( Brand: Fender ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: 0990460920 ), ( UPC: 885978958603 )
The **Fender 0990460920 Roasted Maple Fat Stratocaster** with its **U-shaped neck profile** is a meticulously crafted electric guitar that seamlessly blends vintage warmth with modern playability, making it an ideal choice for both seasoned musicians and aspiring shredders alike. Built upon the legendary Fat Stratocaster platform, this instrument features a **contoured alder body** that not only delivers a rich, balanced tone but also ensures ergonomic comfort during extended playing sessions. The **roasted maple fingerboard**, with its warm, golden hue and subtle grain patterns, adds a touch of vintage character while maintaining a smooth, responsive surface that enhances note clarity and fretwork precision. The **U-shaped neck profile** offers a wider, more open feel compared to traditional C-shaped necks, providing exceptional comfort for players with larger hands or those who prefer a slightly more relaxed grip, all while maintaining the classic Stratocaster s agile maneuverability.
Under the hood, the **Fat Stratocaster s** signature hardware shines, with **Fender s high-quality components** ensuring reliability and tonal consistency. The **five-way pickups** a pair of **Fender Custom Shop Alnico V single-coils** in the bridge and middle positions and a **Fender Custom Shop Humacator** in the neck deliver a dynamic range of sounds, from crisp, articulate single-coil clarity to thick, resonant hum-canceling tones. The **synchronized tremolo system** allows for precise dive bombs and smooth vibrato adjustments, while the **modern 2-point tremolo mount** ensures stability and durability. The **black pickguard** and **roasted maple neck** create a striking visual contrast, complementing the **sunburst or two-tone finish** (depending on the model) for a timeless yet contemporary aesthetic.
Whether you're bending power chords with aggressive precision, crafting intricate solos with smooth legato, or laying down groovy rhythm parts with effortless fluidity, the **Roasted Maple Fat Stratocaster** delivers an unmatched blend of versatility and comfort. Its **modernized ergonomics**, **high-performance electronics**, and **vintage-inspired craftsmanship** make it a standout instrument for players who demand both style and substance. From the stage to the studio, this guitar is a testament to Fender s commitment to innovation and tradition, offering an experience that feels as natural as it sounds.
### **Pros and Cons of buying a Fender 0990460920 Roasted Maple Fat Stratocaster (U-Shaped Neck)**
#### **Pros:**1. **Premium Build Quality** The Fat Stratocaster is part of Fender s high-end series, featuring solid construction with a solid alder body, roasted maple neck, and a gloss poly finish. The attention to detail in the hardware and electronics suggests a well-crafted instrument.
2. **Fat Stratocaster Design** The "Fat" variant includes a slightly wider body (compared to standard Stratocasters) and a slightly thicker neck profile, which can enhance playability for players with larger hands or those who prefer a fuller feel. The U-shaped neck profile is comfortable for many guitarists, offering a balance between ease of movement and stability.
3. **Roasted Maple Neck** The roasted maple neck adds a warm, slightly darker tone compared to standard maple, which can complement certain genres like blues, rock, and jazz. The wood also has a rich, aged appearance that many players appreciate.
4. **High-Quality Hardware** This model typically comes with premium components such as sealed die-cast tuners, a vintage-style tremolo system, and high-output pickups (often 5150 or similar). The hardware is durable and enhances the guitar s overall performance and tuning stability.
5. **Versatility** The Fat Stratocaster s pickups and tone controls allow for a wide range of sounds, from clean arpeggios to high-gain rock and blues tones. The tremolo system also provides flexibility for dive bombs and vibrato effects.
6. **Aesthetic Appeal** The gloss poly finish and roasted maple neck give the guitar a modern yet classic look. The U-shaped neck profile is often praised for its ergonomic comfort during long playing sessions.
7. **Resale Value** As a high-end Fender model, this guitar retains its value well, making it a solid investment for collectors or serious players.
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#### **Cons:**1. **Higher Price Point** The Fat Stratocaster is significantly more expensive than standard entry-level or mid-range Stratocasters. The premium build, roasted maple neck, and high-quality hardware contribute to the cost, which may not be justified for casual players or beginners.
2. **Weight** The solid alder body and roasted maple neck make this guitar heavier than some hollow-body or semi-hollow models. While the weight is manageable for most players, it may not be ideal for those who prefer lighter instruments for extended sessions.
3. **Pickup Noise** The high-output pickups (e.g., 5150s) can sometimes produce more noise or hum, especially in high-gain settings. Players sensitive to background noise may need to invest in noise reduction tools or lower the gain.
4. **Neck Profile Variability** While the U-shaped neck is comfortable for many, some players may find it too thick or too thin depending on their hand size and playing style. It s essential to try the guitar in person if possible to ensure the neck profile suits your preferences.
5. **Maintenance Requirements** The gloss poly finish, while visually appealing, can be prone to scratches and may require more careful handling than matte finishes. Additionally, the roasted maple neck may darken further over time, which some players find aesthetically pleasing but others may not prefer.
6. **Limited Customization** Unlike some high-end custom shop guitars, this model has a fixed configuration. Players who want specific pickup types, knobs, or finishes may need to look elsewhere or modify the guitar themselves.
7. **Tremolo System Complexity** The vintage-style tremolo system, while durable, requires occasional maintenance to ensure smooth operation. Players who frequently use the tremolo may need to adjust or service it more frequently than simpler systems.
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### **Conclusion and Recommendation**
The **Fender 0990460920 Roasted Maple Fat Stratocaster (U-Shaped Neck)** is an excellent choice for **serious players, professionals, or enthusiasts** who prioritize build quality, tone versatility, and premium features. Its solid construction, high-output pickups, and comfortable neck profile make it a reliable workhorse for a wide range of musical styles. The roasted maple neck and gloss finish also add a touch of sophistication, appealing to those who appreciate a refined aesthetic.
However, the **high cost** and **weight** may not be ideal for beginners, casual players, or those who prefer lighter or more budget-friendly guitars. If you re looking for a **versatile, high-performance instrument** that will last for years and deliver exceptional tone, this Fat Stratocaster is a strong recommendation. On the other hand, if you re on a tighter budget or need a guitar for very specific playing styles (e.g., fingerstyle or minimal tremolo use), you might consider a standard Stratocaster or a different model with similar features but at a lower price point.
**Final Recommendation:** Buy this guitar if:- You re a **serious player** or professional who values **tone, durability, and premium components**.
- You prefer a **wider body and thicker neck profile** for comfort and playability.
- You re willing to invest in a **high-end instrument** that will serve you well for many years.
Consider alternatives if:- You re a **beginner or casual player** and need a more affordable option.
- You prioritize **lighter weight** or **different pickup types** over the Fat Stratocaster s configuration.
- You re unsure about the **U-shaped neck profile** and haven t tried it in person.
Finally, roasted maples dark amber hue imparts an elegant edge to any instruments aesthetics. 9.5-in.-radius rosewood fingerboard with 22 medium-jumbo frets for effortless play ability and fret-out-free bends. Fast, FREE shipping. This results in greater resistance to changes the environment, ensuring that your neck relief and overall setup remain solid for much longer than with a standard maple.
Fender Satin Roasted Maple Fat Stratocaster U-shape Neck Features:: maple construction provides superb structural stability that's highly resistant to seasonal and environmental shifting. Designed to fit on many Squire and Fender Stratocaster model's. Sweet waters 2-year warranty. Roasted maple neck for rock-solid stability: Whats so special about roasted.
Sleek satin finish and rolled fingerboard edges grant a broken-in feel from day Oversized U-shape profile is sure to please technique-heavy players and guitarists who favor a substantial neck. Lastly, Sweet water guitarists particularly appreciate how this necks combination of a smooth satin finish and comfortably rolled fret ends delivers nearly friction less feel in the palm your hand. This necks roasted maple construction dramatically increases structural stability, offering superb resistance to shifting due seasonal or environmental changes.
Free tech support from audio experts. In comparison to a standard maple neck, roasted necks lower moisture content is said increase structural stability. An oversized U-shape profile the largest in Fenders replacement neck lineup and 9.5-inch radius meld a substantial feel with modern play ability across all 22 of this necks medium-jumbo frets, forming ideal platform for technique-heavy guitarists or any musician whose tastes skew toward vintage end spectrum. Please reach out for warranty information.