A real legend
Just before the early death in an accident with an helicopter, after a concert with Eric Clapton, Robert Cray, Buddy Guy and his brother Jimmie in 1990, the legendary Stevie Ray Vaughan collaborated with Fender to a signature model of the Stratocaster, obviously in the Artist series.
The final result is an amazing guitar with some typical characteristics of the '60s, like the neck with an oval profile, and an extraordinary look.
Specs
Now, let's see the most important specifications.
- Model name
Stevie Ray Vaughan Stratocaster®, Pau Ferro Fingerboard, 3-Color Sunburst.
- Number
0109200800
- Body (material, finish and shape)
Alder (2 pieces), Urethane, Stratocaster.
- Neck (wood, finish, shape, scale)
Maple, Gloss Urethane, Thick "Oval", 25.5" (648 mm).
- Fingerboard (material, radius)
Pau Ferro, 12" (305 mm).
- Frets (number, size)
21, Vintage-Style.
- Nut Width
1.650" (42 mm).
- Pickups
3 Texas Special, Single-Coil
- Controls
Master Volume, Tone 1 (Neck), Tone 2 (Middle).
- Bridge
6-Saddle American Vintage Synchronized Tremolo.
- Strings
Fender® USA 250R, NPS, (.010-.046 Gauges).
- Included Accessories
Vintage Tweed Hardshell Case, Strap, Cable.
Much personal
Perhaps, the most curious peculiarity of this instrument is the whammy bar, inverted in the position. The black pickguard is perfect, and enhances the white of the pickups and of the knobs. The gold hardware is really beautiful. The initials of the name of Stevie Ray Vaughan on the pickguard complete the look, really pleasant.
The general impression
First of all. It depends, obviously, on your taste, but, as regards me, the neck is the weak point of this Strat. It is too much big and with a strange shape, oval, as we have said in the specs, that makes it particularly uncomfortable. But it's my personal opinion. The fretboard is in Pao Ferro, a type of Rosewood, but more light.
Ok, but the sound? Really good. If we compare this guitar to a normal American Standard, so we have a comparison, the tone is certainly more dark, round and full-bodied. Perhaps, with the neck-pickup, notes aren't much definite, but it isn't a great problem. As a whole, it sounds very well, mainly for the Blues, obviously, and cannot disappoint.
Final opinion
Certainly, an excellent instrument. For the Blues, above all classic, a perfect choice. Perhaps the general finish isn't extraordinary, but this guitar is really beautiful. The price of the Stevie Ray Vaughan Stratocaster, about 1.700 euros, in my opinion is good.