Even after all these years, Strats have the same old classic tremolo bridge. Its one of those perfect blends of old and new stuff in one instrument. Its a completely solid body, and there have been plenty of other variants material-wise, like basswood, poplar, and even mahogany, which is quite unusual for Fender guitars. After all, this guitar model is so widespread that youll even see the same type used in some completely different musical genres. My Review: Yngwie Malmsteen was also one of the players who pushed Strats into new territories. 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. My Review: Another one from the Player Series, this Strat comes with almost the same specs as the previous one. Fender is adding to the America Ultra series too, with new Fender American Ultra Luxe models. Additionally, there was another issue that guitarists were dealing with those bulky vibrato tailpieces. Aside from that, we have a standard maple neck with the addition of a rosewood fretboard. Combined with gold hardware, it gives some very old school vibes. From top to bottom, this is a guitar with all the best features that money can buy. Fender is also celebrating its 75th anniversary in style. Its not for everyones taste due to these features and a very unusual finish, but its still one very well-done and unique guitar. The fine sunburst finish with a pearl pickguard is an aesthetic representation of this guitars tone. Build Materials: Yngwie Malmsteen Signature Strat comes with the standard configuration, featuring an alder body and maple neck with a maple fretboard. Theres also a version that has a humbucker pickup in the bridge position and a rosewood fretboard instead of a maple one. These arent cheap at all, but theyre most certainly well worth the price. 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. Keep in mind that in this article well be focusing on genuine Fender Stratocasters guitars, but there are many Strat copy brands out there. Guitar Lobby is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associate Program. But the best thing about this Strat is the pickup configuration. The output of these pickups is a blend of vintage-oriented and modern tones. In almost all cases, Fender Stratocasters come with passive pickups and passive electronics. My Review: Another throwback to the old times is the Fenders Vintera 50s series. The Thinline semi-hollow body works perfectly with both of the finish variants, the Vintage White and 2-color sunburst. Within the company, Fender has their special division called Fender Custom Shop. Additionally, most Fender Strats have a noticeably smaller fretboard radius, meaning that the entire fretboard is noticeably rounder. Next up is the Fender Ultra Luxe Stratocaster Floyd Rose HSS. Amps, pedals, guitars, bass, drums, microphones, studio, and recording gear, I love it all. Its an all-around awesome instrument with some different variants. However, whats so unique here is that we have a semi-hollow-body Strat, the so-called Thinline design. As we already explained, the guitar came with some of the features that we can see even to this day. While you cant expect some premium luxurious and prestigious features on them, Fender Player Stratocaster guitars can still compete with some even more expensive guitars out there. Theres a new 68 Custom Pro Reverb ($1,300), a new 68 Vibro Champ Reverb ($750), and a new Mustang Micro. These arent just your plain old boring finishes, but rather more intricate ones. The pickups are their Vintage-style 50s single-coils that cover all the necessary twangy tones from the era, along with the standard controls. I started this website with some of my friends who are musicians, music teachers, gear heads, and music enthusiasts so we could provide high-quality guitar and music-related content. On the other hand, some models have different types of fretboards, mostly rosewood ones. These arent like any other pickups out there and you can only get them with this particular guitar model. However, the main traits have almost always remained the same, with the only exception being some experimental models. This model is made of quality materials, bringing some of the best traits among all Stratocasters. However, its obvious that this guitar is marketed for the lovers of the 1960s, which is a somewhat specific category. 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. It has a standard configuration for a Stratocaster, although it comes with a different type of fretboard and pickups that you dont see that often. However, there are also versions with an ash body, although alder is more common with Ultra Strats. Aside from the three standard control knobs for volume and tone, theres a switch integrated within the volume control. But with this said, we come to a very complicated issue how do you choose the perfect Fender Stratocaster for your needs? While even the classic Strat with three single-coil pickups is pretty versatile on its own, its always a good idea to start narrowing things down with your preferred genres. Build Materials: In some ways, the guitar is similar to the classic old school Strats, at least with the build materials. Another thing thats very specific about any guitar model, including the Stratocaster, is the neck profile. Holding the balance, you could use the arm screwed into the bridge and pull it down to easily detune all strings. My Start hero was always Hank B. Marvin of The Shadows from England. Just like the previous models, this one also had the bolt-on body and neck formation, as well as standard single-coil pickups. My Review: With a guitar player like Eric Johnson, youd only expect to have a high-end prestigious signature instrument. This Stratocaster is one of the best blues-focused guitars out there. Build Materials: Once again, we have a signature guitar with a standard Strat tonewood configuration and a premium choice of materials. Nonetheless, today, in the 21st century, this fine instruments body is usually still made of ash or alder, has that contoured design, three pickups, a very comfortable maple neck, a whammy bar, as well as the classic 3-pickup configuration. Other than that, we have a classic maple neck that feels like most of the other Strat necks. So it was up to Leo to come up with a new guitar that was to compete with the almighty Les Paul. Fender Custom Shop Eric Clapton Stratocaster, 14. Bottom Line: Further pushing the boundaries of this old guitar model, Professional II Stratocaster is one of the best guitars of the past few years. The most common alternative is the humbucker-single-single combination, giving players an option to have that rougher tone for heavy riffing. Hank and I spent a day together at a TV studio, where we recorded a show. Build Materials: With the Player Series Stratocaster, we also get the standard alder body and a maple neck with a maple fretboard. Ive been playing guitar since I was 13 years old and am an avid collector. Ahead of the virtual NAMM 2021, Fender has unveiled a series of new guitars and amps, including the new Noventa line, new American Ultra Luxe guitars, and a series of new Vintage amps. However, there isnt a specified guide here about whats the best option for a specific type of player. Aside from Fender, we had other companies, most notably Gretsch and Gibson, which quite pushed the limits of this instrument. Its all followed by jumbo frets which give you a great feel. This new guitar comes at $2,400, and has that classic vibrator system and a Double Tap humbucker in the bridge position. Additionally, the guitar has the triple-humbucker pickup configuration, making even classic Gibson Les Paul lovers excited about it. Build Materials: Aside from the standard alder body and maple neck, its accompanied by a Pau Ferro fretboard. Build Materials: The guitar comes with the alder body, maple neck, and a rosewood fretboard. Then we have Fenders 65 Pure Vintage single-coils that manage to precisely capture what their old pickups from the 1960s did. This is all accompanied by one master volume control, as well as two-tone knobs. In a lot of cases, we have the standard C-shaped neck profile, although many other variants have been used. And this is exactly what the American Original series brings some of these old things back to life, just like with this 60s-inspired model. The only difference here is the Pau Ferro fretboard with a flatter radius. remember I got a pair of brand new roller skates? Theres nothing very unusual about the Player Strat compared to what were used to. Noventa guitars also includ 21 medium jumbo frets, and a classic 9.5-inch fretboard radius. The guitars should be available in February, and will come with ash bodies. 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 Leo Fender took it to a whole new level with his invention of an Esquire or Broadcaster guitar, which eventually became the Telecaster. 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. Whats more, some of these versions can either come with rosewood or maple fretboards. While were at it, the guitars single-coils were made according to Eric Johnsons preferences. Fender is starting 2021 right. Of course, they also make special amplifiers there, and all the gear is usually done for high-profile experienced musicians. It was also the guitar that played my 1982 hit Lonely Seagull for the first time. Bottom Line: Although not a Super-Strat, the guitar is intended for virtuoso players. 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. Another alternative comes with the implementation of the so-called rails pickups. You wont find any other Strat (or any other guitar model) that looks like this. Its a pretty great and practical instrument for any metal player who still likes some classic features. The notable trait in this regard, however, comes with the top side of the headstock thats painted black, thus the Blacktop name with this particular Strat model. The first important difference comes with a mahogany body, which you dont see that often with Stratocasters. Id recommend it to anyone who adores the Super-Strat concept. My Review: Although it seems similar to the Ultra Series, the Deluxe Stratocaster is a somewhat stripped-down version of it. The best solution here is to try them out and see how well it fits in your fretting hand. In 1952, Gibson unleashed their innovative Les Paul guitar with two P90 single-coil pickups and a very innovative bridge design. We have the thick C neck profile, a radius of 9.5 inches, and a very unique tone with the Pure Vintage 65 single-coils. Some of the more modern models can have a flatter radius, usually if they come with non-maple fretboards. 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. Theres a Chrissie Hynde Telecaster, which is modeled after a 1965 Telecaster, and will be available for $1,400 in February. Id say this is one of the best Strat style guitars out there. These guitars will be available in May. Texas Special pickups might be a bit specific, but theyre exactly what this group of players will be looking for. Melany was there as well and made us sing with her during brakes. In fact, its easily one of the best electric guitar deals considering its price. Some would even call it controversial. It selects them the same way every Stratocaster selects its 3 standard single-coils. The alder body and maple neck with a maple fingerboard work perfectly for the instruments Thinline design. Of course, there have been many modifications to the instrument, as well as different models being manufactured over the years. This is followed by a maple neck and a standard maple fretboard in all of the models variants. Home Guitars 16 Best Fender Stratocaster Guitars in 2022 (All Price Ranges). These are somewhat stripped-down budget-friendly instruments, yet theyre way ahead of Squire, which is Fenders subsidiary company. Hardware, Electronics, and Controls: As far as the hardware and electronics go, Malmsteen likes to keep it true to old classic Strats. They give a tone of a standard humbucker, although you may notice the difference in some cases due to their different design. Hardware, Electronics, and Controls: With the instruments Player Series Alnico 5 Strat single-coil pickups, youll get that classic twang that all of Fender players adore. Lastly, you should also look into any additional features that you might want to see on a guitar. 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. Even with extended heavy use, the guitar will stay in tune. What makes it so amazing for this price are the Vintage Noiseless pickups. And this came in the form of Leo Fenders very simple yet innovative Esquire guitar. Nonetheless, its a very fresh twist to the classic guitar, resulting in a slightly less bright output compared to regular Stratocasters. These tone knobs control the treble roll-off for the bridge and the neck pickup, but there are some other examples where they alter the tone of middle and neck pickups. We have some unusual finishes that take us back to the flashy aesthetics of the 1980s. If we were to look into the history of modern music, it just wouldnt be the same without the invention of solid-body electric guitars. 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. One of the strongest points of every Fender Stratocaster is the neck. The 3 single-coil pickups are Vintage Noiseless ones and are accompanied by classic Strat controls. But aside from the standard triple single-coil setting that the Stratocaster became famous for, there are a few other examples worth noting. Theres also a version with the humbucker pickup in the bridge position, along with a standard coil-split feature. However, scalloped frets are a very specific trait, and not every guitarist prefers such a design. Maple-made necks of Stratocasters almost exclusively feature maple fretboards with a radius of 7.25 inches. Its also a popular model among jazz fusion players. 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. The biggest selling point of the instrument comes with its scalloped frets. Aside from the guitars 22 frets, all of its features are somewhat vintage-oriented. It comes as a great addition to your arsenal if youre in favor of old tones. We have the alder body paired with a maple neck in a standard bolt-on construction. Just bear in mind that all of these guitars are expensive. 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. And it still seems to be the winning combo, doesnt it? 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. Theyve done some exclusive work for guitar legends like Eric Clapton, Mark Knopfler, B.B. Aside from the name, these are essentially the same old quality guitars that youd expect of Fender. With the Performer Stratocaster, we get an amazing feel with the guitars Modern C neck profile and a rosewood fingerboard with 22 frets. If youre mostly into blues and jazz stuff, then a classic one will be more than enough. As far as the pickups and electronics go, we have three Texas Special single-coils with all the standard Strat controls. Hardware, Electronics, and Controls: Instead of the standard old school Fender bridge, we have the companys 2-point Deluxe Synchronized Tremolo one that offers great stability in tuning. 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. Some more expensive Strats can come with the companys so-called Noiseless pickups. American Ultra Stratocaster (Best Overall), 2. The contours are also present on the bodys backside, giving players that smooth feel, no matter if they prefer the sitting or standing position while playing. This is also due to wonderfully-made vintage-style tuners. But comparing it to some cheaper models, the Ultra series brings tonewoods of better quality. My Review: Going into some of those high-end territories, the American Ultra Stratocaster comes as one of Fenders most prestigious electric guitars. But it was only when it got the name Telecaster that it got more attention and ultimately its commercial success. 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 some cases, these guitars can get the relic treatment, making them look as if theyre instruments from the old times. Build Materials: We have a standard alder body, although not as prestigious compared to the Ultra series. There are even some examples of the V shape, the U shape, as well as thinner neck profiles. While not exactly a Super-Strat guitar, it still gets pretty close with such an innovative approach to features. 16 Best Fender Stratocaster Guitars in 2022 (All Price Ranges), Best Acoustic Electric Guitars (All Prices), Songs with Lots of Bass Guitar (Rock and Pop), Fender Strats at the bottom of the page here, 29 Best Love Songs For Him in 2022 (All Genres), 14 Best 5 String Bass Guitars in 2022 (All Price Ranges), 50 Easy Electric Guitar Songs for Beginners (with Tabs and Lesson Videos), 35 Sad Guitar Songs to Play (with Videos, Tabs, & Tuning), 14 Best Looper Pedals in 2022 (All Price Ranges), 20 Best Multi-Effects Pedals in 2022 (All Price Ranges), 15 Biggest Concerts of All Time (2022 List), 1. 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. Design and Finish: The idea behind this instrument was to replicate Fenders original HM Strat from the 1980s. Finish and Design: The very stylish design and finish are also what makes this guitar very specific. But whatever your choice might be, theyre always fairly comfortable, making Fender Stratocasters often associated with more virtuosic players over the years. Its all accompanied by the standard configuration featuring a 5-way switch, volume knob, and two Tone knobs. However, what Leo Fender was preparing with this new instrument was revolutionary and managed to do the same while keeping things fairly tidy and compact. Hardware, Electronics, and Controls: The guitar is equipped with a Floyd Rose double-locking tremolo system, locking nuts, and vintage-style tuners. These may include stuff like active electronics, floating tremolo bridges, or even scalloped frets. Along with the Modern C neck profile, youll have an instrument thats rather easy and comfortable to play. And, last but not least, the Jason Isbell Custom Telecaster will be available for $1,500 in May. However, it was with the Fender Stratocaster that things took off. The classic traits are all still there and it comes as a fairly versatile instrument. Finish and Design: The lacquer finish is also one of the guitars selling points, bringing in a stunning and head-spinning sparkling color pattern. Finish and Design: One of the most noticeable traits of this guitar is its design. Bottom Line: Going into higher-end territories, this is a perfect guitar for true lovers of those old Strat bluesy tones. The fretboard is also different here, not only with the materials used but with a slightly less round radius of 9.5 inches. But that was exactly what Fender was aiming for with their Parallel Universe series, and this Stratocaster is just one of the examples. My Review: A guitar paying tribute to Stevie Ray Vaughn, this signature Strat takes things to some twangy bluesy territories. The bridge is the same classic Fender tremolo one.