Looking for an American-made Stratocaster that delivers classic and contemporary tones? Check out the Fender American Special Stratocaster in Candy Apple Red. This guitar is loaded with three Texas Special pickups, providing a wide range of sounds perfect for any genre of music.Table of Contents
Fender American Special Stratocaster User Manual
Pros & Cons of Fender American Special Stratocaster
[/joomdev-wpc-cons][/joomdev-wpc-pros-cons]Buyer’s Guide
What is the Fender American Special Stratocaster
The Fender American Special Stratocaster is an electric guitar that was first introduced in 2012. It is part of the American Standard Series, which is a line of guitars that are made in the United States. The American Special Stratocaster is available in both right-handed and left-handed models. It has a maple neck with a rosewood fingerboard and 22 frets. The body is made of alder, and it has three single-coil pickups. The bridge is a vintage-style synchronized tremolo. The guitar also has a satin urethane finish and comes in Candy Apple Red or Olympic White color options.[1]
The Fender American Special Stratocaster retails for around $899 USD.
Features
The Fender American Special Stratocaster has a number of features that make it a great choice for both beginner and experienced guitarists. Firstly, it has three single-coil pickups which provide a wide range of sounds. Secondly, the vintage-style synchronized tremolo allows you to create unique effects. Thirdly, the maple neck and rosewood fingerboard provide a smooth and comfortable playing experience. Finally, the satin urethane finish gives the guitar a sleek and stylish look.
Anatomy of a Stratocaster
The Fender Stratocaster is a classic electric guitar that has been used by many famous musicians over the years. It is known for its unique shape and design.
The Stratocaster was first introduced in 1954, and it has since become one of the most popular electric guitars in the world. Many famous musicians such as Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, and Stevie Ray Vaughan have used Stratocasters throughout their careers.
If you are looking for an electric guitar that has a classic design and sound, the Fender Stratocaster is a great option. [2]
Stratocaster Bodies
The body of a Stratocaster is typically made from either alder or ash. Alder has a clear, airy tone and can be used on acoustic or electric guitars. It’s an excellent choice for beginners because of its simplicity. Alder is a light wood that delivers great sustain and a well-balanced sound. Ash wood is heavier and gives the guitar a warmer sound with more midrange and low-end frequencies.
The Fender American Special Stratocaster has an alder body with a Candy Apple Red finish. The Olympic White finish option has an ash body. [3]
Alder
Alder and ash are the two most common woods used for Stratocaster bodies. Alder is a lightweight wood that provides good sustain and produces a balanced tone. Such type of wood is used for Stratocaster’s finish option.
Many electric guitarists prefer alder for its weight and grain pattern.
The main downside of alder is that it is not as strong as ash, so it may not be ideal for players who want a heavier guitar with more low-end frequencies.
Ash
Ash is a heavier wood that gives the guitar more midrange and low-end frequencies. The Olympic White finish option on the Fender American Special Stratocaster has an ash body.
Ash is a popular choice for electric guitars because it provides good sustain and has a nice grain pattern. It is also easy to paint and stain, so it can be finished in a variety of colors.
The main downside of ash is that it is not as light as alder, so it may not be ideal for players who want a lighter guitar with more highs.
Stratocaster Necks
The neck of a Stratocaster is typically made from maple. Maple is a strong and durable wood that provides good sustain. It also has a smooth grain pattern that makes it easy to play.
The Fender American Special Stratocaster has a maple neck with a rosewood fingerboard. The rosewood fingerboard adds warmth and depth to the sound of the guitar.
The main downside of maple necks is that they can be more expensive than other types of necks. They are also more susceptible to warping and cracking over time.
Neck Shape
The shape of the Stratocaster’s neck can vary depending on the year and model. The most common neck shape is the C-shape, which is comfortable for most players. The V-shape is another popular option that provides more comfort for players with larger hands.
The Fender American Special Stratocaster has a C-shaped neck with a satin urethane finish. This gives the guitar a sleek and stylish look.
The main downside of the satin urethane finish is that it can be more susceptible to scratches and fingerprints. [4]
Fingerboard Radius
The fingerboard radius is the measurement of the curve on the surface of the fingerboard. It’s measured from the centerline of the neck to the outermost edge of the fingerboard. The American Special Stratocaster has a modern C-shaped neck with a fingerboard radius of 25.
The neck shape and size are important factors in determining how comfortable a guitar is to play. The American Special Stratocaster’s modern C-shape neck is comfortable for most players, and its 25″ fingerboard radius makes it easy to fret chords and single notes alike.
Fret Sizes
The size of the frets on a guitar’s neck can affect playability, intonation, and even tone. The American Special Stratocaster has jumbo frets that measure.
Jumbo frets are a great choice for players who want easy bending and low action. They also make it easier to get in between notes without accidentally hitting other strings. The downside to jumbo frets is that they can wear down faster than smaller fret sizes.
Stratocaster Headstocks
The headstock on a Stratocaster is one of the most iconic features of the guitar. The American Special Stratocaster has a vintage-style headstock with a Fender logo.
The headstock plays an important role in determining the string tension and how well the guitar stays in tune. The American Special Stratocaster’s headstock is designed to keep the strings tight and reduce unwanted vibration for better tuning stability.
Stratocaster Electronics
The electronics on a Stratocaster are what give the guitar its unique sound.The American Special Stratocaster comes equipped with three single-coil pickups, a five-way pickup selector switch, and two tone controls.
The three single-coil pickups on the American Special Stratocaster are intended to generate clear, bright sounds. The five-way pickup selector switch allows for a variety of different tones to be selected, and the two tone controls allow for precise sound adjustment.
Stratocaster Tremolo Systems
The tremolo system on a Stratocaster is what allows the player to create vibrato effects. The American Special Stratocaster has a vintage-style synchronized tremolo system.
The American Special Stratocaster’s synchronized tremolo system is designed to maintain the guitar’s tuning while a player also uses a range of vibrato effects. The tremolo arm also makes it easy to add or remove tension from the strings, making it a versatile tool for players of all styles.
Why Choose a Stratocaster
The Stratocaster is one of the most well-known and popular electric guitars on the market. It’s been utilized by everyone from Jimi Hendrix to Stevie Ray Vaughan, and it has become a standard in the music world. The American Special Stratocaster is an excellent choice for musicians looking for a versatile instrument that can play many different genres of music.
The American Special Stratocaster is a versatile electric guitar that can handle any genre. Its three single-coil pickups, five-way pickup selector switch, and two tone controls give you a wide range of sounds to choose from. And its vintage-style synchronized tremolo system keeps the guitar in tune while still allowing for a wide range of vibrato effects. The American Special Stratocaster is a versatile electric guitar that can handle any genre you throw at it.
Famous Stratocaster Players
The Stratocaster is one of the most popular electric guitars in the world, and it’s been used by some of the most famous guitarists of all time. Here are just a few of the many famous Stratocaster players:
- Jimi Hendrix
- Stevie Ray Vaughan
- Eric Clapton
- Jeff Beck
- David Gilmour
- Mark Knopfler
- George Harrison
- John Frusciante
- Buddy Holly
Musicians choose Stratocaster for its versatility, playability, and iconic design. If you’re looking for an electric guitar that can do it all, the American Special Stratocaster is a great option! [5]
Which Stratocaster is Right for You
Now that you know more about the American Special Stratocaster, you might be wondering if it’s the right guitar for you. Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a Stratocaster:
- What style of music do you want to play? The American Special Stratocaster is versatile enough to cover a wide range of styles, from rock to blues to jazz.
- Do you want a vintage or modern look? The American Special Stratocaster has a vintage-style headstock and synchronized tremolo system.
- What size hands do you have? The American Special Stratocaster has jumbo frets, which are great for players with large hands. If you have small hands, you might want to consider a different model.
Care and Maintenance
Once you’ve chosen the perfect Stratocaster for you, it’s important to take care of it. Here are a few tips for taking care of your Stratocaster:
- Store your guitar in a cool, dry place.
- Change your strings regularly. Depending on how often you play, you’ll need to change your strings every few weeks to months.
- Keep your guitar clean. Wipe down the body and neck with a soft cloth after playing. You can also use a guitar polish to keep the finish looking new.
- Have your guitar set up by a qualified technician every year or two. This will ensure that the action is set properly and that the intonation is accurate.
By following these simple tips, you can keep your Stratocaster in great shape for years to come.
FAQ
How do I know what model Stratocaster I have?
The model name is usually printed on the headstock. If you’re not sure, you can take it to a guitar shop and they should be able to tell you.
Is an American Strat worth it?
The American Stratocaster is a high-quality guitar that’s built to last. It’s a great choice for players who want a versatile guitar that can cover a wide range of styles.
Can you put an American neck on a Mexican Strat?
Yes, you can put an American neck on a Mexican Stratocaster. You might need to make some adjustments to the truss rod, but it’s generally not a problem.
Why are Fender squiers so cheap?
Squier is a subsidiary of Fender, and their guitars are designed to be more affordable versions of Fender’s flagship models. They’re still high-quality instruments, but they’re not as expensive as the American-made models.
Do guitars increase in value with age?
It depends. Generally, guitars that are well-made and have been well-cared for will increase in value over time.
Guitars that were mass-produced or have been abused may not be worth as much.
How do you make a treble bleed?
A treble bleed is a modification that can be made to the wiring of a guitar. It helps to reduce high-frequency loss when the volume is reduced. You can buy kits to do this yourself, or you can take it to a qualified technician.
Related Video: Fender American Special Stratocaster Review
Conclusion
The Fender American Special Stratocaster is a great guitar for the price. It has a classic design with some modern upgrades that make it versatile and playable in any genre. This guitar would be a great choice for beginner to intermediate players who want an affordable instrument that will last for years. If you’re looking for an American-made Stratocaster, the American Special should definitely be at the top of your list. Thanks for reading our review!
References:
- https://www.fuzzfaced.net/american-special-stratocaster.html
- https://www.fender.com/articles/how-to/fender-stratocaster-buying-guide-7-strat-models-compared
- https://warmoth.com/guitar-body-woods
- https://www.fender.com/articles/tech-talk/c-u-v-which-neck-shape-is-for-you
- https://www.fender.com/articles/artists/15-stratocaster-players-for-the-ages