Back in 1954, Leo Fender once again created a guitar that would revolutionize popular music. Although many changes have occurred over the last 7 decades… at the heart of it… the Stratocaster is still just as revolutionary today as it was back then.

Of course it has been a long journey since then. In 1965 the headstock was enlarged. In 1971 the 3 bolt neck began. In 1977 the 5 way switch became the stock design. In 1982 they began releasing Squier versions. In 1985 Japanese Strats started getting a humbucker in the bridge. In 1997 the US made, double humbucker, “Big Apple” Strat was created… and the story goes on and on and on.

But… what makes a strat a strat? Should we call similar designs an S-style guitar? Which is better, rosewood or maple fretboards? Can you call it a strat if it has humbuckers? What about a 5 switch? Should the tremolo be floating? Why do they call it a tremolo if its really a vibrotol? Is it really a strat if its a hardtail? What mods are worth the time? And sounds… what or should I say who makes the best “strat tone”? 

Well we will discuss this, and more on this group therapy session with Chris, on the Tweed Couch.