Fender Stratocaster Books

The Fender Stratocaster: The Life & Times of the World’s Greatest Guitar & Its Players

Fender’s Stratocaster is arguably the number-one instrument icon of the guitar world. When introduced in 1954, its offset space-age lines, contoured body, and three-pickup configuration set the music world on its ear—it was truly unlike any guitar that had come before. In the hands of the world’s most beloved players, the Stratocaster has since become a popular weapon of choice among rock, blues, jazz, and country players and, not coincidentally, is also one of the most copied electric guitars of all time.

In this authoritatively written, painstakingly curated, and gloriously presented tribute to the 60-year-old Fender Stratocaster, author Dave Hunter covers the guitar’s history from concept, design, and model launch through its numerous variations and right up to the present. The story is illustrated with archival images of Stratocasters and their players in action, studio shots of Stratocasters of varied vintage and provenance, memorabilia associated with famous players, and profiles of over 30 noted Strat slingers through the ages. Influential rock’n’ rollers like Buddy Holly, Hank Marvin, Ike Turner, and Dick Dale; blues players like Buddy Guy, Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Robert Cray, Bonnie Raitt, and John Mayer; metal gods Richie Blackmore, Yngwie Malmsteen, and Dave Murray; esteemed rockers Jeff Beck, David Gilmour, Ronnie Wood, Robbie Robertson, Rory Gallagher, Mark Knopfler, and Wayne Kramer; and post-punk heroes The Edge, John Frusciante, and Billy Corgan are all included. And so, of course, is Jimi Hendrix. With its unprecedented level of detail and stunning visuals, The Fender Stratocaster is the only book tribute worthy of the world’s greatest guitar.

The Stratocaster Chronicles: Celebrating 50 Years of the Fender Strat

The world’s most famous guitar had a golden anniversary in 2004, and this official, authorized book/CD package offers the best photos, quotes, facts and sounds to properly celebrate this achievement. From Buddy Holly to Jimi Hendrix to today’s hottest players, the Fender Stratocaster defines rock’n’roll for generations of fans and players. Special features include exclusive photos from the world’s greatest guitar collection, as well as a CD with musical examples of famous Strat sounds and styles hilariously performed by Greg Koch even spoken excerpts from the author’s interviews with the Strat’s beloved inventor, Leo Fender. This book also recognizes that the Stratocaster’s deeper significance lies in the music that guitarists have created with it. You’ll hear what Strat players have to say about their instrument, their music and each other. The Fender Stratocaster both reflects and influences popular culture worldwide. The Stratocaster Chronicles focuses on the people who brought it into the world, the designers and builders who refined it, and the players who have taken it from there.

The Stratocaster Guitar Book: A Complete History of Fender Stratocaster Guitars

Leo Fender’s company changed the course of popular music in 1954 when they introduced the Stratocaster. Since then, the Strat has been played by countless guitarists, from Jimi Hendrix to Buddy Guy and Jeff Beck. In this book, interviews with important Strat players from every decade illustrate the instrument’s versatility, playability, and continuing importance. This is the complete story of the Stratocaster and the Fender company, from the struggles of the 1950s to the new models, retro reissues, and luscious collectibles of the 21st century. The Stratocaster Guitar Book is a glorious compendium of beautiful pictures, a gripping history, and a detailed guide to all Strat models. A must for all guitar lovers!

Fender Custom Shop Gallery

A stunning photo tour of avant-garde guitars from Fender’s world-renowned Custom Shop. This beautiful book features full-page, full-color photos of 50 instruments, accompanied by close-ups and detailed descriptions from the master builders. Includes shots of eccentric guitars like the Harley Strat, Western Tele, Rocket Caster, Jag Stang, Horse Shoe Thinline, and more. Required reading for guitar fans and art book aficionados.

Fender Custom Shop at 30 Years

Steve Pitkin has worked with the Fender Custom Shop since 1995, photographing the most incredibly crafted guitars built in America. There is something special about the Custom Shop and the people who work there they love their work and they know their work is loved. These craftsmen are true mojo makers, building each guitar with artistic expression, skill, and innovation. They do this while holding true to Fender’s time honored traditions and working in close collaboration with musicians who rely on these instruments to create their art in a musical form. Each page of this book is made to be interactive, from the highly detailed photographs to the text on their edges. You will discover something new on every page as a window of discovery opens, encouraging your imagination to dream of a masterpiece when it is held in your hands. Includes 72 centerfolds illustrating 30 years of Fender Custom Shop guitars. Includes introductions by Mike Lewis of the Fender Custom Shop and Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top, with narrations about each guitar in the words of artists and the masterbuilders who made them.

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