The Fender Stratocaster guitar is one of the world's most popular electric guitars. Since its release in 1954 it has been used by guitarists in all styles of music ranging from country and blues to rock and metal and everything in-between.
The Strat was originally released after Fender listened to feedback from players of their Telecaster guitar. It was designed with an extra single-coil pickup to increase tonal variety, and the inclusion of a vibrato bridge enabled string bending in the country music style popular at the time. The Stratocaster's contoured body shape also has a double cutaway, offering easier access to the upper frets.
The Stratocaster's popularity is largely due to the success of some extremely influential and idolised guitarists, including Buddy Holly, Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, David Gilmour and Stevie Ray Vaughan, many of whom have been rewarded with their own signature models in the Fender catalogue. Since its inception, the Stratocaster has been produced with a number of different wood and pickup variations. Stratocaster bodies are usually made from alder or ash, while their necks are mostly made from maple with either a maple or rosewood fingerboard.
Fender Stratocasters are still produced by Fender's factories in Ensenada, Mexico and California, USA, with a few models in production at Fender's Japanese factory. Fender and Squier now offer Stratocasters to suit most budgets, from the Squier Vintage Modern and the Mexican-made Fender Standard Series right through to American Deluxe and Custom Shop designs.
With hundreds of Stratocasters for sale, and professional, impartial advice, we are sure that you will find your ideal Stratocaster at DV247.