The Fender Contemporary Stratocaster represents both defiance and acceptance of 80s guitar culture, keeping the traditional aspects that made the double cut electric so iconic while inviting some of the player-centric features that became popular in the decade of hair metal.

For all intents and purposes, you can assume at its core that this model foreshadows what would become the American Standard Stratocaster, albeit made in Japan and using a new tremolo bridge known as the Schaller-designed System 1 tremolo. Much like many of the Floyd Rose and Kahler style bridges of the ear, the System 1 provides fine tuning adjustability most commonly associated with guitars that have a locking nut.

Functionally, it offers a similar playing experience to those aforementioned designs, with greater tremolo range than a vintage-style bridge.

The Maple neck has a slim C/D carve with medium jumbo fretwire for a fast, modern playing experience. The flatpole Stratocaster pickups and bright and clear sounding with a medium output.