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Average Price: $1,450

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$400

$1001+

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High-end

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Description

Transport yourself back to the golden age of rock 'n' roll with the Fender 1962 American Vintage Reissue Stratocaster. This guitar is a meticulous homage to the iconic instrument that helped shape the sound of the '60s. Crafted for both purists and modern players, this Stratocaster delivers authentic vintage tone with unrivaled playability. From its meticulously replicated C-shaped neck to the period-correct hardware, every detail mirrors its legendary predecessor. Whether you're on stage or in the studio, this guitar promises a seamless blend of classic style and contemporary performance.

The Fender 1962 American Vintage Reissue Stratocaster is an embodiment of the era's craftsmanship, featuring a three-ply mint green pickguard and vintage-style synchronized tremolo. The inclusion of vintage-style single-coil pickups ensures that you capture every nuance of the Strat's legendary sound. This guitar is not just an instrument; it's a piece of history, revered by musicians worldwide for its unparalleled sound and feel. Experience the legendary Fender craftsmanship that continues to inspire generations of musicians.

Key Features:

  • Authentic vintage-style C-shaped neck profile
  • Vintage-style single-coil pickups for classic Strat tone
  • Period-correct three-ply mint green pickguard
  • Vintage-style synchronized tremolo
  • Available with a 21-fret fingerboard

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model American Vintage '62 Stratocaster
Finish 3-Color Sunburst, Black, Dakota Red, Ice Blue Metallic, Inca Silver, Lake Placid Blue, Ocean Turquoise, Olympic White, Sherwood Green, Surf Green
Year 2000 - 2012
Made In United States
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Alder
Body Shape S-Style
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Tremolo Bridge
Color Family Black, Blue, Brown, Green, Red, Silver, White
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss, Metallic
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Fretboard Radius 7.25"
Model Family Fender Stratocaster
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 21
Number of Strings 6-String
Nut Width 1.65"
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 Fender 1962 American Vintage Reissue Stratocaster?

The Fender 1962 American Vintage Reissue Stratocaster features a "C" shaped neck profile, providing a comfortable and classic feel reminiscent of vintage Stratocasters, suitable for a wide range of playing styles.

What kind of tones can I expect from the pickups on the Fender 1962 American Vintage Reissue Stratocaster?

This Stratocaster is equipped with three single-coil pickups that deliver the iconic bright, bell-like tones typical of early 60s Stratocasters, making it ideal for genres like rock, blues, and surf music.

Is the Fender 1962 American Vintage Reissue Stratocaster suitable for beginners?

While this guitar offers vintage appeal and quality craftsmanship, its historical accuracy and price point may be better suited for experienced players or collectors rather than complete beginners.

What is the fretboard radius of the Fender 1962 American Vintage Reissue Stratocaster?

The fretboard radius is 7.25 inches, which is consistent with vintage Fender specifications, providing a more curved fingerboard ideal for chordal playing and vintage-style bends.

Does the Fender 1962 American Vintage Reissue Stratocaster come with a tremolo bridge?

Yes, it features a vintage-style synchronized tremolo bridge, allowing for expressive pitch modulation while maintaining tuning stability.

N Stuff Music

N Stuff Music

Fender American Vintage '62 Stratocaster

Video thumbnail for Fender American Vintage '62 Stratocaster by N Stuff Music

Fender American Vintage '62 Stratocaster

N Stuff Music

N Stuff Music

Video thumbnail for 59 vs 62 Fender American Vintage Reissue by Stratocaster_nerd

59 vs 62 Fender American Vintage Reissue

Stratocaster_nerd

Stratocaster_nerd

Video thumbnail for Fender American Vintage 62 vs Fender Custom Shop 60s Part 1 by ITTO

Fender American Vintage 62 vs Fender Custom Shop 60s Part 1

ITTO

ITTO

Video thumbnail for Cool Guitars: Fender American Vintage '62 Stratocaster in Ocean Turquoise Metallic - Alex Hamilton by Alex Hamilton

Cool Guitars: Fender American Vintage '62 Stratocaster in Ocean Turquoise Metallic - Alex Hamilton

Alex Hamilton

Alex Hamilton

Video thumbnail for Fender Stratocaster AVRI fiesta red presented by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg and Tobias Hoffmann by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Fender Stratocaster AVRI fiesta red presented by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg and Tobias Hoffmann

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Reviews

PROS

  • Authentic vintage Stratocaster tone with nitrocellulose finish and vintage specs

  • Substantial neck offers great sustain and playability

  • Feels and plays like a true 60s Stratocaster

  • High-quality American hardware that performs reliably

  • Pickups deliver excellent sound, especially in positions 4 and 5

  • Aesthetic appeal with a vintage look that resonates with enthusiasts

  • Considered better than many custom shop models by some users

  • Retains value well, making it a good investment

  • Comfortable and inspiring to play once set up correctly

  • Highly recommended by collectors and long-time players

CONS

  • Setup can be more challenging due to neck removal for truss rod adjustment

  • 7.25" radius may require a slightly higher action

  • Pickups may be slightly understated compared to a '64 Strat

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender 1962 American Vintage Reissue Stratocaster.

Setup and maintenance

  • Owners report significant fret buzz on the 8th fret E and A strings, suggesting a full setup might be necessary for optimal performance.

    Source

Build quality

  • Some guitars exhibit a slightly large neck pocket, potentially allowing neck misalignment, although this can be corrected with adjustment.

    Source
  • Minor quality control issues include occasional glue residue around the 17th fret and inconsistent fret sanding on some units.

    Source
  • The AVRI '62 from 1987 has a poly sealer undercoat, while the Custom Shop version is fully nitro-finished, affecting the guitar's resonance and aging.

    Source
  • Early 2000s models are reported to have a poly undercoat, which affects the aging process and relic appearance compared to models with a pure nitro finish.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The 7.25" fingerboard radius is highlighted for its comfort, particularly for thumb-over-the-neck playing styles.

    Source
  • Pickups in this model are hotter than those in the Custom Shop '69 Stratocaster, offering a distinct tonal character.

    Source
  • The Fender AVRI '62 is praised for its nitro finish, which, despite being fragile, enhances the guitar's aesthetic appeal and vintage vibe.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Custom Shop model features medium jumbo fret wire and a 9.5" radius, offering easier playability compared to the AVRI '62's smaller frets and 7.25" radius.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners suggest that the Custom Shop neck, which flattens towards higher frets, provides better playability for complex chording and single-note playing.

    Source
  • A 2008 model owner noted excellent relicing over time, with the finish developing character in a way that meets expectations for vintage enthusiasts.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Despite the higher price, the Custom Shop model is often preferred for its superior playability and finish quality, making it a worthwhile investment for frequent players.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Owners seeking to replicate John Frusciante's 1962 sunburst Stratocaster sound find the AVRI '62 suitable, despite the presence of a poly undercoat.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 7 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how John Norum uses Fender 1962 American Vintage Reissue Stratocaster

John Norum

Guitarist

Europe

...
Verified via Photo

"This is one of the greatest sounding Strats I ever played! It's a reissue from 1983, it used to belong to Gary Moore and it's an amazing guitar! Gary used this guitar in the "Emerald Aisles - Live in Ireland" VHS and on the live album "We want Moore!". And it hasn't been back "home" in Ireland after they filmed the legendary show "Emerald Aisles" in 1984 (at the Ulster Hall in Belfast, Gary's home town) until I had the honor to bring it there when Europe played at that same theatre in 2015. It was such a great feeling to play the same guitar as Gary played at the same venue 30 years earlier! I've had this guitar for 20 years now and it's been on many albums since 1995, but mainly on my solo album "Another Destination": this is the guitar I used on one of my favorite instumental songs "Shimmering Highs" and also in the video "Strange Days" for that album. And it was also my main guitar on the US Dokken tour in 1997 and the guys in Dokken were totally blown away how good it sounded! When I met Gary a few years ago (before he tragically passed away), he signed the guitar for me on the back of the headstock, as you can see in the pic. Thank you Gary for all the great music! RIP"

See how Theo Katzman uses Fender 1962 American Vintage Reissue Stratocaster

Theo Katzman

Singer, Guitarist

Vulfpeck

...
Verified via Photo

Theo Katzman is confirmed to use a Fender 1962 American Vintage Reissue Stratocaster, as referenced in the Wong Notes podcast where he mentions this guitar. Additionally, an Instagram post by Theo Katzman shows him playing this instrument during the Whale Rock Music & Arts Festival on September 13, 2024. In the same post, it is noted that he utilizes a Suhr back plate to mitigate interference from the pickups. The photo credit goes to @laurenlindleyphoto.

See how Michael "Mick" Taylor uses Fender 1962 American Vintage Reissue Stratocaster

Michael "Mick" Taylor

Singer, Guitarist

That Pedal Show Band

...
Verified via YouTube

Mick says, "This is a Fender American Vintage '62 Stratocaster from about the year 2000."

"Bought this guitar used, but it was only just slightly used. It was pretty much new, from Charlie Chandler's Guitar Experience down there in Hampton Wick." ( https://www.guitarexperience.co.uk/ )

"I just picked it up that day in the shop, and I..." strums guitar once "... and I bought it there and then. And that was that. And, since then, it's just become my main guitar."

Album Usage

The Fender 1962 American Vintage Reissue Stratocaster has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

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

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