The modern Fender Stratocaster is based on the original electric guitar design from 1952 to 1954. Leo Fender, Bill Carson, Freddie Tavares, and George Fullerton put in the effort to design what is now one of the most reproduced body styles out there. ----

During this period, most electric guitars still resembled their acoustic predecessors. The Stratocaster had 3 revolutionary features that set it apart:

• A double cutaway shape neck with beveled edges
• A tremolo unit built into the floating bridge
• 3 single coil pickups that increased versatility

This unique design took comfort and sound quality into consideration. The Stratocaster's extended top horn shape made it much easier to balance, and musicians could more easily strap it to their body to perform upright on stage.

The versatility of the Stratocaster sound made it a favorite for many, including Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton, David Gilmore, and George Harrison.

Fender has since updated the Stratocaster design multiple times to consider modern players and technology. In 1987, we saw the American Standard Stratocaster with its flatter fingerboard, thinner neck, and improved tremolo system. This remained the standard, transforming into the American Series Stratocaster in 2000 before reverting ‌to its original name.

The 2017 American Professional Stratocaster replaced the older Fender American style with narrow frets and a deep, fatter C-neck profile and V-mod pickups. Now the Stratocaster name is attached to several other styles, including:

• Squier (Mini, Bullet, Affinity)
• American Performer
• American Professional
• American Ultra
• Vintera
• And more

Whether you want a vintage style or modern features, there are several Strat models to suit your needs. From Pau Ferro to Rosewood to maple fingerboards, vintage colors like surf green to the sleek opal spark, a Fender player has endless options for style and sound.