I was a small boy the first time I heard the sound of an electric guitar. I thought it was the coolest thing I'd ever heard...still do!
In 1954, Leo Fender, George Fullerton, and Freddie Tavares designed an instrument that would change sound of music, the Fender Stratocaster guitar. It's been the "axe" of choice for most of the all time greats, from Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, The Rolling Stones, Jeff Beck, and Stevie Ray Vaughn to Keith Urban, Vince Gill and John Mayer.  Its distinctive sound makes it particularly well suited to Rock 'n Roll music. Old Strats are especially favored by blues players for their growly tone. The Stratocaster first went on sale 60 years ago today, May 15th, 1954. If you listen to music today, odds are you'll hear one.

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