The LEGO® Ideas 21329 Fender® Stratocaster™ set has struck a chord with both music enthusiasts and LEGO aficionados. Following the parts analysis, the burning question remains for guitar players: Can you actually play this iconic LEGO instrument? Let’s dive into whether this brick-built Stratocaster can rock your world.
 LEGO Fender Stratocaster Set Top View |
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| The LEGO Fender Stratocaster set, a detailed replica of the iconic guitar. ©2021 The LEGO Group |
Not a Real Instrument, But Authentically LEGO
Upon first glance, the Lego Fender Guitar boasts six strings of varying scale lengths and a fretboard. Technically, yes, you can press the plastic strings against the printed frets and strum. However, this Stratocaster is fundamentally a fretless guitar due to the printed frets. More importantly, the plastic strings lack tension and there are no electronic components in the printed pickups. Therefore, don’t expect to plug in and play any riffs – this LEGO guitar remains silent.
This outcome is entirely anticipated and perfectly acceptable for a scale model. The inclusion of actual strings adds to the authenticity without falsely advertising it as a playable instrument, unlike some initial perceptions around the LEGO® Ideas 21323 Grand Piano. While the Grand Piano mimicked mechanical playability with app integration, an electric guitar requires electronic circuitry from the outset. Expecting metal strings, electronic components, and app integration might be overly ambitious for a LEGO guitar. Instead, the charm lies in its ingenious construction using standard LEGO pieces: flex tubing for the power cable and round-plate-ending strings (part 41L) for the guitar strings themselves. It’s a display piece, but a remarkably authentic one.
Beyond Playability: LEGO Guitar as a Display Piece
However, the question of “playability” takes on a different dimension when considering the LEGO Stratocaster alongside LEGO figures.
 LEGO Fender Stratocaster with Zinnia Superfuzz Figure |
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| Zinnia Superfuzz, a custom LEGO figure, “playing” the LEGO Fender Stratocaster, highlighting the set’s display potential. |
Meet Zinnia Superfuzz, a custom LEGO figure created in 2019. Initially intended for photos with a smaller guitar, Zinnia turned out to be the perfect scale for the LEGO Stratocaster. While the guitar strap can hang on a figure’s shoulder, the upper strap button, made from a Tile Round 1 x 1, proves to be a minor design flaw, detaching easily when positioned upright. A more robust solution for the upper strap button would be beneficial for display purposes.
The original textile strap was also too long for Zinnia, prompting a replacement with a Mixel ball joint strap. While less realistic, this modification allows Zinnia to effectively “play” the LEGO guitar, proving its playability within the realm of LEGO figures. This showcases the set’s potential for creative displays and storytelling. Interestingly, the amplifier included in the set appears almost perfectly scaled for LEGO figures, creating a believable stage setup. Despite being oversized for minifigures, the LEGO Fender guitar and amp combination creates a compelling visual for display.
 LEGO Fender Stratocaster and Amp with Zinnia Figure |
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| The LEGO Fender Stratocaster and amplifier displayed with a LEGO figure, demonstrating the set’s scale and display possibilities. |
LEGO Fender Stratocaster: A Set for LEGO and Music Fans
LEGO Ideas sets are renowned for their detail and ambition, and the 21329 Fender Stratocaster continues this tradition. Comprising 1074 versatile pieces, including the new curved concave slope (78666), the set offers a wealth of useful LEGO elements. Specialized parts like the silvery strings and Fender-themed strap will undoubtedly inspire custom creations (MOCs) within the LEGO community. The option to build either a black or red Stratocaster further expands the parts collection for LEGO enthusiasts.
 LEGO Fender Stratocaster Set Back View |
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| The back view of the LEGO Fender Stratocaster set, showcasing the detailed construction and brick elements. ©2021 The LEGO Group |
The design is generally robust, particularly the amplifier and string mechanisms. Aside from the slightly weak upper strap button, minor inaccuracies in the body’s white area and headstock size present interesting modification opportunities for dedicated builders. While some LEGO fans have expressed concerns about brand-focused sets, feeling they might cater more to external hobbyists, the Fender Stratocaster branding feels less intrusive than, for instance, the Adidas branding on set 10282 Adidas Originals Superstar. An unbranded LEGO electric guitar would still be a captivating set, given the inherent coolness of electric guitars.
 LEGO Fender Stratocaster Detailed View |
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| A close-up view of the LEGO Fender Stratocaster highlighting the brick-built details and design. |
However, the Stratocaster’s legendary status and iconic design are undeniable. Having a LEGO set based on such a specific instrument allows for a fascinating comparison of translating real-world shapes into LEGO bricks. For Fender aficionados, this set is a must-have, a brick-built embodiment of their passion. But even beyond brand loyalty, the set’s strong design, surprising building techniques, and valuable pieces make it recommendable to a wider audience. Priced at $99 USD, the 1074 pieces offer reasonable value, especially considering the unique and printed elements. Perhaps a future iteration could offer options for building a Telecaster alongside the Stratocaster, further expanding the possibilities. Building a Telecaster from this set’s parts seems like an exciting challenge for ambitious LEGO builders.
Conclusion
The LEGO Ideas 21329 Fender Stratocaster is a well-designed display model that successfully captures the essence of the iconic guitar. While not playable in the traditional musical sense, its authentic LEGO construction, potential for creative display with LEGO figures, and valuable parts selection make it a worthwhile set for both LEGO enthusiasts and guitar lovers.
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