by Steven Williams
The Fender FSR American Standard Stained Ash Stratocaster is a guitar that I’ve been very excited about for a long time, not just because it’s a new Strat but because it’s a part of Fenders very limited edition range of US built Stained Ash guitars. In fact FSR means Factory Short Run and only 250 to be produced worldwide. I would expect the majority to be snapped by collectors but the reality is that it’s not out of reach for the average passionate guitar player. Even if its not bought to be played you can rest assured that it will keep or improve upon its original value and in today’s economy is a rare certainty. But I’m more interested in the guitar itself and if it’s as special as the story that comes with it.
As you’ve probably noticed that definitive factor that separates this FSR Start from you’re standard Stratocaster is its construction. The usual alder is changed to Solid Ash which as well looking cool has clear tonal differences. The dense wood gives powerful firm low-end tones with really pleasant, bright highs and brilliant sustain. This is actually enhanced by the guitars Hand Stained Ash finish which is thinner than the traditional lacquer finish found on Strats, this makes the body more resonant and improves the sustain and certainly impacts the tone. The finish was also chosen because simply it looks awesome, and because it’s translucent it emphasis the distinctive Ash grain, which means that no 2 guitars are exactly the same.
Fender has gone to extra lengths on the electronics to give you both familiar Strat tones with more versatility. It is equipped with three classic American Standard Stratocaster single-coils, wired through a 5-way selector switch. With this you get the best of both worlds; you get the typical Strat sound with the option of adjusting it to your specification. Its maple neck is a modern C profile and depending on what fretboard you prefer might decide what finish you choose. The Wine Red has a rosewood fretboard and the Mahogany Satin has a maple fretboard.
The finishing touches are what caps off a beautiful guitar with a matching scratch plate and control knobs this is then paired with contrasting chrome hardware. It is then finished with a vintage style bridge and 2-point synchronized tremolo and vintage style bridge to complete a very special and beautiful looking guitar.
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I you’re interested in getting a Hans Stained Ash Strat then you’re going to have to act fast due to there exclusivity and all-round quality. It’s not exactly what you’d call cheap but its cheaper than you’d expect for a guitar of this quality. All I can say is that I would highly recommend it.
