July 15th, 2024

The Stratocaster Turns 70

The Fender Stratocaster's 70th anniversary is celebrated for its iconic design and musical impact. The article explores the craftsmanship, innovation, and collaborative effort shaping its legacy in music history.

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The Stratocaster Turns 70

The article celebrates the 70th anniversary of the Fender Stratocaster, highlighting its iconic design and impact on music history. The author takes readers on a tour of Fender's factory, showcasing the craftsmanship involved in creating these guitars. The Stratocaster, known for its innovative features like the tremolo bridge and out-of-phase tones, revolutionized the sound of rock 'n' roll. The piece also delves into the collaborative effort behind the guitar's creation, acknowledging the contributions of various individuals besides Leo Fender. The factory visit reveals the blend of modern technology with traditional craftsmanship in producing each instrument. The article emphasizes the personal touch in sanding and assembly, underscoring the unique feel of each Fender guitar. The familial atmosphere at the factory, with long-standing employees and annual music events, adds a human element to the Stratocaster's legacy. Overall, the article pays tribute to the enduring influence and craftsmanship behind the world-renowned Fender Stratocaster guitar.

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Link Icon 5 comments
By @jcims - 7 months
Just want to start a little sub thread on favorite guitar YouTube channels. For me it’s Chris Buck, hands-down, his Friday Fretwork series is phenomenal for the history of guitars, amplifiers and rock and roll. He’s also a fantastic guitarist that puts little intermissions in each of his videos with incredible playing.

https://youtube.com/@chrisbuckguitar

By @josefritzishere - 7 months
I dig this, but If you had asked me what the greatest electric guitar design was I would have actualy answered Telecaster.
By @tzs - 7 months
...and ever since generations of electric guitarists have been confused over tremolo and vibrato, because Leo Fender mixed them up.

One the the Stratocaster's major innovations was a bridge system that allowed for large string bends without messing up intonation. For unknown reasons he called this a tremolo system, even though the effect produced using it is vibrato (varying pitch) rather than tremolo (varying volume).

He did a similar thing with the Fender Vibrolux amp. That had a tremolo effect built in, but Fender marketed as vibrato.

By @infradig - 7 months
Why did so many great guitarists who made their mark using other guitars then settle into boring middle-aged mediocrity playing a Stratocaster? Never understood.
By @Brechreiz - 7 months
Iconic guitar butt Jazzmaster is better IMHO.