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Fender American Vintage II 1961 Stratocaster Electric Guitar Demo with Tim Stewartplay button

Fender American Vintage II 1961 Stratocaster Electric Guitar Demo with Tim Stewart

Exploring the American Vintage II 1961 Stratocaster | American Vintage II | Fenderplay button

Exploring the American Vintage II 1961 Stratocaster | American Vintage II | Fender

Fender

collapse expand iconDescription

The Fender American Vintage II 1961 Stratocaster electric guitar is a faithful recreation of one of the most iconic instruments in rock history. Built to capture the spirit and sound of Fender's golden era, this model features an alder body paired with a gloss nitrocellulose lacquer finish, delivering the resonant tone and organic feel that defined early Stratocasters. Equipped with Pure Vintage '61 pickups, it delivers the unmistakable chime, bite, and warmth that shaped the sound of generations. The maple neck, with a medium C profile, and 7.25" radius rosewood fingerboard offer a fast yet familiar playing experience. With vintage-style tuners and a synchronized tremolo, this Stratocaster authentically replicates the distinctive craftsmanship and performance of its 1961 predecessor while remaining a reliable tool for modern players.

Electric Guitar With Alder Body and Vintage-Style Tone

The alder body of this Fender electric guitar has been a hallmark of Stratocaster design since the 1950s, providing a balanced tonal foundation with warm mids, clear highs, and tight lows. Its lightweight structure enhances sustain, making it an ideal pairing for single-coil pickups. The gloss nitrocellulose lacquer finish not only protects the wood but also allows it to breathe, promoting a more open and resonant sound. This finish also ages gracefully over time, giving the guitar a timeless aesthetic that mirrors its vintage tone. Together, the alder body and lacquer finish create the unmistakable sonic character that has made the Stratocaster a legend.

Fast-Playing Fender Maple Neck and Rosewood Fingerboard

The maple neck on this Stratocaster features a medium C profile that provides a comfortable grip for extended playing sessions while allowing effortless movement up and down the fretboard. The 7.25" radius rosewood fingerboard offers smooth note articulation and a vintage feel, making intricate chords and lead runs easy to execute. A bone nut enhances tonal clarity and ensures precise string spacing, while the narrow frets contribute to the guitar's classic playability. Whether you're laying down rhythm tracks or exploring soaring leads, the combination of the neck and fingerboard delivers an authentic and inspiring playing experience.

Pure Vintage '61 Stratocaster Pickups Chime and Bite

This model features a trio of Pure Vintage '61 Stratocaster pickups, meticulously designed to replicate the original single-coil tones of the early 1960s. The bridge pickup delivers sharp, articulate bite with focused clarity, while the middle pickup provides a bright and balanced chime ideal for rhythm work. The neck pickup rounds out the tonal palette with warm, smooth lows and detailed response. Together, these pickups span the dynamic range that made the Stratocaster an essential tool for rock and roll pioneers. Every note rings with the classic tone that has defined Fender's legacy for decades.

Vintage-Style Fender Hardware for Authentic Feel

The synchronized tremolo on this Stratocaster replicates the original 1961 design, offering smooth pitch modulation and reliable tuning stability. Paired with vintage-style tuners, this hardware system ensures precise tuning and a period-correct aesthetic. The tremolo arm is responsive and intuitive, allowing expressive vibrato and subtle pitch bends without compromising intonation. Additionally, the bone nut and high-quality components enhance the guitar's durability and resonance. With its authentic vintage hardware, this Strat offers the look, feel, and performance of Fender's golden era while meeting the demands of modern players.

A Classic Fender Built for Vintage Enthusiasts

The Fender American Vintage II 1961 Stratocaster electric guitar delivers the craftsmanship and tonal authenticity sought by players who appreciate the golden age of Fender design. With its resonant alder body, meticulously voiced pickups, and vintage-style hardware, this Strat captures the essence of a legendary era. Whether you're recreating classic sounds or exploring new sonic landscapes, this instrument offers the tone and feel that inspire creativity.

Fender American Vintage II 1961 Stratocaster Electric Guitar Fiesta Red
Fender American Vintage II 1961 Stratocaster Electric Guitar Fiesta Red
Fender American Vintage II 1961 Stratocaster Electric Guitar Fiesta Red

collapse expand iconFeatures

  • Alder body provides resonant tone with vintage-style warmth and clarity
  • Gloss nitrocellulose lacquer finish allows the body to breathe freely for organic tone
  • Medium C-profile maple neck ensures fast and comfortable playability
  • 7.25" radius rosewood fingerboard enhances smooth note articulation and playability
  • Bone nut delivers vintage feel with narrow string spacing for intricate riffs
  • Pure Vintage '61 Strat pickups offer authentic single-coil chime and bite
  • Synchronized tremolo bridge enables expressive pitch control and classic Strat performance
  • Vintage-style tuners ensure stable tuning and period-correct aesthetics
  • Lightweight design provides enhanced sustain and easy handling during long sessions
warning

WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

collapse expand iconSpecs

Body
  • Body type: Double cutaway
  • Body wood: Alder
  • Body finish: Gloss nitrocellulose lacquer
Neck
  • Neck shape: C
  • Neck wood: Maple
  • Joint: Bolt-on
  • Scale length: 25.5"
  • Truss rod: Vintage-style butt adjust
  • Neck finish: Gloss nitrocellulose lacquer
Fingerboard
  • Material: Slab rosewood
  • Radius: 7.25"
  • Fret size: Vintage tall
  • Number of frets: 21
  • Inlays: Clay dot
  • Nut width/material: 1.65 in. (42 mm) bone
Electronics
  • Configuration: SSS
  • Neck: Proprietary single coil
  • Middle: Proprietary single coil
  • Bridge: Proprietary single coil
  • Control layout: Master volume, Tone 1, Tone 2
  • Pickup switch: 5-way
Hardware
  • Bridge type: Tremolo/vibrato
  • Bridge design: Pure Vintage synchronized tremolo with bent steel saddles
  • Tuning machines: Pure Vintage "Fender Deluxe"
  • Color: Nickel/chrome
Other
  • Number of strings: 6 string
  • Case: Vintage-style
  • Orientation: Right-handed

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collapse expand iconReviews

4.43

7 Reviews

71%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend

Filters
Best Uses
  1. Jamming3
  2. Practicing3
  3. Recording3
  4. Small Venues3
  5. Rock Concerts1
Cons
  1. Craftsmanship1
  2. Fret Buzz1
Describe Yourself
  1. Experienced4
  2. Professional Musician3
Pros
  1. Good Tone7
  2. Fun To Play6
  3. Good Feel6
  4. Good Pick Up6
  5. Solid Electronics5
  • 1961 AVii Fiesta Red

    5

    submitted5 months ago

    byFreddy

    fromLos Angeles

    Very cool guitar. The paint finish is awesome and has a great smell to it! The neck feels great and the pick ups sound awesome. Only Con: was that after playing it the first time it left black residue on my fingers. Went away after a couple of play throughs. #sweepstakes

  • The Real Deal

    5

    submitted7 months ago

    byJason

    fromFredericksburg, VA

    My first real strat was a 1989 Fender American Standard and I have had many variations throughout the years. The Fender American Vintage ii in Fiesta Red is the best one for the money by far. The shape of the neck with the rosewood slab feels perfect. The smell of the nitro and the color is amazing. Action is perfect out of the box. Tuners are superb and I have even left it floating as it stays in tune better than some of my locking tuner guitars. Then there are the pickups. These pickups make this guitar and I believe help contribute to the "mojo". Articulate, dynamic, spanky, yet thick and rounded tone (what a 60s strat should sound like). Clean or dirty they shine. And thank you Fender for wiring the tone knob to the bridge pickup. It adds so much more flavor. The case is great too. Old school. I've heard these models vary in quality, so try one in person. But every one I have heard played on YouTube is phenomenal as well. Try one.

  • Buzz Buzz

    3

    submitted9 months ago

    byVic

    fromAlpharetta, Georgia

    Feels like you expect and want a raw strat to feel. However, fret rattle galore. Great tone, though.

  • Great guitar, but buy in person

    3

    submitted9 months ago

    byPreston

    fromPhoenix

    So for the guitar itself it's a great instrument. The frets are nice, the pickups are decent and the neck is amazing. Honestly the only thing I would change is the pickups just because they kinda sound like a stereotypical 60s reissue. Besides that, this guitar is nearly identical to a nos vintage strat. Best guitar I've ever had/ played. One extreme flaw here isn't the guitar itself, but the quality control. The QC on American fenders lately is absolutely horrible and I've had to send a total of 3 of these back for ridiculous and unacceptable problems. First one I got had signs of buckle rash on the back of the guitar, with an output jack ding on the bottom of the guitar. Second one had a crack in the paint coming from the right side of the Pickguard next to the selector switch and a cracked Pickguard going from the neck pickup screw towards the heel of the neck. Third one had a really messed up nut and the saddle screws were stripped from the factory. Now for your information all of these guitars were sealed and not shipped from a store, this was directly from the warehouse. Absolutely insane. However when I did get this last one, my god this guitar is the best dang guitar I've ever played. Really wish I didn't have to go though all of these other ones just to get a good one but it is what it is. Fender had great customer service about it though and took time to make sure they helped me out. Really wish their QC was as good as their customer support. In all, guitar - 5 stars Quality control - 2 stars

  • I recommend this to any player looking for pure Strat sound!

    5

    submitteda year ago

    byBrandon

    fromOR

    I'm I blues player and the guitar produces great vintage tone. You will not be disappointed with this guitar.

  • Fender American Vintage ii Stratocaster

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted2 years ago

    byMichael

    fromLenexa, Ks

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    Feels, looks and sounds amazing!!

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collapse expand iconQ&A

Have a question about this product? Our expert Gear Advisers have the answers.

  • asked byBoomy

    fromundisclosed

    Is it cream colored plastic hardware?

    Is it cream colored plastic hardware?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    Yes, the Fender American Vintage II 1961 has a plastic pick guard.
  • asked byCrhis

    fromundisclosed

    Is it possible to replace the clay dot inlays?

    Is it possible to replace the clay dot inlays?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    I'm sorry but no. Modifications are not available.
  • asked byErik

    fromPortland, OR

    What is the weight of this guitar?

    What is the weight of this guitar?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    All guitars vary depending on the density of the wood. Manufacturers usually only spec size and type of wood. Guitars are generally between 6 and 12 lbs. They can be more. The only way to know the weight of an individual instrument is to weigh it. I'm sorry but I don't have one to weigh. This will be approximately 7.5 – 9.0 lbs
  • asked bychris

    fromCdA, Idaho

    Is the spaghetti logo on top of the lacquer finish like the pre cbs strats?

    Is the spaghetti logo on top of the lacquer finish like the pre cbs strats?

    Open Reply - Thomas
    Yes.
  • asked byNelson

    fromBeloit ,Wi 53511

    Are these made in the US?

    Are these made in the US?

    Open Reply - Thomas
    Yes.
  • asked byMichael

    fromLouisville, KY

    Can you order compensated saddles on this guitar?  What is the extra cost?

    Can you order compensated saddles on this guitar? What is the extra cost?

    Open Reply - Thomas
    'm sorry but no. Modifications are not available.
  • asked byToney

    fromPalmdale

    Do these come with a case or a gig bag. I want to order one.

    Do these come with a case or a gig bag. I want to order one.

    Open Reply - Thomas
    Yes, hardshell case.