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Fender Robert Cray Stratocaster
Fender Dave Murray Stratocaster
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Playability
68
Sound
74
Build
59
Value
67
Score
67
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Playability
67
Sound
79
Build
64
Value
70
Score
70
FIND IT ON:
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Fender Robert Cray Stratocaster vs Dave Murray Stratocaster

Reasons to Get
Fender Robert Cray Stratocaster over Dave Murray Stratocaster

Pickups
SSS vs HHH
Beautiful cleans and good tone versatility
Neck Thickness at 1st Fret
0.827'' (21mm) vs 0.82'' (20.8mm)
More comfortable open chords for big hands
Neck Thickness at 12th Fret
0.925'' (23.5mm) vs 0.86'' (21.8mm)
More comfortable at higher frets for big hands
Nut Width
1.654'' (42mm) vs 1.688'' (42.9mm)
Favors small hands, easier bar chords and other shapes
Bridge
Fixed vs Floyd Rose
Good sustain and needs no set-up
Avg. Weight
7.275lbs (3.3kgs) vs 8.15lbs (3.7kgs)
Tends to be lighter

Reasons to Get
Fender Dave Murray Stratocaster over Robert Cray Stratocaster

Release Year
2015 vs 2011
From a more recent year
Compound Radius
9.5" to 14" vs 9.5"
Balanced playability for chords and single-notes
Pickups
HHH vs SSS
High output without hum and tons of tone versatility
Neck Thickness at 1st Fret
0.82'' (20.8mm) vs 0.827'' (21mm)
More comfortable open chords for small hands
Neck Thickness at 12th Fret
0.86'' (21.8mm) vs 0.925'' (23.5mm)
More comfortable at higher frets for small hands
Nut Width
1.688'' (42.9mm) vs 1.654'' (42mm)
Less likely to mute strings by accident and more space for fingerstyle
Bridge
Floyd Rose vs Fixed
Allows intense vibratos and techniques like Dive Bombs
Value Score
70 vs 67
Better price/quality relationship

Other Key Differences
Fender Robert Cray Stratocaster vs Dave Murray Stratocaster

Bridge Pickup
Fender Vintage-Style Single-Coil Strat vs Seymour Duncan Hot Rails Strat SHR-1B
Different Bridge Pickup
Middle Pickup
Fender Vintage-Style Single-Coil Strat vs Seymour Duncan JB Jr. SJBJ-1N
Different Middle Pickup
Neck Pickup
Fender Vintage-Style Single-Coil Strat vs Seymour Duncan Hot Rails Strat SHR-1N
Different Neck Pickup
Nut Material
Synthetic Bone vs Locking
Different Nut Material

Shared Features
Fender Robert Cray Stratocaster vs Dave Murray Stratocaster

Body Wood
Alder
Same Body Wood
Neck Wood
Maple
Same Neck Wood
Fretboard Wood
Rosewood
Same Fretboard Wood
Headstock
6
Same Headstock
Strings
6
Same playing style
Body Type
Solid Body
Feedback free
Switch Positions
5
Same pickups versatility
Volume Knobs
1
Same volume control
Tone Knobs
2
Same tone control
Number of Frets
21
Same maximum octave
Paint Finish
Poly
Resistant paint that ages well
Scale Length
25.5'' (647.7mm)
Same string tension and fret separation
Pickups Power
Passive
Cleaner sound and no battery needed
Neck Profile Type
C
Comfortable neck that works for most people
Neck Joint
Bolt-On
Allows you to detach and swap the neck
Type of Frets
Medium Jumbo
You'll feel the fretboard when pressing down the strings

Common Strengths

  • High-Quality Nut
  • Top Pickup Brand
  • Expensive Wood

Common Weaknesses

  • Neck-Through Build
  • Pickup Alter Switch/Knob
  • Weight Relief
  • Stays in Tune (Evertune)
  • High-Quality Frets
  • From a High-Quality-Standards Country
  • Luminescent Sidedots
  • Strap Lock
  • 21:1 Tuner Ratio
  • Active/Passive Preamp

Table of Contents

Price History Comparison

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Which One is Better Overall?

After going through our comparison algorithm, the results show that the Fender Dave Murray Stratocaster is probably the better product overall with its final score of 70 compared to the Fender Robert Cray Stratocaster's 67 score, although not by a lot.

The Fender Dave Murray Stratocaster wins when it comes to sound, build quality, value for the money. On the other hand, the Fender Robert Cray Stratocaster has the upper hand when it comes to playability.

If you got small hands, you'll probably feel more comfortable playing the Fender Dave Murray Stratocaster.

Which One is Better for Beginners?

If you're looking for your first guitar to learn how to play, the Fender Robert Cray Stratocaster is the better choice.

The Fender Robert Cray Stratocaster meets 6 out of our 8 criteria items for beginner friendliness, while the Fender Dave Murray Stratocaster meets only 4. This takes into account the type of frets, scale length, nut width, bridge type, fretboard radius, and neck profile to determine the easiest combination for new players.

New Player Friendliness

Fender Robert Cray Stratocaster
  • Comfortable shape
  • Easy-to-use bridge
  • Comfortable fretboard
  • Tall frets
  • Narrow nut
  • Comfortable neck
  • Short scale
  • Locking tuners

New Player Friendliness

Fender Dave Murray Stratocaster
  • Comfortable shape
  • Comfortable fretboard
  • Tall frets
  • Comfortable neck
  • Narrow nut
  • Short scale
  • Locking tuners
  • Easy-to-use bridge

Nevertheless, when it comes to choosing an instrument, you should pick the one more compatible with your personal style. Still, below we'll try you to give you our results as objectively as it's possible to help you decide.

Fender Robert Cray Stratocaster Overview

  • From Fender's 2011 Artist series
  • Robert Cray Signature
  • Made in Mexico
  • 6 strings
  • 25.5"'' scale
  • 9.5" Fretboard Radius
  • Alder body
  • Maple neck
  • Rosewood fretboard
  • Bridge pickup: Fender Vintage-Style Single-Coil Strat (Single Coil/Passive)
  • Middle pickup: Fender Vintage-Style Single-Coil Strat (Single Coil/Passive)
  • Neck pickup: Fender Vintage-Style Single-Coil Strat (Single Coil/Passive)
  • 1 volume and 2 tone Bell knobs
  • 5-way Switch
  • 6-Saddle American Vintage Strings-Through-Body Strat Hardtail bridge
  • 60s C Bolt-On neck
  • 21 Medium Jumbo frets
  • Vintage-Style tuners
  • Weight between 6.95lbs (3.2kgs) and 7.6lbs (3.4kgs)
  • Compare Specs >

Fender Dave Murray Stratocaster Overview

  • From Fender's 2015 Artist series
  • Dave Murray Signature
  • Made in Mexico
  • 6 strings
  • 25.5"'' scale
  • 9.5" to 14" Fretboard Radius
  • Alder body
  • Maple neck
  • Rosewood fretboard
  • Bridge pickup: Seymour Duncan Hot Rails Strat SHR-1B (Humbucker/Passive)
  • Middle pickup: Seymour Duncan JB Jr. SJBJ-1N (Humbucker/Passive)
  • Neck pickup: Seymour Duncan Hot Rails Strat SHR-1N (Humbucker/Passive)
  • 1 volume and 2 tone Bell knobs
  • 5-way Switch
  • Floyd Rose FRT-O1000 Double Locking 2-Point Tremolo bridge
  • Dave Murray C Bolt-On neck
  • 21 Medium Jumbo frets
  • Vintage-Style tuners
  • Weight between 8lbs (3.6kgs) and 8.3lbs (3.8kgs)
  • Compare Specs >

Sound Quality Comparison

The wood used in an electric guitar or bass is not as important to determine the final tone. However, some people prefer specific wood types, so we'll take a look at those first. Then, we'll take a look at the electronics to determine the versatility and sound quality of each instrument.

Woods Used in Both

Maple wood pattern used for guitar building
Maple
Rosewood wood pattern used for guitar building
Rosewood
Alder wood pattern used for guitar building
Alder

Maple is one of the most popular necks for good reasons. It is a strong wood that is relatively cheap to make and looks beautiful. The highest quality maple is the hardest that comes from North America. Find out more about Maple.

Rosewood is an almost purple-looking wood that is used mainly for fretboards since it's heavy, rare, and expensive. It's sometimes used on acoustic guitar bodies to create stronger warm tones. Find out more about Rosewood.

Alder is the most popular wood that Fender uses in most of their guitars nowadays. Even though they say it's because of its balanced tone with an emphasis in the upper midrange, it probably is because it isn't too expensive, and it's also pretty lightweight—more than Mahogany. Find out more about Alder.

Winner: Tie.

Pickup Configuration

The Fender Robert Cray Stratocaster has an SSS configuration while the Fender Dave Murray Stratocaster has HHH pickups.

SSS is perfect for players who like to play clean. The definition you get between notes and the crispiness is unmatched by most other configurations. You can still use it for distortion, but you won't get the same kind of output and power compared to a humbucker, and the hum they produce also makes them less adequate for high gain.

On the other hand, A triple Humbucker (HHH) can be intimidating at first, but it's one of the combinations that offer the most tone versatility. You'll be able to have from a lot of output for Hard Rock genres, to warm and clean sounds that are more common in Jazz.

Pickups Quality

Both come with very good pickups from at least one of the specialized brands in the market. With pickups like these, you probably won't need an upgrade anytime soon.

However, the Fender Robert Cray Stratocaster has a slight sound quality advantage when taking into account other factors like the type of pickups, magnet, position, etc.

You can purchase similar pickups to the Fender Robert Cray Stratocaster's and use them on any guitar:

We found the same or similar pickups to the Fender Dave Murray Stratocaster's online:

Both use Passive pickups. This is what's used for most music genres. They have a regular output and will serve you for both high-gain and clean tones. The alternative (Active pickups) offer a higher output that is mostly used for heavy music.

Winner: Fender Robert Cray Stratocaster.

Versatility Comparison

Some instruments offer you more ways to explore your creativity than others. Below you'll find how both compare when it comes to versatility.

Switch Options

Both are equal when it comes to the pickup switching option.

Neither of them come with some kind of coil split or pickup mod option. This makes both lacking in terms of versatility.

Fender Robert Cray Stratocaster pickups switch selector and push knobs diagram
Fender Robert Cray Stratocaster's switch options
Fender Dave Murray Stratocaster pickups switch selector and push knobs diagram
Fender Dave Murray Stratocaster's switch options

When evaluating versatility, we also take into consideration bridge and neck joint type, number of frets, switch options, amount of pickups and more.

Winner: Fender Dave Murray Stratocaster.

Final Sound Quality Scores

Fender Robert Cray Stratocaster
Pickups 100
Sustain 65
Versatility 62
Tuning Stability 70
Sound 74
Fender Dave Murray Stratocaster
Pickups 90
Sustain 70
Versatility 72
Tuning Stability 85
Sound 79

Build Quality Comparison

When it comes to build quality, we like to take into account everything used to build the instrument. This includes materials, hardware and the quality control expected depending on the country where it was built. Let's see how the Fender Robert Cray Stratocaster compares to the Fender Dave Murray Stratocaster.

Country of Origin

The manufacturing country can tell a lot about the build quality of an instrument. Both in this comparison where made in Mexico.

Mexico has been for a long time where Fender has built their semi-premium series. If you don't want to overpay for a wellp-built instrument, a guitar built in this country by a good brand always offers good value for the money.

Winner: Tie

Nut Material

If you want your guitar to stay in tune and sound good, you need a well cut nut. Nut quality can be inconsistent even when comparing two copies of the same model. The best way to make sure you're nut will be well done is by getting a nut made by an expert company like TUSQ or Micarta.

The Fender Robert Cray Stratocaster has a Synthetic Bone nut. Bone is the best natural material for guitar nuts. However, its tonal properties can be inconsistent. That's the problem that synthetic bone fixes. This is much better than using a plastic nut because the nut is more slippery—which helps with tuning stability—, and it gives your open strings rich harmonics.

On the other hand, the Fender Dave Murray Stratocaster comes with a Locking nut. Instead of a regular nut, this guitar has a locking system that will lock down the strings at the nut, preventing it from getting out of tune. It removes one of the disadvantages of tremolo bridges, tune stability.

Winner: Tie.

Fret Material

Most fret wire is made of nickel silver. This material eventually wears down after a lot of use and most instruments end up needing a complete fret replacement. However, some expensive models come with stainless steel frets. This is what you should aim for if you can afford it.

Unfortunately, none of them come with stainless steel frets.

Winner: Tie.

Bridge

The perfect bridge for you will depend on your playstyle because they all have advantages and disadvantages. However, some bridges are more expensive—like Floyd Roses and Evertunes—and thus add more value to a guitar.

The Fender Robert Cray Stratocaster's brige is a Fixed. It's a simple bridge that is very beginner-friendly since it doesn't require any set-up. You can swap strings easily. It might also give more sustain since it doesn't have complex moving parts that make the strings lose vibration. However, it doesn't have the same versatility as a tremolo bridge.

On the other hand, the Fender Dave Murray Stratocaster's is a Floyd Rose. This is a double-locking bridge system that allows you to perform techniques like dive bombs and pinch harmonics. The locking nut allows your guitar to stay in tune even after the most intense tremolo usage. The disadvantage is that it takes more work to change the strings and set up everything correctly.

Since we need to be objective, the most expensive type of bridge will be the winner of this section. In the end, this doesn't matter if you're not going to use the bridge for its original purpose, so choose the bridge that fits your playing style better.

Winner: Fender Dave Murray Stratocaster.

Tuners

Both come with regular tuners. Both come with Vintage-Style.

Winner: Tie.

Neck Joint

Contrary to popular belief, the difference in sustain and tone that some neck joints give to a guitar is simply unperceivable—if they're all well built. However, some of them do have advantages over the others.

Both have a Bolt-On neck joint. This neck is joined to the body by 4 bolts that you can simply unscrew. This allows you to replace the neck or take it off for travel. It's the most common and cheapest way to build a guitar.

Winner: Tie.

Here is the list of features that were considered when choosing the winner in the Features subcategory:

Strengths & Weaknesses
Fender Robert Cray Stratocaster
  • Expensive Wood
  • Synthetic Bone Nut
  • Top Brand Pickups
  • Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
  • No Locking Tuners
  • Made in Mexico
  • No Neck-Through Build
  • No Push Knob or Extra Switch Option
  • No Weight Relief
  • No Luminescent Inlay
  • No Tremolo
  • No Compound Radius Fretboard
  • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
  • No Strap Lock
Strengths & Weaknesses
Fender Dave Murray Stratocaster
  • Expensive Wood
  • Locking Nut
  • Top Brand Pickups
  • Tremolo
  • Compound Radius Fretboard
  • Retainer Bar
  • Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
  • No Locking Tuners
  • Made in Mexico
  • No Neck-Through Build
  • No Push Knob or Extra Switch Option
  • No Weight Relief
  • No Luminescent Inlay
  • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
  • No Strap Lock

Final Build Quality Scores

Fender Robert Cray Stratocaster
Quality of materials 51
Features 50
Quality Control 75
Build Quality 59
Fender Dave Murray Stratocaster
Quality of materials 41
Features 75
Quality Control 75
Build Quality 64

Playability Comparison

Let's now compare their playability. Bear in mind that the instrument will feel different depending on your hand size and play style. That's why you should always test before buying. But if you can't or want a second opinion on it, we can still take a look at each of the important measurements of the instrument for you. This way, we can predict how easy a guitar might be to play, or how different it will feel compared to the other.

Remember that, even though the difference might seem small, every inch counts when it comes to feeling of the instrument in your hands. Any variation can completely change how comfortable a guitar feels in your hands.

Nut Width

Fender Robert Cray Stratocaster Nut Width
Fender Robert Cray Stratocaster Nut Width
Fender Dave Murray Stratocaster Nut Width
Fender Dave Murray Stratocaster Nut Width

The nut width will affect the separation between strings at the nut. In this comparison, the Fender Dave Murray Stratocaster has the wider nut with 42.9mm (1.688'') vs 42mm (1.654''). This is a 0.9mm (0.034'') difference

This means that it will be more difficult to do bar chords on the Fender Dave Murray Stratocaster, especially closer to the nut. However, it's also easier to play without muting strings accidently. This favors people with big hands.

Scale Length

Fender Robert Cray Stratocaster and Fender Dave Murray Stratocaster's Scale Length
Both have the same scale length

The scale length is one of the things that influences playability the most. This is the distance between the nut and the bridge and will affect everything from low action allowance, difficulty to perform bends, fret separation, and even tone.

In this case, both have a scale length of 25.5".

This is the scale used in most Stratocasters. It's slightly longer than the typical 24.75'' size found in Les Pauls, and it's one of the main reasons why Stratocasters have such a bright sound in general. A longer scale also means that the strings will have higher tension. This will help you get lower action without suffering fret buzz, which will also be helpful when playing in lower tunings without having to increase your string gauge.

However, this also means that there will be more separation between frets, which can make it more difficult to play. Also, bending the strings will require more strengths due to the increased tension, but remember that a tremolo guitar will offset this difficulty.

Lastly, remember that you can also affect the tension of the strings by changing your string gauge. You can use a thicker gauge for more tension and a lighter one for less tension.

Neck Profile

Fender Robert Cray Stratocaster Neck Profile
Fender Robert Cray Stratocaster's neck profile
Fender Dave Murray Stratocaster Neck Profile
Fender Dave Murray Stratocaster's neck profile

No single neck shape is better than others. However, most people tend to prefer a thinner necks because it doesn't get in their way when playing fast and most hand sizes can adapt to it pretty well. However, some people still prefer thicker necks for a better grip, especially if they have big hands.

Both the Fender Robert Cray Stratocaster and the Fender Dave Murray Stratocaster have a C-shaped neck. This is what you'll find in most modern guitars. Most people feel like the thickness of a C neck is simply the less intrusive one for playing fast, while at the same time allowing you to grab the neck easily for resting if you want to.

Fretboard Radius

Fender Robert Cray Stratocaster Fingerboard Radius
Fender Robert Cray Stratocaster's Fingerboard radius
Fender Dave Murray Stratocaster Fretboard Compound Radius
Fender Dave Murray Stratocaster's Compound Fretboard Radius

Most guitar fretboards are not flat; they usually have a curve or arc across their width. A curved fretboard will make it easier to perform chords without muting strings, while a flatter one will make it easier to play single notes, which is good for bending and soloing in general. The best fretboards have a compound radius that varies across the fingerboard, but they're not common since they take a lot more work to build.

In this case, the Fender Dave Murray Stratocaster is the only one with a compound radius. This is a huge win because it will give you the best of both worlds: a more curved radius in the first few frets for chords, and flatter as you come closer to the body for soloing.

Hand Size Comfortability

Everyone has a different hand size, and that's why it's recommended to try a guitar before buying, even if others tell you that it's comfortable to play. However, we can know whether a guitar favors small or large hands just by knowing its exact measurements.

And after taking into account the scale length, nut width, neck profile and fretboard radius, we can conclude that the Fender Robert Cray Stratocaster favors large hands more than the Fender Dave Murray Stratocaster.

Fender Robert Cray Stratocaster:
Big Hands
Small Hands
Fender Dave Murray Stratocaster:
Big Hands
Small Hands

Fret Size

Fender Robert Cray Stratocaster and Fender Dave Murray Stratocaster Frets Size
Both have a similar Medium Jumbo fret size

Both have a Medium Jumbo fret size. These are slightly shorter than full Jumbo frets, so you'll still feel the fretboard when pressing down the strings. However, they interfere less with your fretting hand than medium-size frets. This is a good size if you like easy-to-press frets, but would still like to feel a bit of the fretboard when playing.

Final Playability Scores

Fender Robert Cray Stratocaster
Bending & Vibrato Ease 65
Chord Playability 80
Solo Playability 60
Playability 68
Fender Dave Murray Stratocaster
Bending & Vibrato Ease 60
Chord Playability 70
Solo Playability 70
Playability 67

Specs Side-by-Side

Fender Robert Cray Stratocaster vs Dave Murray Stratocaster
General Fender Robert Cray Stratocaster Dave Murray Stratocaster
Brand: Fender Fender
Year: 2011 2015
Configuration: SSS HHH
Strings: 6 6
Made in: Mexico Mexico
Series: Artist Artist
Colors: Sunburst, Gray Sunburst
Left-Handed Version: No No
Body
Type: Solid Body Solid Body
Body Material: Alder Alder
Bridge: 6-Saddle American Vintage Strings-Through-Body Strat Hardtail Floyd Rose FRT-O1000 Double Locking 2-Point Tremolo
Neck
Neck Joint: Bolt-On Bolt-On
Tuners: Vintage-Style Vintage-Style
Fretboard: Rosewood Rosewood
Neck Material: Maple Maple
Decoration: White Dot White Dot
Scale Size: 25.5" 25.5"
Shape: 60s C Dave Murray C
Thickness: 1st Fret: 0.827'' (21mm) - 12th Fret: 0.925'' (23.5mm) 1st Fret: 0.82'' (20.8mm) - 12th Fret: 0.86'' (21.8mm)
Frets: 21 Medium Jumbo Nickel Silver 21 Medium Jumbo Nickel Silver
Fretboard Radius: 9.5" 9.5" to 14"
Nut: Synthetic Bone Locking
Nut Width: 42mm (1.654'') 42.9mm (1.688'')
Electronics
Bridge Pickup: Fender Vintage-Style Single-Coil Strat (Single Coil / Passive) Seymour Duncan Hot Rails Strat SHR-1B (Humbucker / Passive)
Middle Pickup: Fender Vintage-Style Single-Coil Strat (Single Coil / Passive) Seymour Duncan JB Jr. SJBJ-1N (Humbucker / Passive)
Neck Pickup: Fender Vintage-Style Single-Coil Strat (Single Coil / Passive) Seymour Duncan Hot Rails Strat SHR-1N (Humbucker / Passive)
Switch: 5 Way 5 Way
Knobs: Bell Bell
Pickup Mods: None None
Volume Controls: 1 1
Tone Controls: 2 2