The Mike McCready Stratocaster: Unleash Your Inner Pearl Jam

If you've ever found yourself air-guitaring to Pearl Jam's electrifying solos or dreaming of capturing Mike McCready's iconic tone, Fender has crafted the perfect instrument for you. Let's dive into the world of the Mike McCready Stratocaster, a guitar that brings the sound of grunge royalty to your fingertips.

Who is Mike McCready?

For those who might not be familiar, Mike McCready is the lead guitarist of Pearl Jam, one of the most influential rock bands to emerge from the Seattle grunge scene in the 1990s. Known for his emotive solos and dynamic playing style, McCready has been a Fender Stratocaster devotee throughout his career.

The Mike McCready Stratocaster: A Closer Look

This signature model is a faithful recreation of McCready's favourite 1960 Stratocaster, blending vintage specs with modern playability. Let's break down what makes this guitar special:

• Body: Alder body with a Stratocaster shape, finished in stunning Copper Metallic Relic lacquer
• Neck: Custom-shaped maple neck with a 1960 profile, providing that classic feel
• Fingerboard: Flat-lam rosewood with a 9.5 radius, Jescar Medium Vintage, and aged dot inlays
• Pickups: Custom Shop 1960 single-coil Stratocaster pickups, delivering that crisp, articulate tone
• Hardware: Vintage-style synchronised tremolo, tuning machines, and 3-ply pickguard
• Electronics: 5-way pickup switch, master volume, and two tone controls

The Sound of Seattle

The Mike McCready Stratocaster is designed to capture the essence of Pearl Jam's sound. From the chimey cleans of "Yellow Ledbetter" to the gritty distortion of "Alive," this guitar delivers:

- Crisp, bell-like tones in the neck position

- Quacky, funky sounds in the middle position

- Biting, aggressive tones in the bridge position

The combination of the custom pickups and the resonant alder body creates a versatile palette of tones suitable for a wide range of genres, from blues and rock to alternative and beyond.

Playability and Feel

True to its vintage inspiration, the Mike McCready Stratocaster features a 7.25" radius fingerboard, which may feel unfamiliar to players used to modern, flatter radii. However, this curvature is perfect for big bends and expressive vibrato, two hallmarks of McCready's playing style.

The custom neck shape is designed to fit comfortably in the hand, allowing for hours of inspired playing. Whether you're chording or soloing, this guitar aims to disappear in your hands, becoming an extension of your musical expression.

Is This the Strat for You?

The Mike McCready Stratocaster is more than just a collector's item for Pearl Jam fans. It's a professional-grade instrument that offers:

- Authentic vintage tones with modern reliability

- Exceptional build quality from the Fender Custom Shop

- A unique aesthetic that stands out on any stage

- Inspiration to channel your inner rock star

Whether you're a die-hard Pearl Jam fan, a collector of signature models, or simply a guitarist in search of killer tone, the Mike McCready Stratocaster deserves your attention.

Conclusion

The Mike McCready Stratocaster is a testament to the enduring legacy of both Fender and Pearl Jam. It's a guitar that not only captures the essence of McCready's tone but also stands on its own as a versatile, high-quality instrument.

Ready to add a touch of Seattle grunge to your sound? The Mike McCready Stratocaster awaits. Who knows? Your next "Alive" or "Even Flow" might be just a strum away.

You can find out how get hold of a Mike Mccready Stratocaster for yourself here:

https://www.fairdealmusic.co.uk/products/fender-mike-mccready-stratocaster-3-color-sunburst?_pos=1&_sid=e1f6b9169&_ss=r