The Fender American Elite Strat EB (Satin Ice Blue Metallic) combines traditional Strat style with the innovative details of a modern player's Guitar, which leaves no want unfulfilled in terms of playing comfort and dynamic range. Thanks to the compound profile, the neck offers unhindered playability across its length, while 3x Fender 4th Gen Noiseless single-coil pick-ups (backed by S-1 circuitry) deliver classic Strat tones appropriate for almost every musical style.
Thanks to the rounded "American Elite Heel", the Alder body allows unhindered access to the high registers of the Ebony fingerboard. At the same time, the Maple neck is particularly comfortable in the hand, ranging from a rounded "C" in the lower registers to a flat "D". This means the volume of the neck stays consistent across its range, whilst offering greater articulation at higher registers.
The pick-ups are routed through the traditional 5-way switch, a volume control and 2x tone controls. In addition, the Fender S-1 circuit is installed, which can be used to create additional pick-up combinations that significantly expand the sound pallet of the guitar.
The Fender deluxe synchronized 2-point Vibrato Bridge provides an especially smooth handling and a sensitive response. On the headstock, Fender Deluxe Cast/Sealed Locking tuners guarantee precise and stable tuning even with frequent use of the Vibrato.
The main features of the Fender American Elite Strat EB (Satin Ice Blue Metallic) include:
The guitar has the looks and sound of a more expensive instrument. It arrived fast in "ready to play" setup. I enjoy mostly the modern hybrid C/D neck which allows for a good balance between feel and speed. Switching between my older very thin Ibanez Wizard neck to this Strat has been quick and comfortable. The locking tuners keep it surprisingly in tune even when abusing the non-locking tremolo. The electronics of this Elite series offer many possibilities and when combined with a nice tube amp of a similar price range, this guitar can cover many musical styles. Overall an excellent, highly recommended choice!