Fender Special Edition Lite Ash Stratocaster 2004 Natural

This second hand electric guitar is in great condition

In 2004, Fender introduced the Lite Ash Stratocaster as part of a limited production run aimed at offering premium features at a mid-range price. Made in South Korea, this guitar is something of a sleeper hit in the Stratocaster world—overlooked by some due to its “Special Edition” status and overseas origin, but highly respected by players in the know.

The Lite Ash line was designed to sit between standard production Mexican and American models, offering unique tonewoods, high-end appointments, and standout aesthetics. Production ended around 2008, with only a limited number released worldwide, making these guitars relatively rare and increasingly sought after.

 Construction & Aesthetics

• Body: As the name suggests, the guitar features a solid ash body, typically lighter than traditional alder but still capable of rich tonal complexity. Ash gives it an open, airy character with great clarity and bite. The natural gloss finish lets the grain pop beautifully, and it’s paired with a black pickguard and chrome hardware for a classy, timeless look.

• Neck: One of the guitar’s most celebrated features is its birdseye maple neck and fingerboard. The visual figuring on the wood is stunning—something usually found on much more expensive instruments. It has a modern “C” shape, 22 medium-jumbo frets, a 9.5" radius, and abalone dot inlays.

• Bridge & Hardware: The two-point synchronized tremolo system improves tuning stability and offers a smoother feel than the vintage six-screw bridges. Sealed tuners are stable and reliable. Strap buttons are oversized for added security.

This is a visually striking guitar with tonal woods typically reserved for higher-end instruments.

 Electronics & Pickups

What really sets the Lite Ash apart from other mid-tier Strats is the inclusion of Seymour Duncan APS-1 Alnico Pro II staggered single-coil pickups as standard equipment.

• These pickups use Alnico II magnets, producing a warmer, smoother tone than typical Strat pickups.

• The neck pickup is particularly rich and round, perfect for blues, soul, and jazzier tones.

• The middle pickup is reverse-wound/reverse-polarity (RWRP) for hum-cancelling in positions 2 and 4, offering that classic Strat “quack.”

• The bridge pickup is surprisingly powerful for a single-coil, with enough presence and midrange push to cut through in rock settings.

Controls are traditional Strat: master volume, two tone controls, and a 5-way selector switch. Combined with the premium pickups, the guitar delivers a wide and musical palette.

 Tonal Character

The tonal response of the Lite Ash Strat is one of its greatest strengths:

Key tonal attributes:

• Articulate and crisp: The ash body provides a scooped, airy tone with slightly accentuated highs and tight lows.

• Warm and organic: Thanks to the APS pickups, the midrange is soft and woody—not as harsh or brittle as some ceramic single coils.

• Extremely versatile: From Stevie Ray Vaughan and Jimi Hendrix to Jeff Beck and John Mayer territory, the guitar is capable of covering a wide sonic landscape.

Best uses:

• Blues

• Indie rock

• Funk

• Clean or edge-of-breakup tones

• Studio layering

 Playability

Players often remark how smooth and playable the neck feels. The satin finish on the back of the neck provides a silky glide with no stickiness under sweaty hands. The fretwork is generally excellent, with well-dressed edges and even leveling, although some examples may need a setup out of the box.

The shorter 22-fret fingerboard extends the Strat's range slightly compared to vintage-style models, making it even more versatile. Action can easily be dialed low without buzz due to the excellent fret job.

It’s also notably light for a Strat, with most models falling between - great for players with back issues or for extended gigs.

 Durability & Build Quality

Although made in Korea, the Lite Ash Strat is often compared favorably to American Standard models from the same era in terms of quality. Cort’s Korean factory has long been known for high standards, and this guitar is no exception.

The 2004–2008 Lite Ash Stratocaster sits in a unique position: not quite vintage, not mass-market. This makes it a perfect “hidden gem” guitar for players looking for boutique features without boutique prices.

It’s a guitar that punches far above its price bracket—especially if you prioritize tone, feel, and individuality over badge prestige.

The Fender Special Edition Lite Ash Stratocaster (2004 Natural) is a refined, highly musical instrument that offers tremendous bang for the buck. From its beautifully grained ash body to the boutique-grade Seymour Duncan pickups and fast birdseye maple neck, it's a rare example of Fender getting everything right on a special run.

It's not just a pretty face—it’s a player’s guitar, with depth, sensitivity, and style. Whether you're a seasoned Strat lover looking for something new or a first-time buyer seeking top-tier features without breaking the bank, the Lite Ash Strat delivers.