Ah, the Fender Stratocaster. The very definition of a new and improved model. The Strat took most of its predecessors flaws and completely got rid of them. In other words, the Fender Telecaster walked so that the Fender Stratocaster could run.
This guitar made the instrument as a whole much more approachable. It was much, much lighter than the Telecaster was, so it was easier and more comfortable in the hands of its player. The wood was changed from ash to alder, the colours were dyed instead of sprayed. Truly, this guitar represented itself being popularized throughout the world.
The Strat remained a solid body electric guitar, but, this time, had a 3-coil pickup, meaning there was even more customization of sound available. The players could now choose between each of the three pickups as well as in between any of the 3 - all with the flip of one small switch.