Guitar Review Ninja

The sounds that create legends! The Standard Stratocaster HSS offers legendary Fender tone combined with classic styling that includes a one humbucking/two single-coil pickup configuration, a synchronized tremolo with high-mass bridge block, shielded body cavities, and medium jumbo frets. New features include a tinted neck, parchment pickguard and control knobs, and a ’70s-style logo. The Standard Strat HSS–plug one in and listen for yourself! Standard gig bag included.

Fender Standard Stratocaster HSS Electric Guitar (Rosewood, with Gig Bag) Features…

Series: Standard Series

Colors: (302) Lake Placid Blue, (306) Black, (309) Candy Apple Red, (332) Brown Sunburst, (375) Midnight Wine, (380) Arctic White, (Polyester Finish)

Body: Alder

Neck: Maple, Modern “C” Shape, (Tinted Satin Urethane Finish)

Fingerboard: Maple (p/n 014-4700), 9.5 in. Radius (241 mm)

No. of Frets: 21 Medium Jumbo

Pickups: 1 Standard Humbucking Pickup (Bridge), 2 Standard Single-Coil Strat Pickups (Neck and Middle)

Controls: Master Volume, Tone 1. (Neck Pickup), Tone 2. (Middle Pickup and Middle/Bridge Combination)

Pickup Switching:

5-Position Blade, Special Switching:

- Position 1. Full Bridge Humbucking Pickup (No Tone Control)

- Position 2. Front Coil of Bridge Pickup and Middle Pickup (Lead Tone Control)

- Position 3. Middle Pickup (Lead Tone Control)

- Position 4. Middle and Neck Pickups (Lead and Rhythm Tone Controls)

- Position 5. Neck Pickup (Rhythm Tone Control)

Bridge: Vintage Style Synchronized Tremolo

Machine Heads: Fender(R)/Ping(R) Standard Cast/Sealed Tuning Machines

Hardware: Chrome

Pickguard: 3-Ply Parchment

Scale Length: 25.5 in. (648 mm)

Width at Nut: 1.650 in. (42 mm)

Unique Features: Special Switching, Fender Transition Logo, Parchment Plastic Parts

Strings: Fender(R) Super Bullets(R) 3250L, Nickel Plated Steel, (.009 to .042), p/n 073-3250-003

Accessories: Standard Gig Bag

Case: None

Introduced: 11/2008

Notice: Product Prices, Features, Specifications and Availability Are Subject To Change Without Notice

Buy Fender Standard Stratocaster HSS Electric Guitar (Rosewood, with Gig Bag)

I played guitar in the mid-70s for the first time. My first guitar was a really rotten piece of junk. After a couple weeks of lessons and simply killing my fingers trying to play I gave it up. I turned to drums a few years later and really had fun. I didn't return to the guitar until just six months ago.

In the time I was away I learned a LOT about guitars. The first (and most important thing) was that you should ALWAYS buy the guitar that you like. Get one that you will play; otherwise, you won't play it.

That's why I chose the Fat Strat. It has just the right sound for what I want to play. I'm really big into two types of blues: electric (Eric Clapton, Jonny Lang, BB King, etc.) and Acoustic Blues (Lightin' Hopkins, Willie Dixon, Joh Lee Hooker, Keb Mo', etc.) so I want something with that special sound.

With a somewhat limited budget for my first good acoustic I knew there was really only 1 guitar for me: Strat!! But I couldn't afford the American Standard initially. That meant that I bought the same thing, just made in a country where labor is cheaper.

Now, for all you folks who think that American made always means "better" that's fine. The simple fact is that the Deluxe series Strats are still made by Fender and in Fender controlled environments. In other words, they are REAL Fender guitars.

The beautiful thing about the Deluxe is that you save over $400 off the price of the American series. Yes, there is a slight difference and the American Standards may be a bit better, but in reality unless you simply have the extra $$$ you don't need the American.

This is a '99 Deluxe Fat Strat. These guitars are made in Mexico. Yeah … yeah … I know, some of your purist don't dig the Mexican made Strats. So What? I LOVE mine!!

The "Fat" (hum/single/single) model has two Tex-Mex? single coils in the neck and middle positions and one Tex-Mex Humbucker in the bridge.

I won't go into a lot of detail on the specifics here, there are plenty of other messages with that stuff, I'm really here to give you the POOP on the guitar and it's sound.

This guitar was PERFECT the second I picked it up. I had purchased a nice acoustice a few months earlier so I had some basic playing down. I'd also played enough electrics that I knew what was out there. In fact, I'd played other Strats and the one I bought was simply better than any of the others.

The action was right on. The sound was perfect. There were NO flaws on the guitar at all.

Haven't dealt with Fender (yet) other than through information request. They were slow to respond to e-mail, but that's pretty much expected today. Shoot, my second favorite guitar manufacturer doesn't even have e-mail available so I can't complain about just being a little slow.

I have had some work done by competent "Fender Trained" Luthiers locally. They did some fine tuning for me — but nothing that was really a necessity. I had my initials engraved inside for theft protection and some other minor beauty modifications is all.

Carl (08/22/2000)

I am primarily an acoustic guitarist who records music at home on my 4 track cassette studio. As a result my primary guitars are a Taylor 310 and a Seagull S12+ 12string. I purchased this Strat for recording lead guitar parts, or an occasional electric rhythm track for country rock (Eagles, Poco) and old Beatles material from the mid 60's. I wanted something with a bright sound, and having owned a CBS strat in the mid 70's, I felt this guitar would be comparable, if not better suited for the things I play.

This is a Stratocaster that Fender manufactures at its plant in Mexico. I purchased it from Musicians Friend ($419 with gig bag). It has two Tex Mex single coil pickups and one bridge humbucking pickup and a rosewood finger board. It is white with a black pickguard, black pickups, and knobs.

The guitar was not set up real well. The action was too high and the pickups had to be lowered. It came with 9 gauge strings that I replaced with 10's right away that immediately helped it perform much better. The finish was quite good. While this guitar's electronics and machine tuners are not of the quality of a Fender American Standard made Strat, it appears to be very adequate for my needs and for the price, I have no complaints. It is a great looking guitar that should appeal to anyone who plays country rock, classic rock, but not necessarily heavy metal.

I haven't had to contact Fender directly, but their reputation is good and I'm a believer in their products.

carl (07/13/2000)

The Highland HEG750 Spitfire features 2 humbucking Alnico-V pickups with gold-plated covers, a wooden truss-rod cover with a laser-engraved H, traditional neck heal shape, strap button placement a flame maple top with bubinga wood inlay and more. These features, along with the eye-catching flame set along the frets, make this a guitar that has to be seen and heard.

Highland’s mix of original designs, high quality electronics and hardware, solid construction and carefully selected wood with beautiful grains make each Highland instrument stand out from the crowd and look as good as they sound. Highland guitars also offer features that are rarely found on factory-made products, including multiple wood bindings, control knobs made of ebony and wooden pickguards, which make their guitars even more exciting and desirable.

Highland HEG750 Spitfire Electric Guitar Features…

Finish: High Gloss Polyurethane Lacquer

Body: Laminated Maple Top, Back and Sides

Dimensions: 15 in. (380mm) at lower bout, 19 in. (483mm) body length, 1.8 in. (46mm) body depth; 40.2 in. (1020mm) full length

Neck: Maple 1 piece jointed at 19th Fret, Set-in, “C” Contour .87 in. (22mm) at 3rd Fret

Fingerboard: Indian Rosewood, 14 in. (356mm) radius

Scale Length: 24 3/4 in. (629mm)

Frets: 22 Medium size, 18% Nickel-silver Fretwire

Width at Nut: 1 11/16 in. (43mm)

Nut Material: Synthetic Bone

Markers: Acrylic Flames, Dot Side markers

Headstock: Angled at 11*, no binding

Machine Heads: Die-Cast Gold-plated

Pickups: 2 PAF-type ALNICO-V Humbuckers, Gold-plated covers

Pickguard: None

Controls: 3-way Toggle Switch, 2 Volumes, 2 Tone

Bridge: Compensated Tune-o-Matic bridge

Tailpiece: Stop Tailpiece

Weight: 7.3 lbs (3.3 kg)

Case: Not Included (Sold Separately, HEG500CASE)

Unique Features: Flame Maple Top with Bubinga Inlay; Wooden Truss-rod Cover with Laser-engraved “H”; Strung with Elixir 10-46 Nano-web strings

Buy Highland HEG750 Spitfire Electric Guitar

Guitar legend Les Paul and Gibson teamed up in 1952 to produce the guitar that set the standard for solidbody electrics. The 2002 Standard sports the smaller, vintage style headstock and plastic “keystone” tuner buttons and is available with a “fat,” rounded 50’s style neck or a “fast,” slim taper 60’s style neck.

The Standard is outfitted with the new Burstbucker V pickups with Alnico V magnets producing slightly more output than any previous Standard pickups with more bite and a seductive “airy” tone with both pickups on.

The Les Paul Standard is still the Industry Standard Now available with Desertburst, Honeyburst, Lightburst, Trans Amber, Wine Red, and Heritage Cherry Sunburst finishes. Features smaller, vintage style headstock and plastic “keystone” tuners.

Gibson Les Paul Standard Electric Guitar with 50s Neck (with Case) Features…

Body: Carved AA maple top, Mahogany back

Neck: Mahogany

Profile: “Fat” 50’s style

Fingerboard: Rosewood

Frets: 22

Inlay: Pearl trapezoid

Scale: 24-3/4 in.

Nut Width: 1-11/16 in.

Binding: Single-ply top and fingerboard

Bridge: Tune-o-matic

Tailpiece: Stop bar

Hardware: Nickel

Pickups: New Burstbucker V pickups with Alnico magnets

Controls: 2 volume, 2 tone, 3-way switch

Strings: Les Paul Signature .009-.046

Buy Gibson Les Paul Standard Electric Guitar with 50s Neck (with Case)

Pretty darn good

Gibson is over priced. It's a fact. But money aside, the LP Standard is pretty darn good.

So if you have the money, buy this guitar. You're paying a little for the name, but its well worth it at the end of the day.

I don't know, wether this is (hopefully) the new standard of Gibson or I simply had a lot of luck, but this instrument got my tone. Unplugged all woods are of a rare tonal quality, reproduce a strong (bedause of the thick 50's neck), percussive but fine and transparent tone with many flagauletts. The burstbuckers are (thanks to the japanese collectors) the best invention of the past years, make the instrument very versatile. In clean modus it can sound like a hollowbody jazz guitar. Or it gives overdriven the right blues mood. Or the full pound in distortion. With the right amp you can get all vintage sounds – may be some more authentic than can do it with many of the "originals".

The features of a Les Paul ain't quite a surprise: Mohagony back, neck and, in this case, a bookmatched flamed maple top – including bindings for body and neck (22 frets, rosewood fingerboard). All over a fine thin finish (desert burst the top). Above that two knobs for volume, two for the tone, a three-way-toggle-switch an six vintage tuners, stop-tail-piece. Although this guitar is going back to the roots, ist has an ABM-tunamatic-bridge instead a non-exactly-working vintage-bridge. Last not least: This Paula is equipped with two Gibson-Burstbuckers, a really new dimension in sound.

Gibson produces Les Paul guitars for so many years an they are still not able build a top, which has exact the size of the body it's set on. Or the too little polished lacquer in the neck area or fretwire. But this ain't big things to worry about. It ist the best guitar I ever owned.

johnnyguitar (01/03/2003)

The original design of the Hep Cat Deluxe with the 2 humbucking Alnico-V pickups is what makes this Highland electric guitar stand out from the crowd. Featuring a quilted maple top, back and sides with a maple neck and Indian rosewood fingerboard are features that are usually associated with guitars custom made by master luthiers. The comfortable feel and playability match the outstanding features which makes the Hep Cat Deluxe a beautiful sounding instrument. The beautiful grain of the wood and the superb tone just add the finishing touches to this professional guitar.

Highland HEJ630 Hep Cat Deluxe Electric Guitar Features…

Available color: Vintage Tobacco Sunburst

Finish: High Gloss Polyurethane Lacquer

Body: Laminated Maple with Quilted Maple Veneer

Dimensions: 17 inches at lower bout, 20.5 inches body length, 2 3/4 inches body depth and 41.75 inches full length

Neck: 1 piece Maple with adjustable Truss-rod jointed at 14th Fret, Set-in, “C” Contour, .87 inches(22mm) at 3rd Fret

Fingerboard: Indian Rosewood, 14 inch radius

Scale Length: 25 1/2 inches (648mm)

Frets: 22 Medium size, 18% Nickel-silver Fretwire

Width at Nut: 1 11/16 inches (43mm)

Nut Material: Synthetic Bone

Markers: MOP Split Blocks with Abalone Inserts, dot side markers

Headstock: Angled at 11 degrees with Binding and MOP Logo

Machine Heads: Die Cast Grover Style with Brown Perloid Buttons

Pickups: 2 PAF-type ALNICO-V Humbuckers, Gold-plated covers

Controls: 3-way Toggle Switch, 2 Individual PU Volumes, 1 Tone, 1 Master Volume

Bridge: Floating Rosewood Base with a Gold-plated Tune-o-Matic bridge

Tailpiece: Conventional Trapeze Tailpiece

Weight: 7.5 lbs (3.5 kg)

Optional Case: HIG HC600CASE (Sold Separately)

Buy Highland HEJ630 Hep Cat Deluxe Electric Guitar

The Highland HEG750 Spitfire features 2 humbucking Alnico-V pickups with gold-plated covers, a wooden truss-rod cover with a laser-engraved H, traditional neck heal shape, strap button placement a flame maple top with bubinga wood inlay and more. These features, along with the eye-catching flame set along the frets, make this a guitar that has to be seen and heard.

Highland’s mix of original designs, high quality electronics and hardware, solid construction and carefully selected wood with beautiful grains make each Highland instrument stand out from the crowd and look as good as they sound. Highland guitars also offer features that are rarely found on factory-made products, including multiple wood bindings, control knobs made of ebony and wooden pickguards, which make their guitars even more exciting and desirable.

Highland HEG750 Spitfire Electric Guitar Features…

Finish: High Gloss Polyurethane Lacquer

Body: Laminated Maple Top, Back and Sides

Dimensions: 15 in. (380mm) at lower bout, 19 in. (483mm) body length, 1.8 in. (46mm) body depth; 40.2 in. (1020mm) full length

Neck: Maple 1 piece jointed at 19th Fret, Set-in, “C” Contour .87 in. (22mm) at 3rd Fret

Fingerboard: Indian Rosewood, 14 in. (356mm) radius

Scale Length: 24 3/4 in. (629mm)

Frets: 22 Medium size, 18% Nickel-silver Fretwire

Width at Nut: 1 11/16 in. (43mm)

Nut Material: Synthetic Bone

Markers: Acrylic Flames, Dot Side markers

Headstock: Angled at 11*, no binding

Machine Heads: Die-Cast Gold-plated

Pickups: 2 PAF-type ALNICO-V Humbuckers, Gold-plated covers

Pickguard: None

Controls: 3-way Toggle Switch, 2 Volumes, 2 Tone

Bridge: Compensated Tune-o-Matic bridge

Tailpiece: Stop Tailpiece

Weight: 7.3 lbs (3.3 kg)

Case: Not Included (Sold Separately, HEG500CASE)

Unique Features: Flame Maple Top with Bubinga Inlay; Wooden Truss-rod Cover with Laser-engraved “H”; Strung with Elixir 10-46 Nano-web strings

Buy Highland HEG750 Spitfire Electric Guitar

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 Guitar and Bass Owner’s Manual

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Fender is pleased to announce the long-awaited Eric Johnson Signature Model Stratocaster guitar. The brainchild of Johnson himself, this new model is designed with Eric’s own personal features and preferences, and it is made possible because of his expressed desire to give something back to the collectors, players and, especially, the fans who have supported him throughout his career.

The Eric Johnson Signature Model Fender Stratocaster guitar is built from some of the finest materials available. The light 2-piece alder body is dressed in a very thin nitro cellulous lacquer finish, and the 1-piece quarter-sawn maple neck sports a 12 inch fingerboard radius, 21 highly polished frets, and a soft “V” neck profile.

Additional features include staggered vintage style machine heads, thus eliminating the need for a string tree, custom pickups with countersink screws and wound to Eric’s specifications, and highly contoured body and neck.

It comes with a parchment ‘57 style pickguard, 5-Way Switch, Master Volume, Neck Tone and Bridge Tone controls, and a Vintage Tremolo with 4 tremolo springs, silver painted block and ‘57 style string recess with no paint between base plate and the block.

Fender Eric Johnson Stratocaster Electric Guitar (Maple, with Case) Features…

Series: Artist Series

Body: 2-Piece, Deep Contoured, ‘57 Style Lightweight Alder Body, (Thin Nitro-Cellulose Lacquer)

Neck: 1-Piece Quartersawn Maple, Soft ‘V’ Shape, (Nitro-Cellulose Lacquer Finish)

Fingerboard: Maple, 12 in. Radius (305 mm)

No. of Frets: 21 Highly Polished Medium Jumbo Frets

Pickups: 3 Special Design Custom Shop Eric Johnson Pickups with Countersunk Mounting Screws (Neck/Middle/Bridge)

Controls: Master Volume,

Tone 1. (Neck Pickup),

Tone 2. (Bridge Pickup)

Pickup Switching: 5-Position Blade:

Position 1. Bridge Pickup

Position 2. Bridge and Middle Pickup

Position 3. Middle Pickup

Position 4. Middle and Neck Pickup

Position 5. Neck Pickup

Bridge: American Vintage Synchronized Tremolo with Ash Tray Bridge Cover

Machine Heads: Fender/Gotoh Staggered Vintage Style Tuning Machines

Hardware: Nickel/Chrome

Pickguard: 1-Ply Parchment, (8 Hole)

Scale Length: 25.5 in. (648 mm)

Width at Nut: 1.650 in. (42 mm)

Unique Features: 1-Piece Quartersawn Soft ‘V’ Shape Vintage Tinted Maple Neck, Extra Smooth Neck to Headstock Volute, Special Neckplate with Engraved EJ and Kokopelli, 2-Piece Deep Contoured ‘57 Style Lightweight Alder Body, 1957 Style Body Cavities, 12 in. Radius Fingerboard, Countersunk Holes in Pickguard for Pickup Mounting Screws, Height Staggered Vintage Style Tuners which Eliminate the Need for String Trees, Vintage Tremolo with Silver Painted Block and ‘57 Style String Recess (No Paint Between Base Plate and Block), 4 Tremolo Springs and No Back Tremolo Cover Plate,

Strings: Fender Super Bullets 3250 RH, Nickel Plated Steel

Gauges: .010, .013, .017, .032, .042, .052

Accessories: Deluxe Blonde Hardshell Case with Black Ends (Black Interior), Strap, Cable

Case: Deluxe Blonde Hardshell Case with Black Ends (Black Interior)

Buy Fender Eric Johnson Stratocaster Electric Guitar (Maple, with Case)

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 Guitar and Bass Owner’s Manual

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I wanted to add some comments to my earlier review (see below). I highly recommend having a professional setup done. Yes, it is an additional expense but I don't believe that one can expect a perfect factory setup. What I had thought was a great setup wasn't even close according to my guitar guy and he did a fantastic job (Skip Goez Stringed Instrument Sales and Restoration, St. Louis, MO.). The neck alignment is correct now (no more high E slipping off the neck), and the strings are lined up with the pickup pole pieces. Also, and this is huge, the nut was cut too high and was pinching the strings according to Skip. This is what was causing the dead sounding open high E that so many people have mentioned. I was very worried about this but now all the open strings ring true. He removed a spring from the trem and he must have bent the bar a little bit because now I can reach it. He also adjusted the pickup height. If I was happy with this guitar before, I'm thrilled with it now. So, get a pro setup. You'll be glad you did.

Johnny C. (09/12/2006)

excellent bell-like sound out of the box, however the action was too stiff for my preference, so I changed the strings to 9's and removed two of the five tremolo springs and had the tremolo slightly float.

the result was a decease in the tone but an increase in the playability.

year of manufacture 2008, 2 tone sunburst finish, adler with maple neck/ maple fingerboard, three single coil pickups, vintage tremolo

guitar arrived properly set up at the factory to eric johnsons specs.

excellent fit and finish overall a high quality job from fender,

beautiful select woods and a beautiful nitro finish.

One comment that many owners have complained about is the sticky neck feel, caused from too much finish on the backside of the neck.

I remedied this problem by hand polishing the backside of the neck with 0000 steel wool, once polished, to the eye you can not tell the difference but the diffenence in the feel is incredible.

Also as stated early I changed the strings to 9's and removed two temolo springs and had a pro setup, this took the stiffness out of the action which turned this guitar into one of my new top favorites.

phil (07/20/2008)