Fender Aerodyne Special Stratocaster review

The futuristic Japanese-built Fender returns with some notable upgrades

Fender Aerodyne Stratocaster
(Image: © Future / Olly Curtis)

Guitar World Verdict

Sleek and elegant with the perfect marriage of modern playability and timeless Strat tones and feel, this might be the best Aerodyne yet.

Pros

  • +

    Pickups offer vintage tones and cutting gain when cranked.

  • +

    Quality hardware and impressive vibrato.

  • +

    Great neck profile.

Cons

  • -

    It's strictly for those who like their Strats modern.

You can trust Guitar World Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing guitar products so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

The Stratocaster design is one of the most iconic six-string templates in history. Indeed, throughout the decades, it’s been the instrument of choice for countless guitarists, and to this day is the benchmark for many brands – PRS and Ibanez included – seeking to capture some of that Strat magic. 

Owing to this heritage, it’s little surprise the Stratocaster has been the recipient of very few radical design overhauls. Even Fender’s latest big release, the American Vintage II line, was all about harnessing history. Yes, certain specs have changed over the years, but overall the Stratocaster has remained a relatively static six-string.

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