Fender Stratocaster Review

Since its birth in 1954, the "Strat" has been one of the mainstays of modern rock, blues, jazz, and just about any other musical genre that actually uses instruments. (You all know the ones that don't!)

This review will be about the 2000 Fender Am. Standard Strat. There are numerous other varieties, but I'll stick to the basics.

The 22 fret neck gives you an extra fret for those extra high notes, sort of like Nigel's amplifiers that go to 11. It's actually nice to have that 22nd fret. My SRV Sig. Strat is a 21 and there are certain songs where I'm reaching for 22 and it isn't there. I wasn't quite sure, at first, that I'd like the feel of the maple fretboard, but it plays very smoothly. I also like the feel of the medium jumbo nickel/steel frets.

The controls are standard Strat fare: 5 way selector switch, 1 volume, 2 tone adjustment knobs. Fender uses what they call the Delta Tone System on this model, which provide higher output, and the out-of-phase middle pickup provides a humbucking quality when used with either the neck or bridge pups. The Fender Tremolo system is quite functional, although I don't use it much.

The tobacco-burst finish is quite good, no flaws at all when I first got it. Of course, now is another story! It has earned a few dings over the past 8 years. Battle scars, I call 'em. It still looks quite nice, even after years of use.

For the average rocker or blues artist, this is a must-have for your arsenal. Not a lot of frills or extras, but what it does have is class, style, and attitude!