will supercharge your performances. The compound-radius fretboard makes playing a breeze, and S-1 switching offers unique sounds at the push of a button.

Select alder body
Contoured heel and body
Rosewood or maple neck
C-shaped neck profile
22 medium-jumbo frets
Compound-radius fretboard (9-1/2" at the nut, 12" at the 12th fret, and 14" at the 15th fret)
Three N3 Noiseless single-coil pickups
S-1 switching system
Passing Lane switch instantly routes signals to the bridge position
High-mass tremolo block
Locking tuning keys
Upgraded, molded case

Fender American Deluxe Stratocaster Sunset Metallic

Hate hum? The stacked N3 Noiseless pickups in the American Deluxe Strat serve up classic yet pristine Strat tone while S1 switching offers extended sound textures.

American Elite Series

Introduced in 2016, Fender’s Elite Series electrics 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.

Fender American Elite Stratocaster Sky Burst Metallic

Under the familiar rosewood or maple fingerboard (your choice,) the American Elite Strat has a sleek compound-radius fingerboard and new, transitional neck profile for outstanding feel.

American Vintage Series

Fender took a collection of vintage specimen instruments, and then dissected and documented them to come up with modern recreations in creating the American Vintage family. Fender’s painstaking efforts included rehabbing old machine tools and creating new ones where necessary to make these guitars totally authentic in terms of their build process. Each has been given modern upgrades that enhance the original tone and playability of these iconic axes.

Period-correct versions of the originals
Lightweight alder body (ash on white blonde) with deep contours
Thick soft "V"-shaped maple neck
Model-specific special pickups
Includes deluxe vintage tweed case

Fender American Vintage ’56 Stratocaster Shell Pink

While adhering to meticulously re-created retro cosmetics, dimensions and finishes, the American Vintage ’56 Stratocaster has newly voiced New American Vintage pups that breathe new life into an iconic axe.

Fender Custom Shop

Staffed 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.
Visit our Private Reserve Guitar collection to see the current selection of Custom Shop Stratocasters.

Custom Shop Artist

Custom Shop Artist series Stratocasters are 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 Custom Shop David Gilmour Strat is the result of close collaboration with the Pink Floyd guitarist and his guitar tech, Phil Taylor.

Brian Baggett of Private Reserve Guitars details the many mods and demos the amazing sound of the Gilmour Signature Strat.

Custom Deluxe

Luthiers in the Fender Custom Shop select stunning woods and inlay materials along with the finest electronics and hardware components in hand crafting Custom Deluxe models.

Gorgeous, hand-selected woods are complemented by ‘60s-spec pickups with a Fat ’60s bridge pup adding extra chunk to the sound of the Custom Shop Custom Deluxe Strat.

Time Machine

In conceiving the Time Machine series from the Custom Shop, 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 Time Machine 1968 Stratocaster has received a heavy relic treatment, replicating the look of an instrument that has been subjected to thousands of hours of playing time.

Masterbuilt

Fender’s Masterbuilt Stratocasters are 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.

This utterly unique Master Built '69 Strat was handcrafted by Greg Fessler—the guy who builds Robben Ford’s guitars.

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 Standard Stratocaster is probably an excellent choice for you.
We want you to be pleased with your Stratocaster purchase, and offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee and generous return policy 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.

Source: http://thehub.musiciansfriend.com/guitar-buying-guides/stratocaster-buying-guide

Telecaster Buying Guide

A Brief History of the Telecaster

A comprehensive buyer’s guide to all Fender and Squier Telecaster series electric guitars.

A Brief History of the Telecaster
Tele Players: a Who’s Who of Guitar Wizardry
Basic Telecaster Features
Squier Telecasters
Fender Telecasters
USA Made Telecaster Guitars
Fender Custom Shop
So, Which Telecaster is Right for You?

A Brief History of the Telecaster

In 1951 the Telecaster was introduced to the world by Leo Fender, a Southern California inventor and businessman. Now a legendary instrument available in dozens of variations, the iconic “Tele” became the world’s first successfully mass-produced solid body electric guitar.
Fender's Esquire guitar was the first prototype for the Telecaster and was produced in limited numbers. It was introduced in 1950 and renamed the Broadcaster shortly after. To avoid confusion and trademark issues with Gretsch Broadkaster drums, the guitar was renamed as the Telecaster. The Esquire was brought back as a single-pickup version of the Telecaster in 1951.
The Telecaster’s simple, straightforward design along with its versatility and playability have led to its longevity. It features a single cutaway body and two single-coil pickups that produce the Tele’s bright and twangy trademark tone. The headstock has six single-side tuners, and the original design featured three innovative barrel-shaped bridge saddles that allowed guitarists to adjust the string height for better playability.
Fender incorporated production techniques no other guitar builder had used previously. Bodies were built using solid pieces of wood, referred to as blanks, and cavities for the electronics were made using a router. Prior to this, guitar bodies were hand-carved. The cavities offered easy access for repair or replacement of the electronics.

The Fender American Standard Tele cosmetically resembles its forerunner, but has a modern “C”-shaped neck plus Twisted Tele and Broadcaster pickups for improved playability and tone.

Fender didn’t use a traditional set neck. Instead, he routed a pocket into the body and bolted the neck into it, making production faster and easier. This innovation also allowed the neck to be quickly removed, adjusted, or entirely replaced. The original Telecaster neck was shaped using a single piece of maple without a separate fingerboard—another technique used to produce the instrument faster and more simply. Some luthiers, accustomed to using rosewood or ebony fingerboards that were glued onto the neck, found Fender’s methods highly unorthodox. Nonetheless, these revolutionary techniques resulted in an affordable, versatile, and highly playable instrument.
The Telecaster's popularity helped pave the way for the many other solid body electric guitar models that followed from other manufacturers—some of them thinly disguised knockoffs of the original Tele. Through it all, the Tele, in one form or another, has remained in constant production since its inception, and remains a workhorse for countless guitarists.
With the many Telecaster models available today, it may seem difficult to know which one’s best for you. This guide will give you the information you need to help pick the right Telecaster for your music and budget.

Tele Players: a Who’s Who of Guitar Wizardry

Throughout its history, the Telecaster has turned up in the hands of countless players in every modern music genre, ranging from rock to jazz to country to pop and everywhere in between. Along the way, Fender has made many signature-model Telecasters incorporating the specs of legendary players. Arguably, no other guitar has enjoyed such diverse and widespread popularity among so many guitarists representing so many different styles.
One testament to its popularity and influence is the number of legendary guitarists whose nicknames reference the Tele. These include “King of the Tele” Roy Buchanan, “Telemaster” Danny Gatton, and “Mr. Telecaster” Albert Lee.

Just a few famous Telecaster players from a range of musical genres:

Rock - Joe Strummer, Keith Richards, Bruce Springsteen, John 5, Jim Root
Pop - Jeff Buckley, Prince, Andy Summers, James Burton, George Harrison
Blues - Albert Collins, Muddy Waters, Mike Bloomfield, Roy Buchanan
Country - Brad Paisley, Vince Gill, Merle Haggard, Clarence White
Psychedelic Rock - Jeff Beck, Syd Barrett, Zoot Horn Rollo
Jazz - Jimmy Bryant, Mike Stern, Howard Roberts, Barney Kessel
Soul - Steve Cropper, Freddie Stone

Basic Telecaster Features

Although Telecaster come with a lot of model-specific variations, there are some general characteristics to be found on most Telecasters.

Solid body - usually ash or alder
Bolt-on neck - made of maple
Maple or rosewood fretboards (maple is more common)
Nitrocellulose lacquer (vintage Teles), polyurethane or polyester finish (modern Teles)
2 single-coil pickups (one in the bridge position and one in the neck position)
3-position pickup switch
Master tone and volume controls
21 or 22 frets
25.5" scale length
7 1/2" fretboard radius (vintage Teles), 9 1/2" fretboard radius (modern Teles)

To learn what these specs and features mean, check out our Electric Guitar Buying Guide.
With so many different Telecaster models to choose from today, many of these typical specs will vary on a model-specific basis. For the most part, differences among Telecaster models and families usually involve the pickups, electronics, hardware, and finishes. With this guide, we’ll walk you through those variations.
Keep reading for a complete rundown on all the currently available Telecaster models from Fender and its Squier division.

Squier Telecasters

Squier is a division of Fender and its Telecasters are based on Fender models, sharing many of the same design features at super-affordable prices. In the company's own words, Squier is the “value brand alternative to its big brother, Fender.” Squier Teles are largely made in Asia.