Rebirth of an Icon: The American Standard Stratocaster
A detailed look at the origins, features, and evolution of the Fender American Standard Stratocaster, including limited editions and serial number quirks.
Fender Stratocaster
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 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.
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 first Stratocaster
The history of the Fender Stratocaster: its origins, the men who made it, and the prototype that started it all.
Fender’s slide-in sideways fretting
Former Fender luthier S. Zimmerman shares firsthand insights into Fender’s unique slide-in sideways fretting technique, offering a detailed look at this process.
Are Stratocasters still made in USA?
Why did Fender replace the “Made in USA” decal with “Corona, CA”?