The Fender American Stratocaster is probably the most popular electric guitar design ever produced. Introduced in 1954 as an upgrade over Fender's first production model, the Telecaster (don't tell that to Tele fans), the Stratocaster featured three pickups, a unique internal vibrato system, and a distinctive contoured body shape. The Stratocaster has been used and abused by the likes of Jimi Hendrix, Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton, Mark Knopfler, Dick Dale, Buddy Guy, Eric Johnson, Yngwie Malmsteen, John Mayer, Robin Trower, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and The Edge.