Stratocaster

The Stratocaster, commonly known as the Strat, is a solid‑body electric guitar produced by Fender Musical Instruments. Introduced in 1954, it became one of the most enduringly popular guitar models and helped shape the sound of modern rock and blues.

Design and features: The Stratocaster has a double‑cutaway body designed for easy access to the upper frets, typically made of ash or alder. It uses a bolt‑on maple neck with a rosewood or maple fingerboard and a scale length of 25.5 inches, with about 21 to 22 frets. The standard configuration includes three single‑coil pickups, a five‑way pickup selector, and one volume plus two tone controls. A synchronized tremolo system with a vibrato arm is common, though hard‑tail versions exist. The guitar is known for its bright, glassy tone with clear treble response and strong midrange.

Variants and production: Over the years Fender has released numerous Stratocaster models, including American‑made American Stratocaster, Mexican‑made Standard and various Special and Ultra editions, as well as the Squier Strat for entry players. Signature models have been issued for several famous players. Finishes range from classic sunburst to a wide array of solid colors and special finishes.

Influence and usage: The Stratocaster has been employed across many genres, including rock, blues, pop, and funk. It is widely used in studio and live settings and has a reputation for versatility and comfort. Notable players include Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, David Gilmour, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and John Mayer, among others.

Overall, the Stratocaster remains a defining instrument in electric guitar history, continually produced and reinterpreted while retaining its characteristic shape and flexible tone.