All user reviews of 5/5 for the Fender American Standard Stratocaster [2012-2016]

Hendrix, Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Edge, Mark Knopfler, Hank Marvin, Buddy Holly, David Gilmour, Ritchie Blackmore and every guitarist who's been in Iron Maiden. So what do they all have in common? The Fender Stratocaster. Originally built in the 1950's the Stratocaster has seen and done it all, the most popular and best selling guitar of all time apparently and one which has been copied by thousands of companies around the globe looking to cash in on it's legendary status and widespread appeal, but the Daddy of them all is still the American Standard Strat.

It comes equipped with 22 frets, 3 single coil pickups, a pickup selector switch with a choice of 5 pickup positions, 1 volume knob and 2 tone knobs. The neck is made from maple wood and also comes with a tremolo bar or whammy bar as i prefer to call it. The bridge is a stock Stratocaster bridge but from what i hear it can be upgraded to a floyd rose or similar locking bridge system (sold seperately) if you feel like doing a bit of Van Halen-esque divebombs and still want to stay in tune afterwards.

UTILIZATION

The top frets are easy enough to access, although the bigger your hands are the better... and it has a classic design that back in the 50's must have looked futuristic and ground breaking but these days it's just part of life and history, the shape can only be described now as 'shaped like a strat'. With regards to the shape and design - if it's not broke then don't fix it, and with credit to Fender they haven't. They only modify it slightly every now and then to have a certain optional model with humbucker pickups or a new colour for the body, or in their custom relic series where they purposely wear out the wood and the paint to make a new guitar look as if it's been used out on the road for 40 years, but with the American Fender Stratocaster standard - you know exactly what you're getting.

SOUNDS

And moving onto the tone of the Strat. It's trademark sounds are found in it's solid, bluesy neck pickup and it's stinging bridge pickup. Match a strat up with a good Marshall amp and you'll get instant chemistry, you will have the sound of late 60's heavy rock at your fingertips. For example the master of them all, Jimi Hendrix, dial in a healthy amount of gain on your amp and select the neck pickup and you will get a sound close to the lead in 'The 3rd stone from the sun'. Dial back on the volume control on the guitar till it gets clean, select the middle pickup and you will have the 'Little Wing' intro sound. Go full on with the overdrive and master on your amp, select the bridge pickup with the tone and volume all the way up on the guitar and you will have the Voodoo Child (slight return) hairs-on-the-back-of-your-neck-standing lead sound. The Strat can cut through the mix like a knife through butter and demand attention, or it can sit in the background and hold the fort as a rhythm guitar while bringing tears to a glass eye as heard in the Eric Clapton ballad 'Wonderful Tonight'. The Fender Strat is always open to new ideas, and when paired with effects pedals it can bring new and exciting sounds to mainstream rock and pop music. As shown by Hendrix in the late 60's with the Wah wah and Uni-vibe pedals mixed with wailing feedback and whammy bar abuse, and Bon Jovi's Ritchie Sambora for the super-catchy Talk Box riff on Livin' on a Prayer, or with U2's main axeman The Edge with his never ending stadium-sized delay pedal sounds as demonstrated on 'Where the streets have no name' from the Joshua Tree album. The Strat also featured heavily in the 1970's funk/disco era, with it's light but dancy clean, compressed sound paired with a Fender twin amp (as well as many other types of amp) chopped it's way through many a hit song and delivered every time live and in the studio. It even made an appearance in the Grunge area, basically whatever the decade and whatever the style of music that's been forefront since the 1950's - the Strat has been used to great effect. It is a reliable, work horse guitar that is perfect for out on the road live gigging, or in a recording studio being put to the test in session work 365 days a year.
There is no least favourite sound with a Strat, unless the input jack is faulty which can happen from time to time, maybe once every year or 2, or when trying to play a clean chord after a 15 minute straight Hendrix-at-Woodstock inspired feedback-fuelled lead with whammy bar torture session (only in the rehearsal room of course) and realising it's about 5 miles out of tune. Great times.

OVERALL OPINION

My favourite thing about a Strat is the fact it's a Strat. It sounds simple and cliche but when you've been playing guitar for a long time and are maybe a bit jaded by guitar music or music in general you just need to clear your mind, and just realise how honest and magical a real American Fender Stratocaster sounds. Even with a copy by Squire or Yamaha or some Chinese brand you've never heard of, even if you haven't got that great sound of an American model you can still pretend you are at Woodstock in front of hundreds of thousands of people playing a half hour long version of Purple Haze. For new and casual guitar players that might be all they want, and that's perfectly ok. With me when it comes to drumming i am honestly the worlds worst drummer but whenever i get a shot of a drum kit i pretend i'm John Bonham or Dave Lombardo trying crazy double bass pedal runs (then seizing up with leg cramp after 30 seconds) but enough about that. I actually got given my Strat as a present years ago but i would buy a Strat time and time again, along with the Les Paul it is one of the most iconic guitars money can buy and if you can afford the $700-800 price tag for an American Strat, then it will be well worth it as it will never lose it's value and sounds like a guitar should. It does have limitations (use for drop tuned Slipknot-esque metal is not recommended with a Strat) but it's possibilities far outweigh them.

So all in all, if it's good enough for Nile Rodgers and the 3 guitar players from Iron Maiden (yes all 3 of them) then it's good enough for me and you. Give a Strat a home and buy one now.

I'll pass superlatives, so they would be likely to appoint!
Purchased in Santa Monica there a few days at True Tone, pure killing already store!

Versatile, super balanced or some combination of mics! Already empty, wow. I tried a few strats there, I was given a reasonable budget, so I'm doing for less than 900 euros! For the customs, just a fake bill less done with it Those were at $ 1'769, 1'249 negotiated ... just the ball. The guy he gave me a game elixir strings, Fender strap, jack, robust flight home .. the brief benefits what?,!

UTILIZATION

Total comfort

SOUNDS

Crystalline to grips with the Tone knob, but then wow the bike. The ball

The custom pickups or Fat 50's, abused!

OVERALL OPINION

I advise anyone who wants to get into the "Fenderien" excessive, it is a super skyscraper

It breaks all over again. Just take the good old recatte and improve. Made in the States, high quality finish found an ash body (just for versions sienna sunburst and sunburst), satin urethane varnish, and novelty: a trio of custom shop pickups fat 50 '. And then it sounds! Another new aesthetic, pickup covers, knobs and selector are colored Viellie (aged white) that fits perfectly with the sunburst. The bridge and the bridges are heavier than the previous generation, so better sustain. The neck is flawless painted also very pleasant to the touch. in electronics, there is a config usual: 5-way switch, N, N + M, M, M + B, B (N = neck, M = Middle, B = Bridge), a master volume, two tones for a the neck pickup, and one for the middle and bridge. ATTENTION: This knob has a tone of blocking system to prevent the inadvertent lowering. At first I thought it was a wrong-way, but all these series are well.

UTILIZATION

As I said before, the handle is velvet, modern C profile, this is a highway for the fingers. Coincidentally, I play better. More precise, less bread, beautiful notes, I can say that this guitar plays alone. In addition, it is very light, which is not a luxury especially when you are others facing a dead donkey (an expression of my area). I use a Fender Hot Rod Deluxe, and a swarm of pedals, and this is the slap!

SOUNDS

Its level, it is super versatile except for the large metal stain, but in the register rock, classical or very saturated blues, pop, funk, reggae, jazz and everything, it's an atomic bomb. The bridge pickup is Crystal clear at will (so to moderate the tone with) the neck pickup center and teleport us into the world of Stevie Ray Vaughan, Philip Sayce, Popa chubby ... Brief at Hendrix.
Personally, I'm partial to SRV bluesy sound that I get no problem with a tube screamer or a MXR GT OD.

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for a good week. I rushed on Audiofanzine notice, but there was none. Voià why I write all that. In summary, I think she is one of the best guitars in the world (given the price of course) say it has 1 chance in 100 trillion to crash and be disappointed. For 30 years I played guitar, and good U.S. Strat that goes well, it was a dream. Well now, that dream became reality, the kind of purchase that can be done with eyes closed. No originality, but a value archi safe.

I got this guitar as a birthday present at guitar center about 3 months ago. I've done alot of searching all over the internet and all over different stores and this guitar seemed to be the best out of the rest. I payed around 800$ and it is sure worth the money

Almost everything. The neck is very smooth and easy to playh on. Also the tuners are well locked and rarely goes off tune. Also its a very good looking guitar.

The factory setup is not too good so i suggest that you get it setup once you get the guitar.

This guitar was pretty weel built. Just like any other Fender, the quality is great.

If you are looking for a Classic Fender Strat tone, this is the guitar for you... now go buy it!

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

I got this guitar from a SamAsh Music Store in Westminster, California for $800 plus some extra accesories Fender and SamAsh threw in. Some of the accesories that Fender included was a set of Schaller straplocks, a Fender logo strap, a cleaning cloth, a plastic hardshell case, and a warranty. It has a metallic blue finish (Fender calls it "Chrome Blue") and a rosewood fretboard. Mine has the two-point tremolo system.

The finish is beautiful, the neck is fast and easy to play on. The frets are rolled on the edges instead of just filing at an angle which many companies do. The tuners keep the guitar in tune, so I don't have to tune it often. The pickups are great, they get all the classic strat sounds you'd want out of this styled guitar. The tremolo system suits my needs (If you really crank on it the guitar needs to be retuned). The pickguard and white knobs, etc. are just barely off-white, setting it apart from lesser strats, but don't look too yellow. The straplocks by Schaller are a nice add-on, the guitar won't fall off of you if the strap gets twisted. The wood has a smoother tone than the wood used on lesser Strats. The overall look of the guitar is beautiful. The case it comes in is a really nice plastic hardshell, molded on one side but straight on the other so you can set it on its side. Unlike most plastic cases, this one doesn't crack or break easily.

The strap that came with the guitar is cheap, so I'd recommend getting a nicer strap. The tremolo system is not suited for hard rock or metal use. Other than that I have no other rants.

This guitar is great quality. Everything about this package is great. The only item that I would replace is the strap.

This is a great guitar!!! I would take it over almost every other guitar I've played. It is great quality equiptment. I'd definitely recommend saving up for this guitar instead of getting a mexican strat. It may seem like a lot of money but it is worth every penny.

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

By Direct Mail Order, Sound Control Glasgow (it's a bonnie scottish guitar!!), I managed to get it for £650!

As soon as I picked my Strat up for the first time, I knew it was going to be a great guitar. The tuning stability is excellent and it only took it a couple of days to settle down. The countored body is really comfortable, and it feels as if i could play it forever! It sounds great and can be used for almost any styles, from heavy metal to clean Hank Marvin, and from Blues to Jazz.

Not much at all. When it's strapped on it does take a little getting used to as the body seems to pull the neck skywards but like a I say, it's easy to play stood up once you've tamed it!

The build quality on mine is pretty good, although the action can tend to be a little dodgy straight out of the box in some cases. The parts used on it are really top notch and I really don't have anything to complain about.

The American Series Standard Stratcaster is an amazing guitar, and I would certainly reccomend it to anyone who asked for my advice on a new guitar. It's been a classic for a long while, and the way it's going I can certainly see it continuing this.

Go Out and Buy One!!

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

I paid less than $800 for this fine axe through Musicians Friend. They matched another companies lower price for me. I have other older Strats but wanted to try the American Series as they've been advertised as a better playing improved Strat.

It's typical Amerian Fender. High quality and flawless. The factory setup was typical too. By that I mean Fender is trying to make these guitars cheese slicers with the high action setup. It only took about 30 minutes to get it to play like butter. Fenders are bar-none the easiest guitar to setup for low action and fast playing. The tone is vintage fender and what else can I say. The vintage temolo is a no hassle affair and the strings stay in tune longer than any other guitar brand I've owned. Nothing beats a well setup Strat for comfort and long hours of playing standing up. No wonder it's the top choice of so many Pro's. Damn nice guitar for the money whether you're a bedroom player or a Pro doing nightly gigs!!!

I'd like Fender to get more creative with pickguard selections. The nice thing about a Strat is the ability to personalize it with a simple pickguard change. We need more variety under the Fender brand name.

I've had and have several other brands but I'm always amazed at the fine fit and finish of American Fenders compared to other guitars that cost much more. The new American Series Strat is a fine instrument.

I've said it all I guess. I believe there is no comparable guitar for under $1,000. In fact, you'd be hard pressed to beat it in the higher dollar categories too.

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

BOUGHT NEW AT ALTO MUSIC, WAPPINGERS FALLS NY FOR $740.00 FOR MY OWN PERSONAL ENJOYMENT.

IT IS AMERICAN MADE 3 TONE SUNBURST WITH A ROSEWOOD FRETBOARD AND TREMELO.IT IS VERY EASY TO PLAY AND LOOKS AND SOUNDS BEAUTIFUL.
I PLAY IT THROUGH A MARSHALL MG-50DFX SOLID STATE AMPLIFIER WHICH WILL BLOW ME OUT OF THE ROOM IF I CHOOSE TO DO SO. I LOVE THE WAY THIS GUITAR LOOKS, SMELLS AND PLAYS. ALL THREE PICKUPS AND COMBINATIONS DELIVER A WIDE RANGE OF QUALITY TONES AND VOLUMES WHICH ARE ADJUSTABLE USING THE CONTROL KNOBS. A LOT OF FUN TO PLAY, I NEVER WANT TO PUT IT DOWN AND I CAN`T WAIT TO PICK IT UP. IT CAME WITH A HARDSHELL CASE.

IT CAME WITH A MANUAL THAT LEFT MUCH TO BE DESIRED IN THE SENSE THAT IT WAS A BASIC GENERIC PAMPHLET THAT IS BASICALLY USELESS.

THE CONSTRUCTION IS SOUND WITHOUT ANY VISUAL FLAWS.THE TUNERS WORK GREAT AND THE FACTORY SETUP WAS FINE AND THE INTONATION IS RIGHT ON THE MONEY.THE DELTA TONE PICKUPS SOUND GREAT AS I STATED ABOVE. I DID HAVE TO TIGHTEN UP THE NUT WHERE THE AMP CABLE PLUGS IN AND THERE WAS ONE SCREW ON A PICKUP THAT WAS A BIT LOOSE BUT BOTH OF THESE WERE CORRECTED WITHIN MINUTES SO NO BIG DEAL. OTHER THAN THAT NO PROBLEMS.

I FEEL LIKE I GOT MY MONEY`S WORTH. YOU PAY A LITTLE MORE AN AMERICAN MADE STRAT BUT I EQUATE IT TO BUYING A HARLEY DAVIDSON OVER ANOTHER MOTORCYCLE IN THE SENSE THAT IT WILL HOLD ITS VALUE OR INCREASE IN VALUE OVER THE YEARS.(I DON`T OWN A HARLEY) YES,I COULD HAVE SPENT LESS ON A "COPY" BUT LIKE I SAID, I GOT A REAL STRAT AND WITH FENDER`S NEW FOCUS ON QUALITY I FEEL IT IS PROABLY BETTER THAN PREVIOUS YEARS MODELS. I ALSO CHECKED OUT THE HIGHWAY ONE STRAT WHICH IS A HYBRID MEXICAN-AMERICAN, MEANING IT IS MADE IN AMERICA WITH SOME OF THE SAME LESSER QUALITY COMPONENTS FOUND IN THE MEXICAN STRATS. BE CAREFUL BECAUSE SOME OF THE MEXICAN DELUXE STRATS ARE BETTER THAN THE HIGHWAY ONE MODEL. DON`T GET ME WRONG IF YOU CAN`T AFFORD THE AMERICAN SERIES THEN GO FOR THE HIGHWAY ONE OR A MEXICAN.OR CHECK OUT A CARVIN BECAUSE THEY ARE ALSO A GOOD VALUE FOR THE MONEY. BUT IF YOU CAN AFFORD IT JUST BUY THE AMERCAN SERIES STRAT OR AN AMERICAN DELUXE BECAUSE YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR.

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

I bought my strat at musicians friend for 799 us dollars.I wanted something easy to play and I liked the tone.

I love the neck on my strat which is maple and the tone of the pickups are really great.The price was alot cheaper than any other american guitar in its class.

nothing other than fender colors arent all that atractive.I do like the aqua marine metallic which I bought.

Nice workmanship all around on the neck and the hardware.Paint is flawless.Top notch!

The strat is the best value for the buck.For another600 dollars I could have bought a les paul,butI dont think I would have gotten a better guitar.

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

I recently purchased this guitar from MARS music in Nashville Tn. I paid about $850.00.

I love the way this guitar plays. Even with the factory setup it rocks! Since I play in a cover band on the weekends it is nice to have a guitar that covers rock, blues and country with just the switch of a pickup.

I haven't found anything that I don't like yet.

This is a very solid guitar. I have a tendancy to be rough on guitars (I've snapped a couple of lesser guitars).

THIS GUITAR ROCKS!!!!


This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com