When zZounds was a freshman in college, it had to write a sociology term paper about a technological advancement that was a product of its originating culture, but in turn altered the culture from which it originated. Do you know what zZounds chose as the topic of that paper? You guessed it: the Fender Stratocaster. You see, like music itself, the evolution of the Fender American Standard Stratocaster is dictated by the demands of players. These subtle changes then alter the way those musicians play, who, in turn, then change the very course of human cultural history. Like the Guttenberg press, the steam engine, and soap, the Fender American Strat is an object of extreme historical importance, but trumps those other advancements by remaining relevant today (ok, you probably still want to use soap, too).
The latest American Standard Stratocaster incorporates subtle refinements and tweaks into a timeless design for a better playing, bigger sounding, better looking axe that's sure to turn today's up and coming six-string slingers into tomorrow's legends.
Bigger Sound
This latest incarnation of the legendary Strat sounds as big as its storied history, thanks to smart adjustments to the bridge and body finish specs. Fender is now using a high mass, copper infused bridge block, so this Stratocaster can do that funk/country percussive thing as well as singing lead lines and gigantic rhythm chords with equal aplomb. The bridge saddles have also been upgraded to a new bent steel design, providing even more pick attack and chime. The new bridge specs pair nicely with the reformulated body finish. By using a thinner undercoat, the Strat's body can breath and resonate more freely, yielding a tone that's simply. . . well, bigger!
Better Looks
It's hard not to notice the two new striking finish options on the most recent crop of American Stratocasters: Blizzard pearl and Sierra Sunburst. Look even closer, however, and you'll notice other subtle aesthetic appointments that make this one of the handsomest Fenders to ever leave the production line. On both the maple- and rosewood-fitted versions, the fretboard now features a deeper finish and a high-gloss buff, enough to turn heads buy itself, but absolutely striking when complementing the new finishes. Gigging players need not fear, however, for the back of the neck is still that fretting-hand-friendly satin finish that makes shifting hand positions quick and easy.
If It Ain't Broke. . .
Fender knows better than to trifle with their flagship guitar, and they've kept all the features that guitarists loved from the previous models in this year's offering. The stellar AlNiCo V single coil pickups are still there, so you can be sure your new American Standard will sing and sparkle like a Stratocaster is supposed to. Also retained are the hand-rolled fingerboard edges that lend the guitar an already broken-in feel right out of the box. You'll be shredding on this baby like it's been your best friend and confidant for decades. Those staggered tuning machines are still there, too, so you get reliable tuning stability, familiar feel, and genuine American Stratocaster tone in an axe that looks and plays better than ever.
The American Standard Stratocaster is, has been, and always will be the guitar that Fender stakes its reputation on. With decades of history and millions of satisfied Strat players behind this timeless design, you'll be able to stake your reputation on one, too.
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