By 1959, Fender introduced a series of updates that marked the “second incarnation” of the Stratocaster, setting it up for a new decade with a refreshed look.

On the spec front, we're looking at a 2-piece alder body (sorted for weight), riff sawn maple neck with an aforementioned "slab board" rosewood fingerboard, large C neck profile, 9 1/2" radius, 1.625" bone nut, and a trio of Fat 50s single coil pickups.

If chunkier necks are your preference, you'll love the worn feel and profile of the large C profile (.85"-.99"). That said, a lot of players should find this profile comfortable as it allows you to relax your left hand a bit, while the radius and jumbo frets up the ease of play.

Plugged into our trusty Carr Sportsman, the Fat 50s pickups lived up to their moniker. The tones are big, round, and clear without ever getting into shrill territory. Quite a few vintage Strats we've had the fortune to play have a similar tone, it should be noted.