But over the years, with the development of different concepts, weve also seen Fender Strats with floating tremolo bridges, allowing players to raise the pitch with the pull of the whammy bar handle, allowing them to achieve that true vibrato thats usually reserved for fretless stringed instruments. Finish and Design: The very stylish design and finish are also what makes this guitar very specific. Even to this day, the guitar retains its main characteristics, with only some modifications done to it. We could find some minor adjustments to the guitars maple neck, different use of materials for the body or the fretboard, and even a different combination of pickups. Other than that, we have a classic maple neck that feels like most of the other Strat necks. The only difference is the humbucker pickup in the bridge position. We also have the Ultra Satin neck, which even adds to the guitars awesome feel and performance. The sonic output of these guitars is completely different compared to what were used to hearing from Stratocasters. remember I got a pair of brand new roller skates? Back in those days, guitar builders were still experimenting with humbuckers, and it wasnt until 1957 when Gibson implemented it on their Les Paul guitars that they got some widespread attention. But Leo Fender took it to a whole new level with his invention of an Esquire or Broadcaster guitar, which eventually became the Telecaster. Alternatively, Fender Strats may come with some totally unconventional pickup formations, which is the case with some higher-end models. Lastly, you should also look into any additional features that you might want to see on a guitar. Its all accompanied by amazing Heavy Metal pickups and their HSS configuration. Although not that common, these pickups are pretty interesting as they bring a higher output compared to average single-coils. Whats more, Fender Custom Shop is in charge of innovation and they have come up with new concepts that are used on plenty of Fenders standard products. This is the way Stevie preferred it. Its a great throwback instrument rounded up nicely with its 21 vintage-style frets. American Professional II Stratocaster (Editor's Choice), 3. The Noventa Telecaster will be available in Vintage Blonde and Fiesta Red for $950. My Review: With so many new additions to Stratocasters, plenty of guitar lovers got thirsty for the good old vintage stuff. This program is designed to provide a way for websites to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon. But well get to that later in the main section of the article. This makes them very useful for those lower tunings, but theyre quite often used in standard tuning and might come with just a bit of a higher tension because of it. Maple-made necks of Stratocasters almost exclusively feature maple fretboards with a radius of 7.25 inches. However, it was with the Fender Stratocaster that things took off. All in all, this is another one of the best Fender Stratocasters for the money. However, even though the Stratocaster is a well-known guitar model, there are plenty of model variations available today, each with something different to offer than the next, and covering a wide range of price points. Hardware, Electronics, and Controls: The most unusual feature is the reversed tremolo bridge, meaning that the handle is on the bass side of the body. Next up is the Fender Ultra Luxe Stratocaster Floyd Rose HSS. However, the guitar also comes with a rosewood fretboard in some of its variants. We have some unusual finishes that take us back to the flashy aesthetics of the 1980s. Youll even find Strats with two humbuckers or two P90 pickups. I have been a Stratocaster player since 1979, when I began my long musical career. There are five other models too. These are all specially selected high-end materials, which adds to the instruments great tone and durability. Fender Custom Shop Eric Clapton Stratocaster, 14. Reproduction of any part of this website without direct permission is prohibited. The 3 single-coil pickups are Vintage Noiseless ones and are accompanied by classic Strat controls. The humbucker in the bridge is just a little brighter compared to what youd expect from it, taking this instrument closer to the classic Fender territories. There are a number of Fender 2021 Artist Signature models too. We have the alder body paired with a maple neck in a standard bolt-on construction. There are even some examples of the V shape, the U shape, as well as thinner neck profiles. Theyll be available starting at $1,950. But comparing it to some cheaper models, the Ultra series brings tonewoods of better quality. With a cavity on the backside of the guitars body, Leo found a way to store springs in there, which were then attached to the bridge. Another alternative comes with the implementation of the so-called rails pickups. Other than that, we can notice that Fender keeps their game at a high level with a high level of tonewood quality. Hardware, Electronics, and Controls: The great thing about this model is that it convincingly replicates Strats that Fender made back in the 1960s, even with the hardware. The company has launched a number of 75th Anniversary Stratocasters, Telecasters, Precision Basses, and Jazz Basses, and theyre built in Corona, California. My background is in Electrical Engineering, earning a Bachelors degree from Youngstown State University. Whats more, some of these versions can either come with rosewood or maple fretboards. But if youre looking at your average Fender Stratocaster in a store, it usually comes with an alder or ash body, although those that are made out of alder are much more common. This is all accompanied by one master volume control, as well as two-tone knobs. Build Materials: While its pretty much the standard combo that we get with most Fender Strats, there are a few variants that also include a rosewood fretboard instead of the conventional maple one. The Stratocaster model here has a very peculiar neck design with its Soft V profile that was very popular in the 1950s, as well as a 7.25-inch fretboard radius and 21 frets. Released in 1950, it features only one single-coil pickup in the bridge position. But before we get into this list, its important to share a thing or two about Fender Stratocasters history and how it eventually managed to change the world. In some cases, these guitars can get the relic treatment, making them look as if theyre instruments from the old times. Along with the semi-hollow body and unique pickups, youll get a very rich tone. These may include stuff like active electronics, floating tremolo bridges, or even scalloped frets. With such a configuration, youll be able to cover some heavier territories. With my engineering experience, Ive developed as a designer of guitar amplifiers and effects. Nonetheless, this instrument can deliver not only a great tone but also a very comfortable and user-friendly performance. Bottom Line: In case youre up for a classic-styled Strat with some slightly modern features, then the Performer series comes in handy. These arent just your plain old boring finishes, but rather more intricate ones. This is easily one of the best Stratocasters on the market right now. The fretboard is also different here, not only with the materials used but with a slightly less round radius of 9.5 inches. This means that any guitar player can get their Stratocaster or any other of Fenders products made by the same people and with the same specs that were used for these legendary musicians. Home Guitars 16 Best Fender Stratocaster Guitars in 2022 (All Price Ranges). My Review: A guitar paying tribute to Stevie Ray Vaughn, this signature Strat takes things to some twangy bluesy territories. Other than that, its a pretty comfortable instrument to play, just like the regular version that we already described above. While some of the materials might not be as good compared to American-made Strats, youll still have some awesome qualities in there, including the overall feel and the tone. So far, there are three models in the Noventa series, including the Noventa Stratocaster, Noventa Telecaster, and Noventa Jazzmaster. Its all followed by an unusual reversed tremolo bridge, with the handle taking the top instead of the bottom position. While were at it, the guitars single-coils were made according to Eric Johnsons preferences. In fact, these guitars have always been praised for having an amazing feel. Finish and Design: In terms of aesthetics, this guitar is also done in Stevies style with the 3-tone sunburst and his initials on the black pickguard. This is yet another feature that brings it somewhat closer to the classic Super-Strat guitar concept. Id say that this particular Strat comes in handy for those who play hard rock and classic heavy metal, although its useful for plenty of other guitar-oriented genres as well. Hardware, Electronics, and Controls: Aside from the Vintage-style Synchronized Tremolo bridge, the guitar also comes with ClassicGear tuning machines that have that smooth action and a gear ratio of 18:1. At the same time, you need to bear in mind the unconventional nature of this instrument, being a classic Strat with three humbucker pickups. But the best thing about this Strat is the pickup configuration. Bottom Line: Theres really not much to say except that this is one of the finest and most prestigious Stratocasters out there. What makes Stratocasters stand out compared to most other guitars is their triple pickup configuration. The one that quite stands out is the Satin Lake Placid Blue which also gives this guitar a very eye-catching appeal. The body features an overall contoured design, a trait that makes the instrument pretty comfortable to play. Guitar Lobby is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associate Program. Stevie Ray Vaughan Signature Stratocaster, 12. The most often on, of course, is the triple single-coil pickup configuration, which allows for a standard 5-way positioning switch. Aside from Fender, we had other companies, most notably Gretsch and Gibson, which quite pushed the limits of this instrument. Bottom Line: Once again, we have a fairly simple and classic Fender Stratocaster with just some cheaper features compared to those high-end ones. Perhaps the headline announcement is an all new series from Fender, called the Noventa series. Bottom Line: Although intended for classic metal music, this is one fairly versatile instrument. You wont find any other Strat (or any other guitar model) that looks like this. As far as the pickups and electronics go, we have three Texas Special single-coils with all the standard Strat controls. Then we have Fenders specially designed pickups for this guitar, featuring stronger output and a slightly sharper and rougher tone. In case youre looking for something mellower, there are still Fender Stratocasters that feature bodies made out of mahogany, but theyre kind of rare. The Ben Gibbard Mustang will be available for $1,100 in March. Of course, this is accompanied by a fine rosewood fretboard. But whatever your choice might be, theyre always fairly comfortable, making Fender Stratocasters often associated with more virtuosic players over the years. Overall, theres nothing drastically new in their finish and design, but things have definitely been sharpened up compared to the original Stratocasters from the Professional series. But dont get fooled by its low price since this instrument can still put up quite a punch and even serve as a great guitar for more experienced musicians. In case youre into funk, its pretty much mandatory to have a Strat with only single-coil pickups. Its a high-end instrument, but its not as expensive compared to the other stuff that we mentioned, so its definitely worth it. Although single-coil-sized, these are three fully functional humbuckers. It would be a good idea to get more informed about these controls before buying a specific Stratocaster model that you want to lay your hands on. All rights reserved. Just bear in mind that all of these guitars are expensive. Build Materials: Aside from the standard alder body and maple neck, its accompanied by a Pau Ferro fretboard. However, its not rare to have certain products made available for the public. Although the body and neck joint is a bolt-on one, you can still have a pretty comfortable playing experience up there near the body. All images on our website are the property of their respective owners. However, these are Malmsteens signature Seymour Duncan STK-S10 YJM pickups that offer a more aggressive tone. But it just wasnt enough for Leo Fender. So instead of squared edges, you get that smooth feel, including a very useful design trait that allows for a comfortable picking hand placement. The same can be said about pickups and electronics. Even with extended heavy use, the guitar will stay in tune. The best solution here is to try them out and see how well it fits in your fretting hand. While its still the classic Strat tone, these pickups give a more balanced and articulate response, all while managing to keep that bright jangly high end of the spectrum in there. Amps, pedals, guitars, bass, drums, microphones, studio, and recording gear, I love it all. Whats also worth noting is that Strats come with a bolt-on body and neck construction, which might not work for some guitar players with a specific taste. Hardware, Electronics, and Controls: The guitar is equipped with a Floyd Rose double-locking tremolo system, locking nuts, and vintage-style tuners. Although the electric guitar was becoming increasingly popular, the instrument wasnt that easily obtainable and the world was still waiting for the wider commercial success of a particular model and its availability. Its also accompanied by two Tone knobs that control the treble roll-off of the humbucker and two other pickups. The first important difference comes with a mahogany body, which you dont see that often with Stratocasters. But with this said, we come to a very complicated issue how do you choose the perfect Fender Stratocaster for your needs? The idea was to have a very versatile and comfortable guitar to play. These guitars are expected to be released in April, and there are three models in total. Within the company, Fender has their special division called Fender Custom Shop. Last but not least is the Fender American Ultra Luxe Telecaster, which comes at $2,300 and is available in a standard Telecaster pickup configuration, or for $2,400, as a Floyd Rose HH. But aside from the standard triple single-coil setting that the Stratocaster became famous for, there are a few other examples worth noting. It was also the guitar that played my 1982 hit Lonely Seagull for the first time. Finish and Design: Although nothing too flashy, the guitars design keeps things very stylish in a subtle way. For this story, wed have to go back to the beginning of the 1950s. This prestigious model is what every Strat lover is aiming for and its intended for the most experienced players who are ready for such a serious investment. The only difference with these controls compared to some older Strats is that one tone knob controls the bridge pickup, while the other reduces the treble of both the neck and middle pickups. And these arent even all the important traits that the guitar carried. My Review: And here we come to Fenders twist to the Super-Strat concept. Build Materials: Choosing mahogany as the main body material for a Fender Stratocaster is a little unconventional. Fender is also celebrating its 75th anniversary in style. Copyright All Things Gear. Additionally, the instrument also comes with brand new V-Mod II single-coil pickups. Build Materials: Being a very expensive instrument, we have some of the best-chosen materials. A true passion of mine, Ive designed, built, and repaired a wide range of guitar amps and electronics. Its done all according to Eric Johnsons specs and brings no special branded pickups or hardware. Hank and I spent a day together at a TV studio, where we recorded a show. With this instrument, youll get the same specs that Eric Clapton himself prefers. The alder body and maple neck with a maple fingerboard work perfectly for the instruments Thinline design. Its one of those perfect blends of old and new stuff in one instrument. In 1952, Gibson unleashed their innovative Les Paul guitar with two P90 single-coil pickups and a very innovative bridge design. In fact, its easily one of the best electric guitar deals considering its price. My Review: Fender Player series are the cheapest ones, although they bring some of the basic qualities that we love about these guitars. The bridge is the same classic Fender tremolo one. In case youre looking to purchase your first-ever Fender guitar and are working with a limited budget for your entire setup, the Player series is what youll want to look into. However, scalloped frets are a very specific trait, and not every guitarist prefers such a design. Another thing thats very specific about any guitar model, including the Stratocaster, is the neck profile. Aside from the name, these are essentially the same old quality guitars that youd expect of Fender. They give a tone of a standard humbucker, although you may notice the difference in some cases due to their different design. This is followed by a maple neck and a standard maple fretboard in all of the models variants. The classic traits are all still there and it comes as a fairly versatile instrument. Hardware, Electronics, and Controls: This Strat comes with a Floyd Rose Double-locking tremolo bridge and a standard locking nut, all followed by Gotoh tuners for perfect tuning stability. Fender is adding to the America Ultra series too, with new Fender American Ultra Luxe models. Aside from that, we have a standard maple neck with the addition of a rosewood fretboard. The guitar might be a bit heavier compared to what were used to today, but most models have bodies that arent that heavy since the company has managed to keep things decent in this regard. However, whats so unique here is that we have a semi-hollow-body Strat, the so-called Thinline design. Fender American Performer Stratocaster, 3 single-coils or 1 humbucker and 2 single-coils, 1 volume and 2 tone pots, 5-way pickup selector switch, coil-split (with humbucker versions), Upgraded 2-Point Tremolo with Cold-Rolled Steel Block, 1 volume and 2 tone knobs, 5-way pickup selector, Player Series Alnico 5 Strat single-coil pickups, Volume (with treble blend), Two Tone Controls, 3 Vintage Noiseless single-coils or Twin Head Vintage humbucker in the bridge and 2 single-coils in middle and neck positions, 1 volume and 2 tone controls, coil-split (on humbucker versions), 5-way pickup selector switch, 2-point Vintage-Style Synchronized Tremolo, 6-Saddle Pure Vintage Synchronized Tremolo, Heavy Metal humbucker, 2 Heavy Metal single-coils, 1 volume and 2 tone controls, 5-way pickup selector, Floyd Rose Special Double-locking Recessed Tremolo, Seymour Duncan Hot Rails in bridge and neck, Seymour Duncan JB Jr. in the middle, 1 volume and 2 tone knobs, 5-way selector switch, 3 Seymour Duncan STK-S10 YJM Fury single-coils, Scalloped Frets, Dunlop 6000 Jumbo Fretwire. Here at the Guitar Lobby, our aim is to share our passion for Music and gear with the rest of the music community. The biggest selling point of the instrument comes with its scalloped frets. The fine sunburst finish with a pearl pickguard is an aesthetic representation of this guitars tone. My Review: Look, this is a fairly expensive one, but the Eric Clapton Signature Stratocaster model is one of the ultimate guitars that you can find on the market. Along with this also comes very ergonomic access to the instruments higher frets. While we have some classic design and build traits that you find on most Strats, this one brings in a special set of pickups, improved bridge, and locking tuners. Yngwie Malmsteen Signature Stratocaster, 15. Build Materials: As already mentioned, the specs are the same except for the pickups. It also featured contoured edges and had a contoured backside of the body which made it very comfortable both for standing or sitting positions. Looking more into the world of Stratocasters, we also have models that implemented the innovative Floyd Rose bridges, accompanied by locking nuts. Be it mainstream pop music, funk, jazz, or extreme metal, it found its way into the hearts of both the music fans and musicians worldwide. Of course, there have been many modifications to the instrument, as well as different models being manufactured over the years. Whats more, the bridge also had individual and adjustable saddles where you could adjust their height and intonation. So lets start with the basics the guitars body. The guitars should be available in February, and will come with ash bodies. My Review: Another throwback to the old times is the Fenders Vintera 50s series. One of the strongest points of every Fender Stratocaster is the neck. The guitar is available in 2-color Sunburst, or Plasma Red Burst. Basically, if you click on a product link on this site and buy that product we get a small commission at no extra cost to you. The cavity on the backside of the guitar holds three springs that keep the balance and you just pull the whammy bar handle to lower the pitch of all strings. In a lot of cases, we have the standard C-shaped neck profile, although many other variants have been used. Being a little harder compared to some other tonewoods, it all helps this guitar have a very tight tone. Although a simple guitar, these are high-quality specially selected tonewoods. Just like the previous models, this one also had the bolt-on body and neck formation, as well as standard single-coil pickups. The cold-rolled steel block is enhanced and even helps add some sustain in there. Build Materials: Yngwie Malmsteen Signature Strat comes with the standard configuration, featuring an alder body and maple neck with a maple fretboard. Fender Noventa is a new line that makes use of the same P-90 pickups that have been used in the Mustang 90 and Modern Player models. Its not for everyones taste due to these features and a very unusual finish, but its still one very well-done and unique guitar. Bottom Line: The guitar is not as expensive as youd expect from all of its features and traits. My Review: Although not a Super-Strat, Dave Murrays signature Strat is intended for virtuoso players who love heavier tones. These guitars will be available in May. Its too easy to play and inexperienced guitarists might even bend the strings if they press them too hard. This was, of course, accompanied by a 5-way pickup selector switch, with the guitar offering a nice palette of different tones, along with its one volume and two tone controls. Its a pretty great and practical instrument for any metal player who still likes some classic features. The striking simplicity of the instrument combined with its immense potential and flexibility offers something for almost any genre that comes to mind. We have the American Vintage tremolo bridge, Schaller Vintage F-style tuners, and 3 single-coil pickups with basic controls. Of course, they also make special amplifiers there, and all the gear is usually done for high-profile experienced musicians. NAMM 2021: Fenders 2021 lineup includes the new Noventa series, and more, unveiled a series of new guitars and amps, Weezer is giving away one truly limited edition all-black Stratocaster to promote their new album, Fender is offering customers a 10% Black Friday discount online, with one catch, Fender drops the first Fender Rarities guitar: The Fender Rarities Flame Maple Top Stratocaster. In case you need something that would also cover heavier territories, then you can always go with Strat that has a humbucker in the bridge position.

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