# Fender Stratocaster

The Fender Stratocaster, colloquially known as the Strat, is a model of double-cutaway electric guitar designed between 1952 and 1954 by Leo Fender, Bill Carson, George Fullerton, and Freddie Tavares. The Fender Musical Instruments Corporation has continuously manufactured the Stratocaster since 1954.
The guitar's distinctive body shape was revolutionary when introduced in the mid-1950s, and the first time a mass-market electric guitar did not resemble earlier acoustic models. The double cutaway, elongated horns, and heavily contoured back were all designed for better balance and comfort to play while standing up and slung off the shoulder with a strap. The modular nature of the guitar, with its easily removable components, left players and luthiers to perform numerous modifications to their own guitars, changing out pickups or necks to fit the needs of the player. All of these design elements were popularized and later became industry standards due to the success of the Stratocaster.
Many prominent rock musicians have been associated with the Stratocaster for use in studio recording and live performances, most notably Eric Clapton, Buddy Holly, David Gilmour, Mark Knopfler, Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Eric Johnson, John Frusciante, Yngwie Malmsteen and Jeff Beck.
The Fender Stratocaster is one of the most iconic electric guitar models of all time, and along with the Gibson Les Paul, Gibson SG, and Fender Telecaster, it is one of the most-often emulated electric guitar shapes.

## Quotes about the Fender Stratocaster

* The Fender Stratocaster, affectionately known as the “Strat,” has become an iconic emblem of rock ‘n’ roll and a testament to the innovative spirit of its creator, Leo Fender. Introduced in 1954, the Stratocaster was designed with the input of professional musicians and quickly distinguished itself as a revolutionary instrument, both in terms of its sound and its striking aesthetic. [...] The Stratocaster’s enduring popularity is a testament to its quality, versatility, and the continual innovation that Fender has applied to its design over the years. Whether it’s the classic models from the ’50s and ’60s or the modern iterations that incorporate contemporary guitar technology, the Strat continues to be a favorite among musicians of all levels, from bedroom players to international touring artists. In the world of electric guitars, the Fender Stratocaster is not just an instrument but a cultural symbol that embodies the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll. Its continued relevance and desirability, decades after its introduction, speak volumes about its impact on music and its status as one of the most influential guitars ever created.
** Donna Maurer of Mixdown (October 4, 2024)
* Throughout its history, the Fender Stratocaster has been embraced by legendary musicians such as Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, and David Gilmour, whose groundbreaking techniques and memorable performances have showcased the Strat’s extraordinary potential. Hendrix’s manipulation of the Stratocaster at Woodstock in 1969, playing a right-handed guitar flipped upside down and restrung for left-hand playing, remains one of the most iconic moments in rock history.
** Donna Maurer of Mixdown (October 4, 2024)
* One of the Stratocaster’s most defining features is its contoured body shape, designed for ergonomic comfort and ease of play, allowing musicians to perform for hours without the discomfort associated with many of the other guitars available at the time. This thoughtful design, combined with its balanced weight distribution, made the Strat not just an instrument but an extension of the musician’s body.
** Donna Maurer of Mixdown (October 4, 2024)
* The Stratocaster’s versatile sound is another hallmark that has cemented its place in music history. Equipped with three single-coil pickups and a unique five-way selector switch (introduced in the 1970s), the Strat offers a wide range of tones, making it suitable for genres ranging from rock and blues to jazz and country. This versatility is amplified by the guitar’s signature “bell-like” tone, characterised by its bright, crisp sound that can be both smooth and piercing when needed.
** Donna Maurer of Mixdown (October 4, 2024)