All user reviews for the Fender American Standard Stratocaster [2008-2012]

What can I say that hasn't been already said with words or music about the Fender Stratocaster. This is just one fine instrument and overall probably the most versatile guitar that is ever been created. This is a guitar I can play hard rock all the way to country and pretty much anything in between. This is such a fantastic sounding and resourceful instrument that has such a great soul and tone that will play very well with your style and your style of music. It's a simple design but the balance and weight is just perfect. It has a great ripping tone and the feel of the instrument is perfect for my hands and style . It just has a simple but yet perfect in every way design.

UTILIZATION

Fender American Standard Stratocaster Features:

* Color: Olympic White
* Body: Alder
* Finish: Polyurethane Finish
* Thinner Undercoat Finish for Improved Resonance
* Neck: Maple, Tinted Neck with Gloss Front/Satin Back
* Fretboard: Maple, 9.5"
* Rolled Fretboard Edges
* Number of Frets: 22, Medium-Jumbo
* Scale Length: 25.5"
* Nut: Melamine, Width: 1.685"
* Hardware: Chrome
* Machine Heads: Fender Deluxe Staggered Cast/Sealed Tuning Keys
* Bridge: 2-Point Synchronized Tremolo with American Standard Bent Steel Saddles
* Copper Infused High-mass 100% Metal Bridge Block
* Pickguard: 3-Ply Parchment
* Pickups: American Standard Single-Coil Pickups
* Pickup Switching: 5-Position Blade
* Controls: Master Volume, Tone 1.(Neck pickup), Tone 2. Delta Tone™ (Middle and Bridge)
* Case: Molded Fender/SKB Case included with TSA Locks, Glass Reinforced Nylon Trigger Latches, and Form Fitted Plush interior
* Accessories: Cable, strap, polishing cloth, trem arm, wrenches
* Weight: 7.7 lbs

SOUNDS


I primarily like these instruments with a good high gain amplifier and even more I like to with the Marshall amplifier. Whether it be a vintage amplifier or a newer Marshall amplifier whatever it may be these guitars just sounds very well with those amplifiers. But then again it's pretty much sounds like it does with any amplifier whether it be clean to mid gain. This instrument can just really do it all and play in all circumstances. It doesn't really matter what amplifier you have this guitar will take it to the next level.

I like using this guitar with a overdrive pedal a delay pedal of chorus pedal and the amps tube distortion. That allows me to get the results that I'm looking for quickly and easily. But whatever you have it really doesn't matter because this is an instrument to have its own feel and own sound that will make any other equipment you have whether it be effects pedals overdrive pedals, or amplifiers go to the next level.

OVERALL OPINION


These guitar you can find extremely easily pretty much anywhere you book. Almost every retailer sells Fender Stratocaster guitars and you can't find me when you can easily find a used one. They are easily to come by but they do have a lot of variants and backs throughout the years so I suggest trying them out before buying because different next will result in different feelings and balance.

Fender is probably the biggest music company in the world when it comes to amp and guitars. They have been played all over the world from beginner learning guitar players to the best professionals in the world. Any guitar who has ever been playing the guitar longer than a few year most likely have picked up owned a Fender Stratocaster at some point. This is one of the standard American Stratocaster's that you would see on most guitar shops. This is the black standard axe that is pretty much the most basic looking of all the strat's that you will see.

UTILIZATION


Fender American Standard Stratocaster Features:

* Color: Black
* Body: Alder
* Finish: Polyurethane Finish
* Thinner Undercoat Finish for Improved Resonance
* Neck: Maple, Tinted Neck with Gloss Front/Satin Back
* Fretboard: Maple, 9.5"
* Rolled Fretboard Edges
* Number of Frets: 22, Medium-Jumbo
* Scale Length: 25.5"
* Nut: Melamine, Width: 1.685"
* Hardware: Chrome
* Machine Heads: Fender Deluxe Staggered Cast/Sealed Tuning Keys
* Bridge: 2-Point Synchronized Tremolo with American Standard Bent Steel Saddles
* Copper Infused High-mass 100% Metal Bridge Block
* Pickguard: 3-Ply Parchment
* Pickups: American Standard Single-Coil Pickups
* Pickup Switching: 5-Position Blade
* Controls: Master Volume, Tone 1.(Neck pickup), Tone 2. Delta Tone™ (Middle and Bridge)
* Case: Molded Fender/SKB Case included with TSA Locks, Glass Reinforced Nylon Trigger Latches, and Form Fitted Plush interior
* Accessories: Cable, strap, polishing cloth, trem arm, wrenches
* Weight: 7.7 lbs

SOUNDS

This guitar will work in any environment. They sound good with Fender amps and they sound goo with Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifiers as well as they sound with any Marshall.
Any old amp will do with this guitar. The soul form this guitar is simply just captivating and alluring. They sound just flat out amazing to me. The tone of these guitars do not change from any other Fender Stratocaster that anyone has ever played. If you have played one American Fender Stratocaster than you know exactly how one sounds. There isn't too much variation of tone between Strats. They either sound like a Strat or they sound like a Strat. You can tell the difference in a Gibson Les Paul, a Fender Telecaster, and Fender Stratocaster. They each have their own tone and sound that uniquely their own.

This fine Fender guitar is so silky and smooth that is makes you amp sing like it was meant to be together. This instrument will blend and create a mix or soul with you like no other guitar can and probably ever will. There is a reason why these guitars have been copied the world over. There is a reason why so many people attempt to build and recreate their own version of these guitars.

OVERALL OPINION

I would highly recommend this guitar to anyone searching for one of the best guitars that has ever been created. These guitars have now been discontinued. You can still find them pretty easily on the used market and even some stores still have some new old stock on hand. These are cool guitars and a player's guitar for sure. They have a touch and rugged feel to them that makes them a perfect gigging guitar.

The Fender Stratocaster is a beautiful guitar that continues to get impress me even after generations of its first manufacturing. It has a great feeling, a great balance, but overall a beautiful guitar. It comes with three single coil pickup,s a volume control knob, and two tone control knobs. As a five way pick up select or not about us as far as electronics and features come.

UTILIZATION


Fender American Standard Stratocaster Features:

* Color: Black
* Body: Alder
* Finish: Polyurethane Finish
* Thinner Undercoat Finish for Improved Resonance
* Neck: Maple, Tinted Neck with Gloss Front/Satin Back
* Fretboard: Maple, 9.5"
* Rolled Fretboard Edges
* Number of Frets: 22, Medium-Jumbo
* Scale Length: 25.5"
* Nut: Melamine, Width: 1.685"
* Hardware: Chrome
* Machine Heads: Fender Deluxe Staggered Cast/Sealed Tuning Keys
* Bridge: 2-Point Synchronized Tremolo with American Standard Bent Steel Saddles
* Copper Infused High-mass 100% Metal Bridge Block
* Pickguard: 3-Ply Parchment
* Pickups: American Standard Single-Coil Pickups
* Pickup Switching: 5-Position Blade
* Controls: Master Volume, Tone 1.(Neck pickup), Tone 2. Delta Tone™ (Middle and Bridge)
* Case: Molded Fender/SKB Case included with TSA Locks, Glass Reinforced Nylon Trigger Latches, and Form Fitted Plush interior
* Accessories: Cable, strap, polishing cloth, trem arm, wrenches
* Weight: 7.7 lbs

SOUNDS


The tone of this guitar is fantastic and when you couple it with a solid amplifier then you will have some great guitar tones. My preferential guitar rig would be a Stratocaster with the Marshall amplifier or some other high gain amplifier for my tastes. I generally like a humbucker pickups on any Strat which would be called a super Strat but the three single coil pick ups is pretty standard for Fender Stratocaster guitars. If you uses with good on 100 watt high gain amplifier maybe some analog delays or some chorus and you can get some great rock 'n roll tones for recording gigging.

OVERALL OPINION


I recommend this guitar to anyone is looking for a great gigging guitar and recording guitar. This is definitely a players guitar and a instrument that is very versatile you can find these guitars online new and used fairly easily as they are pretty saturated with in the market. Just about every guitar retailer or outlet store for guitar music will carry this guitar.

Made in America
Single coils, 22 jumbo frets
Floyd
Channel Saddle

UTILIZATION

It took me a while before I DCID to handle keys or rosewood Saddle ...
I finally took the Rabl (although I rvais a rosewood) and touch and drag trs is enjoyable (especially with a bit of fast freight)
This stratovolcano is quite lgre compared to other more strat Chres I could try.
The sound is lgrement sharper than the other strata that I tried (string?)

APRS 3am on the back, she PSE sacrment heavily on the shoulders.
The sound is okay, even if sometimes go anywhere any of five positions micro seems to suit me.

SOUNDS

It is versatile (pop, rock)
I play with a BOSS GT8, on an old jazz chorus amp half-broken.
Trs his brilliant, just mtallique (strings?), The least serious MODEL Submitted on a more expensive pickup position.
I like the bridge position.

edit:
tests on a 100W marshall 30me birthday.
Not bad but all whistles cts ^ _ ^

OVERALL OPINION

I for a week.
I like the finish, the quality Fender.
I tried other models more expensive (no name spcial ...) and a deluxe strat US, and that's quiff quiff. Just fly box and microphones (noiseless switch S1 +) and more ... Anecdotal however for my use.
1200 is a bit expensive, but it's a great guitar!
I do it again this election, and I'll buy another layer when I'm rich.

edit:
I have two years.
I put 8 / 10 because it is an ordinary guitar (standard), which has increasingly become a REFERENCE to the CATEGORY and again imitates.
I prfr the US Deluxe for 50 euros more but dlais taient wait 3 months ...
The cobalt noiseless t would be useful on a large 100W all-tube Marshall.
1200 in France, knowing that much can be new around 600 euros in California ...
Namely, therefore, I will take the states or a les paul faded j'achterai. mouhaha. forgiveness.

This is the standard strat that everybody looks at today. While some people tend to gravitate towards the Mexican strats due to their price, I find that the American Standard series is a bit more consistent in terms of overall tone and build quality than the other ones out there. The guitar features an alder body, a maple neck, 22 frets, dot inlays, two point tremolo, SSS configuration, one volume, two tones and a five way switch.

UTILIZATION

There were a few issues, but it was nothing too major. The biggest issue on this guitar was that the fret ends were a bit sharp. Some quick work with a modified triangle file helped fix that issue. The frets themselves were a touch flat, but it was nothing that really affected anything. The guitar was the perfect weight, and it didn't have any finish flaws at all. There were also no neck joint gaps that some of the other lower quality guitars can sometimes have. Overall, it's pretty much on par for what you'd find from Fender during this point in time.

SOUNDS

The guitar had some pretty solid pickups in it. The bridge itself had some good output, although it was a touch bright. Thankfully, there's a tone knob on this that you can adjust to help cut down on that. The middle pickup itself is something I never use. It's just not something I find that musical. However, the in-between positions were great for those funky and clean tones. That's where the middle pickup really shines. The neck pickup was great for those blues lines, but it didn't exactly have the power I was looking for. I generally prefer hotter pickups, so it's no real surprise there.

OVERALL OPINION

The guitar is solid, and if you search your local craigslist, you can get some really good deals on these guitars. Quite a few people sell these at killer prices on the used market, and that's where i recommend buying. You'll get a great deal if you hold off with your money and choose the right one that really speaks to you.

There have always been two main woods out there for Fender guitars -- Ash and Alder. It was actually Ash that the first 10 '54 Strats were made out of, but Leo switched to Alder after that, and Alder became the more popular wood for whatever reason. Ash is great with strats, however, and I find that it's an underused tone wood. The guitar features an ash body, a maple neck, 22 frets, dot inlays, two point tremolo, SSS configuration, one volume, two tones and a five way switch.

UTILIZATION

The guitar was the same as pretty much every Deluxe Strat out there. The frets were pretty good on this. They were level, and there were no issues with the ends cutting your hand. However, they could have been crowned a bit better. The nut was cut correctly on this, so that was a good thing. The locking tuners on this was also a great addition. I'm a HUGE fan of locking tuners, and I really think every guitar should have them installed standard. I'm not sure why so many companies skimp on this.

SOUNDS

The pickups in this were the SCN pickups, and they were as brutal as single coils could be, really. The bridge could actually get one hell of a Van Halen tone, and I was totally shocked. It's super thick and fat sounding. It has just the right amount of bite and the perfect low end. I believe this is thanks to the ash body. The neck was super powerful, and while it lacked some dynamics, it was solo heaven. You could get some sick lead lines that absolutely sung. The in between positions were wonderful for that funky and clean tone. The S1 switch on this was pretty lame, and I recommend not even bothering using it because it just sounds muddy and undefined once it's enabled.

OVERALL OPINION

The guitar is very solid, and you can get these for a pretty good price on the used market. If you get the chance to try one in a store, I recommend picking it up. I'm sure you'll be surprised, assuming it has a good setup and fresh strings. They're fairly consistent today, and the necks feel nice on these. Buying used can get you a really good deal, and I recommend scoping out eBay for a good deal.

The Fender Stratocaster is easily one of the best and most iconic guitars and it's ever been created. It has a great telling the great overall feeling and is probably the most recognizable guitar that you've ever seen. So many modern builders and guitar manufactures have copy and uses Fender Stratocaster for influence in their own creations. This is a great starting point guitar for any guitarist out there wanting to learn the electric guitar. It has a great overall feel and it's extremely versatile from genre to genre of music. You can find these guitars played on the simplest and lowest key type of music all way up into the hard rock and metal tones. This is extremely versatile guitar for anyone looking to pick up and play electric guitar.

UTILIZATION


Neck Shape: Modern "C" Shape
Number of Frets: 22
Fret Size: Medium Jumbo
Position Inlays: Black Dot Position Inlays
Fretboard Radius: 9.5" (24.1 cm)
Fretboard: Rosewood or Maple
Neck Material: Maple
Neck Finish: Gloss Headstock Face with Satin Urethane Finish on Back of Neck
Nut Width: 1.685" (42.8 mm)
Scale Length: 25.5" (64.8 cm)
Neck Plate: 4-Bolt Neck Plate with Micro-Tilt™
Truss Rods: Bi-Flex™ Truss Rod System
Truss Rod Nut: 1/8" American Series Nut
Electronics
Pickup Configuration: S/S/S
Bridge Pickup: American Strat® Single-Coil Pickup
Middle Pickup: American Strat® Single-Coil Pickup
Neck Pickup: American Strat® Single-Coil Pickup
Pickup Switching: 5-Position Blade: Position 1. Bridge Pickup, Position 2. Bridge and Middle Pickup, Position 3. Middle Pickup, Position 4. Middle and Neck Pickup, Position 5. Neck Pickup
Special Electronics: No-Load Tone Control
Controls: Master Volume, Tone 1. (Neck Pickup), Tone 2. No-Load Tone Control (Middle and Bridge Pickups)
Hardware
Hardware: Chrome
Bridge: 2-Point Synchronized Tremolo with Vintage Style Bent Steel Saddles
Tuning Machines: Deluxe Staggered Cast/Sealed Tuning Machines
String Nut: Synthetic Bone
Switch Tip: Parchment Switch Tip
Tremolo Arm/Handle: American Standard Series Tremolo Arm

SOUNDS

This guitar features three pick ups and all our single coil pick ups. That means they didn't be very clear and very transparent or you're also getting get some 60 cycle houm in your guitar tone. This is very faint and if you've ever played a single quill guitar and you know exactly what I'm talking about. The difference between single coils and humbuckers is simply that humbucker cancels out the home. See you got three pickups and you got a five way selector to select each pick up on its own. We can pick up or switch in between each of the three pick ups. You have a volume in two tone control knobs that allow you to dial in a little bit less highs if you Sony.

These guitars go great with any amplifier to use. If you using to clean fender amplifier to near to get a great solid bluesy clean tone. If using a hot rod hard rock metal or overly saturated or distorted amplifier such a mate as a Mesa boogie early Marshall amplifier and you're getting a great sustained and singing lead rock rhythm tones. The matter what you're playing at what amplifier that you're playing it with these guitars will match very well and give you exactly what you want out of the guitar. They're knocking a mimic or anything but they sound pure and true and natural to its character and integrity of the body that in it and the wood in this guitar. The fantastic guitar for anyone that wants to get into a band or needs a good guitar for recording purposes.

OVERALL OPINION


I highly recommend this guitar to anyone looking to pick up one of the best sounding and most versatile guitars out there. You can find you all day on the use market in the classifieds. The market is so saturated with these guitars primarily because they're one of the most versatile guitars out there in existence. I highly recommend this to anyone and if you need a solid sunny guitar and a solid American-built guitar then look no further than Ms. Fender Stratocaster guitar.

MODEL US manufactured between 2008 and 2009:
Channel 22 frets Maple
-Rosewood
Configure-S / S / S
Sunburst-Clear
-5-way switch with 1 Volume and 2 Tone

Purchase in a state almost nine (there were still stickers on the back Fender, ect ...) for less than 650 (thanks to the kindness of my seller)

Obviously, it is pure Start ', we like it or not, but if you like, then it is nickel.

UTILIZATION

Needless to s'tendre on the ergonomics of the form invented almost 60 years ago by his friend Leo, it's just perfect (that said, I think a large majority of guitarists held a Start 'in their hands at least once and were able to do their ide).

Ct neck, my previous guitar silent imitation Telecaster (entry-trs but good quality), and it took me a little adaptation as the handle and comfort g nral the Telecaster is amazing.
But this time spent rest of trs flies high, perfectly playable until the 22nd case (it's not a Flying V either, but unless you have fingers bcherons, will not pose a problem).

The hoop is impecabble and lightweight instrument (more than a Les Paul) and perfectly equilibrated.

Trs ct mcaniques pleasant surprise, since they are well trs agreement.

Finally, the selector is quite his job, the potentiomtre volume is a bit less progressive than my TV (but hey, it will be a little tape, it is usable even when), m Tone for me. Note that the central tonality of the microphone can be adjusted (but use, it is frankly not a problem).

SOUNDS

Ct sound is right there in the world Stratocaster (not in December '?).
I played with a lot Peavey Vypyr 15 (modlisation, stifling a lot of personality but offers highly distorted trs) and a Laney VC-15 all-tube (in a beautiful register Blues / Rock / Hard Rock).

Needless to say, with the latter it is best expressed, especially since it is suited to records that cover the instrument. Concretely, according to the mic positions (1 = neck pickup, neck = 2 + central ... in short z'aurez including the IDE) If you have lazy, see the following paragraph for r sum.

Position 1: Although serious, somewhat soft and shiny. In clean, it's good for a blues "old" or coaching Folk typ. The characters gneral is crystalline, trs enjoyable to the ear. Lowering the Tone gives enough sounds Jazz. The saturated fat sounds good, even when we lower the Tone. Not bad for the fawn solo ballad 80s (November Rain inside, even if one does not the sound of a humbucker).

Position 2: Allows you to "qualify" a little THE FIRST. In clean, it's a bit less bright, but the records do not change frankly affordable. To register go "Clean Hendrixien," he will be a letter in the mail (to, at random, the intro to Little Wing). With a little overdrive by contrast, lends itself well to blues a little more nervous.

Position 3 (middle pickup only): Good balance, carrment versatile. I use it to approach the Dire Straits in the Clean or with a slight rev drive but it responds well CARREMENT Crunch / Diston, with his little characters.

Position 4: To qualify a bit strong characters of trs bridge pickup, even if it is present dj trs and provides ct "duck" and acute. In its Clean, it's pretty obvious, and trs suitable for funky rhythms and riffs vaguely connotes country (who said "Sweet Home Alabama?".
The overdrive dj is less bluesy and more hits, good for power chords fawn pop / rock.
But the highlight of this configuration is a sound saturated me. Although aggressive and dynamic, double bends scream, beat up the power chords, riffs and even has the Led Zep sound. Play Smoke on the Water The above is a real treat (remember that Ritchie Blackmore swore by the Start &#39.

Position 5: I agree with other opinions on this point is the position srement the most difficult to exploit. Basically, it's like 4, only worse In its clean, it's really nasal, treble trs are present. It does well for casseroles funky, but personally, I prefer the shade by adding micro center.
The distortion sounds great with angry, again, much much treble.
It is quite possible to use it, I would say that even a micro possde caratre delectable enough, but wonder all the same a little practice and use relatively precise.
In short, in a manner gnrale, we get great clean trs versatile, crystalline, and chattered, and a sound that is saturated in prtera Rock gnral until Hard Rock, playing on the different mic positions.
But be careful, however, trs large distortion is not the strong point of the instrument (the pickups are also quite loud) and what type of sound is vintage and very "runny", as opposed to specific sounds and "smooth" type guitar Ibanez RG or Jackson.

But out of the hardcore metal, is a superb all-purpose tool: the affordable Jazz, Blues sounds impeccable. We can get good rock and roll sounds but also sounds Floydienne (Gilmour, another major user of Start &#39 and Hendrixiennes (although to transform all the names of artists adjectives?).
The appearance of Hard Rock, however, is not negligible as one approaches the sound of a Deep Purple, and even more by playing with various settings of the amp and guitar (the scratch of Iron Maiden ports are also trs Start ', even if they use mostly humbucker with MODELS).
In short versatility embodies, if only one does not force a play Death Metal, the pvre bte.

Last point (better late than never): vibrato, trs musical and reacts to the slightest stress, which allows for effects Varis trs. As a bonus, it dsaccorde less guitar than you might think. Not try to do a Dive Bomb all 3 ratings either, but out of Floyd (I got a too restrictive) is one of the best I know (but I did not test masses it is true).

When there are more, y'en again, it seems to me that there are also version with Humbucker in bridge. I think it should make more, can be more versatile in the field of music "Hard", but I find it a shame to lose the unique characters of Simple bridge. It would almost be worth having both versions


OVERALL OPINION

In the end, I do not use that in the last 7 or 8 less, but I feel like I have always had.

I tried a lot of variety and Varis MODELS Before reaching it, including Start 'Mexican and Epiphone Les Paul. The Premire can be quite impressive for their price but the quality varies a lot even in a SERIES and you lose a lot ct finish, even if the sound delivered quality is often surprising (I would opt for a Mexican srement if I had not had the opportunity to have a US to the same price). The Epiphone deu me in terms of relative qualitprix, I struggled to see the difference between some of the range between copy and Epiphone. But she did, especially not the same characters, I would be probably a Les Paul in the future, it is especially trs different actually.
So getting back to that we are interested in (the Start USD for those who would really, REALLY nothing but then follow-up), I report qualitprix IDAL excellent opportunity for a state, I n new 'would clearly not able to buy it, but still an excellent instrument.

I highly recommend if you are looking for a versatile guitar, solid and enjoyable to play trs.

The USA Strat has had many different versions made over the years. This is a slight departure from the main model in that it features an ash body and is finished in a striking see through finish called Sienna Sunburst which really is eye catching and fits the ash grain really well.

Since 1986 they have been built right in California right where they should be. The Sienna Sunburst finish like I mentioned is a really striking finish overall. This particular model has a maple neck and fretboard (my personal favourite) and is equipped with three single coils. The guitar features an ash body (for different tonal effects), a maple neck with 22 frets, sealed Fender tuners, a 2 point pivot Fender tremolo, and American Standard Fender pickups/electronics. Basically, it's what a typical Strat looks like, but in the modern age. Fender has slowly been refining the Strat since redesigning it in the 1980s and at this point they're just turning out some truly awesome guitars.




UTILIZATION

There have only been a few different things done to change and enhance the guitar since its (re)introduction in 1986. What is presented here and what is for sale now is basically the perfect path from vintage to modern. These guitars have a great weight to them. The ash ones are sometimes heavier (as this one is) but the alder ones are excellent light to medium weight instruments that fits on the body well overall. Regardless of the body wood, the contouring and feel of these guitars is very good and it feels very real. Upper fret access is what it is on these guitars... it's been good enough for many players over the years.

Getting a good tone out of these guitars is not difficult because of the awesome pickups used. The newer model USA pickups being put in these guitars are really something else... the pure Strat tone is there in spades. Everything from the jangly top end of cleans to the bright and raunchy undertones of a driven rock and roll machine is backed by that unmistakable Fender sound.


SOUNDS

I've tried many variations of the American Standard Strat over the years using different Fender, Marshall and Mesa Boogie amplifiers. The older ones tend to lack a certain crispiness that makes a Strat as good as it is. However, the newer ones have some sort of pixie dust mojo thing going on... very cool! Starting with the clean tones, I was really stoked about how the glassy textures and sparkle that marks a good Strat was very present in these newer American Standard guitars. The clean sounds were some of the most enjoyable I've tried in a while. Plugged into a good Fender amp, I was able to dial in some awesome tones ranging all the way from the '50s into the modern day, all without missing a single beat. The ash guitar is definitely brighter than the alder bodied ones I've tried overall and it sounds a little more like a '50s Strat (brighter and jangly) compared to the thicker and heavier sound of the alder ones.

The overdrive tones are really cool as well. I was able to dial in some great Eric Johnson esque tone summits that were certainly the highlight of my testing experience. The guitar handled whatever gain levels I threw at it and responded with a delightful Stratty "snap" that was eerily enjoyable. The ash body has a really unique quality that works really well with overdrive and has more of an honest quality... it's brighter and a bit thinner with a more scooped midrange, but it sits so well with gain that it balances out quite nicely. It's not quite as smooth/refined sounding as the American Deluxes, but it makes up for it with a more honest and sincerely killer tone that is most certainly a killer Strat.


OVERALL OPINION

The Fender American Standard Strat is definitely a force to be reckoned with. They're about $1,200 new for the ash model (about $200 more). They also come with a sweet TSA approved flight case too. Definitely a wise one to try if you want a slightly different sounding Strat. It's a bit like comparing a '50s Strat to a '60s one, it can be hard but if you know what you want you'll make the right choice. Either way you can't go wrong. These guitars are super consistent and all sound/feel awesome.

Fender has been a bit more consistent with the American line lately than they have back in the early 2000s. They seem to be getting their act together a bit and making better guitars. The guitar features an alder body, a maple neck with a maple fretboard (one piece with a skunk stripe), 22 frets, dot inlays, two point tremolo, three single coil pickups, one volume, two tones and a five way switch.

UTILIZATION

The guitar was put together fairly nicely. The biggest issue I had with this is that the frets should have been leveled a bit more. There were a few dead spots in the higher frets once you start lowering the action, and the radius on this guitar isn't doing those who like low action any favors. The nut was cut properly so no issues there. Getting up to the higher frets is the same as any other strat in that it's a bit of a struggle at times, but it's not too terrible. There are definitely worse out there. The guitar comes equipped with the (in my opinion) much nicer two point tremolo which is super smooth and stays in tune nicely.

SOUNDS

The singles in this were pretty good, but they're still standard Fender singles. The single in the bridge is a bit bright, and it doesn't have a ton of power. It works great for some of those old school funk rhythms when mixed with the middle position, but the single itself can be a bit bright alone. A quick touch of the tone knob fixes that. The middle + neck position is strat tone heaven. This is where you get that really cool clean tone and sweet funky/blues tone. The neck position works alright for those lead tones, but I find it to be a bit one dimensional and slightly underpowered for my tastes.

OVERALL OPINION

The guitar is very solid, and you get a lot for your money if you're buying these used. Be sure to try a few of these out before buying them if you can. They're fairly consistent, but a few have their issues. To me, the biggest thing is that this needs a pickup change, even though the stock pickups themselves aren't that terrible.

The Fender American Standard Strat was designed at the time of Fender's buyout from large conglomerate CBS. It was meant to bring everything that was good about vintage Strats and combine it with modern day features that players were requesting. It has been built virtually unchanged since 1986 and it still stands today as a premier guitar.

They're built at Fender's factory in Corona California, in the good ol' US of A. They come in a variety of wild and cool colours and are available with maple or rosewood fretboards as well as in SSS or HSS models. The guitar features an alder body, a maple neck with 22 frets, sealed Fender tuners, a 2 point pivot Fender tremolo, and American Standard Fender pickups/electronics. Basically, it's what a typical Strat looks like, but in the modern age. It comes in a variety of colours to suit a variety of different tastes... there's something here for everyone!






UTILIZATION

Minimal design changes have been done to this guitar over the years, with only a few basic changes in design. However the guitar has basically settled down and what is for sale now is basically a great evolution of the vintage Strat brought into the modern age. These guitars have a great weight range for sure. Some of the ash bodied ones are definitely on the weighty side, but the alder ones seem to have an excellent light to medium weight to them that rests on the body well. Upper fret access is what it is on these guitars... it's been good enough for many players over the years.

Getting a good tone out of these guitars is fairly easy thanks to their updated pickups and electronics. The newer model USA pickups being put in these guitars are really something else... the pure Strat tone is there in spades. Everything from the charming top end of cleans to the sweet and saucy undertones of a driven rock and roll machine is backed by that unmistakable Fender sound.

SOUNDS

I've tried many variations of the American Standard Strat over the years using different Fender, Marshall and Mesa Boogie amplifiers. The older ones tend to lack a certain crispiness that makes a Strat as good as it is. However, the newer ones have some sort of pixie dust mojo thing going on... very cool! Starting with the clean tones, I was really stoked about how the glassy textures and sparkle that marks a good Strat was very present in these newer American Standard guitars. The clean sounds were some of the most enjoyable I've tried in a while. Plugged into a good Fender amp, I was able to dial in some awesome tones ranging all the way from the 50s into the modern day, all without missing a single beat.

The overdrive tones are really cool as well. I was able to dial in some great Jeff Beck and Eric Johnson esque tone summits that were certainly the highlight of my testing experience. The guitar handled whatever gain levels I threw at it and responded with a delightful Stratty "snap" that was eerily enjoyable. It's not quite as smooth/refined sounding as the American Deluxes, but it makes up for it with a more honest and sincerely killer tone that is most certainly a killer Strat.

OVERALL OPINION

All in all I feel as though Fender is really at the top of their game. They are about $1,000 new with TSA approved flight case, which is a killer deal. If you are looking for a very real sounding Strat and need the vintage meets modern look and the feeling that you're playing an icon, get the Fender American Standard Stratocaster!

Ah, the Fender American Standard Strat! The guitar that is the benchmark for everything that Fender bases its Strat line around and the guitar that everything is judged against for tone and feel. It must be good...

They're built right in the USA at Fender's plant in Corona California. They come in a variety of wild and cool colours and are available with maple or rosewood fretboards as well as in SSS or HSS models. The guitar features an alder body, a maple neck with 22 frets, sealed Fender tuners, a 2 point pivot Fender tremolo, and American Standard Fender pickups/electronics. Basically, it's what a typical Strat looks like, but in the modern age. The Olympic White finish of this particular model harkens back to the days of a certain James Marshall Hendrix... anyone? Woodstock '69 baby!

UTILIZATION

The design of the Strat has ebbed and flowed through the years, with various small design changes. However the guitar has basically settled down and what is for sale now is basically a great evolution of the vintage Strat brought into the modern age. The weight of these guitars is pretty good. Some of the ash bodied ones are definitely on the weighty side, but the alder ones seem to have a good medium weight to them that sits on the body well. Upper fret access is what it is on these guitars... not the best, but certainly quite useable.

Getting a good tone out of these guitars is fairly easy thanks to their updated pickups and electronics. The new (2010/2011) USA pickups being put in these guitars are a real shocker... the pure Strat tone is there in spades. Everything from the glassy shimmer of cleans to the dark and earthy undertones of a driven sound from Hell is backed by that unmistakable voicing.

SOUNDS

I've tried many variations of the American Standard Strat over the years using different Fender, Marshall and Mesa Boogie amplifiers. The older ones lack a little bit of that crisp aura that makes a Strat a GOOD Strat. However, the new ones have some sort of pixie dust mojo thing going on... cool vibe. Starting with the cleans, I was really stoked about how the glassy shimmer and sparkle that marks a good Strat was very present in these newer American Standards. The clean sounds were some of the most enjoyable I've tried in a while. Plugged into a good Fender amp, I was able to dial in some awesome tones ranging all the way from the 50s into the modern day, all without missing a beat.

The overdrive tones are really cool as well. I was able to dial in some great Jeff Beck esque tone summits that were probably the highlight of my testing experience. The guitar handled whatever gain I threw at it and responded with a delightful Stratty "snap" that was eerily enjoyable. It's not quite as smooth/refined sounding as the American Deluxes, but it makes up for it with a more honest and rippin' tone that is most certainly a killer Strat.



OVERALL OPINION

All in all I feel as though Fender is onto a winner with these guitars and for the $1,000 new they cost (including the TSA approved SKB hard case) it's just a no brainer. If you want a great and true sounding Strat and need the more classic styling and the knowledge that a killer company is backing you all the way, get the Fender American Standard... truly an icon.

Fender is the top dog and no matter how many boutique builders there are out there, no one will dethrone the king dog. They have been played all over the world from beginner learning guitar players to the best professionals in the world. Any guitar who has ever been playing the guitar longer than a few year most likely have picked up owned a Fender Stratocaster at some point.

My very first guitar was Fender Strat but with the standard three single coil operation. It was the classic look of the three tone sunburst, but I have always love red guitars. The famous U2 song "Desire" is a big attribute to that. When Bono says " with a red guitar....on fire...Desssire"....and so on it just lasted in my head and every since I was a kid I have loved red guitars.

UTILIZATION

*

Neck
Neck Shape: Modern "C" Shape
Number of Frets: 22
Fret Size: Medium Jumbo
Position Inlays: Black Dot Position Inlays
Fretboard Radius: 9.5" (24.1 cm)
Fretboard: Rosewood or Maple
Neck Material: Maple
Neck Finish: Gloss Headstock Face with Satin Urethane Finish on Back of Neck
Nut Width: 1.685" (42.8 mm)
Scale Length: 25.5" (64.8 cm)
Neck Plate: 4-Bolt Neck Plate with Micro-Tilt™
Truss Rods: Bi-Flex™ Truss Rod System
Truss Rod Nut: 1/8" American Series Nut
Electronics
Pickup Configuration: S/S/S
Bridge Pickup: American Strat® Single-Coil Pickup
Middle Pickup: American Strat® Single-Coil Pickup
Neck Pickup: American Strat® Single-Coil Pickup
Pickup Switching: 5-Position Blade: Position 1. Bridge Pickup, Position 2. Bridge and Middle Pickup, Position 3. Middle Pickup, Position 4. Middle and Neck Pickup, Position 5. Neck Pickup
Special Electronics: No-Load Tone Control
Controls: Master Volume, Tone 1. (Neck Pickup), Tone 2. No-Load Tone Control (Middle and Bridge Pickups)
Hardware
Hardware: Chrome
Bridge: 2-Point Synchronized Tremolo with Vintage Style Bent Steel Saddles
Tuning Machines: Deluxe Staggered Cast/Sealed Tuning Machines
String Nut: Synthetic Bone
Switch Tip: Parchment Switch Tip
Tremolo Arm/Handle: American Standard Series Tremolo Arm

SOUNDS

There is a reason why these guitars have been copied the world over and still remain one of the most classic icon on music history. The tone from this guitar is absolute top notch. This is an extremely versatile guitar with the 5 way selector and humbucking and single coil operation. Any old amp will do with this guitar. This guitar will connect with you like no other guitar can and probably ever will. I love the way this guitar sounds with a good old Fender Bassman or a Marshall plexi amp. Use an Ibanez tube screamer in front and an analog delay ad you will be set for a great classic rock tone. The soul from this guitar is just magical and pleasant. This fine instrument is so silky and smooth that is makes you amp sing like it was meant to be together.

OVERALL OPINION

These guitars range from around $999- $1300 depending on the features and setup that comes with these guitars. Some of them are higher due to the paint job and the specs. But all of them sound about the same and they all feel really good in the hands. I would recommend everyone who loves playing the guitar to own one of these fine instruments. They are such a treat to the ears.

Fender is probably the biggest music company in the world when it comes to amp and guitars. The Fender Stratocatser is an American icon and an American classic guitar. Any guitar who has ever been playing the guitar longer than a few year most likely have picked up owned a Fender Stratocaster at some point. They have been played all over the world from beginner learning guitar players to the best professionals in the world. These guitars have been feature on countless stages and records for 50+ years. This is a nice guitar for those who need a comfortable neck and the look of it is just beauty. This is one of my favorite sunburst that Fender does on their guitars. It is just exquisite.

UTILIZATION


Fender American Standard Stratocaster Features:

* Color: Candy Cola
* Body: Alder
* Finish: Polyurethane Finish
* Thinner Undercoat Finish for Improved Resonance
* Neck: Maple, Tinted Neck with Gloss Front/Satin Back
* Fretboard: Maple, 9.5"
* Rolled Fretboard Edges
* Number of Frets: 22, Medium-Jumbo
* Scale Length: 25.5"
* Nut: Melamine, Width: 1.685"
* Hardware: Chrome
* Machine Heads: Fender Deluxe Staggered Cast/Sealed Tuning Keys
* Bridge: 2-Point Synchronized Tremolo with American Standard Bent Steel Saddles
* Copper Infused High-mass 100% Metal Bridge Block
* Pickguard: 3-Ply Parchment
* Pickups: American Standard Single-Coil Pickups
* Pickup Switching: 5-Position Blade
* Controls: Master Volume, Tone 1.(Neck pickup), Tone 2. Delta Tone™ (Middle and Bridge)
* Case: Molded Fender/SKB Case included with TSA Locks, Glass Reinforced Nylon Trigger Latches, and Form Fitted Plush interior
* Accessories: Cable, strap, polishing cloth, trem arm, wrenches
* Weight: 7.7 lbs

SOUNDS

I prefer to play a Marshall style amp with a Fender Straocaster. It sounds great as a nice blues guitar and gets those neck pickup tone with a great. These guitars have so much style and flare. I like to play blues with these guitars but that is just what naturally come out when I pick up one of these instruments. These guitars sound great with any amp you plug it into. This is one of those guitars that just sound great in any application with any effects or any distortion pedal. It is just an instrument that is begging to be played and played hard. This is a players guitar that needs to be beat on and driven to the edge.


OVERALL OPINION

At new these guitars come in right at around $999, which is a great price for this guitar. It has a great weight and feel on the neck. Like all Fender guitars the pickups need to be switched out as soon as you get it home. In fact don't even take it home order some pickups and just take it to you guitar tech for a pro setup and pickup switch. The tone is just awesome but I would recommend changing the pickups.

This is a cool looking guitar to say the least. The pearl is almost a metallic look or even a gray color. A very elegant look to a classic guitar. This is one of the most distinguishable guitars that has ever been build. This guitar has such a look and allure that can only be rock n roll and only Fender. I like the pearl look but I think it would look a little better in combination with an all maple neck and fretboard. I think that look would match better to this pearl color.

UTILIZATION


Fender American Standard Stratocaster Blizzard Pearl Rosewood Fretboard Features:


* Solid alder body (urethane finish)
* Modern C-shaped maple neck with rich, deep neck tint, glossed neck front with satin back
* 22 medium jumbo frets
* 3 hot American Strat single-coil pickups
* Delta-tone™ no-load circuit (includes high output bridge pickup and special no-load tone control for middle and bridge pickups)
* Bent steel Fender saddles
* Copper Infused Cast Strat® Bridge Block (steel with copper- 100% metal) for Increased Mass and Improved Tone
* Thinner undercoat for improved body resonance
* American 2-point trem
* Rosewood or maple fretboard
* Staggered machine heads
* Fender SKB hardshell case, cable, strap, and polishing cloth


SOUNDS

This particular one has a nice body paint on it that you don't always see around. This guitar will work in any environment. They sound good with fender amps and they sound goo with Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifiers as well as they sound with any Marshall. They sound just flat out amazing to me.

The tone of this guitar is exquisite. These guitars do not change from any other Fender Stratocaster that anyone has ever played. The tone of this guitar is just one of a kind. If you have played one American Fender Stratocaster than you know exactly how one sounds. There isn't too much variation of tone between Strats. They either sound like a Strat or they sound like a Strat. You can tell the difference in a Gibson Les Paul, a Fender Telecaster, and Fender Stratocaster. Something to be said about the original and you can get boutique all you want but the Fender Strat is still a staple in rock music. You can find these guitars played by some of the most famous musicians around the world. Everyone and their grandmother seems to have played this guitar at one time or another.



OVERALL OPINION

You can pick these guitars up new right at around $10oo, which is a great price for an American made fender Stratocatser guitar. This is a player's guitar and not a custom or showroom piece. This guitar is meant to be played. You will have no problem getting a great sound out of this guitar. It is a solid built guitar that will have a large amount of cushion and soul for your enjoyment.