Simply put, it becomes an extension of my mind and heart – without getting in the way and demanding my attention. I felt that the way this guitar is assembled and planned and sourced is ideal for someone looking for their guitar to feel almost transparent to their playing. I don’t know if this is something factual, but here’s something nicely subjective: the big headstock makes the balance unique. The balance on my shoulder (with a nice 2.5″ faux-suede, thick black strap)is superb. Not every Strat is a pleasure to play, even when they’re correctly and professionally set up. That’s the operative term for these: a pleasure. Everything about it from the way the trem works to the feel of the frets to the balance of the body and neck is just a pleasure. Playability: Here’s where I start getting warm fuzzies about the Highway One I have: the physical experience of playing the guitar is fantastic. As gig bags go, these are definitely among the very best. Highway Ones come with the new super-thick, super-strong-fabric gig bag. I also felt the new Fender gig bag is a major improvement. However, the finish on these doesn’t grab when you get sweaty… I do like gloss finishes as a personal preference. The lacquer finish feel is great and is a pleasure to have against your skin. This Strat was loved by the person who made it. Nitro is not easy to apply in any stretch of the imagination – and matte finishes show every little flaw or inconsistency. I was extremely impressed with the consistency of the matte nitro finish.
The frets are level and are nicely polished from the factory (see my wants and desires section of this review…) Easy and buttery to play, without any issues or not-normal buzzes. Screw holes are lined up right, the action was just perfect for. The feel, finish, and wood chosen for the neck are just right for the satin variety necks. The craftsmanship is careful and is an extremely good example of what American guitar builders can do. Quality: This particular Highway 1 is an extremely well-made instrument. The always cool Fender Greasebucket tone circuit (To be honest, I’m reviewing a Gibson SG Raw Power with a maple body, neck, and fretboard – and I love it there too… stay tuned.)Ī short list of what the Highway One has:Įxcellent post-vintage AlNiCo III magnet pickups with staggered poles and excellent output balance – not too hot, not too thinĪ thin-skinned nitrocellulose finish – the more you play it, the smoother and shinier it gets, the more it feels and looks like an old friend…Īn excellent mid-size maple neck and fretboard with that 70s “Jimi” headstock and lettering I like the old HSS Highway Ones just fine, but this was my alternative to an SSS American Standard – and I LOVE maple fretboards on Fenders. Now, Fender makes a version of these as a standard offering. I purchased this one when all that was available was rosewood-fretboard Highway Ones. My particular Highway One is, if I am correct, a short-run guitar. Browse them and find the right one for you at and their “love your guitar” guarantee. There are lots of kinds of Fender Stratocasters. They sound and play in a rich experience that leaves the player (and the listener) grinning. If you’d like a nice big-fret USA-made Stratocaster, you owe it to yourself to try one of these.įeatures: Where do I start? They’re genius simple and complex-wonderful all at the same time. They really are well made, and are very comfortable to play for one recording or a whole set of gigs. They play well, are affordable, and they sound just like I wanted to hear. Quick Opinion: The 2007 and later Highway One Strats are great (previous ones were fine, but for this conversation…). The sound is unmistakable, remarkable, and pure Strat. This particular Stratocaster is a complete joy and has absolutely no disappointments. I’ve had Highway One Fenders before, and have always been pleased.
I didn’t quite have the change available for an American Standard or an American Deluxe – so I looked at and fell in love with the Highway One. They’re a part of music’s fabric now – and are one of the greatest easy-to-customize guitars on the market…
For every season, for every reason, for every musical decade, there are Strats for them since the 50s.
Maple, SSS, HSS, HH, rosewood, alder, ash, mahogany, big frets, skinny frets, vintage headstock, “Jimi” headstock (would that be a Woodheadstock?), gypsy bridge, AlNiCo, ceramic, samarium cobalt, noiseless, noisy, Greasebucket, S1, roadworn… There are so many different Strats and so many different things about those Strats. We have so many from which to choose… Made in Mexico, made in Japan, and made in the United States of America. Strats have changed over the years, from the simpleness of the 50s to the big-hair rock of the eighties to the current array of models.
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