In 1984, a group of investors bought back Fender from the CBS company. They got rid of some of the CBS-driven 'improvements' such as the second string guide on the head stock (on most models, anyway) and the three-bolt neck with tilt adjuster. They brought back the quality and went to operate under the Fender Musical Instruments monicker. For about two years, only the Japanese Fender factories produced guitars. In 1986, Fender USA took up guitar production again. From that time on, a Mexican Fender subsidiary also started to produce Fender guitars.
1985 to 1987 STRATOCASTER CHARACTERISTICS
From February 1985 to October 1985 no American guitars were produced. Until 1987, in fact, mostly leftover stock and imported (read: Japanese) instruments were sold. It is a myth, however, that no guitars were made around this time in Corona whatsoever. A group of 4 people built less than 10 guitars per day (one of them was David Maddux, who told me this). Photos of the Corona facility at the end of 1985: 1 2 3 4 5 The 1987 NAMM saw the introduction of the American Standard Stratocaster which started everything from scratch again. Around that time the Custom Shop started, too. Fender opened their new factory in Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico, on 7 May 1987.
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Type: 1985 (?) Squier 'Made in Korea' Stratocaster |
| Serial #: S988682 | ||
| Remarks: To those who are initiated in the topic, this serial number is totally off kilter. Although there is some discussion as to what the exact date of this guitar would be, there are three facts: The guitar was made in Korea, it is not from '79 (such as the regular Fender serial numbering system would imply) and it was made with US-made hardware. Now for some more information on dating this instrument. One source says these instruments adhere to the Fender Japan serial number scheme, in which case S+6 digits makes it a 1994-1995 guitar. Another source has a guitar much like it, took it apart and noticed it had a '85 neck date. And yet another source states that the "S" means that is was made in the Korean Samick factory, though he mentions the second character should be an "E" for eighties, "N" for nineties, etc. It seems the last of these systems is not applicable to this guitar on account of there not being a second non-numeral character. Until someone comes with a better explanation, I stick to the guy who took the neck off. | ||
| Above photo credits: The owner, Keith Rogers. | ||
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Type: 1986 or 1987 '57 Reissue | |
| Serial #: V000001 | ||
| Remarks: This vintage reissue Strat in Fiesta Red was the first guitar to be made in the new Corona plant. | ||
| Above photo credits: This picture is from the 1987 or 1988 Fender catalogue. | ||
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Type: 1987 American Standard | |
| Serial #: Unknown | ||
| Remarks: None | ||
| Above photo credits: This picture is from the 1987 or 1988 Fender catalogue. | ||
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Type: 1987 Strat Plus | |
| Serial #: Unknown | ||
| Remarks: Two things typical about the Strat Plus are its Lace Sensor pickups, truss rod adjuster at the headstock, 22 frets, locking tuners and roller nut. This colour is called Graffiti Yellow, a.k.a. 'Rebelyella'. | ||
| Above photo credits: This picture is from the 1987 or 1988 Fender catalogue. | ||
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Type: 1987 or 1988 American Standard Stratocaster |
| Serial #: EE 104103 | ||
| Remarks: The interesting thing about this guitar is the serial number. Only a few guitars with the "EE" serial number prefix were made from after the CBS sale (1985) to 1988. Specs are like the other American Standards. This one has an alder body. | ||
| Above photo credits: Provided by Bob Cvetkovic. | ||
1988 REMARKS
The first signature guitars were produced in 1988. The very first one was the Eric Clapton model, but Yngwie Malmsteen followed in the same year. Fender Japan introduced a number of Stratocaster guitars including the Strat XII (a 12-string model), '68 Stratocaster, HM Power Strat, Paisley Strat and the Blue Flower Strat. The Blue Flower finish had only previously been available on Telecaster guitars.
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Type: 1988 Yngwie Malmsteen signature model | |
| Serial #: Unknown | ||
| Remarks: The first of quite a few Yngwie Malmsteen signature models. | ||
| Above photo credits: This picture is from the 1988 Fender catalogue. | ||
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Type: 1988 HM Strat, first version | |
| Serial #: Unknown | ||
| Remarks: These HM (Heavy Metal, I suppose) guitars were produced from 1989 (some say 1986) to 1992. The USA 'first version' can be recognised by two single-coils and one humbucker, 3 controls, a 5-way switch, a coil switch, no pickguard, maple or rosewood fingerboard and a large Strat logo. The only way to distinguish the "Japanese HM Power Strat second version" from the US-made "US HM Strat first version" is by comparing serial numbers. Japanese axes should have serials starting with K, L, or even M. American guitars should have serials starting with E. | ||
| Above photo credits: Found on Guitar Base | ||
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Type: 1988 (?) HM Strat, first version |
| Serial #: Unknown | ||
| Remarks: You can clearly see the different Strat logo in the headstock detail. Other features include a 24 fret maple neck with rosewood fingerboard, basswood body, double-locking Kahler "Spyder" tremolo, black hardware with Gotoh tuners, 1 humbucking and 2 single-coil pickups. | ||
| Above photo credits: An Ebay auction | ||
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Type: 1988 HM Strat, first version |
| Serial #: Unknown | ||
| Remarks: None. | ||
| Above photo credits: An Ebay auction | ||
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Type: HM Strat, second version (year unknown) | |
| Serial #: Unknown | ||
| Remarks: The US second version of the HM Strat can be recognised by the fact that is has one tilted Lace sensor pickup, one humbucker, and a Telecaster pickguard. You cannot see the Strat logo, but if you could you'd see it's big, like version 1 of the USA HM guitars. | ||
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Type: HM Strat, third version (year unknown) | |
| Serial #: Unknown | ||
| Remarks: The US third version of the HM Strat can be recognised by the fact that it has two humbuckers, large Strat logo, 2 controls, a 3-way switch, 1 coil switch, and no pickguard. | ||
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Type: HM Strat, third version (year unknown) | |
| Serial #: Unknown | ||
| Remarks: Here's another US third version HM Strat. | ||
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Type: HM Strat Ultra |
| Serial #: Unknown | ||
| Remarks: The fourth USA HM Strat type, introduced in 1990, is the HM Strat Ultra. It has 4 Lace sensor pickups in SSH configuration (2 Lace sensors together at the bridge). It has a small 'digital' Strat logo, 3 controls, a 5-way switch, no pickguard and an ebony fingerboard with split-triangle (a.k.a. sharkfin) markers (all other HM Strat fingerboards were either rosewood or maple). The Fender logo on the headstock is mother of pearl. | ||
| Above photo credits: Provided by its current owner, whose name I have unfortunately lost... | ||
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Type: 1988 Stratocaster |
| Serial #: E483044 | ||
| Remarks: At first sight this seems to be a pretty regular Stratocaster, albeit in an odd 'gun metal' type finish. More careful investigation reveals it as a factory refinish. Originally it was Dakota, or Torrino Red. Check out the picture of the jack, with no paint in the drill holes and the red layer underneath. Oscar Pallares made the body (he works for the Custom Shop as a neck finisher now) and the neck was made by John Cruz (who works at the Custom Shop, too, now). | ||
| Above photo credits: Provided by its current owner, Bob Cvetkovic. | ||
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Type: 1988 Stratocaster Plus | |
| Serial #: E471731 | ||
| Remarks: An interesting date <> serial number combination, this one. As it turns out, "E4" serial number prefixes are very common on American Standards and Strat Plus. In fact, some of the '86's, but mainly '87-'88's have that prefix. The owner has 9 instruments with the "E4" prefix that are definitely of a later date. The 1988 designation of this Strat Plus is based on the fact that one of the pots has a '88 date of manufacture and unbroken original solder joints. | ||
| Above photo credits: Provided by its current owner, Bob Cvetkovic. | ||
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Type: Late 80's or early 90's (?) Squier HM Strat (Korean) | |
| Serial #: S938728 | ||
| Remarks: Well, what to say? The serial number is wildly inconsistent with US numbering (which would peg it for a 1979 one, which I am pretty sure it isn't). Rosewood fretboard, no pickguard, HSS pickup configuration, 5 way selector, locking nut, locking tremolo. Headstock has normal Squier logo, and the name 'Fender' small below the 'Stratocaster' name. | ||
1989 REMARKS
The first Heartfield / Heartfield by Fender models were introduced in Japan. The Mexican Fender factory started producing the first guitars. New models of this year included the Deluxe Strat Plus (this was the same as the Strat Plus, but featured 2 blue Lace Sensor pickups and one silver Lace Sensor in the middle position), Contemporary Stratocaster (which had a figured maple top and back, 12" radius and master TBX tone control), H.M (Heavy Metal) Strat, Custom Shop HLE Stratocaster (run of 200) and Short-Scale Strat (made in Japan).
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Type: 1989 Stratocaster Plus | |
| Serial #: Unknown | ||
| Remarks: The pickups are called Lace sensor pickups. They are categorised by colour codes. The Stratocaster Plus has a 'red' Lace sensor in the bridge position, 'blue' in the neck and 'silver' in the middle. | ||
| Above photo credits: An Ebay auction | ||
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Type: SUNN Mustang |
| Serial #: Unknown | ||
| Remarks: From 1988 to 1990 (approximately), Fender licensed the Stratocaster design to manufacturers in India and China. There, they made very cheap Stratocaster copies that entered the US by the name Squier and the rest of the world by the name SUNN. This is an example of such a Stratocaster, made in China, called the SUNN Mustang. Various different models exist, some with bullet truss rod and some with truss rod at the body end. They appear to usually have a rosewood fretboard. Click here for a 1988 SUNN ad from a UK guitar magazine. |
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| Above photo credits: Provided by the owner, Adrian. | ||
1990 REMARKS
Signature models of Danny Gatton, James Burton and Albert Collins were introduced. There was a small-run Hank Marvin signature model, too, which was later introduced at a larger scale. The Jeff Beck signature guitar was introduced this year, too, but wasn't sold until 1991. Other models from this year include the Strat Ultra (featuring a Hipshot Trem-Setter), HM Strat Ultra, Custom Shop 35th Anniversary Strat (Run of 500) and, from Japan, the HRR Strat.
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Type: Early 90's Brazilian-made Giannini Stratocaster Southern Cross |
| Serial #: CGC XXXXXXX | ||
| Remarks: In from 1991 to 1994, Fender licensed the Stratocaster design to a well-established Brazilian guitar manufacturer, Giannini. During that time, they produced Stratocasters and Jazz basses. The Stratocaster headstock had "Fender Stratocaster" plus either a very small Squier logo or a small "Southern Cross" logo. They also had "Made in Brazil" below the Stratocaster logo, though a previous owner sanded that away in the instrument pictured here. The back of the headstock has the text "Manufactured under license of Fender Musical Intruments - USA" and a serial number starting with CGC (which stands for Gianinni Commercial number). Needless to say, the "Manufactured under license of" is also often sanded away, so these guitars will sometimes be sold at online auction as US-made Stratocaster. Body wood is cedar, whereas Pau Marfim (a.k.a. Guatambu, Balfourodendron riedelianum) is used for the neck. These woods are popular in Brazilian guitars. The jazz basses were made with more traditional rosewood fingerboards. Production was done using Fender templates and Fender parts, and was supervised by Fender, too. About 6000 instruments per year were made by Giannini. Click here for a detail of a headstock of another guitar that has the "Southern Cross" name on it. |
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| Above photo credits: Beto Richieri | ||
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Type: 1990 Swarovski Stratocaster | |
| Serial #: N1006885 | ||
| Remarks: This 1990 Standard Stratocaster is covered in about 7000 Swarovski crystals. This custom job was performed in 2001, by a company outside of Fender. The crystals weigh about a quarter of a pound. | ||
| Above photo credits: An Ebay auction | ||
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Type: Early 90's 'Blackie' Eric Clapton Signature Stratocaster | |
| Serial #: SE907229 | ||
| Remarks: This guitar was built to the specs of Eric Clapton's original "Blackie" guitar, that was built from the parts of several Stratocasters. Features include lace sensor pickups, a maple neck and a 22db midrange boost. | ||
| Above photo credits: An Ebay auction | ||
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Type: Early 90's Strat Ultra | |
| Serial #: Unknown | ||
| Remarks: The top model Stratocaster of the time. Pickguard (original was white) has been replaced. The colour is called Smoked Grey-Burst. It has Lace sensor pickups. The two at the bridge are single-coil, not one humbucker. | ||
| Above photo credits: An Ebay auction | ||
1991 REMARKS
Whereas the Ensanada (Mexico) Fender factory had primarily produced amps and cabinets, this year saw more guitars and basses built there. The Jeff Beck and Robert Cray signature models started selling in the US, as well as the Prodigy models. The Standard Series was introduced and the Japanese HM Strat went on sale. Unfortunately this year saw the demise of Leo Fender, on March 21st, aged 82.
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Type: 1991 Silver Sparkle Stratocaster | |
| Serial #: Unknown | ||
| Remarks: This is a silver sparkle 50's reissue Stratocaster with gold-plated parts. | ||
| Above photo credits: Found on Guitar Base | ||
1992 REMARKS
Fender acquired exclusive rights to Floyd Rose products, leading to the introduction of the Floyd Rose Classic Stratocaster this year. The Stevie Ray Vaughan signature Stratocaster was introduced. Among the other new products making their debut were The American Classic Stratocaster, Squier Series Floyd Rose Standard Series Stratocaster (Japan), Custom Shop 62 Strat Limited Edition (Run of 100), Custom Shop Bill Carson '57 Strat (run of 100) and the Custom Shop Blues Special Stratocaster (run of 25).
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Type: 1992 Floyd Rose Classic Stratocaster | |
| Serial #: Unknown | ||
| Remarks: Two humbuckers with a DiMarzio bridge replacement. Large frets. Kluson tuners. | ||
| Above photo credits: Found on Guitar Base | ||
1993 REMARKS
This year saw the introducion of the Richie Sambora signature model, as well as the first truly extravagent Custom Shop models, the Harley Davidson and Playboy Stratocasters. The Heartfield guitars are re-branded Fender in a last attempt to save the models.
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Type: 1993 Deluxe Ultra Strat |
| Serial #: Unknown | ||
| Remarks: Nice sunburst colour with flame top, lace sensor pickups, blue single-coil neck pickup, gold single-coil in the middle, humbucker bridge pickup (can work with one or both coils on). Sperzel locking tuners, Wilkinson roller nut. | ||
| Above photo credits: An Ebay auction | ||
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Type: 1993 Stevie Ray Vaughan Signature Stratocaster | |
| Serial #: SE919124 | ||
| Remarks: Modeled after a mongrel Strat (a '59 body, and a '63 neck, like Stevie's preferred #1 guitar). Notice the tremolo arm in the left-hand-player position and, obviously, the typically large SRV logo on the pickguard. Three Texas pickups, gold tremolo bar. | ||
| Above photo credits: An Ebay auction | ||
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Type: 1993 Lefty Stratocaster |
| Serial #: Unknown | ||
| Remarks: Lefty Stratocasters look gorgeous, too :-) | ||
| Above photo credits: An Ebay auction | ||
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Type: 1993 Heavily Modified 'Psychedelic Strat' | |
| Serial #: N3115316 | ||
| Remarks: This guitar started life as a midnight blue Strat Plus. The rosewood neck was replaced by maple (serial number N4170946). Body was burned and frozen to age like Hendrix guitars. Then stripped and re-finished with psychedelic "space wallpaper" (like the Paisley and Floral Fender designs), sprayed with midnight blue mix and nitro-celluose matt lacquer. Also: aged Kluson deluxe heads, aged 60's style strat trem/bridge, aged jack cup, custom wound Lindy Fralin 7% overwound blues special pickups, aged pick up covers, original aged vol/tone/tone, clear scratchplate with 4 changable wallpaper inserts, 3 way switch with push 2nd/bottom tone pot for Tele/Gibson SG Special sound. | ||
| Above photo credits: The owner, Gary Hunter. The custom work was done by Paul Richardson. | ||
1994 REMARKS
The Stratocaster celebrated its 40th anniversary. The Custom Shop produced 1954 40th Anniversary Stratocasters. This year also witnessed the introduction of the Dick Dale signature model, the Mexican-made Strat Special and the Custom Shop Nashville NAMM Stratocaster (run of 50). For the first time, Stratocaster guitars become available with aluminium bodies. Master Builders there start producing 'art guitars'.
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Type: 1994 40th Anniversary Stratocaster | |
| Serial #: N3107612 | ||
| Remarks: This colour is called Caribbean Mist. The headstock has a wavy flag kind of '40th' logo (if you look carefully you can locate it). | ||
| Above photo credits: An Ebay auction | ||
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Type: 1994 40th Anniversary Stratocaster | |
| Serial #: Unknown | ||
| Remarks: Another 40th Anniversary Stratocaster. Same characteristics as the one described above. This colour is called Midnight Blue. | ||
| Above photo credits: Found on Guitar Base | ||
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Type: 1994 Yngwie Malmsteen signature Stratocaster | |
| Serial #: Unknown | ||
| Remarks: I don't know too much about this one, actually. It's got a pre-CBS size headstock and scalloped fretboard, though. | ||
| Above photo credits: Found on the Official Yngwie Malmsteen site, used with permission | ||
1995 REMARKS
After taking an order from Keith Richards for a "beaten up" Telecaster, the Custom Shop began making Relic instruments. The "Mary Kaye" Stratocaster was the first Relic Strat to be produced. Other new instruments included the Buddy Guy Signature Stratocaster, Carved Top Strat, '54 Strat FMT, '60 Strat FMT, Japanese Floyd Rose Standard Stratocaster, Japanese Foto Flame Strat, Custom Shop Aloha Strat (run of 153) and the Custom Shop Black Beauty Stratocaster (run of 25). Bonnie Raitt became the first woman with a Fender signature guitar - the Bonnie Raitt Signature Stratocaster.
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Type: 1995 Buddy Guy signature Stratocaster | |
| Serial #: Unknown | ||
| Remarks: Blonde, ash body, Lace Sensor pickups. The finish is called Honey. | ||
| Above photo credits: An Ebay auction | ||
1996 REMARKS
The Fender company celebrated its 50th Anniversary. The Lone Star Strat was introduced. This was effectively an American Standard Stratocaster with hot pickups, including a Seymour Duncan bridge humbucker. To mark Fender's 50th anniversary, some models went on the market with a special commemorative neckplate. Also included was a 50th Anniversary decal on the back of the headstock. The Custom Shop issued a run of 200 50th Anniversary Relic Stratocaster guitars. Also produced are the Tex Mex Strat, Traditional Strat and the Traditional Fat Strat. From Japan came the Richie Sambora Black Paisley Stratocaster and The Ventures Strat, as well as the Jagstang.
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Type: 1996 Stratocaster Plus | |
| Serial #: Unknown | ||
| Remarks: Alder body, Sperzel locking tuners, LSR locking nut, hipshot tremsetter, Fender Lace gold sensors, tone/TBX control system, rosewood fingerboard. All of these features were factory-installed. | ||
| Above photo credits: An Ebay auction | ||
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Type: 1996 Dr. Marten Stratocaster | |
| Serial #: Unknown | ||
| Remarks: This guitar, made in Mexico, was a grand prize in a contest. The Dr. Martin logo was hand-painted on the body. | ||
| Above photo credits: Made available by Kevin Schultz | ||
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Type: 1996 Fender 50th Anniversary Stratocaster |
| Serial #: Unknown | ||
| Remarks: This is 2086 of 2500 made. | ||
| Above photo credits: Found on Guitar Base | ||
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Type: 1996 Fender 50th Anniversary Stratocaster |
| Serial #: Unknown | ||
| Remarks: The finish is called 'vintage white'. The headstock matches. | ||
| Above photo credits: An Ebay auction | ||
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Type: 1996 Fender 50th Anniversary Stratocaster |
| Serial #: N6108543 | ||
| Remarks: The headstock finish matches. It has an anniversary logo on the back of the headstock, but no special anniversary engraved neckplate. | ||
| Above photo credits: The owner, Urmas Kirsipuu. | ||
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Type: 1996 50th Anniversary Lefty Stratocaster | |
| Serial #: Unknown | ||
| Remarks: Beautiful cream lefty Stratocaster. A few oddities here: It was claimed to be 50th Anniversary, but doesn't look like it. Also, the 'Stratocaster' bit of the Fender decal on the headstock is not there. | ||
| Above photo credits: Found on Guitar Base | ||
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Type: 1996 Jeff Beck signature Stratocaster | |
| Serial #: SN6939243 | ||
| Remarks: None. | ||
| Above photo credits: The owner, John Simmons | ||
1997 REMARKS
This year saw the introduction of the Jimi Hendrix Stratocaster. Deluxe Series Stratocaster guitars made their debut. The American Standard Series gained a new, twin-humbuckered family member: The Big Apple Strat. Also making their first appearance in this busy and exciting year were the California Strat, California Fat Strat, Jimmie Vaughan Signature Stratocaster, Hank Marvin Stratocaster, Super Strat, Tex Mex Strat Special, Powerhouse Stratocaster, Japanese-made Richie Blackmore Strat, Jerry Donahue Hellecasters Stratocaster (Japan), Collectors' Edition Stratocaster (limited to a run of 1,997 ) and the Custom Shop Monterey Strat (limited to a run of 210).
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Type: 1997 Powerhouse Stratocaster | |
| Serial #: Not applicable | ||
| Remarks: The Powerhouse Strat takes the versatility of a classic Strat guitar and combines it with a 12 dB active mid-boost circuit and the "Powerhouse" pick-up system. | ||
| Above photo credits: The Official Fender Web Site | ||
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Type: 1997 Collectors Edition Stratocaster | |
| Serial #: Unknown | ||
| Remarks: 'Only' 1997 of these guitars were made, all 3-colour sunburst. Note the '1997' fret market at the 12th fret. It is based on the '62 Strat design. Gold-plated U.S. Vintage hardware, neck plate serialized 0001 of 1997, etc. | ||
| Above photo credits: From a Fender catalogue. | ||
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Type: Lone Star Stratocaster (year unknown) | |
| Serial #: Unknown | ||
| Remarks: The HSS Lone Star Stratocaster model was introduced in 1996, until it was replaced by the American Fat Strat Texas Special in 2002. | ||
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Type: Big Apple Stratocaster (year unknown) | |
| Serial #: Unknown | ||
| Remarks: The twin-humbucker Big Apple Stratocaster model was introduced in 1997, until it was replaced by the American Double Fat Strat in 2002. | ||
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Type: 1997 Jimi Hendrix signature Stratocaster |
| Serial #: Unknown | ||
| Remarks: The mirror image of the guitar Jimi Hendrix played at Woodstock (notice the mirrored headstock logo). Alder body, maple neck and fretboard, olympic white finish, 60's style large headstock, vintage hardware and tremolo. | ||
| Above photo credits: An Ebay auction | ||
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Type: 1997 Deluxe Super Strat | |
| Serial #: Not applicable | ||
| Remarks: Beautifully adorned and classically contoured, the Deluxe Super Strat features an ash body, lightly tinted maple neck, gold-plated vintage style hardware, brown shell pickguard, and newly designed "Super Fat-Super Strat" single-coil pickups. Deluxe "Super Switching" gives you seven pickup combinations to choose from. | ||
| Above photo credits: The Official Fender Web Site | ||
1998 REMARKS
Fender's new 177,000 square foot state-of-the art guitar and amplifier factory went online in Corona, California. The Relic line was re-organised. Relic Stratocaster guitars now available in Relic, Closet Classic and N.O.S (New Old Stock). The American Deluxe Stratocaster and the Roland Ready Strat guitar make their debut. The stylish carved-top Showmaster Stratocaster guitars also burst onto the scene. The Floyd Rose Classic HSS and Floyd Rose Classic HH were released onto an unsuspected public. The American Deluxe Stratocaster and Fat Stratocaster gain Noiseless pickups. Also released are the Limited Edition Matthias Jabs Strat, Deluxe Powerhouse Strat, Deluxe Super Strat and the Jimi Hendrix Voodoo Stratocaster. The bass section saw short-lived signature models for Donald "The Duck" Dunn and Rush' Geddy Lee. Japanese-built guitars are now ever more limited for sale in Japan (and Europe).
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Type: 1998 Yngwie Malmsteen signature Stratocaster | |
| Serial #: Not applicable | ||
| Remarks: Heavy frets, large headstock, YJM and DiMarzio HS-3 pickups, alder body, vintage tremolo, aged parts, brass nut. Controls include volume, tone, and "no load" tone (bridge and mid). | ||
| Above photo credits: Found on the Official Yngwie Malmsteen site, used with permission | ||
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Type: 1998 Voodoo Stratocaster a.k.a. Voodoocaster | |
| Serial #: Unknown | ||
| Remarks: This is the cheaper model of the Jimi Hendrix signature Stratocaster, above. | ||
| Above photo credits: An Ebay auction | ||
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Type: 1998 (?) Roland Ready Stratocaster |
| Serial #: Unknown | ||
| Remarks: This guitar is guitar-synth enabled (check out the extra Roland GK2 sensor nearest the bridge). Rosewood fretboard, alder body, maple neck. It is, basically, a Fender American Standard with the added sensor. Production of this model started in 1995 and was discontinued in 1998, after which only Mexican-made ones were made. | ||
| Above photo credits: An Ebay auction | ||
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Type: 1998 Limited Edition Matthias Jabs Stratocaster | |
| Serial #: Not applicable | ||
| Remarks: It has custom Saturn inlays, HSS pickups (humbucker is Seymour Duncan JB), humbucker volume control, single coils volume control, master TBX control, strap locks and locking machineheads. | ||
| Above photo credits: Found on the Official Matthias Jabs site. | ||
1999 REMARKS
The Japanese factory introduced smaller-scale models. The US factory starts producing Jazzmasters and Jaguars again. The Standard Fat Strat is introduced. The Fender factory in Ensenada (Mexico) produced its first Classic Series Stratocaster guitars. These were divided into 50's, 60's and 70's models.
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Type: 1999 or 2000 Lone Star Stratocaster | |
| Serial #: Unknown | ||
| Remarks: This type of Strat is very similar to the American Standard, except it has 2 Texas Special single coil pickups, 1 Seymour Duncan Pearly Gates humbucker and tortoise-shell type plastic pickguard. This model was introduced in 1996. | ||
| Above photo credits: An Ebay auction | ||
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Type: 1997-1999 (somewhere) Powerhouse Stratocaster |
| Serial #: Unknown | ||
| Remarks: The colour is called Candy Apple Red. Powerhouse Stratocasters are built in Mexico and are very much like the American Standard, except they've got active electronics and volume/tone/boost knobs. Pickguard is pearloid, Powerhouse pickups, maple neck. | ||
| Above photo credits: An Ebay auction | ||
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Type: 1999 60's Stratocaster (Mexico) | |
| Serial #: MN9381782 | ||
| Remarks: The color is shell pink, body made of poplar, neckshape is 60's "C", rosewood fingerboard, vintage style machineheads. The pickguard is 'mint green', pickup covers and knobs are 'aged white'. | ||
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Type: 1999 American Deluxe Stratocaster | |
| Serial #: DN 820695 | ||
| Remarks: These American Deluxe Stratocasters, which can be recognised by their serial number started off with "DN", were all built in 1998 or 1999. This one has a one-piece maple neck/fretboard, solid alder body, 3 vintage noiseless pickups, American Deluxe/Ultra bridge with polished saddles and snap-in arm, polished Fender/Schaller locking keys and aged plastic parts with "mint green" pickguard. Body and neck of these American Deluxe guitars are made of more beautiful wood than the 'ordinary' American Standard and American series, especially with regard to the wood grain. | ||
2000 REMARKS
Fender celebrates 50 years of solid body guitar production. The Lone Star and Big Apple Strats were renamed to American Fat Strat Texas Special and American Double Fat Strat respectively. The new millennium saw a brand new flagship Stratocaster for Fender. The American Standard Series was discontinued in favour of the stylish American Series. This included several new features designed for player comfort, improved tone and pleasing aesthetics. Also introduced was the Limited Edition Chris Rea Signature Strat. The Squier Standard Strat, Fat Strat and Double Fat Strat made their debuts. The Custom Shop Sub-Sonic Stratocaster, with its 27" scale length and dropped B tuning (B-E-A-D-F#-B) hit the stores. The Stratacoustic also makes its entrance.
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Type: 2000 Yngwie J. Malmsteen Signature Model | |
| Serial #: Not applicable | ||
| Remarks: This is the 2000 version of the Yngwie Malmsteen signature model, featuring the usual scalloped fretboard and brass nut, but now also a late 60's large headstock, original synchronized tremolo and aged plastic parts. | ||
| Above photo credits: The Official Fender Web Site | ||
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Type: 2000 Robert Cray signature Model | |
| Serial #: Not applicable | ||
| Remarks: Custom vintage pickups, hardtail (no tremolo), alder body, lightly figured maple neck with rosewood fingerboard, 21 frets, gold-plated vintage hardware. | ||
| Above photo credits: The Official Fender Web Site | ||
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Type: 2000 Double Fat Stratocaster | |
| Serial #: Z0031028 | ||
| Remarks: The colour is Teal Green. The 'Double Fat' refers to the two humbuckers. | ||
| Above photo credits: The owner, John Simmons | ||
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Type: 2000 Dick Dale signature Model | |
| Serial #: Not applicable | ||
| Remarks: Alder body, shape maple neck with reverse headstock, rosewood fingerboard, 21 frets, three custom 50's pickups with special switching, master volume control and original synchronized tremolo. | ||
| Above photo credits: The Official Fender Web Site | ||
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Type: 2000 Bonnie Raitt signature Model | |
| Serial #: Not applicable | ||
| Remarks: Bonnie Raitt is the only female Fender endorsee. This signature model has a narrow neck shape with 9.5 inch fingerboard radius. It has 3 Texas Special pickups and a white shell pickguard. | ||
| Above photo credits: The Official Fender Web Site | ||
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Type: 2000 Jeff Beck signature Model | |
| Serial #: Not applicable | ||
| Remarks: Deep 50's neck shape, two gold Fender Lace Sensor pickups in neck and middle positions, dual gold Lace Sensor pickup in bridge. | ||
| Above photo credits: The Official Fender Web Site | ||
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Type: 2000 Richie Sambora signature Model (US) | |
| Serial #: Not applicable | ||
| Remarks: 'Star' fingerboard inlays, three Fender Hot-Noiseless pickups, aged plastic part, maple fingerboard, 12db active mid-boost circuit. Difference with the Japanese signature model: It has a humbucker and star dot inlays; the US model only has the stars, the Mex model only has the humbucker. | ||
| Above photo credits: The Official Fender Web Site | ||
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Type: 2000 Richie Sambora signature Model (Mexico) | |
| Serial #: Not applicable | ||
| Remarks: This one's actually made in Mexico, like the Jimmy Vaughan signature model of older years. Has a humbucker/single/single pickup configuration (humbucker is DiMarzio PAF) and a Floyd Rose II locking tremolo. Rosewood fingerboard. | ||
| Above photo credits: The Official Fender Web Site | ||
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Type: 2000 '70 Stratocaster (Mexico) | |
| Serial #: Not applicable | ||
| Remarks: U-shaped neck, large headstock, "bullet" truss rod, faithful replica of the old models. Made in Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico. | ||
| Above photo credits: The Official Fender Web Site | ||
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Type: 2000 Floyd Rose Classic Strat | |
| Serial #: Not applicable | ||
| Remarks: Available with rosewood or maple fretboards, and with HSS (hum-single-single) or HH (hum-hum) pickup configurations. Humbucker is a Fender DH-1. The tremolo is the Floyd Rose original locking tremolo. | ||
| Above photo credits: The Official Fender Web Site | ||
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Type: 2000 Deluxe Stratocaster |
| Serial #: DZ0073227 | ||
| Remarks: Rather beautiful, that transparent blue finish, isn't it? | ||
| Above photo credits: The owner, Paul Abrams. | ||
2001 REMARKS
The Tom DeLonge Signature Stratocaster was introduced. The Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck Signature Stratocaster guitars were updated. New Noisless pickups replace Lace Sensor pickups on both models. The limited edition Iron Maiden Signature Stratocaster is released in Europe.
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Type: 2001 (?) Stratacoustic | |
| Serial #: CC00052446 | ||
| Remarks: A January 2000 addition to the Fender roster, a thinline acoustic/electric Stratocaster type guitar. Solid spruce top, one-piece fiberglass body, maple neck, rosewood fretboard. Although these guitars are actually made in China, reviewers are very positive about these guitars. They don't cost that much, either. Because the body is quite light and the neck is relatively heavy, their balance isn't perfect. The workmanship is also slightly sloppy when you look at the details. This one used to be owned by the webmaster. | ||
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Type: 2001 '68 Reverse Strat | |
| Serial #: Not applicable | ||
| Remarks: Reverse headstock, reverse angled bridge pickup, reverse staggered pickups. | ||
| Above photo credits: The Official Fender Web Site | ||
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Type: 2001 Strat Special | |
| Serial #: Not applicable | ||
| Remarks: For players who want to access a wide variety of extreme tones, Fender offers the Floyd Rose Classic HSS and Floyd Rose Classic HH. Both guitars feature the Floyd Rose Original locking tremolo, plus newly designed Fender humbucking pickups. The HSS model has two Fender American Series single-coils in the neck and middle positions, and one Fender DH-1 Humbucker in the bridge. The DH-1's magnetic pole pieces are Fender-spaced for proper string balance. The HH model beefs it up with a double dose of Fender DH-1 Humbuckers in the bridge and neck positions, combined with special five-way switching that offers a wide array of fat humbucker and cutting single-coil tones. |
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| Above photo credits: The Official Fender Web Site | ||
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Type: 2001 Tom DeLonge Stratocaster | |
| Serial #: Not applicable | ||
| Remarks: Tom DeLonge is the guitar player in Blink-182. He is probably easily confused with multiple controls and pickups, or a tremolo for that matter. It just features one Seymour Duncan Invader pickup and a volume control. This model is made in Mexico. | ||
| Above photo credits: The Official Fender Web Site | ||
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Type: 2001 Jeff Beck Stratocaster | |
| Serial #: Not applicable | ||
| Remarks: This updated model has a softer "C" neck, the new Fender special design dual-coil ceramic Noiseless pickups and a contoured heel for easier access to the higher registers. | ||
| Above photo credits: The Official Fender Web Site | ||
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Type: 2001 Eric Clapton Stratocaster | |
| Serial #: Not applicable | ||
| Remarks: The updates to this model are a trio of Fender's new Vintage Noiseless pickups, an active mid-boost and TBX circuits. Other features include a special soft "V" shape neck and blocked original vintage synchronized tremolo bridge. | ||
| Above photo credits: The Official Fender Web Site | ||
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Type: 2001 Buddy Guy Stratocaster | |
| Serial #: Not applicable | ||
| Remarks: Features include a special "V" shape neck, three Gold Fender-Lace Sensors with 25dB active mid-boost circuit. | ||
| Above photo credits: The Official Fender Web Site | ||
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Type: 2001 Deluxe Fat Strat | |
| Serial #: Not applicable | ||
| Remarks: This guitar features the newly designed Fender humbucking pickups: two Tex-Mex single-coils in the neck and middle positions and one Tex-Mex Humbucker in the bridge. Special 5-way switching offers a broad spectrum of humbucking and single-coil tones. Available with or without an original style Floyd Rose locking tremolo. | ||
| Above photo credits: The Official Fender Web Site | ||
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Type: 2001 Lefty Stratocaster | |
| Serial #: Z1002222 | ||
| Remarks: Quite a beautiful wood pattern on this one. | ||
| Above photo credits: The owner, Dave Varilek | ||
2002 REMARKS
The affordable U.S-made Highway 1 Stratocaster was introduced. The Buddy Guy Polka Dot Strat was unveiled. The Roadhouse Strat became the American Texas Special.
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Type: 2002 U.S. Special Highway Strat | |
| Serial #: Not applicable | ||
| Remarks: This is a best value instrument, a no-nonsense, American-made rocker. It's got an alder body, transparent satin lacquer finish, Vintage-style chrome hardware. | ||
| Above photo credits: The Official Fender Web Site | ||
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Type: 2002 Buddy Guy "Polka Dot" signature Stratocaster | |
| Serial #: Not applicable | ||
| Remarks: Alder body, polyester finish, Fender/Gotoh Vintage Style Tuning Machine, 3 Standard Single-Coil Strat Pickups (Ceramic Magnets). | ||
| Above photo credits: The Official Fender Web Site | ||
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Type: 2002 American Hot Rodded Strat Texas Special | |
| Serial #: Z2050887 | ||
| Remarks: This colour is 'Surf Pearl' (a 1957 DuPont Chevrolet color). (Perhaps) visible modification is that the tuners have been replaced by Fender/Schaller locking tuners (like on the Deluxe Strat). | ||
| Above photo credits: Provided by its current owner, Bernhard Piller | ||
2003 REMARKS
The Highway 1 range was extended to include the Showmaster HSS, the Showmaster HH and the Stratocaster HSS. The '65 Strat was introduced to the Time Machine Series. In a busy year, several other models are introduced, including the Mark Knopfler Strat, Strat-O-Sonic DVI, Strat-O-Sonic DVII, Strat-o-Sonic Black Dove I, Strat-o-Sonic Black Dove II, Acoustasonic Strat, Artist Series Robert Cray Stratocaster and the Standard Stratocaster with Satin finish. The revolutionary new S-1 switch was added to some Stratocaster guitars. This enabled players to switch from humbuckers to single coils in an instant.
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Type: 2003 Satin Standard Stratocaster | |
| Serial #: Not applicable | ||
| Remarks: The main difference with other Standard Stratocasters is the finish, which is Satin Polyutherane. The color shown is Midnight Wine. Others available are Midnight Blue, Gun Metal Blue and Candy Apple Red. | ||
| Above photo credits: The Official Fender Web Site | ||
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Type: 2003 Acoustasonic Strat | |
| Serial #: Not applicable | ||
| Remarks: This seems to be the up-market model of the Stratacoustic. Alder body with graphite top, satin polyurethane finish (Saphire Blue Transparent (shown), Crimson Red Transparent, Ebony Transparent or Pewter). It has 3 In-Bridge Fishman Piezo Pickups. | ||
| Above photo credits: The Official Fender Web Site | ||
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Type: 2003 Squier Standard Stratocaster (Limited Edition) | |
| Serial #: Not applicable | ||
| Remarks: The colour is Silverburst. Possibly the [COUGH] ugliest [COUGH] colour I've ever seen released. I wonder who they think will buy this. I guess kids will buy anything... | ||
| Above photo credits: The Official Fender Web Site | ||
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Type: 2003 Mark Knopfler signature Stratocaster | |
| Serial #: Not applicable | ||
| Remarks: This colour is Hot Rod Red, a nitro-cellulose lacquer finish. The body is lightweight ash, contoured as in '57. It's got a '62's "C" shape maple neck, 21 nickel silver frets. It has 3 Texas Special pickups, 5-position switch, and Knopfler's signature decal on the ball of the headstock. | ||
| Above photo credits: The Official Fender Web Site | ||
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Type: 2003 (probably) "Xtreme" Lee Stratocaster (made in Mexico) | |
| Serial #: MZA223077 | ||
| Remarks: This is a special guitar with a serial number to match. Mexican MZ2+5 numbers will date to 2002-2003, but this is MZA+6 numbers... | ||
| Above photo credits: Dave Maddux. | ||
2004 REMARKS
This year saw, among other things, the introduction of the Tie Dye Stratocaster, the Lite Ash Strat, Aerodyne Stratocaster and the Strat Jr.
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Type: 2003 or 2004 Starcaster (the Costco one) |
| Serial #: Unknown | ||
| Remarks: Sometimes you just want to slap someone in the marketing department of Fender. Such a person would be the one who decided that it would be nice to use the "Starcaster" name (a vintage Fender acoustic/electric instrument) for a joint venture with Costco to produce the cheapest Stratocaster clone you'll ever see. It seems that these guitars were made in a SSS and HSS configuration, that they were pretty OK quality-wise (but below Squier), and that they were very, very cheap. They don't do much more than $100 on Ebay, and I've seen them sold for $250 new including amp. Alder body, black sparkle finish (a.k.a. agathis). In 20 or 30 years they will probably fetch a lot of money on account of their unusual headstock and the fact that not that many appear to have been made.
Click here for a detail of the body of the HSS "Fat Strat" version. Click here for a detail of the front of the headstock. Click here for a detail of the back of the headstock. |
Above photo credits: several different Ebay auctions | |
| The following three guitars are examples of the 2004 new American Deluxe series. Fender claims these are the finest, most versatile instruments they've ever made. They use newly designed Fender Samarium Cobalt Noiseless (SCN) pickups, combined with Fender's acclaimed S-1 switching. This results in a big array of possible different tones. Visually, they offer both quilted and flame maple top options on alder bodies. Options include premium ash or alder, locking bridge, LSR roller nut and locking tuners. | ||
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Type: 2004 American Deluxe Stratocaster HSS LT | |
| Serial #: Not applicable | ||
| Remarks: One of the new 2004 American Deluxe series instruments, this one is in Montego Black featuring a Humbucker-Single-Single pickup set-up with locking tuners. | ||
| Above photo credits: The Official Fender Web Site | ||
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Type: 2004 American Deluxe Stratocaster | |
| Serial #: Not applicable | ||
| Remarks: One of the new 2004 American Deluxe series instruments, this one is in Butterscotch Blonde with an Ash body. | ||
| Above photo credits: The Official Fender Web Site | ||
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Type: 2004 American Deluxe Fat Strat | |
| Serial #: Not applicable | ||
| Remarks: One of the new 2004 American Deluxe series instruments, this one features a Flame Maple Top in a beautiful Bing Cherry Transparent finish. | ||
| Above photo credits: The Official Fender Web Site | ||
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Type: 2004 American Deluxe Fat Strat | |
| Serial #: DZ4067847 | ||
| Remarks: This model is also known as the American Deluxe Stratocaster FMT (Flame Maple Top) HSS. This one features the striking Cobalt Blue Transparent finish. Some of the more notable features are an Ebony freatboard, Fender/Schaller deluxe locking tuners, an LSR roller nut, and of course the brilliant Flame Maple Top. The pickups are 2 Hot Samarium Cobalt Noiseless single pickups (designed with Bill Lawrence) and 1 Fender DH-1 Humbucker. | ||
| Above photo credits: The owner, Mateusz Jakubowicz. | ||
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Type: 2004 American Standard 50th Anniversary Stratocaster | |
| Serial #: Not applicable | ||
| Remarks: This guitar was only available in 2004. It features select solid alder bodies with 2-tone sunburst with "C" shaped maple neck. It also features three single-coil Fender Samarium Cobalt Noiseless pickups and S-1 Switching. | ||
| Above photo credits: The Official Fender Web Site | ||
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Type: 2004 Standard Strat HH | |
| Serial #: Not applicable | ||
| Remarks: HH refers to the two Fender Tex-Mex Fat Strat Humbucking Pickups it boasts. Alder body, rosewood fingerboard, C-shaped maple neck, vintage style synchronized tremolo, 3-way switch. This colour is called Midnight Wine. | ||
| Above photo credits: The Official Fender Web Site | ||
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Type: 2004 Aerodyne Strat | |
| Serial #: Not applicable | ||
| Remarks: Modern-looking Stratocaster, only available in black, with 3 vintage style pickups, maple neck, rosewood fingerboard, 5-way switch, basswood body. | ||
| Above photo credits: The Official Fender Web Site | ||
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Type: 2004 Lite Ash Strat | |
| Serial #: Not applicable | ||
| Remarks: This guitar has a light ash body, birdseye maple neck and fingerboard, chrome hardware, 5-way switch, Seymour Duncan pickups (APS-1N Alnico Pro2 Staggered at neck, APS-1RWRP Alnico Pro2 Staggered in the middle and APS-1B Alnico Pro2 Staggered at the bridge. | ||
| Above photo credits: The Official Fender Web Site | ||
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Type: 2004 Strat Jr. | |
| Serial #: Not applicable | ||
| Remarks: This guitar was created especially for the younger player. It offers a 22.72 inch scale. Alder body, rosewood fingerboard, hardtail bridge and two controls (volume and tone). | ||
| Above photo credits: The Official Fender Web Site | ||
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Type: 2004 50th Anniversary Golden Stratocaster | |
| Serial #: Not applicable | ||
| Remarks: This guitar celebrates the legacy of the most sought after guitar in history. Fender only offered this guitar during 2004. Along with the Classic Series Strat guitar�s standard appointments, it featured an Aztec Gold finish, gold hardware, gold anodized pickguard, 50th Anniversary laser-etched backplate and a deluxe 50th Anniversary Vintage Tweed gig bag. | ||
| Above photo credits: The Official Fender Web Site | ||
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Type: 2004 Tie-Dye Stratocaster |
| Serial #: Not applicable | ||
| Remarks: The retro tie-dye patterns that adorn these guitars are taken from real T-shirts. They have locking tuning machines, 22-fret neck, two-point tremolo and custom pickup configuration. The red/orange colour is "Band of Gypsys", the blue one is called "Hippie Blue". | ||
| Above photo credits: The Official Fender Web Site | ||
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Type: 2004 '66 Stratocaster | |
| Serial #: Not applicable | ||
| Remarks: The Time Machine series 1966 Stratocaster guitar is an exact reproduction of one of the most rapidly collectable Stratocaster guitars around, right down to its nitrocellulose-lacquered alder body with a WLS undercoat. The "Big Peg" headstock design, early '60s "C"-shape neck and F-key tuners set this guitar apart and it's "transition" logo, Pearloid inlays and "F" neck plate pay homage to a brief but important part of Fender's history. | ||
| Above photo credits: The Official Fender Web Site | ||
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Type: 2004 American Deluxe QMT HSS Stratocaster | |
| Serial #: Not applicable | ||
| Remarks: A very nice Quilt Maple Top guitar with Humbucker at the bridge. It features a DH-1 humbucking pickup, two Samarium Cobalt Noiseless pickups and the S-1 switching system for endless tonal variety. Other features include a deluxe two-point synchronized tremolo with pop-in arm, abalone inlays, 22 medium jumbo frets and LSR roller nut. | ||
| Above photo credits: The Official Fender Web Site | ||
2005 REMARKS
This year, the Eric Johnson and Robin Trower signature Stratocasters were introduced.
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Type: 2005 Eric Johnson signature Stratocaster | |
| Serial #: Not applicable | ||
| Remarks: The Eric Johnson Signature Model Fender Stratocaster guitar is built from a light 2-piece alder body, dressed in a very thin nitro cellulous lacquer finish, and the 1-piece quarter-sawn maple neck sports a 12 inch fingerboard radius, 21 frets, and a soft "V" neck profile. Additional features include staggered vintage style machine heads, thus eliminating the need for a string tree, custom pickups with countersunk screws and wound to Eric's specifications, and highly contoured body and neck. It comes with a parchment '57 style pickguard, 5-Way Switch, Master Volume, Neck Tone and Bridge Tone controls, and a Vintage Tremolo with 4 tremolo springs, silver painted block and '57 style string recess with no paint between base plate and the block. It is available in four different finish options: White Blonde, Two-Color Sunburst, Candy Apple Red and Black. |
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| Above photo credits: The Official Fender Web Site | ||
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Type: 2005 So-Cal Speed Shop Stratocaster | |
| Serial #: Not applicable | ||
| Remarks: This guitar was inspired by the one-off 2003 Custom Shop So-Cal guitar. This one is more affordable. Basswood body, 1 Alnico Humbucking Pickup (Bridge), hardtail (no tremolo). The guitar is completely finished in the So-Cal Speed Shop Paint Scheme, with a So-Cal Speed Shop Decal on the front of body, matching painted headstock, side dot position inlays only, black plastic parts, graphite nut and oversized strap buttons. | ||
| Above photo credits: The Official Fender Europe Web Site | ||
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Type: 2005 Stratocaster XII 12-string | |
| Serial #: Not applicable | ||
| Remarks: The unusual Stratocaster XII 12-string guitar features an alder body, maple neck and rosewood fingerboard with 21 frets. Vintage tuning machines and a fully adjustable bridge make tuning quick and easy. Three vintage-style single-coil Strat pickups give you the full, chiming tone you want from an electric 12-string. It was available in sunburst, burgundy mist metallica and lake placid blue. | ||
| Above photo credits: The official Fender site. | ||
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Type: 2005 Big Block Stratocaster | |
| Serial #: Not applicable | ||
| Remarks: This instruments lends its name from the 'big block' dot inlays on the fretboard. A Big Block Stratocaster, Telecaster and Precision Bass were released in 2005. The guitar was made in Mexico and seems to have died a quick death. 2 vintage single-coils, and vintage-style tremolo and tuners. Also a bridge-position Enforcer humbucker. The look is classy with a combination of black and chrome including a chrome pickguard. | ||
| Above photo credits: The official Fender site. | ||
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Type: 2005 "None More Black" Stratocaster | |
| Serial #: DZ5074823 | ||
| Remarks: This guitar has no dots on the fretboard and has as much black as they wanted to use (unfortunately no black hardware). Pickups: 2 SCN and one Humbucker with black bobbins. Supposedly a limited run of 300 or less. Click here for another picture (of another NMB Strat). | ||
| Above photo credits: An Ebay auction | ||
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Type: 2005 Standard Series Stratocaster | |
| Serial #: Unknown | ||
| Remarks: This signed Fender Standard Series Stratocaster became the world's most expensive guitar, fetching a massive $2.8 million at auction in Doha, Qatar, in December 2005. Auctioned to aid victims of the 2004 tsunami disaster, the guitar broke the previous record held by Eric Clapton's $959,500.00 black strat. According to the Fender website, "the idea started when Fender Europe�s Jamie Crompton contacted Bryan Adams to see how people from the music industry could reach out to help the victims of such a devastating natural disaster. Bryan got his phone book out and rang nineteen of rock�s most treasured artists to sign a Standard Series Fender Stratocaster guitar, donated by Jamie and Fender Europe." Artists who signed were Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton, Mick Jagger, Brian May, Liam Gallagher, Jeff Beck, Pete Townshend, Ray Davies, David Gilmour, Bryan Adams, Tony Iommi, Mark Knopfler, Angus Young, Malcolm Young, Keith Richards, Ronnie Wood, Paul McCartney, Sting and Noel Gallagher. | ||
| The picture was taken from Guitarsite.com. | ||
2006 REMARKS
This year saw the introduction of the Koa Stratocaster. Also, the Highway One Stratocaster was updated.
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Type: 2006 Koa Stratocaster | |
| Serial #: Not applicable | ||
| Remarks: The Special Edition Koa Stratocaster guitar marks the first time that Fender has used exotic and highly sought-after koa wood in an instrument outside the Custom Shop models. The guitar features a koa veneer atop a basswood body, with a Light Burst Rosewood finish, modern C-shaped birds-eye maple neck, rosewood fingerboard, Seymour Duncan alnico Pro II pickups, a two-point synchronized tremolo, and pearl pickguard and dot inlays. | ||
| Above photo credits: The official Fender site. | ||
2007 REMARKS
The most startling innovation of 2007 was the release of the VG Stratocaster. Also, this year saw the appearance of the John Mayer signature Stratocaster. The Custom Shop celebrated its 20th anniversary with, among other things, a completely new site design within fender.com.
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Type: 2007 John Mayer Signature Stratocaster | |
| Serial #: Not applicable | ||
| Remarks: The finish is Cypress Mica, with African Rosewood fretboard. 3 Big Dipper� Single-Coil Strat Pickups with Special �Scooped� Mid-Range Voicing to Meet John Mayer�s Specifications. | ||
| Above photo credits: The official Fender site. | ||
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Type: 2007 VG Stratocaster | |
| Serial #: Not applicable | ||
| Remarks: The VG Stratocaster is a collaboration between Fender and Roland, a versatile instrument that gives you 37 different Stratocaster, Telecaster, humbucking, 12-string and acoustic sounds, plus five alternate tunings, all at the simple flip of a switch or twist of a knob. It all comes in the gracefully familiar form of an American Series Stratocaster, and it�s designed to deliver each sound with level, balanced tone and volume�no need to readjust your amp settings with each change in guitar sound. It can bypass the additional circuitry in which case it'll sound like a traditional Stratocaster. There is no need for a guitar synth or anything. | ||
| Above photo credits: The official Fender site. | ||
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Type: 2007 Yngwie Malmsteen signature Stratocaster | |
| Serial #: Not applicable | ||
| Remarks: January 2007 saw the release of a revised Yngwie Malmsteen signature Stratocaster. The fretboard is scalloped deeper, the pickguard is now white/black/white, it has a bullet truss rod and machine-screw neck mounting. | ||
| Above photo credits: The official Fender site. | ||
STRATOCASTERS OF UNKNOWN DATE
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Type: 1962 reissue (year unknown) MARS Limited Edition | |
| Serial #: Not applicable | ||
| Remarks: The finish is Blue Metallic, with matching headstock. | ||
| Above photo credits: Picture provided by Agusti Magnet from Fendermania in Spain | ||
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Type: 1962 reissue (year unknown) | |
| Serial #: Not applicable | ||
| Remarks: The finish is Lake Placid Blue. | ||
| Above photo credits: Picture provided by Agusti Magnet from Fendermania in Spain | ||
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Type: 1962 reissue (year unknown) | |
| Serial #: Not applicable | ||
| Remarks: The finish is Teal, with gold finish hardware. | ||
| Above photo credits: Picture provided by Agusti Magnet from Fendermania in Spain | ||
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