by Rowlandwithaw

Created on: November 22, 2011

Following on from the success of the Telecaster, in 1954 Fender launched the Stratocaster. In looks, it was radically different to the ‘Tele’ with a curvaceous body which was comfortable to play, and by adding a third pick up, the Fender Stratocaster, - affectionately referred to as the ‘Strat’- gave the player a wider range of sounds from which to choose. Such was the success of the ‘Strat’ that it is still in production today, and it has become probably the most popular shaped solid bodied guitar in the world. Many models made by manufacturers of hand built electric guitars such as Tom Anderson, Roger Sadowsky, and Suhr are often referred to as ‘Super-Strats’ - it’s not a criticism – it’s an ‘homage’! The Strat is one of the three classic shapes for solid bodied electric guitars, along with the Fender Telecaster and the Gibson Les Paul.

It began its rise to fame with iconic musicians such as Buddy Holly and Hank Marvin. It is synonymous with rock-blues, and the list of noteworthy players is endless- Jimi Hendrix, Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton, Ritchie Blackmore, John Mayer, Rory Gallagher, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Mark Knopfler, Bonnie Raitt, Robert Cray, Ronnie Wood, Ry Cooder and many, many more. Many of these artists have put their names to variations on the Strat - the Signature models. These include Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck and Buddy Guy. However, the Strat is essentially still a ‘Strat’ with customization of pick-ups, and neck profile to match that individuals’ style and sound.

The Strat has lasted well, it’s design being well ahead of it’s time maybe and though there have been a few minor modifications and improvements, the classic design is essentially the same. One of the innovations was regarding the original three-way pick up selection switch. Players such as Clapton wedged a matchstick in the switch to obtain an in-between position – and so Fender responded with a five-way switch which offers Neck pick up, Neck pick up + Middle pick up, Middle pick up, Middle pick up + Bridge pick up, and Bridge pick up.

The Strat is a true Classic guitar, and though others have tried to ‘improve’ on it, for many the Fender Strat is just THE guitar!

Technical Specification

Body Wood Poplar - also available in basswood mahogany koa with flamed maple top

Neck Wood Maple

Fretboard  Ebony usually 21 ‘vintage’ frets, white or black dots and 7.25" radius;

Scale 25.5" (24.75" on some models)

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