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?
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Table of Contents
A Brief History of the StratocasterWhy 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
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
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
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.
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
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
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.
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
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
