|
By Bill McRea
The very first guitar I ever played was a Candy Apple Red
Fender Stratocaster. It was love at first touch. I wanted that
guitar SO bad. I grew up listening to Eric Clapton, David
Gilmore and Jimmy Hendrix, and during my college years I was a
huge fan of Stevie Ray Vaughn. The Fender Stratocaster was the
guitar of choice for these incredible guitar players and many
more.
My tasted in guitars evolved as I learned, and I discovered
that every guitar had their own personality in my hands. Some
were sassy and bright, others were bad and loud, and still
others just wanted to sing the blues. One of the coolest parts
about owning a music store was being able to play thousands of
different guitars of all makes and styles.
But my roots have always been with the Fender Strat. The
secret
to the amazing tone for the Strat lies in the traditional
single
could pickups, two piece body and the types of tone woods used
to make the guitar. Fender offers the same pickups played by
Jimmy Hendrix, or Eric Clapton. Fenders custom shop ’69
pickups
will do the trick, or if you’re into Stevie Ray Vaughn you
need
Fenders Tex-Mex specials.
Probably the best way to play the same guitar as your guitar
heroes is to purchase their signature model. Fender has
signature models available for Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, Robert
Cray, Robin Trower, Rory Gallagher, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Buddy
Guy, Yngwie Malmsteen, Eric Johnson and more.
Rather a “c” or “v” neck dressed up in maple or rosewood,
nothing feels like a Stratocaster and nothing plays or sounds
the same. In everyone’s life a little rain must fall, and in
every guitarist life a Stratocaster must be played.
Strat’s are best known for their warm unique tone, but not all
Strat’s are created equally. The tonal range will depend on
the
tone woods used in the neck and body as well as the type and
configuration of pickups. When selecting a Strat to purchase
take your time and research the various online forums to learn
everything about the model you want to purchase. You may even
want to visit your local retailer and play a few, just to get
a
better feel for the playability of the model you desire.
Sometimes you may find that what you think you want and what
you really like are quite different. Once you are convinced of
what you HAVE TO HAVE, you should check out the various online
retailers. In most cases you will find better prices on line
then at your local store.
Buying your Strat will be one of the best days of your life.
So
enjoy every moment and remember that you are not purchasing
just
a guitar, you are purchasing something from your dreams.
About The Author: Bill McRea is the publisher of
www.guitarwarehouse.com and
www.fender-guitar-shop.com . Both sites offer guitar
products, free information and guitar lessons.
|