Fender Stratocaster Standard: Review

By Janus Ng

Playing the Fender Stratocaster is perhaps the dream of many electric guitar players and the ultimate expression of modern guitar chic. The American Standard series gives a great, vintage vibe, but it costs close to a grand which is not for every player. For the budget-conscious, the Fender Stratocaster Standard is an option to consider.

The Fender Standard Stratocaster is made in the Mexican-based hi-tech facility owned by Fender. The Standard Strat is a step up from the East-Asian made Squier brand. So owning a Fender Stratocaster Standard is a feasible way to get into the Fender brand which represents high quality instruments.

Sound:

It has a sound very similar to the American strats, but the American series strats can sustain longer, and the lower end strings are brighter and more crystalline, while the sound of the Fender Standard Strat is rounder. Plus it holds distortion and clarity really well. It's perfect for crunchy, driving rock and blues sounds.

The bridge pickup of this Fender Stratocaster Standard gives you that famous, iconic twang; the neck is more of a deep crunch; and the middle and combinations give you everything in between the range. If you play with it using an amp and a pedal, for instance, it can deliver an awesome Hendrix feel.

Playability:

The neck of the Fender Stratocaster Standard is quite fat. It may not be suitable for players with smaller hands. So you may consider buying a guitar with a thinner neck. Also, the wider neck makes soloing a bit difficult and may taking a little getting used to.

Features:

* Body: Alder

* Neck: Maple, modern "C" shaped

* Fingerboard: Rosewood or maple, 9.5-inch radius

* Number of frets: 21 medium jumbo

* Pickups: 3 Standard single-coil Stratocaster pick-ups

* Controls: Master volume, Tone 1 (neck pickup), tone 2 (middle pickup)

* Pickup switching: 5-position blade:

- Position 1: Bridge pickup

- Position 2: Bridge and middle pickup

- Position 3: Middle pickup

- Position 4: Middle and neck pickups

- Position 5: Neck

* Pickguard: 3-ply (parchment)

* Accessories: Gig bag

Overall Review:

This Fender Stratocaster Standard deserves an overall 8, taking all things into consideration. If you want to find a guitar with great sounds, it's a 10. If what you want is good value for your money, it's an 11. However, it does have its limitations, although it sounds great. For instance, it's not for heavy metal, and definitely not for jazz. It can play blues, hard rock with great sound and versatility. Overall it's a great guitar and will be worth your money, whether it's your primary or secondary.

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