* . *
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Privacy & Policy
  • Contact
Tuesday, August 5, 2025
Earth-News
  • Home
  • Business
  • Entertainment
    ‘Billie Jean’ – Hyde Park Herald

    The Enduring Magic Behind ‘Billie Jean’ Revealed

    Hank Hill returns to a changed world in new ‘King of the Hill’ episodes – New Haven Register

    Hank Hill Navigates a Bold New World in Thrilling New ‘King of the Hill’ Episodes

    Exclusive | Fox Takes Stake in IndyCar Owner Penske Entertainment – The Wall Street Journal

    Exclusive | Fox Takes Stake in IndyCar Owner Penske Entertainment – The Wall Street Journal

    Go-to entertainment: why gaming was made for the toilet – The Guardian

    Why Gaming Is the Ultimate Way to Pass Time in the Bathroom

    Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra takes the Lollapalooza stage – Yahoo Home

    Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra takes the Lollapalooza stage – Yahoo Home

    Sens. Blackburn, Warnock introduce CREATE Act to provide tax relief to music creators – Yahoo Home

    Sens. Blackburn and Warnock Launch CREATE Act to Deliver Tax Relief for Music Creators

  • General
  • Health
  • News

    Cracking the Code: Why China’s Economic Challenges Aren’t Shaking Markets, Unlike America’s” – Bloomberg

    Trump’s Narrow Window to Spread the Truth About Harris

    Trump’s Narrow Window to Spread the Truth About Harris

    Israel-Gaza war live updates: Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh assassinated in Iran, group says

    Israel-Gaza war live updates: Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh assassinated in Iran, group says

    PAP Boss to Niger Delta Youths, Stay Away from the Protest

    PAP Boss to Niger Delta Youths, Stay Away from the Protest

    Court Restricts Protests In Lagos To Freedom, Peace Park

    Court Restricts Protests In Lagos To Freedom, Peace Park

    Fans React to Jazz Jennings’ Inspiring Weight Loss Journey

    Fans React to Jazz Jennings’ Inspiring Weight Loss Journey

    Trending Tags

    • Trump Inauguration
    • United Stated
    • White House
    • Market Stories
    • Election Results
  • Science
  • Sports
  • Technology
    Nasdaq-listed Verb Technology to build $558 million TON treasury, rebrand as TON Strategy Co. – The Block

    Nasdaq-Listed Verb Technology to Build $558 Million TON Treasury and Rebrand as TON Strategy Co

    How Tech Firms Like Google and Meta Are Embracing the Military – The New York Times

    How Tech Firms Like Google and Meta Are Embracing the Military – The New York Times

    Credo Technology: Wiring The AI Revolution (NASDAQ:CRDO) – Seeking Alpha

    Credo Technology: Driving the Next Wave of AI Innovation

    Microsoft Seeks to Extend Access to OpenAI Technology – PYMNTS.com

    Microsoft Aims to Broaden Access to OpenAI Technology

    Livonia police use grappler technology to stop drunk driver – ClickOnDetroit | WDIV Local 4

    Livonia Police Deploy Grappler Technology to Safely Stop Drunk Driver

    Emory orthopaedic surgeons use robotic technology to transform knee replacement surgery – Emory News Center

    How Robotic Technology is Revolutionizing Knee Replacement Surgery

    Trending Tags

    • Nintendo Switch
    • CES 2017
    • Playstation 4 Pro
    • Mark Zuckerberg
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Business
  • Entertainment
    ‘Billie Jean’ – Hyde Park Herald

    The Enduring Magic Behind ‘Billie Jean’ Revealed

    Hank Hill returns to a changed world in new ‘King of the Hill’ episodes – New Haven Register

    Hank Hill Navigates a Bold New World in Thrilling New ‘King of the Hill’ Episodes

    Exclusive | Fox Takes Stake in IndyCar Owner Penske Entertainment – The Wall Street Journal

    Exclusive | Fox Takes Stake in IndyCar Owner Penske Entertainment – The Wall Street Journal

    Go-to entertainment: why gaming was made for the toilet – The Guardian

    Why Gaming Is the Ultimate Way to Pass Time in the Bathroom

    Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra takes the Lollapalooza stage – Yahoo Home

    Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra takes the Lollapalooza stage – Yahoo Home

    Sens. Blackburn, Warnock introduce CREATE Act to provide tax relief to music creators – Yahoo Home

    Sens. Blackburn and Warnock Launch CREATE Act to Deliver Tax Relief for Music Creators

  • General
  • Health
  • News

    Cracking the Code: Why China’s Economic Challenges Aren’t Shaking Markets, Unlike America’s” – Bloomberg

    Trump’s Narrow Window to Spread the Truth About Harris

    Trump’s Narrow Window to Spread the Truth About Harris

    Israel-Gaza war live updates: Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh assassinated in Iran, group says

    Israel-Gaza war live updates: Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh assassinated in Iran, group says

    PAP Boss to Niger Delta Youths, Stay Away from the Protest

    PAP Boss to Niger Delta Youths, Stay Away from the Protest

    Court Restricts Protests In Lagos To Freedom, Peace Park

    Court Restricts Protests In Lagos To Freedom, Peace Park

    Fans React to Jazz Jennings’ Inspiring Weight Loss Journey

    Fans React to Jazz Jennings’ Inspiring Weight Loss Journey

    Trending Tags

    • Trump Inauguration
    • United Stated
    • White House
    • Market Stories
    • Election Results
  • Science
  • Sports
  • Technology
    Nasdaq-listed Verb Technology to build $558 million TON treasury, rebrand as TON Strategy Co. – The Block

    Nasdaq-Listed Verb Technology to Build $558 Million TON Treasury and Rebrand as TON Strategy Co

    How Tech Firms Like Google and Meta Are Embracing the Military – The New York Times

    How Tech Firms Like Google and Meta Are Embracing the Military – The New York Times

    Credo Technology: Wiring The AI Revolution (NASDAQ:CRDO) – Seeking Alpha

    Credo Technology: Driving the Next Wave of AI Innovation

    Microsoft Seeks to Extend Access to OpenAI Technology – PYMNTS.com

    Microsoft Aims to Broaden Access to OpenAI Technology

    Livonia police use grappler technology to stop drunk driver – ClickOnDetroit | WDIV Local 4

    Livonia Police Deploy Grappler Technology to Safely Stop Drunk Driver

    Emory orthopaedic surgeons use robotic technology to transform knee replacement surgery – Emory News Center

    How Robotic Technology is Revolutionizing Knee Replacement Surgery

    Trending Tags

    • Nintendo Switch
    • CES 2017
    • Playstation 4 Pro
    • Mark Zuckerberg
No Result
View All Result
Earth-News
No Result
View All Result
Home Entertainment

Fender currently makes over 100 Stratocasters – here’s how to choose the Strat that’s right for you

June 1, 2024
in Entertainment
Fender currently makes over 100 Stratocasters – here’s how to choose the Strat that’s right for you
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

It’s often said that Leo Fender got it right the first time with the Stratocaster design.

Whether or not you agree with that sentiment, one thing we will argue until our faces turn a delicate shade of Daphne Blue is that the Strat’s modular nature makes it tremendously appealing to vast numbers of guitarists – and with so many models there’s almost certain to be a Strat to suit your requirements.

But which one is right for you? With so many options it’s not an easy choice.

Here, we break down key Strat specs. We’ll consider choices of bodies, necks, tone controls, hardware and more to help you choose your next Strat, though, for the sake of brevity, rarity, and all of our wallets, we’ll rule out the Custom Shop here.

For now, we’ll kick off with one of the biggest deciding factors with any electric guitar: the pickups… 

Pickups

Close-up of Fender Stratocaster pickups

(Image credit: Future)

Things get complicated quickly with Strat pickups as many are custom voiced for each range of guitars. Happily, that means you’ll have a good idea of each pickup’s character.

On the downside, it means the best advice we can give you is to make sure you try out any guitar or pickup you’re interested in. On that bombshell, here are the main categories of pickup you’ll need to consider.

All the latest guitar news, interviews, lessons, reviews, deals and more, direct to your inbox!

1. Era-specific

Many Fender pickups are era-related. The mid-priced Vintera II ’50s Strat features pickups voiced to be “more ’50s-accurate”, and it’ll set you back $1,149/£909. American Vintage II Strats start at $2,299/£1,999, but their Pure Vintage single coils (in ‘57, ‘61 or ‘73 spec) can be bought as standalone sets starting at $199/£149 if you fancy modifying your own Strat.

2. Noiseless pickups

If you love the tone but hate the hum of single-coil pickups then you have to go Noiseless – and Fender offer them in Vintage and Hot versions, both in either standard or Ultra Noiseless spec. An SSS Player Plus Strat will set you back $999/£939, or the H.E.R. signature Strat comes in at $1,349/£1,249.

Close up of the bridge and pickups on a HSS Stratocaster

(Image credit: Future)

3. HSS configuration

You’ll find HSS-configured Strats at every price range, from the affordable Squier Sonic and Contemporary models up to this year’s flagship 70th Anniversary American Ultra. Check out the Player Series, too, which strikes a balance of price and performance.

4. Artist specs

Browse the Artist Series of Strats for some eclectic takes on pickup configuration. Tom Morello’s Soul Power model pairs two Noiseless single coils with a Seymour Duncan Hot Rails humbucker. There’s a Fernandes Sustainer and a Duncan JB JR humbucker in Ed O’Brien’s Strat. For contemporary metal tones, Jim Root’s signature axe features a duo of active EMG 81 and 60 pups.

5. Pre-wired pickguards

If you’d rather choose your own pickups, Fender offer various pre-wired pickguards to fit your Strat. However, it’s also worth looking farther afield. Bare Knuckle offer an extensive range of pickups which they can provide in pre-wired guards. 

Tone controls

Fender Stratocaster

Close-up of Fender Stratocaster tone controls (Image credit: Future)

Three pickups. Three knobs. You’d think the Strat’s tone controls would be simple, right? Not so. The standard feature set on an SSS Strat is a master volume, a tone knob each for neck and middle pickups, but no tone control at the bridge – plus a five-way selector switch.

However, there are variations on this core spec to look out for, and these are the most important to consider…

1. The S-1 switch

A gem in Fender’s Strat lineup, S-1 switching offers five additional pickup wirings over and above those from a standard five-way selector switch.

In position one on an SSS Strat, typically only the bridge pickup is engaged. Press the S-1 switch (a push button mounted in a volume/tone knob) and it could be wired so that all three pickups are heard in series.

There’s a wealth of possible permutations (and it’s not the same on every S-1-equipped Strat) – just think of it as a tonal expansion for the guitar.

2. Bridge tone control

If having no tone control on your bridge pickup is a deal-breaker, check out the Player series which offers this facility. It’s also a simple wiring mod for you or your local guitar tech to perform on your Strat.

Close up of the UFO knobs on a Fender Aerodyne Stratocaster

(Image credit: Future)

3. Push me pull me

If you like your Strats in HSS configuration, keep an eye out for a push/pull switch on those bridge ’buckers, giving you single-coil-esque tones. The American Performer HSS ($1,449/£1,379) features this coil-split function.

4. Pre-wired pickguards (again!) 

High-end electronics come mainly with Fender’s high-priced Strats, but a fully wired pickguard can deliver awesome tone at relatively affordable prices, assuming you’re modding a guitar you already own.

We’d urge you to budget for premium potentiometers, wiring and capacitors. Check out Bourns and CTS pots and Sprague caps.

Necks

Fender Stratocaster

Close-up of Fender Stratocaster fretboard (Image credit: Future)

Arguably the most important part of any guitar is its neck, and while most chatter tends to focus on materials and the eternal maple vs. rosewood/rosewood substitute debate, we’d suggest that the shape is a more important consideration.

It’ll certainly have a bigger effect on your playing than the wood it’s built with, and that’s what we’re focusing on here.

1. Neck profile

The profile is the shape of the rear of the neck – and it plays a big part in how comfy your fretting hand will feel when you play.

You can search guitars on Fender.com based on four profiles: C, D, U and V, and this isn’t some random code; the shape of each letter is roughly akin to the curve of the neck. C is a fairly neutral round curve, V has a slight “hump” in the middle with flatter sides. You get the idea.

However, it’s only a guide. For example, some Vs are quite pronounced, whereas others are softer, and so on. You’ll learn your preference once you’ve tried a few guitars out.

2. Fretboard radius

Radius refers to the roundness/flatness of the fretboard. A low figure (say, 7.25” as found on the Vintera II ’50s) is rounder, generally considered more “vintage”, and, some say, is more comfy for cowboy chords.

A higher figure (over 12” – see the Squier Contemporary Strat) is flatter and supposedly better suited to shreddier styles. 9.5” is a happy medium.

Like neck profile, it’s not a price-dependent feature – so think about your playing style when choosing any guitar.

3. Frets

Expect 21 or 22 frets on a Strat. Why not 24? Because those two extra frets would interfere with the position of the neck pickup, which is strategically located to, er, pick up a strong harmonic, enhancing the tone thusly.

Like radius and profile, fret size isn’t related to price, so, for example, a $429/£375 Squier Classic Vibe ’50s model has “narrow tall” frets and the similarly priced Contemporary Special features the jumbo kind. Supposedly jumbos can enhance speedy playing, but it really is down to personal preference.

Hardware

Fender Stratocaster

Close-up of Fender Stratocaster tremolo system (Image credit: Future)

The Strat is the supreme modding platform, and there’s a whole industry of aftermarket hardware mods and upgrades to draw on.

Of course, there are also 100+ Fenders and Squiers to look at first, and you may well find your dream axe there.

1. Tremolos

Fender’s vintage-style six-screw trem can be considered a de facto “standard” choice, but there are alternatives.

The mid-price Player and Player Pro Strats come with a two-point trem that’s better suited to more vigorous use than the vintage style. In fact, there are dozens of two-point trems and price is no determining factor – the Affinity Strat (just $249/£225) also includes this feature.

The Squier Contemporary FR and Dave Murray signature both feature Floyd Rose locking trems for when you’ve just got to divebomb! And, though it ain’t cheap, the Michael Landau signature features a vintage-style six-point trem, but with a rout behind it to allow for upward whammy bar moves.

2. Fixed bridges

Tremolos not your thing? No worries – there are several fixed bridge Strats. Squier’s Paranormal Strat-O-Sonic features a compensated wraparound style bridge – dare we say it’s a little bit Gibson-esque.

The Robert Cray, Tom DeLonge and Jim Root Strats all feature a hardtail bridge with through-body stringing, the latter two also having block saddles.

If you’re on the tightest budget, check out the Squier Sonic HT at just $199/£155.

3. Nuts and tuners

It’s best to consider nuts and tuners as upgradeable parts – there are far too many choices on Fender’s menu to make them a deciding factor. We love Graph Tech TUSQ products, which are a great upgrade to many stock nuts.

Check out brands like Schaller and Gotoh for replacement tuners and opt for locking units for ultimate tuning stability. We’d recommend getting tuners and nuts installed by a qualified guitar tech to get the best out your pride and joy.

>>> Read full article>>>
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source : GuitarWorld – https://www.guitarworld.com/features/how-to-choose-a-fender-stratocaster

Tags: CurrentlyentertainmentFender
Previous Post

What makes Wilfried Nancy’s Columbus Crew so special? | MLSSoccer.com

Next Post

“When Bob Dylan really did go electric, nearly 60 years ago, this Fender Telecaster was one of his most crucial weapons”: Bob Dylan and Robbie Robertson’s 1965 Fender Telecaster fetches a whopping $650,000 at auction

Your nature photo might be a scientific breakthrough in disguise – ScienceDaily

Could Your Nature Photo Unlock the Next Big Scientific Breakthrough?

August 5, 2025
Scientists reexamine 47-year-old fossil and discover a new Jurassic sea monster – ScienceDaily

47-Year-Old Fossil Reveals an Astonishing New Jurassic Sea Monster

August 5, 2025
Moment of Science: Parker probe offers insights into sun, solar wind – WIS News 10

Parker Probe Unveils New Secrets About the Sun and Solar Wind

August 5, 2025
Nurse, marathon runner Jin Lee promotes healthy lifestyle by example – Bucks County Herald newspaper

Nurse, marathon runner Jin Lee promotes healthy lifestyle by example – Bucks County Herald newspaper

August 5, 2025
Who’s the top dog? Wave-riding canines compete in the World Dog Surfing Championships – NPR

Meet the Ultimate Wave-Riding Dogs Competing for the World Surfing Championship!

August 5, 2025
‘The Big Short’ investor warns despite economy’s stronghold against ‘thoughtless,’ ‘unprecedented’ tariffs so far, stagflation is coming – Fortune

The Big Short’ Investor Issues Stark Warning: Stagflation Threatens Despite Economy’s Surprising Strength Against Unprecedented Tariffs

August 5, 2025
‘Billie Jean’ – Hyde Park Herald

The Enduring Magic Behind ‘Billie Jean’ Revealed

August 5, 2025
Health insurance in Pennsylvania may see biggest hike in years – 90.5 WESA

Pennsylvania Braces for Its Largest Health Insurance Increase in Years

August 5, 2025
The Origins of the Political Power Grab in Texas – The New York Times

Inside Texas’s Bold Quest for Political Control

August 5, 2025
Nasdaq-listed Verb Technology to build $558 million TON treasury, rebrand as TON Strategy Co. – The Block

Nasdaq-Listed Verb Technology to Build $558 Million TON Treasury and Rebrand as TON Strategy Co

August 5, 2025

Categories

Archives

August 2025
MTWTFSS
 123
45678910
11121314151617
18192021222324
25262728293031
« Jul    
Earth-News.info

The Earth News is an independent English-language daily published Website from all around the World News

Browse by Category

  • Business (20,132)
  • Ecology (755)
  • Economy (780)
  • Entertainment (21,657)
  • General (16,295)
  • Health (9,817)
  • Lifestyle (788)
  • News (22,149)
  • People (779)
  • Politics (789)
  • Science (15,993)
  • Sports (21,275)
  • Technology (15,757)
  • World (761)

Recent News

Your nature photo might be a scientific breakthrough in disguise – ScienceDaily

Could Your Nature Photo Unlock the Next Big Scientific Breakthrough?

August 5, 2025
Scientists reexamine 47-year-old fossil and discover a new Jurassic sea monster – ScienceDaily

47-Year-Old Fossil Reveals an Astonishing New Jurassic Sea Monster

August 5, 2025
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Privacy & Policy
  • Contact

© 2023 earth-news.info

No Result
View All Result

© 2023 earth-news.info

No Result
View All Result

© 2023 earth-news.info

Go to mobile version