Leo Fender produced his first Fender Stratocaster guitar in California in 1954. It featured a striking two-tone sunburst finish, with its ash wood grain body, selected for its appearance as well as tonal and lasting qualities, and a neck made of one piece of solid maple, together with the drop-in assembly of the electronics. From 1950s rock 'n' roll through to 1970s punk and 1990s funk, it has played a constant and vital role in the development of...