What is the difference between a high-end production guitar and a Custom Shop model?

High-end production guitars (such as PRS Core Custom 24 or Gibson USA Standard) utilize advanced CNC precision combined with hand-finishing in standard production runs. Custom Shop models feature lower batch volumes, hand-selected tonewoods, custom hand-wound pickups, period-accurate construction, and master luthier voicing.

Why should I avoid drop-shipped high-end electric guitars?

Drop-shipped guitars are dispatched directly from logistics warehouses without unboxing or inspection. Without a bench inspection and 5-point setup by an in-house guitar technician, you risk receiving an unplayable instrument affected by climate shifts during storage and transit.

What does MusicStreet's 5-point setup include?

Every instrument sold through MusicStreet undergoes a comprehensive 5-point bench inspection: truss rod and neck relief calibration, nut slot depth check, bridge radius and intonation alignment, pickup height and electronic circuit testing, and fretboard conditioning.

Can I try boutique and custom shop guitars in person at MusicStreet?

Yes. MusicStreet operates a showroom at 10 Chequers Court, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, where players can test premium PRS, Fender, and Gibson models through high-end amplifiers in a dedicated testing environment.

Fender Stratocaster

Explore Fender Stratocaster at MusicStreet

USED - Fender Vintera '60s Stratocaster Ice Blue Metallic

£699.00

Used - Fender Vintera '60s Stratocaster Ice Blue Metallic

£699.00

USED - Fender Vintera '60s Stratocaster Modified - Burgundy Mist

£699.00

USED - Fender Ed O'Brien Sustainer Stratocaster - Olympic White

£699.00

Fender Player Stratocaster Left Handed w/ Pau Ferro Fretboard - Black

£699.00

Fender Player Stratocaster - Sunburst Maple Neck

£699.00

USED - 2004 Fender USA Standard Stratocaster - Sunburst Relic

£699.00

Fender Player Stratocaster Electric Guitar - Sunburst, Pau Ferro

£699.00

Fender Player Stratocaster - Tidepool MN

£699.00

Fender Player Stratocaster - Black / Maple

£699.00

Fender Player Series Stratocaster - Sage Green

£699.00

Fender Player Strat HSH - Tobacco Burst

£699.00

Fender Player Series Telecaster - Sonic Red

£699.00

Fender Player Series Stratocaster - Sonic Red

£699.00

USED - American Special Stratocaster - Olympic White

£699.00

Fender Player Stratocaster - Black / Pau Ferro

£679.00

USED - Fender Deluxe Stratocaster Vintage Blonde

£659.00

USED - Fender Limited Edition Player Stratocaster Surf Green

£600.00

USED Fender - Classic Player 60'S Stratocaster - Sonic Blue (inc tweed hard case)

£599.00

USED - Fender - Classic Series 50'S Stratocaster - Daphne Blue

£599.00

USED - Fender Stratocaster Made In Mexico - Limited Edition London Underground Map

£599.00

Fender Standard Stratocaster® HSS, Laurel Fingerboard, Black Pickguard, Black

£549.00

Fender Standard Stratocaster Aqua Marine Metallic

£499.00

Fender Standard Stratocaster Olympic White Electric Guitar

£499.00

Fender Stratocaster

Player Series, American Professional II & Custom Shop Strats

Explore Stratocaster Ranges & Gear:

All Fender Guitars Player & Vintera Series Squier Stratocasters Fender Telecaster Pre-Owned Strats Fender Strings Straps & Cases

Fender Stratocaster Series Comparison: Which Model Fits Your Playing Style?

From its debut in 1954 to modern arena stages, the Stratocaster remains the world's most recorded electric guitar. Understanding the subtle differences in fretboard radius, neck carve, tonewoods, and pickup voicing will help you find the instrument built for your hands.

1. Fender Player II vs. American Professional II

Player II Series (Ensenada, Mexico): Alder body, modern "C" maple neck, 9.5" fingerboard radius with rolled edges, Alnico V single-coils, and classic synchronized 2-point tremolo. Exceptional build quality and value.
American Professional II (Corona, USA): Upgraded V-Mod II pickups for tailored balance across all 5 switch positions, sculpted neck heel for effortless upper-fret access, and "Deep C" profile with "Super-Natural" satin neck finish.

2. Vintera II vs. American Ultra

Vintera II (Vintage Spec): Period-correct 7.25" radius fretboards, vintage-tall frets, 50s/60s/70s neck profiles, and vintage-voiced pickups for authentic retro twang.
American Ultra / Ultra Luxe (Modern Performance): 10"–14" compound radius fingerboards, Ultra Noiseless Vintage pickups, S-1 switching for expanded pickup combos, and ultra-sculpted contours.

3. SSS vs. HSS Configuration

Traditional SSS (3 Single-Coils): Pure vintage bite, articulate bell tones, and the iconic "out-of-phase" quack in pickup positions 2 and 4 (bridge+middle and neck+middle).
HSS / Fat Strat (Bridge Humbucker): Adds high-output punch and hum-free distortion versatility for rock and lead solos while retaining glassy neck single-coil tones.

The Music Street Workshop Setup

Stratocaster floating tremolos and neck actions require precise calibration. Before shipping, our technicians perform:

Tremolo bridge balanced to your preference (floating or decked)
Truss rod adjusted for exact neck relief
Nut slots cut and lubricated to eliminate tuning snags during bends
Action height lowered for smooth, buzz-free fretting
5-way switch and tone pots fully continuity-tested

Frequently Asked Questions: Fender Stratocasters

What is the difference between a Mexican and American Fender Stratocaster? +

Mexican-made models (like the Player II and Vintera II) are built in Ensenada and offer incredible performance per pound. American models (American Professional II, Ultra) are built in Corona, California, featuring premium hardware, upgraded V-Mod/Noiseless pickups, sculpted neck heels, and included deluxe hard cases.

Do you set up Stratocaster tremolo bridges before shipping? +

Yes. Every Fender Stratocaster undergoes a complete workshop setup in our Huntingdon facility. We tune, balance the tremolo spring tension, intonate the saddles, and set the neck action so it is ready to gig straight from the box.

Can I trade in my old guitar against a new Fender Stratocaster? +

Yes. We offer quick, fair part-exchange valuations on both new and pre-owned guitars. Send photos and specs to [email protected] or visit our Huntingdon showroom for an on-the-spot valuation.

Is delivery free on Fender guitars in the UK? +

Yes, all new and pre-owned Fender guitars include free, fully tracked and insured courier delivery across the UK mainland.