Everyone has their favourite Strat players for their own reasons. The sound or the image, we buy Stratocasters for both probably. I remember hearing Jimi Hendrix play for the first time and being amazed by the sounds coming out of his beaten up old Strat. I was hooked from that point but many people get their inspiration from other players.

Lets have a look at some of the players that made us want to buy Fender Stratocasters over the years. Your favourite not on the list? Write a paragraph and email me. I'd add them on.

Buddy Holly Buddy is probably responsible for starting the craze in the first place. Sadly no longer with us, Buddy even has the Stratocaster engraved on his tombstone such was his affinity with the Strat.

Ritchie Blackmore Blackmore reportedly decided to buy a Stratocaster after seeing Jimi Hendrix play one. He had the middle pick-up disconnected on his Strats.

Eric Clapton Eric Clapton will be the most famous Strat player for a lot of people. Clapton originally played Gibson guitars but switched to Stratocasters in 1970 and has never looked back. Two of his guitars Brownie and Blackie have their own place in history. More about them in another article.

Ry Cooder Cooder showed that the Stratocaster could cope with slide playing. It doesn't get much better that Ry, his Strat and bottle neck. Sweet sounds!

Stevie Ray Vaughan Vaughan is a player I appreciate more and more as time goes on. His style of blues is amazing. He played a Stratocaster equipped with a left-handed vibrato system.

John Frusciante Can you imagine the Chilli Peppers without that amazing clean Strat sound? It just wouldn't be as good. I have a real love for Frusciante's sound and have spent many hours trying to replicate it.

The Edge Another distinctive style which has relied heavily on the Strat for many years and many glorious albums.

Nick McCabe McCabe has one of the most distinctive sounds around, powerful riffs supported by amazing sounds created with the help of effects. Nick plays a Standard Strat.

Jimi Hendrix Jimi created a sound that will live forever, often imitated, never bettered. Aside from the sound Hendrix, being left handed, was noted for playing a right handed Stratocaster upside down.

Hank Marvin Owner of the first Stratocaster in the UK. Hank was given his famous red Strat by Cliff Richard.

Dave Gilmour Dave and his Strat are responsible for the many amazing guitar sounds on the Pink Floyd records.

Buddy Guy Blues at it's best. Guy is said to have inspired Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughan. Listening to him, you can understand why