Guitar Collector Forum

I couldn't get the full title of this book in the subject line, so here it is...

The Fender Stratocaster
A complete guide to the history and evolution of the world' most famous guitar.
By A.R. Duchossoir
Foreword by Eric Clapton
40th Anniversary Edition
with expanded color section.

Phew!

This slim 72-page paperback is the archetypal guitar enthusiasts book. Written by A.R. Duchossoir, it starts of with a brief history of the invention of the Stratocaster, its innovative concepts and its progression from prototype to full production.
It then takes you into the six distinct eras of Stratocaster production...
1954 - 1959: original issue with Maple Neck
1959 - 1965: pre-CBS with rosewood fretboard
1965 - 1971: CBS early years
1981 - 1985: CBS swansong
1985 - 1993: the post-CBS era

A brief color section of 8 pages full of photographs of Strats from every era then has you drooling.
Then, just when you thought you new everything there was to know about the Fender Stratocaster, PART THREE gives you THE STRATOCASTER IN DETAIL, with every detail of slight variations and differences in Strat guitar neck, body, pickups, wiring and hardware... including specials like the Strat Plus, Strat Plus Deluxe and Strat Ultra.

The book closes with "How to date a Stratocaster". No, this doesn't mean "take her to the Prom", it means serial numbers and other markings to identify when your favorite Strat was born.
This book is published largely in small print (IYKWIM!) and can be difficult to read, with lots of footnotes and asides. It is published on low-grade paper (except for the color section) and is sometimes grammatically incorrect. Sometimes its poor layout is frustrating, sometimes it's difficult to find the information you want. BUT. It has to be the ultimate Stratocaster guitar guide and is a must-have for any Fender guitar collector.

Read it. From cover to cover. OK, now you know everything there is to know about Strats!

>>> Click this link to buy The Fender Stratocaster book online from Amazon right now! <<<

It sounds like a good Strat enthusiasts book, but is there a more up-to date version?

Stopping at 1993 is a bit limiting! What about 21st century Strats!?

21st century guitars? who needs them??!

To me, anything less than 30 yers old is just a toy.

I totally agree, my newest guitar was made in 1971

Hey, there's still great Strats being built today.... just not all of them.

What about Fender Custom Shop and Masterbuilt guitars? They're not cheap, but they are every bit as good as pre-CBS guitars. Don't write off 21st century Fender!!

Leo (who was built in the 80's!!)

Wow, what a collection! I've never played a Hayman, but I love the look of them, and the 'vibra sonic chamber' sounds cool - do you have any photos of this, I'm intrigued to see exactly what its like.

No matter new or old, the best guitar is the one that makes YOU feel
Like the best guitar player, not just proud of owning a bit of history.

Robb