Fender Lonestar Stratocaster 1996

$675.00 Price Tier: Standard

5.0 (1)

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

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Page last updated Jul 01, 2026

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5.0 (26)

$675.00 12 available Used

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Average Price: $675

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Solid Body Electric Guitars category, Fender Lonestar Stratocaster 1996 is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

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Description

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Rediscover the charm and prowess of the '90s with the 1996 Lonestar Stratocaster Sunburst, a gem from the admired "Hot Rodded American" series. This guitar not only captures the essence of its era but also delivers a versatile tone palette, thanks to its unique pickup configuration. Its Alder body (with the exception of the Sienna Sunburst finish) and the distinctive combination of a Seymour Duncan Pearly Gates Plus bridge humbucker and two Texas Special single coils, make this Stratocaster a coveted piece for collectors and players alike. Perfect for those seeking a blend of classic aesthetics and modern functionality, this instrument embodies the spirit of innovation that Fender is known for.

Key Features:

Alder body for a rich, balanced tone (Sienna Sunburst finishes may vary)
Seymour Duncan Pearly Gates Plus bridge humbucker offers a warm, yet articulate sound
Two Texas Special single coils provide the classic Strat sparkle and bite
Part of the limited "Hot Rodded American" series, making it a collector's item
Versatile tone suitable for a wide range of musical styles

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 does the 1996 Lonestar Stratocaster Sunburst feature?: The 1996 Lonestar Stratocaster Sunburst is equipped with a Seymour Duncan Pearly Gates Plus bridge humbucker and two Texas Special single-coil pickups, offering a versatile range of tones suitable for various music styles.
Is the 1996 Lonestar Stratocaster Sunburst suitable for beginners?: While the 1996 Lonestar Stratocaster Sunburst offers professional features and high-quality components, its playability and versatile tone make it accessible for beginners who are serious about learning electric guitar.
What is the neck profile of the 1996 Lonestar Stratocaster Sunburst?: The 1996 Lonestar Stratocaster Sunburst typically features a comfortable modern "C" neck profile, which is designed to be easy to play for most hand sizes and playing styles.
How does the 1996 Lonestar Stratocaster Sunburst handle different music genres?: With its HSS pickup configuration, the 1996 Lonestar Stratocaster Sunburst can produce a wide range of sounds, making it suitable for genres from blues and rock to jazz and country.
What is the body material of the 1996 Lonestar Stratocaster Sunburst?: The body of the 1996 Lonestar Stratocaster Sunburst is primarily made from Alder, known for its balanced tone and resonance, though the Sienna Sunburst finish features an Ash body.

Videos

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GregsGuitars

1996 Fender Lonestar Stratocaster (USA)

GregsGuitars

"Time" - Cover on 1996 American Lonestar Stratocaster

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Reviews

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PROS

Exceptional tonal versatility with humbucker and single-coil pickups
Pearly Gates humbucker provides clear, punchy sound without overpowering
Smooth Texas tone ideal for Strat enthusiasts
Rolled fingerboard offers a custom guitar feel
Built with durability; withstands years of heavy use
Superswitch wiring allows for creative pickup combinations
Comfortable playability, noted for its long-term satisfaction
Known for its classic Strat sound, especially in the middle and neck positions
Retains value and desirability over decades
Aesthetic appeal with genuine wear from use, not artificial aging

CONS

Medium Jumbo frets may not suit players preferring Jumbo frets

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Lonestar Stratocaster 1996.

Build quality

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The Lonestar Strat has a body that fits comfortably against the player, offering a more ergonomic feel compared to a 2012 AVRI '52 Telecaster.
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Despite being nearly 30 years old, some units are reported to still have original plastic under the screws, indicating rare mint condition preservation.
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Setup and maintenance

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The neck relief might be slightly excessive, and the tremolo could be too tightly set against the body, issues likely stemming from the factory setup.
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User experience

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Owners report that despite its age, the guitar can feel more comfortable and preferable to newer Strat models, indicating a timeless design.
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Players liken the performance of this model to a “Ferrari,” highlighting its exceptional playability and dynamic sound.
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Owners express a strong attachment, with sentiments suggesting a reluctance to part with the guitar even after extensive trading and swapping of other models.
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Despite initial reservations, users find the Lone Star's sound an invaluable addition to their guitar collection, particularly for specific tracks.
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Comparisons

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Lonestar Stratocasters are noted for having a flatter neck radius, making them easier to play when compared to some Telecasters.
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Players accustomed to Les Pauls find the Lone Star's neck slimmer, which may not suit those with a preference for thicker necks like on the Les Paul or PRS SC245 McCarty.
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Features and functionality

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The 1996 Lone Star Strat features Texas Specials in the neck and middle positions, with a Seymour Duncan Pearly Gates Plus in the bridge using Alnico V magnets for a hotter output.
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The 1996 Lone Star Strat discussed features an EVH Wolfgang humbucker, providing a noticeable volume boost for solos and responding well to gain.
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