TEST: Fender VG Strat

 Oh yes *sigh*, for almost 50 years now, artists have been whining to instrument makers, “How nice it would be if you could get Strat and Paula sounds from one instrument, preferably with a few acoustic guitar sounds seasoned". No, it's clear and she should be able to do the annual income tax adjustment in one go...

Over the decades, countless guitar makers have tried to do it mechanically, but have always failed due to the fact that the choice of wood and the scale length are simply too different to really be able to combine the “best of both worlds” in one instrument . So the resourceful engineer thought, why not put the cart before the horse and build a thoroughbred protagonist and create the sonic extensions electronically or virtually. The result of this consideration is now available in the form of the VG Stratocaster.


Construction:

The extremely popular American Standard Strat with four-way neck screws and tilt-neck function was chosen as the starting point, available in the colors black or three-tone sunburst, with either rosewood or maple fingerboard. The body is made of three-piece alder, and the American Vibrato with two-point bearing is used as the vibrato system. The frets of the instrument are a jumbo version (2.6 x 1.2 mm), the neck has a moderate “C” shaping. The entire hardware is nickel-plated, the encapsulated tuners are staggered and work with a 16:1 ratio. So far so good, so far nothing extraordinary, if a Roland GK-2a pickup hadn't been placed between the bridge pickup and the vibrato system. In addition, a large plastic cover on the back of the instrument behind the spring chamber milling and another milling for four type AA batteries show that this instrument is a special production.

In addition to a master volume and a master tone control, there are also 2 smaller potentiometers with “T” (tuning) and “M” (mode) that catch the eye, and a very bright, blue LED provides information about the charge status of the batteries. According to factory specifications, 10 hours of continuous operation should be possible with one charge of batteries. Well, what makes our plastic strip so extraordinary?

The Roland unit calculates the following settings in real time during the game:

Sounds:

S: Stratocaster
T: Telecaster
H: Humbucker (Les Paul) Uffbasse! Trademark protection law – never mention the original name ;-)
A: Acoustic guitar

Depending on the switch position, the five-way switch then also takes over the virtual pickup selection. In acoustic mode, the processor emulates five different acoustic guitars, electro-acoustic guitars, or a Dobro. All in all, we have 16 guitar models.

These can now be put into different moods using the tuning mode, such as:

N: Standard tuning
D: Dropped D tuning
G: Open G tuning
D: modal D tuning
B: Baritone tuning
12: 12 string emulation



Practice:

Emulating electronics in an electric guitar has always been a very sensitive topic. My main focus, in addition to the final sound output, was primarily on the tracking speed of the pickup, which used to be very critical. Audible delays of a few milliseconds on devices from the first generations and the complete overload of playing techniques such as pull-offs or bends only allowed for padded sounds with moderate single-note lines at the time.

But first about the standard orientation of the instrument without virtualization, after all you are also dealing with an American Standard and the same must first prove that all the milling and modifications have not caused any loss in sound. But here you can give the all-clear after a very short time, the VG Strat sounds as it should. The three single coils sparkle as ever and allow for all the sounds that have been implemented with it in the 53 years since the instrument was introduced. Good resonance behavior and perfect playability are also present. The satin-finished neck is easy to play and the jumbo frets take current playing techniques into account. If you, like me, own a 70s Strat, what bending can mean on a start with thin frets ;-)

Well, off to new sonic shores, let’s start with “T”. Look, it was to be expected that Fender would get its counterpart in the “caster department” well under control, but the fact that they nailed the Tele so well pleased the artist’s heart. Mind you, we're talking about sound, not feel! This will be severely tested again when we get to “H”. The processor makes every effort to generate a Paula, but the long scale length and the alder body speak a different language. Nevertheless, the sound is really good for an emulation.

Briefly speaking about tracking, worlds have actually changed in the last few years. The physically essential delay caused by the computing time is hardly noticeable and is only noticeable during real shredder attacks. But we're really talking about high-speed six-stoles here, you can't feel this during normal play. Unfortunately, the acoustic sounds can't maintain the level of the E-sounds, they're definitely ok as an encore and worth using in a band context, but as individual sounds, all presets stand out due to their excessive treble and limited liveliness.


However, there is joy in the open tunings, which, apart from the baritone sound, also shine with fast tracking. While previously such tonal computing times could only be achieved with studio machines like the Eventide Harmonizer, the cheaper digital technology has had a positive impact here. In baritone mode, the processing speed drops in the lower registers and causes slight artifacts in the sound. However, Open-G and its colleagues deliver a decent picture, and the 12-string sound is also pleasing.


Conclusion:

The VG Stratocaster will find its buyers, I'm sure. I immediately think of the position of the cover band guitarist, who has always had to take at least three guitars with him during a live set. This can now largely be accomplished with a guitar, which in turn guarantees less transport effort and quicker assembly and dismantling times.

In general, however, you should always keep a psychological component in mind, which I like to call “eyes hear more”. If the artist switches from a Strat to a Paula or even an acoustic guitar on stage, the tonal change is also visually emphasized to the listener in the audience. Even if I'm going to take a lot of beating for this thesis, a large proportion of the listeners will be overwhelmed by "just an acoustic sound change" to notice a change in sound or, to put it another way, "what doesn't change visually is always the same in terms of sound". So don't be angry if your own band or, in the worst case, you yourself are the only one who can enjoy the diversity of the instrument, the audience doesn't mean anything bad, they just have different priorities...

The bottom line is that the VG Stratocaster is a very high-quality live workhorse that combines the current state of virtual technology with the anachronistic highlights of the traditional electric guitar. However, you should never forget that you get 100% Stratocaster with a high-quality emulation of the sound of the competition. You do NOT get a Strat, a Paula, a Takamine and a Dobro in one instrument!

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Additional Informations:

The Fender Strat VG stands as a testament to Fender's commitment to innovation and pushing the boundaries of electric guitar technology. Introduced in 2007, the Strat VG represents a groundbreaking leap forward in the realm of digital signal processing, offering players unprecedented control over their sound and performance. Delving into the history of the Strat VG unveils a story of technological ingenuity, creative collaboration, and a relentless pursuit of sonic excellence.

Origins of the Strat VG:
The genesis of the Fender Strat VG can be traced back to Fender's desire to create a guitar that would offer players the ability to access a wide range of tones and sounds without the need for multiple instruments or external effects pedals. Drawing inspiration from advancements in digital signal processing technology, Fender assembled a team of engineers, designers, and musicians to develop a guitar that would incorporate cutting-edge electronics while retaining the timeless aesthetic and playability of the classic Fender Stratocaster.

Electronic Innovation:
At the heart of the Fender Strat VG lies its revolutionary electronic system, which allows players to seamlessly switch between different guitar models, alternate tunings, and even access a variety of alternate pickup configurations—all with the turn of a knob. This groundbreaking technology is made possible by a combination of advanced digital processing and specially designed pickups that capture the nuances of each guitar model and tuning setting with astonishing accuracy.

Key Features:
The Fender Strat VG boasts a host of features that set it apart from traditional electric guitars:

1. Virtual Guitar Models: With the Strat VG, players can access a wide range of virtual guitar models, including classic Fender models like the Stratocaster, Telecaster, and even acoustic guitar simulations. Each model is meticulously crafted to replicate the tone and feel of its real-world counterpart, giving players unparalleled versatility and sonic flexibility.

2. Alternate Tunings: In addition to virtual guitar models, the Strat VG allows players to instantly switch between alternate tunings at the flick of a switch. Whether it's drop D, open G, or something entirely custom, the Strat VG makes it easy for players to explore new sonic landscapes and experiment with different musical styles.

3. Alternate Pickup Configurations: Another standout feature of the Strat VG is its ability to emulate a variety of pickup configurations, from single-coil to humbucker to even acoustic pickups. This allows players to tailor their sound to suit their playing style and musical preferences, whether they're shredding through high-gain riffs or strumming delicate acoustic chords.

Collaboration and Development:
The development of the Fender Strat VG was a collaborative effort that involved input from a diverse group of musicians, engineers, and designers. Fender worked closely with artists like Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and Steve Winwood to ensure that the virtual guitar models and alternate tunings offered by the Strat VG met the highest standards of tone and playability. Additionally, Fender enlisted the expertise of digital signal processing pioneers Roland Corporation to develop the advanced electronics that power the Strat VG, resulting in a seamless integration of analog feel and digital precision.

Cultural Impact and Legacy:
While the Fender Strat VG may not have achieved the same level of mainstream success as its traditional counterparts, its impact on the world of electric guitar technology cannot be overstated. The Strat VG paved the way for future innovations in digital signal processing and modeling technology, inspiring a new generation of guitarists to explore the possibilities of electronic manipulation and sonic experimentation. Its legacy lives on in modern digital modeling platforms and software, which continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in the realm of guitar tone and performance.

Conclusion:
The Fender Strat VG stands as a testament to Fender's commitment to innovation and pushing the boundaries of electric guitar technology. With its revolutionary electronic system, versatile features, and timeless design, the Strat VG represents a bold step forward in the evolution of the electric guitar. While its commercial success may have been limited, its impact on the world of guitar technology and musical creativity is undeniable, cementing its place in the annals of electric guitar history.

Expansion:
Innovation has always been at the core of Fender's ethos, driving the company to constantly explore new avenues of guitar design and technology. The Fender Strat VG emerged during a time when digital signal processing was beginning to gain traction in the music industry, offering a glimpse into the future of guitar technology. Its development was not without its challenges, however. Engineers faced the daunting task of balancing the need for advanced digital processing with the desire to maintain the feel and playability of a traditional electric guitar. Countless hours of research, prototyping, and testing were invested to ensure that the Strat VG would deliver the same level of performance and satisfaction as its analog counterparts.

Upon its release in 2007, the Fender Strat VG garnered widespread attention and acclaim from musicians and critics alike. Its innovative features and groundbreaking technology captured the imagination of guitarists seeking new ways to explore and expand their sonic palette. Artists ranging from blues legends to metal shredders to acoustic troubadours found inspiration in the Strat VG's ability to effortlessly switch between different guitar sounds and tunings, opening up endless creative possibilities.

Despite its technical prowess and innovative design, the Fender Strat VG faced some challenges in the marketplace. Its relatively high price point and niche appeal limited its adoption among mainstream guitarists, who may have been hesitant to embrace such a radical departure from traditional guitar designs. Additionally, some purists expressed skepticism about the authenticity of the virtual guitar models and alternate tunings offered by the Strat VG, questioning whether they could truly replicate the sound and feel of the real instruments they emulated.

However, for those who embraced the Strat VG, it quickly became an indispensable tool in their arsenal. Whether recording in the studio, performing on stage, or jamming at home, players found endless joy in exploring the vast sonic landscapes offered by the Strat VG's digital technology. Its ability to seamlessly switch between different guitar sounds and tunings with the twist of a knob or the push of a button empowered musicians to break free from the constraints of traditional guitar setups and explore new creative horizons.

Over the years, the Fender Strat VG has continued to inspire guitarists and push the boundaries of what is possible in the world of electric guitar technology. While its production may have been discontinued, its legacy lives on in the countless musicians who continue to explore and innovate with digital modeling and signal processing technology. As Fender and other manufacturers continue to push the envelope of guitar design and technology, the spirit of innovation embodied by the Strat VG will always remain a guiding force, driving musicians to explore new sonic territories and push the boundaries of their creativity.