2024: the year of the Fender Stratocaster
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07.03.2024

2024: the year of the Fender Stratocaster

Bonnie Raitt
Words by Mixdown staff

The most played, sought after, and beloved model in music history

Fender will honor the iconic model with a multi-pronged campaign to celebrate the Stratocaster, “a guitar forever ahead of its time” as well as the introduction of new 70th anniversary special edition models.

Read all the latest product & music industry news here.

Mateus Asato, Tyler Bryant, Rebecca Lovell, Tom Morello, Simon Neil, Ari O’Neal, REI, Nile Rodgers, Tash Sultana and Jimmie Vaughan join the 70th anniversary celebration to pay homage to Jimi Hendrix’s “Voodoo Child”.

Stratocaster

Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) is celebrating the 70th Anniversary of the Stratocaster guitar, an unrivalled and iconic masterpiece from the visionary portfolio of founder, Leo Fender. What distinguishes the Stratocaster is not just its remarkable pedigree, but its capacity to transcend genre, skill levels, and any qualifying parameter. Beloved by enthusiasts with even a passing interest in music, the Stratocaster holds a special place in the hearts of collectors, seasoned professionals, and dedicated fans who revere this famed model.

To commemorate this remarkable milestone, Fender’s year-long celebration goes beyond mere nostalgia. It encompasses the release of seven new models, each meticulously designed to pay homage to the guitars’ enduring legacy. These models, featuring two existing classics adorned in the Stratocaster guitars famous 2-Colour Sunburst finish and five limited edition anniversary models, symbolise Fender’s commitment to innovation, acknowledging the evolving musical landscape and mission to inspire the next generation of players, ensuring the Stratocaster guitars influence continues to resonate for years to come.

“As a teenager, the Stratocaster® was the guitar of my dreams. The artists that inspired me to play, Jimi Hendrix, Ritchie Blackmore, David Gilmour and others, all played Stratocaster guitars on landmark albums I listened to endlessly then and now,” said FMIC CEO, Andy Mooney.

“After 70 years, the Stratocaster guitar is the electric guitar most often played by today’s artists, on stage, in studio and at home. Our goal with the Anniversary collection is to celebrate players at every level, from beginner to virtuoso and recognise the far- reaching impact of this very special instrument.”

Keep reading about the celebration here.