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Average Price: $434

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

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High-end

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Description

Experience the unmatched versatility of the Modified Fender Stratocaster Highway 1, a solid body electric guitar designed for musicians who demand both style and substance. With its thin-skinned satin nitrocellulose lacquer finish and solid alder body, this Stratocaster doesn’t just look good—it resonates with rich, full-bodied tones that sustain beautifully. The upgraded vintage-style single-coil pickups with staggered Alnico polepieces provide that classic Strat spank and sparkle, whether you're playing clean or cranking up the distortion.

The guitar features a modern "C" shape one-piece maple neck and fingerboard, offering a fast, smooth playing experience. Its 22 jumbo frets pave the way for rapid action, while the reverse-wound, reverse-polarized middle pickup minimizes unwanted hum, ensuring a crisp, clear sound every time you play. With a vintage-style synchronized tremolo bridge, you can effortlessly bend notes and chords, unlocking a wide range of expressive possibilities.

Equipped with a five-position blade switch, this guitar gives you easy access to a variety of pickup combinations, making it a versatile tool for any genre. Whether you're on stage or in the studio, the Modified Fender Stratocaster Highway 1 is your ticket to tonal freedom and classic Fender heritage.

Key Features:

  • Solid alder body with satin nitrocellulose lacquer finish
  • One-piece maple neck and fingerboard with modern "C" shape
  • 22 jumbo frets for fast action
  • Three vintage-style single-coil pickups with staggered Alnico polepieces
  • Five-position blade switch for versatile pickup combinations
  • Vintage-style synchronized tremolo bridge
  • Comes with a deluxe gig bag

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model Highway One Stratocaster
Finish 3-Color Sunburst, Daphne Blue, Flat Black, Honey Blonde Transparent, Midnight Wine Transparent
Year 2006 - 2011
Made In United States
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Shape S-Style
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Tremolo Bridge
Color Family Black, Blue, Brown, Red, Yellow
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Fretboard Material Maple, Rosewood
Model Family Fender Stratocaster
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration SSS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Series Fender Highway One

FAQs

What modifications are typically made to a Fender Stratocaster Highway 1?

Modifications to a Fender Stratocaster Highway 1 often include upgrading pickups, changing the tremolo system, or refinishing the body for aesthetic preferences. These changes can enhance tone, playability, and personal style.

What kind of pickups does the Fender Stratocaster Highway 1 have?

The Fender Stratocaster Highway 1 typically features a set of three single-coil pickups in an SSS configuration, providing the classic Fender tone known for its clarity and versatility across various music genres.

How does the neck profile of the Fender Stratocaster Highway 1 affect playability?

The Highway 1 Stratocaster features a modern C-shaped neck profile, which offers a comfortable grip and facilitates smooth playing for both rhythm and lead guitarists, catering to a wide range of playing styles.

Is the Fender Stratocaster Highway 1 suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Fender Stratocaster Highway 1 is suitable for beginners due to its comfortable neck profile and versatile sound, making it an excellent choice for learning various music styles while offering quality craftsmanship for advanced players.

What finish options are available for the Fender Stratocaster Highway 1?

The Fender Stratocaster Highway 1 is available in several finishes, including 3-Color Sunburst, Daphne Blue, Flat Black, Honey Blonde Transparent, and Midnight Wine Transparent, allowing players to choose according to their aesthetic preference.

MusicRadar

MusicRadar

Cory Wong: Why I love my… Fender Highway One Stratocaster

Video thumbnail for Cory Wong: Why I love my… Fender Highway One Stratocaster by MusicRadar

Cory Wong: Why I love my… Fender Highway One Stratocaster

MusicRadar

MusicRadar

Video thumbnail for My Two Fender Strats Compared - Highway One vs Custom Shop! by Jack Griffiths

My Two Fender Strats Compared - Highway One vs Custom Shop!

Jack Griffiths

Jack Griffiths

Video thumbnail for HWY 1 Fender Stratocaster | How Good Were They?? by Pauly's Guitars & Gear

HWY 1 Fender Stratocaster | How Good Were They??

Pauly's Guitars & Gear

Pauly's Guitars & Gear

Video thumbnail for Fender Highway One Strat - Guitar Repair & Demo by bbmade

Fender Highway One Strat - Guitar Repair & Demo

bbmade

bbmade

Video thumbnail for Fender Stratocaster Highway One Review and Demo by PurplepingersTV

Fender Stratocaster Highway One Review and Demo

PurplepingersTV

PurplepingersTV

Video thumbnail for Highway One Fender Strat Future Collectible? by Justin Ray Guitars

Highway One Fender Strat Future Collectible?

Justin Ray Guitars

Justin Ray Guitars

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional value for an American-made Fender

  • Nitrocellulose finish adds vintage character

  • Great platform for customization and upgrades

  • Fast neck with smooth fret ends

  • Classic Stratocaster sound with hot alnico pickups

  • Durable satin neck finish

  • Well-executed sunburst finish

  • Comfortable to play due to low action and medium jumbo frets

CONS

  • May require electronics tune-ups over time

  • Stock pickups are average, might not suit all tastes

  • Gig bag instead of a hard case

  • Nitrocellulose finish prone to dings and scratches

  • Non-locking tuners may need upgrading

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Modified Fender Stratocaster Highway 1.

Value and pricing

  • Highway One Stratocasters have been observed to sell between $1,000 to $1,100 on the used market, making a price of 850€ relatively competitive.

    Source
  • Accounting for inflation, a 2007 Highway One Strat at $700 in 2024 represents a 35% discount from its original price.

    Source

Build quality

  • The Highway One's modern C-shaped neck with 22 frets is praised for its comfortable feel and easy playability across different musical styles.

    Source
  • Clear lacquer finish reveals grain on alder bodies, although natural finishes are more common on ash.

    Source
  • The Highway One series often features alder bodies with a nitrocellulose finish, contributing to a resonant tone and classic aesthetic appeal.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Despite being marketed as budget-friendly, Highway One models are often favored over low-end USA-made Fenders and even some high-end Strats due to their unique build and features.

    Source
  • One user compared the Highway One Strat unfavorably to Mexican models, suggesting that a good Mexican Strat can match or exceed its performance for less money.

    Source
  • Some owners compare the Highway One to a "Mexican Custom Shop," suggesting it offers notable quality despite its mixed origin of parts.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The RW/RP wiring on Highway One models is noted for reducing hum, enhancing playability in various environments.

    Source
  • The Gilmour mod can be impractical due to the knob placement, affecting playability despite its tonal benefits.

    Source
  • The Highway One series' second generation includes a grease bucket circuit that some users appreciate for its tonal versatility.

    Source

User experience

  • Some players express a preference for the smaller headstock on earlier models over the larger headstocks of later versions, citing aesthetic preferences.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Blocking the tremolo on this model has been noted to resolve stability issues for some users.

    Source
  • Highway One's narrow string spacing is comfortable even for large hands and feels similar to vintage spacing.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners suggest replacing the original Kluson tuners with Grovers for increased tuning stability.

    Source
  • Switching to Japanese full steel saddles and locking tuners improves tuning stability and sustain.

    Source
  • Custom Shop Texas Special pickups are favored for enhanced tone, with a unique second tone knob dedicated to the mid and bridge pickups.

    Source
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 3 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
musicalviking

My #1

I have a early 2002 Prototype Highway one in Honey Blonde with Rosewood and it is the best guitar I have ever played, great wood and construction. Eventually I will replace the tuners but they are still solid and I play this guitar everyday. Pickups are almost identical to the '65 vintage set in sound and response. Highly recommend getting one of these and the satin nitro lacquer finish is way better than the new poly they use, wears in like an old baseball glove and just feel like home!

cruzblues

Good partner

Comfortable and lightweight. Perfect for customization, as any other Fender.

jimmarchi1

the hwy 1 bodies are a killer mod platform

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