Origins of the Stratocaster
Fender introduced the Stratocaster in 1954 as a double-cutaway solidbody with three single-coil pickups and a floating tremolo, quickly becoming a staple for electric guitarists seeking bright, articulate tones.
Launch of the Strat Plus Series
In 1987 Fender released the American Stratocaster Plus, incorporating Lace Sensor pickups, a locking nut, and refined electronics drawn from the contemporary American Standard platform to address feedback and tuning issues common on earlier models.
Notable Artists and Legacy
While the core Stratocaster sound defined players such as Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, and Stevie Ray Vaughan, the Plus variant found favor with session musicians and 1980s-1990s rock guitarists who needed reliable performance on stage and in the studio.
