Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 4 stores. Prices updated .

Amazon
5.0 (4)
$1,649.95 Used
Reverb
5.0 (40)
$1,149.00 25 available Used
zZounds
5.0 (1)
$2,099.99
Thomann
$1,777.00

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

What kind of neck profile does the Fender American Original '60s Stratocaster have?

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.

Are the pickups on the Fender American Original '60s Stratocaster suitable for classic rock tones?

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.

Does the Fender American Original '60s Stratocaster come with a tremolo bridge?

Yes, this Stratocaster model includes a vintage-style synchronized tremolo bridge, allowing for smooth pitch modulation and classic vibrato effects.

Is the Fender American Original '60s Stratocaster suitable for beginners?

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.

What is the fretboard radius on the Fender American Original '60s Stratocaster?

The fretboard radius is 9.5 inches, providing a balance between comfort for chord playing and ease for bending notes during solos.

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Fender American Original '60s Stratocaster Review

Video thumbnail for Fender American Original '60s Stratocaster Review by Sweetwater

Fender American Original '60s Stratocaster Review

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Video thumbnail for Fender American Original Series 60's Stratocaster (2018) by intheblues

Fender American Original Series 60's Stratocaster (2018)

intheblues

intheblues

Video thumbnail for Fender American Original '60s Stratocaster by Guitar Center

Fender American Original '60s Stratocaster

Guitar Center

Guitar Center

Video thumbnail for Fender American Original '60s Strat, 3-Tone Sunburst | Gear4music Demo by Gear4music Guitars

Fender American Original '60s Strat, 3-Tone Sunburst | Gear4music Demo

Gear4music Guitars

Gear4music Guitars

Video thumbnail for Fender American Original '60s Stratocaster - Review & Demo by PMTVUK

Fender American Original '60s Stratocaster - Review & Demo

PMTVUK

PMTVUK

Video thumbnail for Fender American Original '60s Stratocaster Full Demo by Alamo Music Center

Fender American Original '60s Stratocaster Full Demo

Alamo Music Center

Alamo Music Center

Video thumbnail for Fender USA / American Original 60s Stratocaster 3 Color Sunburst【イシバシ楽器梅田店】 by 1484tv イシバシ楽器公式

Fender USA / American Original 60s Stratocaster 3 Color Sunburst【イシバシ楽器梅田店】

1484tv イシバシ楽器公式

1484tv イシバシ楽器公式

Video thumbnail for Fender American Original 60s Stratocaster - Sound Demo (no talking) by Guitar Bonedo

Fender American Original 60s Stratocaster - Sound Demo (no talking)

Guitar Bonedo

Guitar Bonedo

Video thumbnail for Snacks 074: American Original '60's Stratocaster, 3 Color Sunburst by Russo Music

Snacks 074: American Original '60's Stratocaster, 3 Color Sunburst

Russo Music

Russo Music

Reviews

PROS

  • Authentic vintage style with modern playability enhancements like the 9.5" radius

  • High-quality USA hardware and electronics comparable to higher-end Strats

  • Excellent fretwork and comfortable neck profile for smooth playing

  • Resonant unplugged sound with iconic Strat tones

  • Stunning nitro finish reminiscent of classic cars

  • Provides custom shop-like appointments under $2K

  • Warm tone with a satisfying blend of spankiness and clarity

  • Great value for the price with a classic look

  • Perfect Strat tone without the Custom Shop price tag

CONS

  • High E string can fall off due to wide string spacing

  • Fretboard side markers too small, hard to see on stage

  • Some find the '65 pickups too 'tinny' and may prefer alternatives

  • Neck shape might not suit everyone's taste, particularly those used to C or D profiles

  • 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

  • Some owners found small gaps in the neck pocket but resolved these issues easily.

    Source
  • The American Original features an all-nitro finish, which ages naturally and feels great against the skin during extended play.

    Source
  • Owners note that the nitro finish on the arm rest can darken and wear naturally over time, indicating a characteristic of lacquer finishes.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Compared to Fender Custom Shop guitars, the American Original 60s Stratocaster is often seen as nearly equivalent in quality for a significantly lower price.

    Source
  • The American Professional II includes a versatile switching system allowing neck/bridge combinations, which some players prefer over vintage specs.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners appreciate the beefy neck profile, which is surprisingly comfortable even for players with smaller hands.

    Source
  • Owners report that the American Original's larger neck is advantageous for players who prefer wrapping their thumb around the low E string.

    Source
  • The thick 'C' shape neck is preferred by players who find modern 'C' shapes too skinny, providing a substantial feel.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The American Original line is rumored to be discontinued, potentially increasing demand and value for existing models.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • This guitar's vintage specs make it suitable for players seeking a classic tone reminiscent of the 1960s Stratocasters.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Some owners replace pickups with Lollar Blackface or Fralin models for enhanced tone, particularly favoring the neck and bridge pickup combinations.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The American Original's vintage-spec low-output pickups deliver a unique tonal character, suitable for classic '60s Strat sounds.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The nitro finish on the neck can feel sticky, but regular cleaning and using a dry sponge can mitigate this issue.

    Source

Other

  • The sunburst American Original '60s Stratocaster is highlighted as a favorite among owners who have played various Custom Shop models, reflecting high satisfaction.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Fender American Original '60s Stratocaster review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Fender American Original '60s Stratocaster in 3-tone Sunburst is a superb nod to vintage design, offering a great neck shape and versatile sound. While its weight might be a tad hefty for some, it remains a comfortable and well-crafted instrument. Priced between the American Professional and American Vintage series, it balances vintage inspiration with modern practicalities. A standout for those yearning for a vintage-spec Fender without the relic finish.

positive
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4.5 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 7 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
daniel_kreger

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.

skylinerr

Amazing

Great sounding guitar love the vintage style, I bought a bridge cover for it too now that was a waste of £16 but it does look snazzy.

Genres:
gl4th

The best Strat tone you can have

The best Strat tone you can have without reaching the Custom Shop price tag.

Artist usage

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A

Aston Arnott

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Instagram

In an Instagram post, Aston Arnott is pictured with the Fender American Original '60s Stratocaster in 3-tone Sunburst.

Genre Usage

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Community setups

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rfmbass

rfmbass

Gear IQ 383

1 alternative for Fender American Original '60s Stratocaster, curated by the Equipboard community.

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$791.99

cheaper alternative

I think it captures the same vibe at a better price point.

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Gear Guides

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    Gear IQ 51