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Description

In the realm of electric guitars, the American Fender Stratocaster Lone Star stands as a compelling blend of classic design and modern enhancements. Crafted with an Alder body, this Stratocaster captures the essence of its rich heritage while offering dynamic versatility that caters to a broad spectrum of musical styles. Its hallmark lies in the powerful Seymour Duncan Pearly Gates Plus bridge humbucker, flanked by two Texas Special single-coil pickups, delivering a sound that's as bold as it is nuanced. Whether you're laying down sprawling bluesy solos or intricate rock riffs, the Lone Star's tonal range promises to inspire.

The Lone Star is not just about sound; it's about playability. With a comfortable C-shaped neck and a smooth rosewood fingerboard, it provides a genuinely satisfying playing experience, allowing for seamless transitions across the fretboard. This guitar also features a two-point synchronized tremolo system, ensuring pitch-perfect stability even during the most expressive bends and dives. For musicians who value both tradition and innovation, the American Fender Stratocaster Lone Star is a testament to Fender's enduring legacy in guitar craftsmanship.

Key Features:

  • Alder body for a balanced tonal output
  • Seymour Duncan Pearly Gates Plus bridge humbucker
  • Two Texas Special single-coil pickups
  • Comfortable C-shaped neck
  • Rosewood fingerboard for smooth playability
  • Two-point synchronized tremolo system for enhanced tuning stability

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model US Lone Star Stratocaster
Finish 3-Color Sunburst, Black, Candy Apple Red, Olympic White, Shoreline Gold, Sienna Sunburst, Teal Green Metallic
Year 1996 - 2000
Made In United States
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Alder, Ash
Body Shape S-Style
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Tremolo Bridge
Color Family Black, Brown, Gold, Red, Teal, White
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Fretboard Material Maple, Rosewood
Model Family Fender Stratocaster
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration HSS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 25.5"
Series Fender Lone Star

FAQs

What pickups are featured on the American Fender Stratocaster Lone Star?

The American Fender Stratocaster Lone Star features a Seymour Duncan Pearly Gates Plus bridge humbucker and two single-coil Texas Special pickups, offering a versatile range of tones suitable for various music genres.

Is the American Fender Stratocaster Lone Star suitable for blues and rock music?

Yes, the combination of the Seymour Duncan humbucker and Texas Special single-coil pickups provides a rich, dynamic sound that excels in both blues and rock genres.

What is the neck profile like on the American Fender Stratocaster Lone Star?

The neck of the American Fender Stratocaster Lone Star is made of maple with a comfortable, modern "C" shape, making it easy to play for both rhythm and lead guitarists.

Does the American Fender Stratocaster Lone Star have a tremolo bridge?

Yes, it features a tremolo bridge, allowing for expressive pitch modulation and vibrato effects during play.

What are the body material options for the American Fender Stratocaster Lone Star?

The American Fender Stratocaster Lone Star is constructed with either an alder or ash body, depending on the finish, both contributing to its classic Stratocaster tone and resonance.

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional tonal variation with Pearly Gates humbucker and Texas Special single coils

  • Smooth Texas tone with punchy Pearly Gates humbucker

  • Plays like a custom guitar with rolled fingerboard

  • Excellent sound projection with a "dark" tone complementing pickups

  • Superior tuning stability compared to other Stratocasters

  • Comfortable and well-aged, retains classic Strat sound

  • Reliable and versatile for gigging right out of the box

  • Distinctive bridge humbucker clarity and controlled crunch

CONS

  • Medium Jumbo frets might not suit players preferring Jumbo frets

  • Tremolo knife edge may wear out with heavy use

  • Slight tuning instability with the third string, characteristic of some Stratocasters

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about American Fender Stratocaster Lone Star.

Build quality

  • The polyurethane finish on 90s Fender maple necks can delaminate, especially around dot inlays, leading to visible chipping.

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  • Rosewood fretboards from the 90s are praised for having superior cuts compared to more recent models, which some believe use younger wood.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Owners report that a full re-fret on a maple board is labor-intensive and can cost around $350-$450.

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  • Frequent string bending can lead to flattened fret tops, which might necessitate a level and crown service for optimal playability.

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  • Some owners report high frets and neck angling issues, requiring setup adjustments such as leveling and truss rod adjustments.

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User experience

  • Users note that despite visible wear, older Strats with chipping can still offer great playability without affecting performance.

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  • The Texas Specials pickups are praised for their dynamic and beefy blues/rock tones, though they can be somewhat noisy.

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  • Owners from the 90s and early 2000s praise the guitars for their long-lasting quality, with some still considering them the nicest guitars they've played even after 20 years.

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Use cases and applications

  • Some players appreciate the aged look of chipped finishes, as it adds character and doesn't hinder the guitar's functionality.

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  • The Pearly Gates Plus humbucker is described as being treblier than expected, providing a rock and roll standard sound with versatility across genres.

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Features and functionality

  • The Pearly Gates Plus bridge pickup uses an Alnico V magnet, offering a brighter tone compared to the typical Alnico II of the regular Pearly Gates.

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  • The guitar often features a 9.5" fretboard radius, which is preferred by many for its balance between comfort and playability.

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  • The Shoreline Gold finish paired with a pearl pickguard is noted for its aesthetically pleasing contrast.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Some owners swap the neck pickup for a Seymour Duncan Lil '59, noting improved tonal versatility while retaining a classic Strat sound.

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Comparisons

  • The Lone Star Stratocaster is considered a "powerhouse" and somewhat forgotten model, often compared to the Texas Fat Strat due to similar features.

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 3 Ratings

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polonavarro

You dont need more

My first Stratocaster has been this 1997 American Fender Lonestar, which from the first day I used it and even today it sounds fantastic. Its natural sound projection (contrasted with other stratocasters varieties) is a bit "dark", however, this generates an excellent complement with the original pickups (Seinmour Duncan Hambucker in the bridge position; Texas Coils in the middle and neck). The tuning stability is superior to that of other stratocasters, except for slight discomfort with the third string (very characteristic of this type of guitar). practically the only modification that I have made in 18 years have been some "Tune Locker" Fender. This 1997 Stratocaster Lonestar USA really projects a great sound. It feels like a great guitar because that's what it is.

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