Fender American Original '60s Stratocaster Rosewood Fingerboard Electric Guitar 3-Color Sunburst

Beautiful guitar. The setup from the factory was better than most. After it settles in a little, I'll probably decrease the neck relief and lower the action a tad, but it's very playable as is. I was expecting a four-piece body based on the photos (I got the sunburst) but was happily surprised to find mine has a one-piece body. Wouldn't have mattered that much to me either way, but the one-piece is a nicer-looking with the transparent finish. I wouldn't consider the neck overly beefy at all. It doesn't feel thin, but it's not a full handful either and is perfectly comfortable. The pickups sound great. All five pickup positions have their own distinct sound -- it feels like there's much more noticeable differentiation between them than on the other electrics I've owned, and I've been experimenting with different settings more than I usually do. It's also the best-sounding electric I've ever heard unplugged, for whatever that's worth. The case is also quite nice -- solid construction, nice to look at, and the guitar fits snugly. Good bonus. My one minor complaint is that the guitar feels heavier than expected. I thought about deducting a star for this, but weight is subjective, and at 8 pounds it's probably in the average range. I wouldn't want it any heavier though.

Note: I placed my order in the fall of 2020 during the guitar shortages, and Fender rushing to meet the demand may have factored into the issues below. My Fender ownership history: I own 2 other Fenders, an American Deluxe, and an Eric Johnson rosewood model. Both guitars were purchased used, both are of very high quality. Because of that impression, I felt comfortable ordering an American Original sight unseen, there were none in my area and there are still none 5 months later. The guitar arrived in the following condition: Cons: -The case tolex was damaged in a few spots and it appeared to have been left on the ground (dirt marks) before shipping -Guitar had more swirl marks than my 10 year old Deluxe. -1 in. scratch on the back Pros: -The guitar otherwise looked good, no obvious flaws that would affect playability -Felt good in hand Ultimately, I decided to return the guitar and wait for a replacement. My reasoning: I was paying a new guitar premium for a new guitar experience, and the guitar and case did not resemble a new guitar. I got the second guitar 1.5 months later. The condition of the second guitar: Cons: -Guitar also had swirl marks -The strings were skewed to the high e side of the fretboard, so it slipped off when played above the 12th fret (fixed this by unbolting and resetting the neck) -Small amounts of lacquer had flaked off in a couple of spots on the edge of the fretboard. (largest being 1cm x 1mm) -Despite being a transparent finish (3TSB), the guitar had a 4-piece body Pros: -Playability not affected by any of the above issues after I adjusted the neck -The guitar feels great -The guitar sounds great In the end I kept the 2nd guitar, didn't want to roll dice the again, but I can't say I was 100% satisfied with the new experience. Fit and finish issues + cost cutting measures like a 4-piece body really hurt if paying $2K new. The guitar plays great, but @ $2K the details should be great too, otherwise what justifies the premium?

Between this year (2020) and last year, these American Original 50' and 60's Fender Strats are as good as it gets. In this price point there is not "one...single... strat", from last year or this year that comes close to being this great or this playable. This instrument is great to hold, has great looks and a killer sound as well as being as close to an original 60's strat (save for the 7.5 radius which I'm glad they changed to 9.5). It's so nice to have a neck (on either the 50's or 60's strat) on an instrument that is not a C or modern C or deep D, I am so tired of buying MIM Fender guitars and having to swap out the neck... except for the classic players 50's strat which wasn't to bad but is no longer available. I assume it was replaced by the Vintera series which has a 7.5 radius...no thanks . I only wish they (Fender) would use these exact specks and build a line of these (call them MIM Originals or whatever) guitars in Mexico thus making them more affordable for us all. However, at the very least you can get close to custom shop appointments with this series for under 2k and that aint bad. Good job Fender but try harder... and stop with all the various maddening C necks... not all of us are shredders needing a flat surface to play on.

When I received the guitar the middle pickup did not work, there was a black scuff on the bottom side of the guitar, and the action was insanely high, I mean insanely high. I wouldn't blame musicians friend for this. This is a fender problem. If this guitar is the step below custom shop I'd expect it to have zero issues. The pick up is the one that gets me the most. Fender has given me options to take it in, it's disappointing especially in this time where most places have limited operations.

I've owned the American Standard, American Special, American Professional, and my first ever guitar was a MIM. I finally found the ONE! Well....so I say now. Honestly, everyone has they're own preferences, but this hit them all for me. I like chunkier necks and it feels awesome. Some people say it sounds dull, but I think the 65 pickups have a wonderful warm tone to them with out the harshness of the Shaw pickups. The color of the neck is an amazing warm color not pale. The body really carry's the notes through, I'm not really sure if the nitro or what but it is RAD!!! I love it. Guess I lucked out.

This is my third American Fender Stratocaster, and by far my favorite in terms of tone and feel. I love the tone and response so much better than other Stratocasters I have owned and played. My last one was a maple neck that had too much of an ice-pick tone IMO. This one is much more mellow, but still distinctively chime-like a Stratocaster should be. All of the electronics seem solid and top quality. The neck is great! I don't typically like thicker neck guitars, because I don't have large hands. However, it is not thick enough to effect the playability. Also, you gotta love the looks and finish on the sunburst. Only cons I can mention, are the vintage tall frets seem a little sharp when sliding your thumb up, and the vintage style truss rod adjustment being a little inconvenient. However, that was the way 60's strats were. Go play one, and if you don't like the price - don't buy it. It is worth the price though for sure.