Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $1,669
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
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Description
Step back into the heart of the '60s with the Fender American Original '60s Stratocaster in its classic 3-tone Sunburst. This guitar isn't just a tribute to a golden era of music - it's a portal back to a time when the Strat began to shape the sounds of a generation. With updates that blend seamlessly with its vintage soul, this Stratocaster is more than a musical instrument; it's a piece of history that vibrates with modern playability and timeless sound.
Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the American Original '60s Strat features the authentic touch of Pure Vintage '65 single-coil Stratocaster pickups, ensuring each note you play is imbued with the crisp, articulate tone that made its forebearers legendary. The transition to a rosewood fingerboard adds a warm, smooth layer to the Strat's signature sound, while the mint green pickguard offers a nod to its historic aesthetic evolution. The blend of original era body radii with contemporary enhancements like the thick '60s C neck profile and a 9.5"-radius fingerboard, ensures a playing experience that honors its roots while catering to modern demands. Whether you're a collector, a professional musician, or somewhere in between, the American Original '60s Stratocaster stands as a testament to Fender's enduring legacy and the transformative power of music.
Key Features:
- Pure Vintage '65 single-coil Stratocaster pickups for authentic '60s tone
- Rosewood fingerboard and mint green pickguard reflecting historic aesthetic changes
- Thick '60s C neck profile paired with a 9.5"-radius fingerboard for enhanced playability
- Vintage-tall frets, original-era body radii, and vintage-style hardware for a genuine feel
- Includes a vintage-style hardshell case and features a lacquer finish for natural wood resonance and distinct aging
Product specs
| Brand | Fender |
| Model | American Original '60s Stratocaster |
| Finish | 3-Color Sunburst, Candy Apple Red, Olympic White, Shell Pink |
| Year | 2018 - 2022 |
| 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 | Brown, Pink, Red, White |
| Finish Pattern | Sunburst |
| Finish Style | Gloss, Metallic |
| Fretboard Material | Rosewood |
| Fretboard Radius | 9.5" |
| 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 Original |
FAQs
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What kind of neck profile does the Fender American Original '60s Stratocaster have?
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The Fender American Original '60s Stratocaster features a "Mid '60s C" neck profile, offering a comfortable feel reminiscent of vintage Stratocasters, ideal for both chord playing and lead work.
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Are the pickups on the Fender American Original '60s Stratocaster suitable for classic rock tones?
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Yes, the Stratocaster is equipped with Pure Vintage '65 Gray-Bottom single-coil pickups, which deliver clear, articulate tones perfect for classic rock and blues.
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Does the Fender American Original '60s Stratocaster come with a tremolo bridge?
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Yes, this Stratocaster model includes a vintage-style synchronized tremolo bridge, allowing for smooth pitch modulation and classic vibrato effects.
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Is the Fender American Original '60s Stratocaster suitable for beginners?
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While the guitar offers high-quality features and vintage appeal, it may be more suitable for intermediate to advanced players due to its price and vintage specifications.
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What is the fretboard radius on the Fender American Original '60s Stratocaster?
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The fretboard radius is 9.5 inches, providing a balance between comfort for chord playing and ease for bending notes during solos.
Videos
Sweetwater
Fender American Original '60s Stratocaster Review
Reviews
PROS
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Authentic vintage style with modern playability enhancements like the 9.5" radius
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High-quality USA hardware and electronics comparable to higher-end Strats
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Excellent fretwork and comfortable neck profile for smooth playing
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Resonant unplugged sound with iconic Strat tones
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Stunning nitro finish reminiscent of classic cars
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Provides custom shop-like appointments under $2K
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Warm tone with a satisfying blend of spankiness and clarity
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Great value for the price with a classic look
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Perfect Strat tone without the Custom Shop price tag
CONS
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High E string can fall off due to wide string spacing
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Fretboard side markers too small, hard to see on stage
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Some find the '65 pickups too 'tinny' and may prefer alternatives
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Neck shape might not suit everyone's taste, particularly those used to C or D profiles
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Typical Fender tremolo can be hit or miss for some players
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender American Original '60s Stratocaster.
Build quality
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Some owners found small gaps in the neck pocket but resolved these issues easily.
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The American Original features an all-nitro finish, which ages naturally and feels great against the skin during extended play.
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Owners note that the nitro finish on the arm rest can darken and wear naturally over time, indicating a characteristic of lacquer finishes.
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Comparisons
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Compared to Fender Custom Shop guitars, the American Original 60s Stratocaster is often seen as nearly equivalent in quality for a significantly lower price.
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The American Professional II includes a versatile switching system allowing neck/bridge combinations, which some players prefer over vintage specs.
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User experience
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Owners appreciate the beefy neck profile, which is surprisingly comfortable even for players with smaller hands.
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Owners report that the American Original's larger neck is advantageous for players who prefer wrapping their thumb around the low E string.
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The thick 'C' shape neck is preferred by players who find modern 'C' shapes too skinny, providing a substantial feel.
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Value and pricing
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The American Original line is rumored to be discontinued, potentially increasing demand and value for existing models.
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Use cases and applications
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This guitar's vintage specs make it suitable for players seeking a classic tone reminiscent of the 1960s Stratocasters.
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Mods and upgrades
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Some owners replace pickups with Lollar Blackface or Fralin models for enhanced tone, particularly favoring the neck and bridge pickup combinations.
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Features and functionality
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The American Original's vintage-spec low-output pickups deliver a unique tonal character, suitable for classic '60s Strat sounds.
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Setup and maintenance
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The nitro finish on the neck can feel sticky, but regular cleaning and using a dry sponge can mitigate this issue.
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Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 3 Reviews and 7 Ratings
154
Didn’t like it
Although the nitro lacquer and vintage styling was cool, didn’t enjoy the general feel and neck shape. Personally didn’t think the pickups were anything to write home about. Ended up selling this beauty.
Bought it because I wanted to know what a “high-end” guitar was like, definitely don’t regret it, seeing how small the difference to a lower end guitar is eliminated that never-ending itch for “better” gear.
Artist usage
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