Authoritatively written and lavishly illustrated, Fender Stratocaster 70 Years is the officially licensed anniversary celebration of this legendary guitar.

Ever present in the music world, the Fender Stratocasterguitar is also an icon of popular culture, its attractive lines and innovative features as forward-looking today as they were when Leo Fender introduced the guitar to the world in 1954.

In Fender Stratocaster 70 Years, musician and guitar historian Dave Hunter traces Stratocasterguitars across seven decades and into the present, beginning with Leo Fenders triumph of mid-century design originating in his modest shop in Fullerton, California. From there, Hunter explores:

• Groundbreaking features of the new design in the context of the contemporary guitar market and Fenders existing Telecasterguitar.
• The Stratocasters solidbody three-pickup configuration, tremolo bridge, bolt-on neck, and contoured body, as well as the roles that country pickers played in the guitars early development.
• Design improvements undertaken throughout the Stratocasters first decade, such as the introduction of a rosewood fingerboard and Custom Color options to complement the initial Sunburst finish.
• CBSs 1965 acquisition of Fender and its effects on company culture and the Stratocaster, as well as the 1985 acquisition of Fender spearheaded by a group of employees.
• The creation of the Fender Custom Shop and that elite groups relationship to the Stratocaster over the years.
• Fenders forward-thinking combination of vintage specs and materials with modern features in Stratocaster guitars that offer classic styling and current conveniences.

Along the way, Hunter contextualizes the evolving Stratocaster within the contemporary guitar industry and shows the relationships that admired players throughout the decades have enjoyed with this guitar, including Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton, Dick Dale, Jimi Hendrix, Yngwie Malmsteen, Bonnie Raitt, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Buddy Guy, and H.E.R.to name a few!

Illustrated throughout with rare images from the Fender archives, Fender Stratocaster 70 Years treats readers to rare behind-the-scenes views of the shop floor and Custom Shop throughout the years,studio imagery of the guitars, rare period advertising and brochures, and performance images of Fender players.

Often imitated but never duplicated, the Fender Stratocaster remains a triumph of design more than seven decades on. This is the official and definitive illustrated story of this guitarand a must-have for every guitar enthusiast.