fender ash

The Fender Stratocaster Story

Irrespective of time, place or anything, whenever people talk about guitars, be it anywhere in the world, the name Fender Stratocaster inevitably creeps in.

Among the notable features of the vintage strat model, was its body which used to be carved out of a single piece ash wood which was replaced with alder after a few years. However experts still credit the ash body Stratocaster for the rich "signature" fender sound. Moreover due to the difference of the grain of the wood, the ash and alder models differ in weight as well as appearance owing to the finishing touches given to the sunburst bodies. It is all about the use of nails temporarily to support the body of the guitar while paint and other finishing touches were applied to it. It was a total combination of all these that made Stratocaster gently weep in George Harrison's arms.

By Chaz Beers

Summarized by Eri Rm