Fender American Vintage II 57 Maple FB Stratocaster (Vintage Blonde)

Before the heyday of early-’60s surf rock, Fender and several guitarists were on a quest to uncover the perfect Strat sound. Everything from the newly manufactured Alnico III single-coil pickup down to the nitro gloss finish was manipulated with the goal of distilling Stratocaster tone like no other. With the American Vintage II Strat, Fender has now brought back the quintessential 1957 model with unparalleled authenticity. Built with ash and maple tonewoods and featuring an exclusive trio of single-coil Strat pickups, the ’57 Strat is a perfect emulation of a beloved axe classic. Considering it retains the same “V” neck profile and familiar fretboard access, holding an American Vintage II guitar feels akin to wielding an instrument rife with legendary 20th-century tone.

The shape, feel, and build of a guitar are the first things you notice before you’re about to play. With that idea in mind, Fender took care in making sure that the American Vintage II ’57 Strat was as authentically manufactured as its predecessor. The same classic “V”-shape neck profile completes the ’57 Strat’s true maneuverability, allowing you to glide between notes. An accurately designed ash and maple construction feels like holding an authentic musical artifact, while amounting to a sturdy build. Topped off with a delicate nitro gloss finish, this Strat is the closest thing to grabbing a real-deal axe off the line in 1957.

What’s the most iconic detail of a ’57 Strat? Its mid-end punch and bright treble tone, of course! Lined with three Pure Vintage ’57 single-coil Strat pickups, you’ll revel in this guitar’s mid-century audial palette, including singing high notes, textured rhythms, and everything in between. The classic Stratocaster control panel includes a 5-way pickup switch and twin tone knobs, letting you maximize your output to your desired taste. Tied together with a single volume knob and easy access to a vintage synchronized tremolo, you’ll be able to conjure up any tone that crosses your creative wit.

As with Fender’s first American Vintage series, the American Vintage II line of guitars strive to be as accurate as possible in terms of looks, build, tone, and appointments. When you’re buying an American Vintage II guitar, you’re not only getting a classic-looking axe, but you’re also afforded handpicked vintage-style hardware that’s designed to emulate the performance of a true 20th century instrument.

Tech Specs:
GENERAL
Number of Strings 6
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
BODY
Body Type Solidbody
Body Shape Stratocaster
Body Material Ash
Body Finish Gloss Nitrocellulose Lacquer
Color Vintage Blonde
NECK
Neck Material 1-piece Maple
Neck Shape 1957 V
Neck Joint Bolt-on
Radius 7.25″
Fingerboard Material Maple
Fingerboard Inlay Black Dots
Number of Frets 21, Vintage Tall
Scale Length 25.5″
Nut Width 1.650″
Nut Material Bone
HARDWARE
Bridge/Tailpiece Pure Vintage Synchronized Tremolo with Bent Steel Saddles
Tuners Fender Deluxe Pure Vintage
ELECTRONICS
Neck Pickup Pure Vintage ’57 Single-coil Strat
Middle Pickup Pure Vintage ’57 Single-coil Strat
Bridge Pickup Pure Vintage ’57 Single-coil Strat
Controls 1 x master volume, 2 x tone
Switching 5-way blade pickup switch