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Average Price: $1,804

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$400

$1001+

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High-end

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Description

Step back in time with the 2013 Fender American Vintage '56 Stratocaster, an embodiment of classic craftsmanship and timeless sound. This guitar pays tribute to the iconic 1956 Stratocaster, with meticulous attention to detail that captures the spirit of the era. From its "soft V" neck profile to the vintage-style tremolo, every element is designed to deliver an authentic playing experience. The period-correct headstock and single-ply pickguard offer a visual nod to its roots, while the trio of American Vintage '56 single coil pickups produce the unmistakable Strat tone that has captivated musicians for decades.

Whether you're a seasoned player or a vintage enthusiast, the '56 Stratocaster bridges the past and present with impeccable style. The smooth maple neck and contoured alder body provide unparalleled comfort, making it a joy to play across genres. With its attention to detail and dedication to quality, this guitar is not just an instrument—it's a piece of history that resonates with every strum.

Key Features:

  • "Soft V" neck profile for a comfortable grip
  • American Vintage '56 single coil pickups for classic tone
  • Period-correct headstock and single-ply pickguard
  • Vintage-style tremolo system
  • Maple neck and alder body for balanced sound and playability

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model American Vintage '56 Stratocaster
Finish Aged White Blonde, Black, Shell Pink, Sunburst
Year 2010s
Made In United States
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Shape S-Style
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Tremolo Bridge
Color Family Black, Brown, Pink, White
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Maple
Model Family Fender Stratocaster
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 21
Number of Strings 6-String
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration SSS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 25.5"
Series Fender American Vintage

FAQs

What is the neck profile like on the 2013 Fender American Vintage '56 Stratocaster?

The 2013 Fender American Vintage '56 Stratocaster features a soft "V" neck profile, which is comfortable for players who prefer a vintage feel. This profile is ideal for those who enjoy thumb-over playing styles.

What kind of tones can I expect from the pickups on this Stratocaster?

The '56 Stratocaster is equipped with vintage-style single-coil pickups, delivering classic Stratocaster tones. You can expect bright, articulate sounds with a bell-like quality, perfect for blues, rock, and surf music.

Is the 2013 Fender American Vintage '56 Stratocaster suitable for beginners?

While the '56 Stratocaster offers high-quality craftsmanship and vintage specifications, it may be better suited for intermediate to advanced players due to its vintage neck profile and tonal characteristics.

How does the tremolo bridge on this guitar perform?

The vintage-style synchronized tremolo bridge on the '56 Stratocaster provides smooth pitch bending and vibrato effects, maintaining tuning stability with proper setup and stringing.

What finish options are available for the 2013 Fender American Vintage '56 Stratocaster?

This model is available in several finishes, including Aged White Blonde, Black, Shell Pink, and Sunburst, each with a gloss finish that enhances the guitar's vintage aesthetic.

Reviews

PROS

  • Beautifully crafted neck perfect for sliding up and down the fretboard

  • Stunning appearance with a vintage look that develops naturally

  • Exceptional sound quality praised by multiple users

  • Flash coat paint job adds a unique aesthetic

  • Comes in mint condition with well-maintained case and paperwork

  • Vintage 10/56 neck carve appeals to fans of thicker necks

  • Bridge pickup wired to bottom tone knob for enhanced tone control

CONS

  • Modernized wiring may require adjustments for traditionalist players

  • Thin finish chips easily, though it adds to vintage charm

  • Tuners may need replacement due to subpar quality

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about 2013 Fender American Vintage 56 Stratocaster.

Build quality

  • Some 2013 AV Strats have nitro finishes on necks with a tougher base layer, possibly resembling vintage Fender Fullerplast.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The 2013 Fender AV '56 Stratocaster features a nitro finish that ages and wears uniquely, showing vintage-style wear patterns without reaching bare wood.

    Source
  • Thin Skin Nitro finishes are highlighted as similar to the desired aged nitro look for those seeking vintage aesthetics.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Owners note a distinction between pre- and post-2013 American Vintage models, with earlier versions potentially having poly necks instead of nitro.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Fender American Vintage '56 Stratocaster review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

Fender's 2013 American Vintage '56 Stratocaster delivers an authentic blast from the past with its astonishingly accurate vintage specs and great tones. While its design captures the essence of a bygone era, this comes with some trade-offs in playability, such as a less forgiving neck alignment. The nitrocellulose finish gives it a classic feel and sound but is prone to marking easily. Overall, it's a commendable tribute to the original, offering a rich, mid-driven tone that appeals to Strat enthusiasts, though it may not suit players seeking modern ease of play.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 4 Ratings

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U

Nice Fender Guitar w/ Vintage Specs

The pickups are nice. The tuners had to be replaced as they left a lot to be desired.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Matthew Murphy uses 2013 Fender American Vintage 56 Stratocaster

Matthew Murphy

Singer, Guitarist

The Wombats

...
Verified via YouTube

In August of 2015, The Wombats did a live performance on Triple J. In several bits like 0:55, you can see Matthew using this aged white blonde guitar.

See how Dave Depper uses 2013 Fender American Vintage 56 Stratocaster

Dave Depper

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Death Cab for Cutie

...
Verified via Photo

"I've been searching for the perfect Stratocaster for years, and my quest came to an end last week when the lovely folks at @fender sent me a stunning '56 American Vintage Reissue in shell pink, the most funky of all colors. If you need me I'll be playing the solo from "Shine On You Crazy Diamond" for the next 72 hours." - Depper about the Fender American Vintage Stratocaster.

See how Matthew Curry uses 2013 Fender American Vintage 56 Stratocaster

Matthew Curry

Guitarist

...
Verified via Wakarusa Music Festival

Matthew is pictured here playing his Fender American Vintage '56 Stratocaster. It can also be seen on his artist page on Fender's website, who sites this model as one of his favorites.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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