The idea of a Stratocaster being overrated is a subjective one. Fender is a prominent brand that remained on top for many years, and for good reason.
However, with so many guitar options in the market nowadays, the Stratocaster may definitely be not everyone’s cup of tea. Many legendary guitarists, including Hendrix, Clapton, SRV, Eric Johnson, and John Frusciante, have used Stratocaster guitars. This proves that Fender is a reliable brand and that the electric guitars they manufacture are of top-notch quality.
Fender manufactures guitars with classic designs along with other instruments ranging in price from entry-level to top-of-the-line. They are all fairly decent, and some are even excellent. Nearly all of the major guitar manufacturers try to copy Stratocaster’s guitar tone and overall design.
Why People Might Thing Stratocasters Are Overrated
Personal Preference
The idea of a Stratocaster being overrated is a controversial issue that is dependent on the guitarist’s personal preference. The Fender Stratocaster may appear ideal to you if you are a musician who prefers or specializes in playing genres like blues, country, jazz, etc. that call for rich and warm tones. However, you might consider the Stratocaster an underwhelming electric guitar if you prefer playing musical genres like metal that call for sharp and heavy tones.
Basically, every musician has their own standards and preferences for what they like and want in an electric guitar, so it is impossible to tell whether an instrument is overrated based solely on one person’s perspective.
Price
The Fender Stratocaster’s above-average price tag is also a factor that causes others to think they’re overrated. The Squier Bullet Stratocaster, which retails for between $149.99 and $179.99, is the most economical model of the Fender Stratocaster from Squier — a subsidiary of Fender.
The Fender American Original, on the other hand, is the most expensive product offered by the brand and costs between $2,099.99 and $2,249.99. Even if Squier and Fender have distinct price points for their products, some people still have doubts about them. For instance, despite the fact that the Squier Bullet Stratocaster is quite affordable, many people still wonder if they are worthwhile buying and if they will function admirably.
Furthermore, for Fender’s expensive flagship Stratocasters, a lot of doubt arises on whether these guitars can provide musicians their money’s worth and if they are highly premium and advanced. If this is the case, then trying them for yourself will help you determine whether you label them as overrated.
High Expectations
Stratocasters are iconic electric guitars that gain popularity each day and receive highly positive praise from their users, which leads some people to believe that they are overrated. It’s important to note that everyone doesn’t share the same experiences and preferences on things.
For instance, for small-handed individuals, the Stratocaster’s slim neck and short scale length may lead them to comment that Stratocasters are highly comfortable. If you have large hands and read that review or without knowing the body type of the person who posted the review, you might be disappointed when you receive your Stratocaster, especially if you were hoping for the same review as the person with small hands. Your eventual disappointment will cause you to criticize the Stratocaster and alter your opinion of its performance, making you believe they are overrated.
What makes Stratocaster One The Best On The Market
Fender Standard and Stratocaster’s Reputation
Fender is considered by many as the prominent manufacturer of the best electric guitars due to their product features, compactness, and reliability, unlike other brands that purely base their price solely on their famed company brand. Fender only uses the best materials and specifications to ensure that its customers receive an extraordinary electric guitar-playing experience.
In addition, the Stratocaster has remained the same ever since its release 60 years ago. The first ever Stratocaster featured a body composed of alder and ash, a maple neck, a double-cutaway body, and a C-shaped neck.
All these features are still applied to modern and latest Stratocaster models. This simply showcases Fender’s excellence in providing only the best. The company doesn’t just simply replace the specifications and materials of their product but rather evaluates them if they are still the best available material to feature in the Stratocaster as a way to guarantee that they satisfy their customers.
Craftsmanship
Stratocasters are crafted with Fender’s dedication and expertise in producing only the best instruments and amplifiers. They are made from the best wood materials, equipped with the necessary features, and made to last long.
Fender’s aim to always provide their consumers with the best has led them to manufacture many models and variations to suit the different preferences of guitarists.
Furthermore, the company is mindful of producing Stratcasters that perfectly suit their consumers. For instance, they release both left-handed and right-handed variations of Stratocasters to ensure that their products’ playability and comfort are top-notch.
Artists Recommended
Despite the fact that the Fender Stratocaster has made a name for itself as a leading producer of electric guitars due to the high quality and features of its instruments, the collaboration with well-known and influential musicians and the use of the Fender Stratocasters during their performances have significantly increased their global recognition.
These musicians include Ritchie Blackmore, Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, and many more. The use of Stratocasters by the top guitarists in the world supports the claim that these electric guitars are indeed one of the best.
Key Takeaway
The question of whether Stratocasters are overrated is something that has no definite answer since people hold different opinions, preconceived notions, and personal preferences.
However, there is no denying that the Fender Stratocaster is indeed an exceptional electric guitar in its own right and can surely be compared to the best of the best. It is a reliable, iconic, and superior electric guitar available on the market.
