First launched in 1954 the Stratocaster took the electric guitar into a new era of design. Innovations such as the synchronized tremolo and the contoured body for greater playing comfort make this guitar infinitely playable. The three single-coil pickups can be selected individually, or in an out of phase configuration (for the famous ‘quack’), creating endless tone possibilities.
Commonly referred to as the ‘Strat’, it is one of the most recognizable guitars in the world. Such was the revolution in guitar features, many say that it took twenty years for artists to make the most out of the instrument, none more notable than Jimi Hendrix, although it has played a large role in many genres of music. Its list of users reads like a who’s who of music over the last half a century, with artists as varied as Pink Floyd, Iron Maiden, Red Hot Chili Peppers and the Smashing Pumpkins.