Using your Fender Japan Traditional II 50s Stratocaster is a breeze. First, make sure your guitar is in tune using the vintage - style tuning machines. Plug it into an amplifier and adjust the settings on the amp to get your desired sound. When you're playing, use a pick or your fingers to strum or pluck the nickel - plated steel strings. To change the tone, you can play around with the pickup selector and the tone and volume controls on the guitar. As for maintenance, keep your guitar in a dry and cool place. Wipe it down with a soft cloth after each use to remove fingerprints and dirt. Check the strings regularly and change them when they start to sound dull or look worn out. If you're not using the guitar for a long time, loosen the strings a bit to relieve the tension on the neck. Also, make sure to keep the gig bag clean and dry to protect your guitar when you're transporting it.