Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $800
Standard/Professional
$400
$1001+
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Description
The Fender American Standard Stratocaster stands as a beacon of versatility and timeless design, embodying the rich heritage of its iconic predecessors while introducing modern enhancements that make it a must-have for any guitarist's arsenal. Built for those who demand both classic tone and contemporary playability, this solid body electric guitar offers a seamless blend of traditional craftsmanship and innovative features.
Crafted with an alder body and a comfortable maple neck, the American Standard Stratocaster delivers the unmistakable Strat sound that has shaped countless genres. Its trio of Custom Shop Fat '50s pickups provides a wide tonal palette, from shimmering cleans to gritty overdrives, making it equally at home in a blues jam or a rock gig. The modern C-shaped neck profile and 22 medium jumbo frets ensure smooth, fast playability, letting you explore the fretboard with ease.
Whether you're a seasoned performer or an aspiring musician, the Fender American Standard Stratocaster offers unmatched reliability and tonal excellence. Its synchronized tremolo bridge and bent steel saddles allow for expressive playing and precise intonation, while the staggered tuning machines ensure stable tuning even during the most intense performances. With its enduring appeal and adaptability, this Strat is more than just a guitar—it's a trusted companion on your musical journey.
Key Features:
- Alder body with a gloss polyurethane finish
- Maple neck with modern "C" shape and satin finish
- 22 medium jumbo frets
- Custom Shop Fat '50s single-coil Strat pickups
- Synchronized tremolo bridge with high-mass block
- Staggered tuning machines for improved tuning stability
Product specs
| Brand | Fender |
| Model | American Standard Stratocaster |
| Finish | 3-Color Sunburst, Black, Blizzard Pearl, Bordeaux Metallic, Candy Cola, Charcoal Frost Metallic, Jade Pearl Metallic, Mystic Blue, Mystic Red, Mystic Sunburst, Ocean Blue Metallic, Olympic White, Sienna Sunburst |
| Year | 2008 - 2016 |
| 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, Blue, Brown, Green, Grey, Red, White |
| Finish Pattern | Sunburst |
| Finish Style | Gloss, Metallic |
| Fretboard Material | Maple, Rosewood |
| Fretboard Radius | 9.5" |
| Model Family | Fender Stratocaster |
| Neck Construction | Bolt-On |
| Neck Material | Maple |
| Number of Frets | 22 |
| Number of Strings | 6-String |
| Nut Width | 1.6875" |
| Offset Body | Non-Offset Body |
| Pickup Configuration | SSS |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Scale Length | 25.5" |
| Series | Fender American Standard, Fender FSR Limited Edition |
| Wood Top Style | Opaque, Plain |
FAQs
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What is the neck profile of the Fender American Standard Stratocaster like?
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The Fender American Standard Stratocaster features a modern "C" shape neck profile, which offers a comfortable and familiar feel for many players, making it versatile for various playing styles.
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What kind of pickups are used in the Fender American Standard Stratocaster?
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This Stratocaster is equipped with three single-coil pickups, known for their bright and clear tone, making it suitable for genres like rock, blues, and pop.
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Is the Fender American Standard Stratocaster suitable for beginners?
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Yes, the Fender American Standard Stratocaster is suitable for beginners due to its comfortable neck profile and versatile sound, although its higher price point might be more appealing to committed players.
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What is the main difference between the Fender American Standard Stratocaster and the American Professional Stratocaster?
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The American Professional Stratocaster, which replaced the American Standard, features updates like a "Deep C" neck profile and V-Mod pickups, offering a slightly different feel and tone.
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How does the tremolo bridge on the Fender American Standard Stratocaster affect playability?
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The tremolo bridge allows for pitch bending and vibrato effects, enhancing the guitar's expressive capabilities, while maintaining tuning stability with proper setup.
Videos
DV247 Music Store UK TV
Fender American Standard Stratocaster Demo
Reviews
PROS
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Wide range of sound options with five control settings
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Low action and easy to play
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Rich and full sound quality, resonates well
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Fat 50's pickups and customizable tone control on bridge pickup
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Neck size and shape provide comfortable playability
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Versatile pickups for varied music styles
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Delta Tone system offers a boost when lower tone control is maxed
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Neck feels smooth and comfortable, plays like butter
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Reliable tuning stability and durable build
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Maple neck provides bright sound, perfect for leads
CONS
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Original pickups can sound harsh and sterile when played alone
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Neck may not be as smooth as cheaper alternatives
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Known humming issue with heavier distortion
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G-string tuning stability issues with stock bridge
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender American Standard Stratocaster.
Features and functionality
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The 1989 Stratocaster includes a TBX tone control and a unique headstock design, which are not present in the 2012 model.
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The 2012 model is praised for its Custom Shop Fat 50s pickups, which provide a richer tone compared to older models.
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The block saddles standard on 90s American Standards are noted for their durability and distinctive feel compared to newer models with different saddle designs.
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User experience
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Owners of the 2012 model report it holds up well through gigs, indicating robust build quality and reliability.
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One owner reports acquiring the guitar barely used, played only twice, revealing potential opportunities for finding well-preserved instruments in the market.
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An owner with 25+ guitars noted selling due to financial constraints, suggesting a buyer's market for high-quality used instruments.
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The neck's ease of play is frequently highlighted, with comments on how it facilitates quick transitions and comfortable positioning for fingers.
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Comparisons
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Some users argue the 1989 model has a unique sound that they prefer over newer models, despite the advances in electronics.
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The 2003 model is compared in value to an early '80s Japanese Strat, with some preferring the Japanese models for their unique pickups and sound quality.
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Owners of newer models still express admiration for features on 90s models, such as brushed saddles, suggesting a preference for their aesthetic and functional qualities.
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Value and pricing
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The 1989 model is suggested to have potential nostalgic value, potentially making it a better long-term investment.
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A 2003 American Standard Stratocaster in mint condition can be found for $750, which is below the market rate of $1200-$1400 for similar models.
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A 1995 American Standard with a tweed case was acquired for $875, representing a notable bargain due to the case's separate value of $200-$300.
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Build quality
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Mid-90s American Standard Stratocasters feature a Modern C profile neck with a 9.5" radius and medium-jumbo fretwire, a combination praised for playability.
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Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 33 Reviews and 170 Ratings
74
Great Guitar!
Great version of the American Standard. Maple neck with three single-coils.
Amazing
Great guitar. Christmas present from 2014. I like white but a stratocaster is an amazing guitar I would absolutely recommend it
114
6812
Everybody likes a strat ;)
114
Yeah!! Sounds fucking awesome :)
118
Artist usage
Add artist
George Harrison used the 1991 Fender Stratocaster American Standard for spontaneous gigs, including performances in Canada, as evidenced by a user-uploaded photo.
In this video Josh is playing Inca Silver Stratocaster with rosewood fingerboard and matching headstock
Roger got this Stratocaster as a gift from Jonathan Wilson, and he can be seen playing it in his video for "El Derecho De Vivir En Paz"
"Even though my first guitar I ever owned was a strat (Fernandes lawsuit stratocaster, not for sale) I’ve never really been a strat guy. Until later on in life while writing songs for Barriers with The Future Violents. This is the guitar I used to record "A New Day's Coming" and "No Love" with Steve Albini." - Frank
Serial: Z7069260
I ran the SN and it shows as an American Standard.
Throughout the video, Stu can be seen playing a Fender Stratocaster in an Arctic White finish
In a feature by Premier Guitar, it is noted that Dave Murray uses a modified cream Fender American Standard Stratocaster with a Floyd Rose tremolo system and three Seymour Duncan Hot Rails mini-humbuckers, all set on a sparkling pickguard, during Iron Maiden's 2010 tour.
In this photo, Smith can be seen playing his Fender American Standard Stratocaster with Floyd Rose Tremolo.
Adam Young's studio has six Fender guitars. The second is an American Stratocaster.
Steve Jones is pictured with a Fender American Standard Stratocaster in a user-uploaded photo, suggesting it is part of his gear collection.
Claudio Sanchez uses a Fender American Standard Stratocaster Electric Guitar, as shown in his Instagram post. He refers to this guitar as the “Shabütacaster,” a name derived from his former band. Sanchez mentions that he modified the guitar with a set of EMG DG20 pickups.
Mark Lettieri owns a Fender American Standard Stratocaster from 1993, which he has used on tour with Erykah Badu and on multiple solo records. The guitar has been updated with Fishman Fluence pickups. This information is confirmed by a listing on Reverb, titled "Fender American Standard Strat 1993 (signed) Owned by Mark Lettieri."
Album Usage
The Fender American Standard Stratocaster has been featured on the following albums:
Barriers
Frank Iero (2019)
Uncomfortable
Wallows (2017)
V
Wavves (2015)
Afraid Of Heights
Wavves (2013)
Keyhole / Hydropump
Die & Addison Groove (2013)
Test Of Submission
Dysrhythmia (2012)
Psychic Maps
Dysrhythmia (2009)
UROBOROS
Dir En Grey (2008)
Barriers and Passage
Dysrhythmia (2006)
Vida De Perros
Los Bunkers (2005)
MACABRE
Dir En Grey (2000)
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Fender American Standard Stratocaster, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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