The Stratocaster was first produced in early 1954 by Los Angeles engineer Leo Fender, who had tinkered with improving amplified hollow-body instruments since the 1940s. Another industry standard, the Fender Jazz Bass, was released in 1960. This allowed bassists to move further up front in the band mix, both visually and audibly. This work has been continued and many companies and individual luthiers have joined the quest to take Leo Fender's original dream and idea to new levels. Marshall amps have defined the sound of rock for a generation, boasting such notable users as Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, Ritchie Blackmore, and Jimmy Page. Introduced in 1954 and now recognized as the best electric guitar ever designed, Leo Fender's Stratocaster is one of the 20th century's most influential inventions. "From a technical standpoint, it was a genius invention because it's absolutely practical -- it moulds into the body perfectly. As soon as you hold one, it embraces you," said Smith, an acclaimed jazz recording artist. This 2-Color Sunburst, maple beauty comes complete with a Vintage Tweed case and a beautifully etched neck plate for this once in a lifetime event. Acoustic Case Flight Guitar.
