Fender Stratocaster

The 'Strat', as it's commonly termed, had a slanting edge on the back of the guitar, where the arm rests. The upper bouts had two cutaways, making it easier to play on the higher frets. There are three single-coil pickups with staggered magnetic poles. The single-coil's pickups produce a trebly sound with a high top end and bell-like harmonics. A three-way selector switch allows you to play with three different tones; Rhythm, Normal tone, and Lead, and you also have two tone controls along with a volume knob. The first Strats had a sunburst finish, all-maple neck, an ash or chrome body and thermoplastic parts. As of today, there are around thirty different Fender Strat models in different colors and woods. There are also the Artist Series, where guitarists like Eric Clapton, Buddy Guy, Jeff Beck and Mark Knopfler have custom-designed Strats.