The Elite Stratocaster
The 1983 Fender Elite Stratocaster features premium elements like the TBX, MDX, and BiFlex truss rod, reflecting Fender’s strategic shift towards a high-end model.
Stratocaster History
When Leo Fender introduced the Stratocaster in 1954, it changed the course of music. Inside The History of the Stratocaster, you’ll discover everything about the most imitated electric guitar ever—the people who built it, the musicians who gave it a voice, and its evolution from the ’50s to today’s main models and series.
Stratocaster Standard: the Smith Strat and the 2-Knob Strat
A detailed history of Fender’s 1982 Smith Strat and 1983 2-Knob Stratocaster, with specs, design changes, and rare model insights.
Bill Schultz and Dan Smith
Fender’s Bill Schultz and Dan Smith were the dynamic duo behind the company’s success following its decline under CBS in the 1970s.
The Strat and other special CBS Stratocasters
CBS-era Fender guitars: the Strat, the Rhinestone and the Gold Stratocasters. Explore their unique designs, history, and legacy.
25 years of Fender Stratocaster
In 1979, Fender released the 25th Anniversary Stratocaster, a tribute to its iconic model, featuring unique design elements and a distinctive finish.
Main changes to the Strat design during the CBS era
The key changes to Fender Stratocaster designs during the CBS era, including the large headstock, bullet truss rods, and new neck systems.
The CBS takover
In January 1965, the Fender Musical Instruments Corporation was sold to the Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS) for $13 million.
The Stratocaster’s rise in the pre-Cbs era
The history of the Stratocaster in the pre-CBS era, including its key players and its iand lasting impact on rock ‘n’ roll Music.
The first Stratocaster
The history of the Fender Stratocaster: its origins, the men who made it, and the prototype that started it all.