One of the most iconic instruments of the last 70 years is the Fender Strat. Screaming solos by guitar gods on the Stratocaster defined the rock n’ roll sound of the 60s, 70s, and 80s. But what makes this one instrument so unique? What draws the virtuoso guitarists to the unmistakable shape and sound? And why is it called the Stratocaster? Want to know more? Let’s shred!
In 1954, Leo Fender and his team released the Fender Stratocaster. The horn-shaped body, called a double-cutaway, made it an instant icon. With three pickups instead of the usual two, guitarists could control the tone in precise ways they couldn’t before.