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Average Customer Rating:

Essential reading for Strat owners and lovers

Customer Rating:

The book's 176 well-illustrated pages are packed with information for players of the iconic Strat. Even if, as a player, you have no desire to tinker with the setup on your guitar, you will learn much about the instrument. General sections on choosing a Strat, and detail on the Vintage and American Standard versions are followed by a detailed acount of setting up a guitar. A major part of the book is ten case studies of work on specific variations of Strat. Finally, there are profiles of eight key Strat players (with Eric Clapton getting no less than three profiles). Hank Marvin is one of those profiled, and contributes the foreword. Strat owners and fans will consider this money well spent. As a minor gripe, the section on case studies does become somewhat repetitive, as the same advice is often given for each type of Strat. There is some evidence of careless proof-reading, with heel mis-spelled as heal, and scratchplate sometimes referred to as fingerboard. Such errors will quickly be spotted by players and do not detract from the manual's usefulness.

Does exactly what it says on the tin

Customer Rating:

Paul Balmer not only has years of experience in playing, repairing and setting up this guitar but also has an obvious love for the Strat and its creator, Leo Fender. He writes with genuine enthuisiasm, throwing in very good practical advice - including "don'ts" gained from youthful experimentation - as well as humour. He also aims the book at beginners and professionals alike, compares Stratocasters from different eras including priceless vintage models and the Squier models - ideal for cheapskates like me! I've had the book (it's actually the American edition not the Haynes one) for just under a day and it's helped me set up my £65 Korean Squier to a stage where it is sounding and playing better already. A personal message to Mr. Balmer - hope your red '62 turns up somewhere!

Buy This Book Now!	Customer Rating:
If you own a Fender Stratocaster, are thinking of buying one, or just like to dream about them, then this is the book for you. Inside is a wealth of information on the most famous guitar ever, making it the best book for value for money, I have come across in a long long time.

I agree, a must!	Customer Rating:
I bought this book in a shop (sorry Amazon) as an impulse buy. What a bargain! If you own a stratocaster you definitely need one of these. It's fascinating. If you don't own one, start saving up as you'll have to buy one after reading this.

A real joy - if you buy a copy, you won't be disappointed

Customer Rating:

I just received a copy of this book today, and I can't put it down. It's an easy to read, informative, well produced, well organised and very clearly presented book - a real joy. This book is for you if you're interested in buying a Strat, if you own a Strat, if you're interested in the history and features of the Strat over the years, if you want to set-up, maintain or repair your own Strat, if you are interested in the instruments of many of the most distinguished Strat players (for example; Buddy Guy, Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Jeff Beck, Mark Knopfler, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Hank Marvin). If you like Strats, you will love this book. If you buy a copy, you won't be disappointed.