Fender Roland Ready Stratocaster

$699.99 Price Tier: Standard

4.5 (5)

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Page last updated Jun 28, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated June 23, 2026.

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4.0 (6)

$699.99 2 available Used

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Average Price: $700

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Solid Body Electric Guitars category, Fender Roland Ready Stratocaster 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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Dive into the sonic versatility of the Fender Roland Ready Stratocaster, a remarkable fusion of Fender's iconic electric guitar craftsmanship with Roland's pioneering synth technology. This hybrid marvel stands out for its ability to seamlessly switch from the crisp, classic Strat tones to a wide array of guitar and synth sounds, courtesy of the onboard Roland GK-2A pickup. Whether you're connecting to a GR-series Roland device for experimental sounds or plugging directly into an amp for that beloved Stratocaster vibe, this guitar offers unparalleled flexibility. Crafted in Mexico, it's available in the sleek finishes of arctic white, black, and the slightly rarer brown sunburst. Embrace a world of musical possibilities without sacrificing the soul of a Strat.

Key Features:

Equipped with the Roland GK-2A pickup for modeling a variety of guitar and synth sounds.
Compatible with GR-series Roland devices for expanded sonic exploration.
Functions as a traditional Stratocaster when plugged directly into an amp.
Mini-switch and two additional buttons for easy sound manipulation.
Available in arctic white, black, and brown sunburst finishes.
Made in Mexico, symbolizing quality craftsmanship and attention to detail.

Product specs

Brand	Fender
Model	Standard Roland Ready Stratocaster
Finish	Arctic White, Black, Brown Sunburst
Year	1998 - 2005
Made In	Mexico
Categories	Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material	Alder
Body Shape	S-Style
Body Type	Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type	Tremolo Bridge
Color Family	Black, Brown, White
Finish Pattern	Sunburst
Finish Style	Gloss
Fretboard Material	Rosewood
Fretboard Radius	9.5"
Model Family	Fender Stratocaster
Neck Construction	Bolt-On
Neck Material	Maple
Number of Frets	21
Number of Strings	6-String
Nut Width	1.65"
Offset Body	Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration	SSS
Right / Left Handed	Right Handed
Scale Length	25.5"
Series	Fender Standard
Wood Top Style	Opaque, Plain

FAQs

What is the Roland GK-2 synth pickup on the Fender Roland Ready Stratocaster used for?: The Roland GK-2 synth pickup allows the guitar to connect to guitar synthesizers, enabling you to access a wide range of synthesized sounds and effects beyond traditional electric guitar tones.
Does the Fender Roland Ready Stratocaster require a specific cable for synthesizer connectivity?: Yes, the Fender Roland Ready Stratocaster requires a 13-pin connector cable to connect to compatible Roland guitar synthesizers. This cable is not included with the guitar.
What are the main tonal characteristics of the Fender Roland Ready Stratocaster's pickups?: The guitar features three standard single-coil pickups with ceramic magnets, providing classic Stratocaster tones known for their bright, clear sound with a strong midrange presence.
Is the Fender Roland Ready Stratocaster suitable for live performances?: Yes, with its versatile pickup configuration and synth capability, the Fender Roland Ready Stratocaster is well-suited for live performances, offering both traditional and synthesized sounds.
What is the neck profile of the Fender Roland Ready Stratocaster?: The Fender Roland Ready Stratocaster features a modern "C" shape neck profile, which is comfortable and suitable for a wide range of playing styles.

Reviews

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PROS

Seamless integration with Roland synths for diverse soundscapes
Unique programmability of buttons and knobs for personalized setups
Better aesthetics and sound than using an add-on GK3 kit
Excellent condition even after two decades, showcasing durability
Enhanced user experience with Boss GP-10 compatibility

CONS

Low normal pickup volume when using 13-pin cable
Requires tweaking synth patches to optimize sound levels

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

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The Roland Ready Stratocaster integrates a Roland GK-2A pickup, allowing blending of MIDI output and magnetic pickup sounds directly from the guitar's controls.
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The guitar has up and down buttons on the pickguard to scroll through presets with compatible Roland units.
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Software and compatibility

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While the GK2 pickup facilitates connections to Roland synths like the GR-50 and VG99, it requires additional gear to output MIDI, such as a MIDI converter box.
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Build quality

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The additional MIDI hardware adds approximately one pound to the guitar's weight, making it heavier than typical Mexican Stratocasters.
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Use cases and applications

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Multiple users highlight the guitar's suitability for synthwave projects due to its MIDI capabilities.
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Value and pricing

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A user noted that normal Mexican Strats without a MIDI pickup can reach up to $1000 CAD, making this model a potentially good deal if in good condition.
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Comparisons

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The Fishman TriplePlay is mentioned as a superior alternative for MIDI tracking and connectivity, especially for modern setups.
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The magnetic pickups on the Roland-Ready Strat are surprisingly good for a guitar designed for MIDI use.
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Setup and maintenance

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Brass saddles replaced original corroded ones to improve tuning stability, though they didn't noticeably change tone.
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Mods and upgrades

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Some owners consider brass spring claws and blocks for enhanced tone, even when the trem is blocked.
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User experience

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The fretboard may show wear from extensive play, impacting cosmetic appearance but not performance.
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4.5 out of 5

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Artist usage

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Eric Clapton

Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

Verified via Bonhams

This guitar was a prototype built for Eric Clapton's evaluation by Todd Krause at Fender Custom Shop.

Kirk Hammett

Guitarist

Metallica

Verified via YouTube

Color/Finish: Black

In Metallica’s YouTube video of the Helping Hands Concert & Auction performance on December 13, 2024, Kirk Hammett is seen using a Fender Roland Ready Stratocaster during “Low Man’s Lyric”; the guitar appears to be modified with Lace Sensor Blue single-coil pickups and a hardtail bridge.