The worlds first electric guitar thats also an officially licensed Rock Band 3 video game controller
Compatible with the Pro mode of all Rock Band 3 game systems when used with the Mad Catz MIDI PRO-Adaptor (sold separately) Position-sensing fingerboard turns your gameplay into real musical performances Use as a MIDI controller with your favorite sequencer and recording software
Gameplay with Rock Band 3 requires Mad Catz MIDI PRO-Adaptor (sold separately)

Table of Contents

15 Introduction Features Video Game and MIDI Connections Guitar Amp Connection and Use Video Game and Midi Use FAQ/Problems and Solutions Proper Care Proper Setup Service/Warranty
Congratulations on your purchase of the Squier by Fender Stratocaster Guitar and
Controller. Fender, the name synonymous with rock n roll, brings you the worlds first electric guitar that is also an officially licensed Rock Band 3 video game controller. Blending state-of-the-art gaming and guitar technology with the authenticity of Fender design and engineering, the Squier by Fender Stratocaster Guitar and Controller is created for musicians and gamers alike and rocks both worldswhether plugged into a guitar amp or into a video game console. Designed for the Rock Band 3 Pro mode, your new Squier by Fender Stratocaster Guitar and Controller elevates the gaming experience to the level of real music making by letting you play the actual notes and chords to your favorite songs while racking up high scores. Its position-sensing fingerboard responds to your touch, turning your gameplay into real performances. The Squier by Fender Stratocaster Guitar and Controller is a full-size electric guitar loaded with quality features such as a contoured wood body, maple neck, steel strings, enclosed tuners, adjustable bridge and custom bridge pickup. Plug into your favorite guitar amplifier and turn it up, or use it as a MIDI controller in your home recording studio. If youre not already a guitarist, you soon will be. If youre already a guitarist, youll be a better one. The Squier by Fender Stratocaster Guitar and Controller is compatible with the Wii, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 systems. When used as a controller for Rock Band 3, the Mad Catz MIDI PRO-Adaptor (sold separately) is required. Be sure to get the proper adaptor for your console. In this manual, youll find an overview of your Squier by Fender Stratocaster Guitar and Controllers features, use as a guitar, use as a game controller, general care, and service and warranty information.
So read on, and remember: Dont just play gamesplay guitar.

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Squier by Fender Stratocaster Guitar and Controller

Enclosed Tuners

Headstock
Rock Band 3 MIDI PRO-ADAPTER for Wii Mad Catz SKU# RBRock Band 3 MIDI PRO-ADAPTER for Xbox 360 Mad Catz SKU# RBRock Band 3 MIDI PRO-ADAPTER for PlayStation 3 Mad Catz SKU# Sku RB3 97071
Neck and 22-fret position-sensing fingerboard
Mad Catz MIDI PRO-Adaptor REQUIRED FOR GAMEPLAY
SOLD SEPERATELY BY MAD CATZ
On/Off Switch Battery Compartment (3 AA batteries included)

Strap Button

Truss Rod Adjustment (side of neck) Green Button Red Button

BACK OF GUITAR

Yellow Button String Mute Blue Button Back Button Pickguard Pickup Volume Knob Start Button Contoured Body Indicator LEDs 4-way Navigation pad 5-Pin MIDI connector (side of body)

Adjustable Bridge

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Recessed 1/4 Output Jack

VIDEO GAME AND MIDI CONNECTIONS

Rock Band 3 Gameplay

When used for Rock Band 3 Pro mode gameplay, the Squier by Fender Stratocaster Guitar and Controller connects to your Wii, Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3 video game console using the Mad Catz MIDI PRO-Adaptor (sold separately). The diagram below illustrates the proper connection to the gaming system:

CONTROLLER/ MIDI

Guitar to Mad Catz MIDI PRO-Adaptor (sold separately)

Use as a MIDI controller

To use the Squier by Fender Stratocaster Guitar and Controller as a MIDI controller for sequencers and recording software, the diagram below illustrates proper connection:

Guitar MIDI connector

Guitar to MIDI controller to laptop computer

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GUITAR AMP CONNECTION AND USE
In addition to gameplay and MIDI use, what makes your Squier by Fender Stratocaster Guitar and Controller so revolutionary is that its also a fully functional electric guitar that can be played on its own through any guitar amplifier. Simply plug one end of a standard guitar cable into the Squier by Fender Stratocaster Guitar and Controllers recessed output jack, and plug the other end into the amplifier, just as you would with any electric guitar (see the diagram below).

Guitar to Amp Connection

When played through a guitar amplifier, it is not necessary to engage the string mute or to turn the Squier by Fender Stratocaster Guitar and Controller on using the rear power switch. Just plug it in, turn it up and start playing.

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VIDEO GAME AND MIDI USE
To use the Squier by Fender Stratocaster Guitar and Controller with Rock Band 3, please refer to the Rock Band 3 user manual and Mad Catz MIDI PRO-Adaptor instructions. Note that for Rock Band 3 gameplay, the string mute should be engaged (by pressing on it so that it pops up and dampens the strings), and the Squier by Fender Stratocaster Guitar and Controller must be turned on via the rear power switch.

MIDI Use

In addition to Rock Band 3 gameplay capability, the Squier by Fender Stratocaster Guitar and Controller is MIDI-enabled, which means that it can be connected to MIDI synthesizers and that it can be used for recording on a computer.
There are two modes of operation for MIDI useNORMAL and SYNTH. Toggle between these two modes using the Start button, located near the volume knob and closest to the strings. In NORMAL mode, the Squier by Fender Stratocaster Guitar and Controller generates what are called MIDI note-on events, which means that a signal is produced when the strings are strummed. NORMAL mode use is indicated by the illumination of the first of the four LEDs on the pickguard, as seen in the diagram below:

1st LED ON

In SYNTH mode, the Squier by Fender Stratocaster Guitar and Controller generates what are called MIDI note-on/offs, which means that a signal is produced when the strings are fretted and released (rather than strummed). SYNTH mode use is indicated by the blinking of the first of the four LEDs on the pickguard, as seen in the diagram below:

1st LED BLINKING

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PROGRAM CHANGES

The Green and Red buttons on the pickguard are used to send program change up/down messages in order to change sounds. On startup, the default program is 27, which is the general MIDI program for Electric Guitar (clean).

OCTAVE CHANGES

The Yellow and Blue buttons on the pickguard are used to transpose MIDI notes up or down by one octave. On startup, the low E string is set to E2.

MIDI PITCHBEND

To toggle the MIDI pitchbend, first press and hold the Back Button and then press the Yellow Button. The third of the 4 LEDs will illuminate to indicate Pitchbend is enabled (see diagram below).
+YELLOW WHEN 3rd LED IS ON
Pitchbend is controlled by the angle of the neck, as seen in the three diagrams below:
NECK STRAIGHT OUT (CC Value = 0)
NECK AT NORMAL POSITION (CC Value = 64)

NECK UP (CC Value = 127)

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MIDI EXPRESSION CONTROL

To toggle the MIDI expression control, first press and hold the Back Button and then press the Blue Button. The fourth of the 4 LEDs will illuminate to indicate Expression Control is enabled (see diagram below).

+BLUE WHEN 4th LED IS ON

Expression output is controlled by the angle of the Squier by Fender Stratocaster Guitar and Controllers body, as seen in the three diagrams below:
PICKUP DOWN (CC Value = 0)
PICKUP PARALLEL TO PLAYER (CC Value = 64)
PICKUP UP (CC Value = 127)

MIDI PANIC

Simultaneously pressing the Start and Back buttons cancels all notes.

PRESS + SIMULTANEOUSLY

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FAQ/PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS
Q: Is the Squier by Fender Stratocaster Guitar and Controller compatible with Rock Band 2 or The Beatles: Rock Band? A: No. It is only compatible with Rock Band 3. Q: Can the Squier by Fender Stratocaster Guitar and Controller be used in the Standard mode of Rock Band 3? A: No. It can only be used in Pro mode to play guitar parts. Q: Is the Squier by Fender Stratocaster Guitar and Controller wireless? How do I connect it to Rock Band 3? A: It is not wireless; it must be connected to a gaming console using the Mad Catz MIDI PRO-Adaptor required for your gaming system (see page 4 of this manual for connection information). Q: Do I need to properly tune the Squier by Fender Stratocaster Guitar and Controller in order to play Rock Band 3? A: No, but proper tuning is recommended nonetheless. If tuning is not possible, a good rule of thumb is to simply tighten the strings so that they do not touch the frets. Q: Should I use a guitar pick when playing Rock Band 3? A: Yes. We recommend using a pick (sold separately) for best performance. Q: Why does the Squier by Fender Stratocaster Guitar and Controller have a string mute? Do I need to use it when playing Rock Band 3? A: The string mute helps stabilize the signal sent to the game console. And yes, it should be engaged when playing Rock Band 3. Q: Should I engage the string mute when playing the Squier by Fender Stratocaster Guitar and Controller through a guitar amp? A: No. Q: Can I connect the Squier by Fender Stratocaster Guitar and Controller to a guitar amp while Im using it to play Rock Band 3? A: Yes, but if you disengage the string mute to get a better amp sound, youll lose points in the game. Q: Can I bend notes when playing Rock Band 3? A: You can, but bending notes is not recommended because the game wont properly detect it. Q: What are the four LEDs on the pickguard for? A: Theyre used in MIDI mode to indicate various MIDI functions, such as Pitchbend and Expression Control. Q: How do I trigger Overdrive when playing Rock Band 3? A: Overdrive is triggered by tilting the neck up, pressing the Back button or by pressing the Overdrive button on the Mad Catz MIDI PRO-Adaptor. Q: Will triggering Overdrive change the sound of the Squier by Fender Stratocaster Guitar and Controllers audio output? A: No. Triggering Overdrive is a Rock Band 3 function only.

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PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS
Problem: The game doesnt recognize my Squier by Fender Stratocaster Guitar and Controller. Solution: Make sure the Squier by Fender Stratocaster Guitar and Controller is properly connected to the Mad Catz MIDI PRO-Adaptor, and that the Mad Catz MIDI PROAdaptor is properly connected to the game console. Problem: My Squier by Fender Stratocaster Guitar and Controller shows up as a drum in the game. Solution: Make sure that the Instrument Select Switch on the Mad Catz MIDI PRO-Adaptor is set to G for guitar. Problem: My Squier by Fender Stratocaster Guitar and Controller shows up as a keyboard in the game. Solution: Again, make sure that the Instrument Select Switch on the Mad Catz MIDI PROAdaptor is set to G for guitar. Problem: The game is asking for a microphone, but I dont want to be the singer. Solution: This happens because when a stock controller is connected to the console, the game will look for a microphone (the controller is used to adjust the vocalists settings). Make sure the Squier by Fender Stratocaster Guitar and Controller is properly connected to the Mad Catz MIDI PRO-Adaptor, and that the Mad Catz MIDI PRO-Adaptor is properly connected to the game console. Problem: The MIDI Input Indicator on the Mad Catz MIDI PRO-Adaptor is flashing an S.O.S. message. Why? Solution: This happens because the Mad Catz MIDI PRO-Adaptor is recognizing the absence of MIDI signal input. The message will stop as soon as the Squier by Fender Stratocaster Guitar and Controller is connected. Problem: When I pluck a string, sometimes the note does not score and my streak is broken. Solution: Make sure the string mute is engaged and is properly dampening the strings. Unmuted strings can miss notes and break gameplay streaks.

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PROPER CARE
Proper Care of Your Squier by Fender Stratocaster Guitar and Controller
Your Squier by Fender Stratocaster Guitar and Controller is precision-crafted to give you years of exciting gameplay and musical enjoyment. As with all musical instrumentselectric guitars in particularoccasional maintenance will go a long way toward keeping it in great condition for many years to come. Since your Squier by Fender Stratocaster Guitar and Controller works as a fully functional electric guitar, here are a few tips for proper care: Keep it clean. Dirt, dust, sweat, skin oil, smoke and other accumulating impurities can prematurely age a guitars finish and hardware. Wipe the strings, neck, fretboard and bridge often with a lint-free cloth. Do not use liquid cleaners on the neck and fretboard, since liquids can adversely affect the performance of electronic components housed in the neck. Use Fender-approved polish on the finished surfaces, and wipe other metal parts clean using a soft, dry polishing cloth (visit www.fender.com to find products to do this with). Tighten the strap buttons. Strap buttons can and do loosen. Untreated, this can cause problems, so tighten them with a screwdriver every so often. Avoid extreme weather. Extremes of temperature and humidity can damage the Squier by Fender Stratocaster Guitar and Controller as they would damage any musical instrument. If such exposure cant be helped, however, loosen the strings to minimize harmful effects. Prolong battery life. When the Squier by Fender Stratocaster Guitar and Controller is not being used for gameplay, leave its on/off switch on the back in the off position. When finished with gameplay, remember to return this switch to the off position. Also, as noted earlier, it is not necessary to turn the switch on when playing through a guitar amplifier.

INSTRUMENT

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PROPER SETUP Proper Setup for Your Squier by Fender Stratocaster Guitar and Controller
Your Squier by Fender Stratocaster Guitar and Controller works as a fully functional electric guitar. Its worth noting here that electric guitars are machines, and as such they benefit from and occasionally require periodic setup adjustments in order to maintain peak performance. Please feel free to familiarize yourself with several of the adjustments listed here regarding strings, tuning, truss rod adjustment, bridge adjustments (string height and intonation) and pickup height.

STRINGS

The Squier by Fender Stratocaster Guitar and Controller is designed for use only with strings of.009 to.042 gauge. Heavier strings may damage the instrument. The warranty is void if strings of a heavier gauge than.009 to.042 are installed. The Squier by Fender Stratocaster Guitar and Controller is designed for use only with nickelplated steel strings. Pure nickel and stainless steel strings will not have good tracking results and should not be used. For optimum tracking results, use only Fender 250 nickel-plated
steel strings, gauges.009 to.042 (part number 073-0250-403). There is no better, faster and easier way to reinvigorate the sound of an electric guitar than by simply changing the strings. Its easy to tell when strings are old, worn or dirty, because theyll sound dull and lifeless, look corroded, and feel rough to the touch. The electrical conductivity of the Squier by Fender Stratocaster Guitar and Controller's strings can be compromised when they accumulate excessive dirt or wear. You might also find that gameplay can be affected by inaccurate tracking, and that some notes will be missed or dropped. To ensure top performance from your Squier by Fender Stratocaster Guitar and Controller, make sure to change your strings on a regular basis. See your Fender dealer to purchase replacement Fender nickel-plated steel strings.

TUNING

Tuning the strings of the Squier by Fender Stratocaster Guitar and Controller isnt strictly necessary for gameplay, although it is recommended. Tuning is necessary, however, when playing it through an amplifier. Tuning is easily accomplished using an electronic tuner, which you might want to purchase (many are small and inexpensive). Simply plug the Squier by Fender Stratocaster Guitar and Controller into an electronic tuner and tune up as you would with any electric guitar. With the volume all the way up, pluck an open string or its 12th-fret harmonic to produce the clearest tone for the tuner (a harmonic is a chime-like tone produced by lightly touching the string at specific points with a fretting hand fingertip and plucking the string with the other hand; the 12th fret harmonic is used for tuning). Note that pressing down too hard with the fretting hand will choke the string and mute the sound. With a little practice, however, the light touch needed to sound the harmonic tone is easily developed.

TRUSS ROD ADJUSTMENT

The truss rod is the unseen device inside the neck of a guitar that counteracts the bending force caused by string tension and maintains proper neck relief (curvature). A properly adjusted neck will have a moderate amount of relief in order to accommodate the vibration of the strings. See diagrams below. To measure neck relief, two tools are neededa capo (a small movable bar placed across the fingerboard of a guitar or similar instrument so as to raise the pitch of all the strings uniformly) and a set of automotive feeler gauges (.002-.025). The amount of relief is determined by fixing the capo to the first fret, fretting the low E string at the last fret and measuring the distance from the bottom of the low E string to the top of the eighth fret (the fret wire itself, not the fingerboard) using the feeler gauges. This distance should be about.010. Further, when sighting down the neck from the body end toward the headstock, you should be able to see if the neck is straight or bowed. If there is too much relief or none at all, the truss rod should be adjusted. Your new Squier by Fender Stratocaster Guitar and Controller has a unique hex nut truss rod adjustment mechanism, easily accessible through the small hole in the side of the neck just below the 20th fret (see diagram below).

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Truss Rod Adjustment
If the neck is too concave, insert the 3mm hex wrench supplied with the Squier by Fender Stratocaster Guitar and Controller into the hex nut and turn it toward the battery holder, clockwise a quarter-turn at a time until the relief is correct. If the neck is too convex, insert the 3mm hex wrench into the hex nut and turn it toward the headstock, counter-clockwise a quarter-turn at a time until the relief is correct (see diagrams below). You can double check your adjustments by measuring the eighth-fret gap again with the feeler gauges and by sighting down the neck again.

Convex Neck Relief

Concave Neck Relief
If you meet excessive resistance or if youre simply not comfortable performing these measurements and adjustments yourself, you can always take your Squier by Fender Stratocaster Guitar and Controller to your Fender dealer for assistance.
BRIDGE ADJUSTMENTS (STRING HEIGHT AND INTONATION)
The bridge is where the strings are attached to the body end of the Squier by Fender Stratocaster Guitar and Controller, as is the case with all electric guitars. Two important adjustments can be made at the bridgestring height and intonation. String height is mostly a matter of personal preference, although a distance of about 4/64 (1.6 mm) from the bottom of each string to the top of the 17th fret is recommended when the instrument is more or less in tune. This distance can be measured using a small ruler with 1/64 increments. The individual bridge saddles are easily adjusted up or down using the included small hex wrench. Please note that string height and pickup height are factory-set for optimal performance; if you change string height significantly, pickup height must also be reset (see Pickup Height below). Intonation refers to a precise series of measurements regarding proper string length and how accurately each string plays in tune along the entire length of the neck. The intonation on your Squier by Fender Stratocaster Guitar and Controller is factory-set and, under normal

circumstances, shouldnt require adjustment. As strings age, however, their intonation can deteriorateif your Squier by Fender Stratocaster Guitar and Controller doesnt play in tune, start by installing a fresh set of strings. If tuning problems persist, please visit www.fender.com/ support or contact your Fender dealer.

PICKUP HEIGHT

The pickup height of your Squier by Fender Stratocaster Guitar and Controller is factoryset for maximum sensitivity for Rock Band 3 gameplay. As previously noted, significant string height changes will require pickup height adjustment. To determine and properly adjust pickup height, fret the low E string at the 22nd fret and measure from the top of the pickup to the bottom of the string using a small ruler with 1/64 increments; the distance should be no more than 1/16 (1.6 mm). Repeat this measurement for the high E string. To raise the pickup accordingly, simply turn the two Philips-head screws on either side of the pickup clockwise. To lower the pickup, turn the screws counterclockwise.

SERVICE/WARRANTY

SERVICE
For service in the United States and Canada, please contact an Authorized Fender Service Center, which you can find by calling our Fender Consumer Relations Department (480.596.7195), emailing consumerrelations@fender.com or using the Service Center Finder link on the Support section of www.fender.com. For service outside the United States and Canada, please contact your authorized dealer or the Fender distributor in your country or regiontheres a helpful global International Distributor link on the Resources section of www.fender.com.
SQUIER by FENDER STRATOCASTER GUITAR and CONTROLLER 1-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY
Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) warrants this Squier by Fender Stratocaster Guitar and Controller to be free from defects in materials and workmanship if used under normal operating conditions for a period of one (1) year from the date of original purchase, except that cables and any other included accessory products are warranted for a period of ninety (90) days from date of purchase. This warranty applies only to the original retail purchaser when this instrument is purchased from an Authorized Squier Dealer and is subject to the limitations set forth herein. IMPORTANT: PLEASE RETAIN YOUR ORIGINAL SALES RECEIPT, AS IT IS YOUR PROOF OF PURCHASE VALIDATING THIS LIMITED WARRANTY. Should a defect in parts or workmanship occur in any component of the Squier by Fender Stratocaster Guitar and Controller, return the product to the Authorized Squier Dealer from whom it was purchased, with your sales receipt as proof of purchase, during the applicable warranty period. Defective products that qualify for coverage under this warranty will be repaired or replaced with a like or comparable model (at Fender's discretion), without charge, by the Dealer. All transportation costs, including freight and insurance charges, associated with obtaining warranty service and repairs on Squier by Fender Stratocaster Guitar and Controller instruments are the responsibility of the purchaser, as is any service initiated for the purpose of customizing adjustments beyond factory specifications. Initial standard setup and adjustment of the instrument and its components at the time of purchase are considered normal dealer preparation. The Squier by Fender Stratocaster Guitar and Controller is designed for use only with strings of.009 to.042 gauge. Heavier gauge strings may cause damage to the instrument. This warranty is void if strings of a heavier gauge than.009 to.042 are installed.

SERVICE/ WARRANTY

LIMITATIONS AND EXCLUSIONS
The following items are not covered by this warranty. 1. Damage to the Squier by Fender Stratocaster Guitar and Controller caused by the use of strings heavier than.009 to.042 gauge. 2. Fret wear, saddle wear, nut wear, strings and batteries. 3. Setups, adjustments or routine maintenance of any kind. 4. Damage to finishes or cracks, splitting, or warpage of wood due to changes in temperature or humidity, exposure to or contact with sun, fire, moisture, body salts and acids of perspiration, gig bags, guitar straps, guitar stands/hangers made from vinyl, plastic, rubber or other synthetic materials, any other chemicals or non-FMIC- approved polishes. 5. Damage, corrosion or rusting of any hardware components caused by humidity, salty air, or exposure to the moisture, body salts and acids of perspiration. 6. Any damage to an instrument resulting from customization or modification. 7. Normal wear and tear on any part of the Squier by Fender Stratocaster Guitar and Controller, including jacks, controls, switches, plated surfaces, tuning machines, pickguards, hardware etc. 8. All other damage and deterioration due to normal usage, wear and tear, aging, accidents, neglect, abuse, or Acts of Nature. 9. Any instrument, whose serial number is missing, altered or tampered with in any fashion. 10. Any instrument purchased from anyone other than an Authorized Squier Dealer. 11. Instruments that have been serviced by unauthorized persons (any person other than an FMIC Certified Technician at an Authorized FMIC Service Center).
FMIC ASSUMES NO LIABILITY FOR PROPERTY DAMAGE RESULTING FROM FAILURE OF THIS PRODUCT NOR ANY LOSS OF INCOME, SATISFACTION, OR DAMAGES ARISING FROM THE LOSS OF USE OF SAME DUE TO DEFECTS OR AVAILABILITY OF SAME DURING SERVICE. Any warranties implied by law (including warranties of merchantability or fitness) are limited to the duration of this express limited warranty. Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitations may not apply to you. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitations of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state. WARRANTIES STATED HEREIN ARE OFFERED ONLY BY FENDER MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS CORPORATION AND NOT HARMONIX MUSIC SYSTEMS, INC. OR MTV NETWORKS, A DIVISION OF VIACOM INTERNATIONAL INC. OR THEIR AFFILIATES.
NOTE: This warranty applies only to Squier by Fender Stratocaster Guitar and Controller and controller instruments purchased and serviced within the U.S.A. and Canada. Warranties outside these countries are as defined by the authorized Fender Distributor for your country or region, and may vary from the above in terms and/or length. This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and if not used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications and there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures: reorient or relocate the receiving antenna, increase the separation between the equipment and receiver, connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that of the receiver. Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician if help is needed with interference. NOTE: FMIC will not be responsible for unauthorized equipment modifications that could violate FCC rules, and/ or void product safety certifications. This warranty applies only to Fender instruments manufactured after January 1, 1998, and purchased and serviced within the U.S.A. and Canada. Warranties outside these countries are as defined by the authorized Fender Distributor for your country or region, and may vary from the above in terms and/or length. PR1186 Fender Musical Instruments Corp. 8860 East Chaparral Road, Suite 100 Scottsdale, Ariz. 85250-2610 U.S.A. Phone: 480.596.9690 www.fender.com 2010 Fender Musical Instruments Corporation. All rights reserved. Fender, SQUIER, STRATOCASTER, and the distinctive headstock design commonly found on those guitars are registered trademarks of Fender Musical Instruments Corporation. 2010 Harmonix Music Systems, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Harmonix, Rock Band and all related titles and logos are trademarks of Harmonix Music Systems, Inc., an MTV Networks company. Rock Band, Rock Band 2, Rock Band 3, Rock Band Network, Green Day: Rock Band, The Beatles: Rock Band and other related products and services developed by Harmonix Music Systems, Inc. MTV: Music Television, MTV Games and all related titles and logos are trademarks of MTV Networks, a division of Viacom International Inc. The Rock Band trademark is used under license from Harmonix Music Systems, Inc., an MTV Networks company. Mad Catz and the Mad Catz logo registered trademarks of Mad Catz, Inc. Microsoft, Xbox, Xbox 360 and the Xbox logos are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies. PlayStation and PS3 are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI). Nintendo and Wii are trademarks or registered trademarks of Nintendo. This product is not sponsored, endorsed or approved by Microsoft, SCEI or Nintendo.

All other product names and images are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. Made in China. All rights reserved. Product features, appearance and specifications may be subject to change without notice. Please retain this information for future reference. US Patent No. 5,990,405 IMPORTADO POR: Instrumentos Musicales Fender S.A. de C.V., Calle Huerta # 132, Col. Carlos Pacheco, C.P. 228890, Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico. RFC: IMF870506R5A Hecho en Mexico. Servicio de Cliente: 001-8665045875

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P/N 0081883000 Rev. B
2010 FENDER MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS CORP.

Stratocaster

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FCC COMPLIANCE NOTICE

ST RA TO CA ST ER
AL r IN u IG nto y C o B od
This equipment has been tested and found to comply within the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide a reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and if not used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications and there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures: reorient or relocate the receiving antenna, increase the separation between the equipment and receiver, connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that of the receiver. Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician if help is needed.
INTRODUCTION Congratulations on your purchase of this fine and uniquely innovative instrument, the Fender VG Stratocaster guitar. True, the VG Strat is a Stratocaster in every sense of the tradition, but beyond its sleek shape and familiar feel, you will find yourself overwhelmed with new, incredible possibilities! Of course, the VG Strat gives you a flawless Stratocaster sound, but with the turn of a knob your options become seemingly limitless, from the bright tone of the Telecaster to the warm, full sound of an assortment of acoustic guitars. Within the many sounds of the VG Strat theres yet another option to conveniently personalize your experience with the guitar. You also get an array of open and alternate tunings without having to turn a single tuning key. It truly is like having several guitars all in one incredible instrument.
The VG Stratocaster guitar is the innovative result of collaboration between two companies, each with a history of pioneering greatness in the musical instrument industry. This extraordinary guitar is the combined result of a powerful partnership between Fender, an iconic leader in legendary guitar design, and the Roland Corporation, an international company whose cutting edge technology consistently revolutionizes the way we make and capture music.

Ro land

T H E M A N Y M O D E S O F T H E V G S T R ATO C A S T E R
Modeled Stratocaster Telecaster Humbucking Pickups Acoustic
A QUICK WORD ABOUT THE GUITAR MODELS Fender has been around since 1946, and we have made many fantastic instruments over the last several decades. With such a rich and extensive history, the VG Strat brought a challenge as to which guitars to model. Theres a reason Fender offers many different models of each instrument, as players have different preferences. The varying guitars Fender makes also have varying components, many of which affect the tone the guitar produces. Our main objective was to make sure we modeled the inherent tonal characteristics of each instrument rather than the specifics of a particular guitarthus creating more widely representative models.

Normal

AL r IN u nto y C o B od
5 MODES OF THE VG STRATOCASTER
The 5-way selectable Mode control is what you will use to choose among the VGs distinct modeling modes. While in each mode, simply use the blade 5-way selector switch to switch pickups as if you are playing the guitar type that youve selected. Here are the modes: Normal (N): In this non-modeling mode, your guitar uses it's three standard Strat pickups only and plays like a standard Stratocaster guitar. Modeled Stratocaster (S): In this modeling mode, your guitar plays with the sound of a slightly different Stratocaster tone, but with some new possibilities. You now have the option of a 12-string sound or several different alternate tunings (see page 11). Telecaster (T): In this modeling mode, the guitar plays with the sound of a Telecaster guitar. The 'snap' of the bridge position, the 'chirp' of the middle position, it's all there. And of course there's the option of the 12-string sound and the alternate tunings. Humbucking Pickups (H): In this modeling mode, your guitar plays with the sound of two high output humbucking pickups; one in the neck position and one in the bridge position. This is the mode where youll find that oh-so desirable warm, full tone youd expect from high end humbucking pickups. Acoustic (A): In this modeling mode, your guitar plays with the warm, full sound of an acoustic guitar. In this position the blade switch switches between various acoustic tones from the warmth of a dreadnought to the bright, cutting sound of a resonators smooth bluesy twang.

A) B) C) D)

Neck Pickup (Magnetic) Mid Pickup (Magnetic) Bridge Pickup (Magnetic) Roland GK Pickup

1) 2) 3) 4) 5)

Volume Control 5-Way Switch Tone Control Tuning Control Mode Control
Normal Stratocaster Guitar (N)

5 WAY SWITCH POSITION

3 POSITION 1 NECK (A) 2

MIDDLE (B)

BRIDGE (C)
PICKUP IS ON PICKUP IS OFF

T E R C A S A T O S T R

D WITH SYNCHRONIZE TREMOLO

Contour Body

ORIGINAL

VOLUME

Modeled Stratocaster Guitar (S)
Modeled Telecaster Guitar (T)

000 01

FEN " TELE CAS TER
Modeled Humbucking Pickups (H)

IN U.S.A.

Acoustic (A)
3 POSITION 1 Acoustic 5 Acoustic 4 Acoustic 3 Acoustic 2 Acoustic 1 MODE

TUNING CONTROL

The "Tuning" control lets you choose among several different tunings and 12-string sounds, all at the turn of a rotary selector control. It's great to know you'll no longer be needing multiple guitars laying around in different tunings at the gig or in the studio. This feature is also fantastic because many of the tunings would drastically alter the string tension of a guitar, with some strings slackened and some tightened. On the VG Strat the string tension stays the same since you are not actually readjusting the strings!

Normal (N) Drop D (D)

In this mode, your guitar plays in standard tuning (E A D G B E). In this mode, your guitar plays with the lowest string tuned to D (D A D G B E).

Open G (G)

In this mode, your guitar plays in open G tuning (D G D G B D).

D Modal (d) Baritone (B)

In this mode, your guitar plays in D modal tuning (D A D G A D). In this mode, your guitar plays as a baritone guitar (B E A D F# B).

12 String (12)

In this mode, your guitar is beautifully modeled as a 12 string, acoustic or electric guitar.
To achieve the alternate tunings as described on the tuning control page (pg 11), tune your guitar to correct standard tuning. If you tune the guitar up or down (E flat, for example), the modeled tunings will transpose relative to the actual tuning of your guitar.

TONE AND VOLUME CONTROL

Volume
With the volume control you are able to control the volume level of the instrument in all modes.
The master tone control allows you to modify the VG Strat's tonal characteristics within each mode. In the Acoustic mode the tone control functions as reverb control.

NOTES ON POWER

When turning on the power:
This unit is equipped with a protection circuit. A brief interval (a few seconds) after power up is required before the unit will operate normally.
This light is blue when the power is on, and gradually dims as the battery power decreases. The indicator begins to flash when the battery voltage falls below a set level. Should the voltage drop even further, the light will go off and use of all modeling modes will cease. Should this happen, the N mode will still work, so you can continue to play your Strat without the modeling and tuning features. If you allow 14

POWER INDICATOR:

the batteries to remain in the unit after depletion, you can negatively impact the future performance of the (rechargeable) batteries. They can also become a source of noise.
OR AL r IN u IG nto y C o B od

BATTERY

Battery Type: Four AA
Life: Up to 10 hours with high powered NiMH rechargeable batteries (2600mAH - 2700mAH). Life may be less with regular alkaline batteries. We recommend getting 8 high quality rechargeable batteries, so you can always have one set charging while the other set is in the guitar. When the batteries run low, the blue indicator LED will begin to flash as a warning and will eventually go out. When the batteries are dead or even removed from the instrument, the guitar still functions as an American Series Stratocaster, so you will never have a "gig emergency".

CORONA, CALIFORNIA

1) Battery Cover

2) Tremolo Cover

3) VG Electronics Cover
The time it takes for all functions to stop after the power indicator has begun flashing varies depending on the battery type and temperature. Replace the batteries as soon as they are drained and the power indicator is no longer lit. ALWAYS UNPLUG YOU GUITAR WHEN NOT PLAYING FOR BEST BATTERY LIFE. If used improperly, batteries may explode or leak and cause damage or injury. In the interest of safety, please read and observe the following precautions: Incorrect handling of batteries, rechargeable batteries, or battery charger can cause leakage, overheating, fire, or explosion. When using rechargeable batteries and a charger, use only the combination of rechargeable batteries and charger specified by the battery manufacturer. Batteries must never be heated, taken apart, o thrown into fire or water. Make sure you observe the correct polarity when installing the batteries. Avoid using new batteries mixed with used ones. In addition, avoid mixing different types of batteries. Remove the batteries whenever the unit is to remain unused for an extended period of time.

If a battery has leaked, use a soft piece of cloth or paper towel to wipe all remnants of the discharge from the battery compartment. Then install new batteries. To avoid inflammation of the skin, make sure that none of the battery discharge gets onto your hands or skin
Never keep batteries together with metallic objects such as ballpoint pens, necklaces, hairpins, etc.

VOID OF WARRANTY

DO NOT remove the VG Electronics Cover. Doing so will result in a void of warranty. If you are experiencing any problems please take the instrument to an authorized Fender service center.

USING THE UNIT SAFELY

Use a reasonable amount of care when using the unit's knobs and other controls; and when using its jacks and connectors. Rough handling can lead to malfunctions. Do not expose the unit to direct sunlight, place it near devices that radiate heat, leave it inside an enclosed vehicle, or otherwise subject it to temperature extremes. Protect the unit from strong impact. Do not allow any objects (e.g., flammable material, coins, pins); or liquids of any kind (water, soft drinks, etc.) to penetrate the unit.
Exercise the utmost caution so that none of the discharge gets near your eyes. Immediately rinse the affected area with running water if any of the discharge has entered the eyes.
A PRODUCT OF: FENDER MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS CORPORATION CORONA, CALIFORNIA USA Fender, Stratocaster, VG Stratocaster and Telecaster are trademarks of FMIC. Roland is a trademark of the Roland Corporation. Other trademarks are property of their respective owners. 2006 FMIC. All rights reserved. P/N ___________________ REV A