Fender Jim Root Stratocaster Review
By MNJ
| Posted in Guitar
The Fender Jim Root Stratocaster is the natural successor to the Slipknot guitarist’s signature Telecaster launched back in 2007 and features the same mahogany body/maple neck/ebony fingerboard construction. Built to withstand the rigors of the band’s extremely energetic and sometimes destructive stage show, the guitar is a masterclass in practicality, designed specifically for Root’s individual needs and nothing more.
For Slipknot fans or potential purchasers, it’s gratifying to know that this is the exact model that he plays. Made in the USA, the guitar is certainly Strat shaped, but is less curvy round the edges, possessing a definite ‘slab’ feel to it. Surprisingly light for a mahogany body, this Stratocaster feels like no other, and if the Fender name wasn’t emblazoned across the old-style large headstock, this guitar could have been produced by many other manufacturers to the exact same spec. However, it sits in the large pool of Fender Artist models, so it’s natural to want to scrutinise it a bit closer to see if it lives up to the standards of build quality and playability that that particular roster of instruments has a reputation for.
The review sample of the Jim Root Stratocaster was the black version – the guitar is also available in Flat White – and the finish is a sort of dull sheen but looks appropriately tough and hard wearing. The maple ‘C’ shape neck is finished in satin urethane and capped with an ebony fingerboard with no position markers. Although this adds to the stark image, it may prove to be difficult for some players to cope with – there are side dots – but the 22 jumbo frets are well finished and are perfect for the metal riffs that this guitar is undoubtedly destined to spend most of its working life grinding out.
There’s only really one choice of pick-up for a guitar like this, and Jim Root has chosen an EMG 60 in the neck and an EMG 81 in the bridge position, the same as his Tele. He has dispensed with tone controls, and the guitar features just one master volume and a three way switch. All hardware, including the lock-down machine heads and hard-tail bridge, is black, and an SKB hardcase is included.
The best thing about this guitar is the extremely easy-to-play neck. Not only does the compound radius – 12″ to 14″ – facilitate easy bending and speed but the back of the heel has been chamferred to provide access to the entire fingerboard without difficulty. Clean or mega-dirty, the EMGs produce clarity and there’s no noise or hum – essential if your playing at the sort of volumes that metal demands.
Even though I’m not a shredder or metal head by any stretch of the imagination, I can appreciate any guitar that has something to say for itself – or in other words makes a bold statement of intent. This is precisely what the Fender Jim Root Stratocaster is all about and that’s what I like about it.
Tags: fender jim root stratocaster, fender jim root telecaster, fender stratocaster, slipknot