The other key detail: It would be made in the U.S.A. To make sure no one missed the point, the new guitar would be called “American Standard.” Conspicuous designation of the U.S. origin of certain models or whole series would be a regular fixture of Fender strategies from now on. (American Standards built in 1994 bear a red, white, and blue medallion on the headstock, commemorating the instrument’s 40th anniversary. The Fender Stratocaster was Jimi Hendrix's guitar of choice for ninety percent of his work, both in the studio and in concert. It was half a century ago that the curvaceous instrument, recently named by What Guitar? magazine as the world's greatest electric guitar, debuted in a career that would change the sound of music forever. Always in demand, the Strat has to be one of the most popular collectors' items. When I started, even though it was still a relatively expensive guitar, it was still within the price range of most collectors and/or players who were looking for something to keep into their old age. J.W. Black was a leading guitar repairman in New York City at the time. He recalled: “In the early ’80s, Fender was pretty much off the radar as far as my clients and players were concerned, at least in New York. All the top brands of guitar available online. Also, the likes of Rickenbacker, Gretsch, National and Epiphone, which have increased less quickly until recently, now seem to be making up for lost time. Amps Guitar Review.