For 2008, Fender decided to give some of their classic models (Stratocaster and Telecaster on the guitar side, and Jazzbass and Precision Bass on the bass side) a face lift by "upgrading" a few details. You don’t "change" a winning combination, you "enhance" it ...

Fender has mainly focused their efforts on the instruments’ resonance and sustain. So there’s a new bridge with improved bent-steel saddles and a copper-infused high-mass block on the Strat (a stamped-brass bridge plate on the Tele) for increased resonance and sustain along the whole body.

Speaking about string vibration: it should be mentioned that Fender has used a thinner finish undercoat that lets the body breathe and improves resonance without compromising the finish of the instrument protected by its varnish. Finally, the neck varnish has also been modified. It’s been tinted for a richer presentation, with the maple or rosewood fingerboard buffed to a high gloss. The back of the neck still has that silky satin finish. The result: comfort has been optimized on the Strat as well as the Tele, all the more so since these guitars have long since earned their stripes for comfort.

Because all jewels must have their boxes, Fender has also changed the case in which its instruments come in. These SKB molded cases look imposing, but turn out to be extremely light and seem to be quite solid. A nice detail: The TSA locks can be opened by security officers using universal "master" keys so that the locks may not have to be cut.

And last but not least, there are new finish options (Blizzard Pearl for both models, Sienna Sunburst for the Strat and Crimson Red Transparent for the Tele). A small detail of course, but if you're going to buy a guitar, you might as well buy one in a color you like.