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Fender American Vintage '57 Stratocaster (1998-2012)

Fender American Vintage '57 Stratocaster (1998-2012)

$1,449.00 Price Tier: High-end

5.0 (5)

1 Review

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

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Fender American Original '50s Stratocaster

$1,750.00 - $2,099.99

5.0 (6)

Find out who is using Fender American Vintage '57 Stratocaster (1998-2012)

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Page last updated Jul 01, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated July 1, 2026.

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5.0 (11)

$1,449.00 29 available Used

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Average Price: $1,449

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Solid Body Electric Guitars category, Fender American Vintage '57 Stratocaster (1998-2012) is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

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High-end

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Description

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Step into a time capsule with the Fender American Vintage '57 Stratocaster, a faithful homage to the iconic 1957 Strat. Crafted to mirror the golden era of rock and roll, this piece isn't just an instrument—it's a slice of musical history. With its vintage-style tremolo and period-accurate hardware, it promises both a nostalgic journey and a top-tier playing experience. Ideal for the purists and those who appreciate the finer details, the '57 Stratocaster embodies the essence of a revolutionary period in music with unparalleled authenticity.

Key Features:

Vintage-style tremolo for authentic whammy bar effects
Period-accurate hardware, capturing the essence of the 1957 Stratocaster
Faithful recreation of the maple-neck era, offering a smooth playability
Crafted using specifications of the original 1957 Stratocaster for unmatched authenticity

Product specs

Brand	Fender
Model	American Vintage '57 Stratocaster
Finish	2-Color Sunburst, Black, Candy Apple Red, Dakota Red, Ice Blue Metallic, Inca Silver, Ocean Turquoise, Surf Green, White Blonde
Year	1998 - 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	Maple
Fretboard Radius	7.25"
Frets	Medium Jumbo
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 American Vintage '57 Stratocaster?: The neck profile of the Fender American Vintage '57 Stratocaster is a soft "V" shape, which is comfortable for both chord playing and soloing, reminiscent of the original 1957 Stratocaster design.
What kind of tones can I expect from the pickups on the Fender American Vintage '57 Stratocaster?: The Fender American Vintage '57 Stratocaster features single-coil pickups that deliver classic Stratocaster tones, characterized by bright, crisp highs and articulate mids, perfect for rock, blues, and jazz.
Is the Fender American Vintage '57 Stratocaster suitable for beginners?: While the Fender American Vintage '57 Stratocaster is a high-quality instrument with vintage specifications, it might be better suited for intermediate to advanced players due to its vintage-style frets and radius.
Does the Fender American Vintage '57 Stratocaster come with a case?: Yes, the Fender American Vintage '57 Stratocaster typically includes a vintage-style case, providing protection and a classic aesthetic for transport and storage.
What is the fretboard radius on the Fender American Vintage '57 Stratocaster, and how does it affect playability?: The fretboard radius is 7.25", which is relatively round, offering a more vintage feel and making it comfortable for chord playing, though some players may find it less suited for modern bending techniques.

Reviews

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PROS

Authentic vintage Strat tones with versatile pickup configuration
Comfortable neck shape that suits various playing styles
High-quality craftsmanship with a lovely finish
Offers distinct glassy, bell-like, and twangy tones
Excellent playability with 7.5" neck radius for smooth bending
Strong unplugged sound, comparable to high-end hollow body guitars
Ideal for a wide range of genres: rock, blues, jazz, and country
Classic Fender sound with a nostalgic vibe
Well-suited for collectors and vintage enthusiasts

CONS

High price point compared to similar quality models
Some may find the pickups not hot enough for certain styles
Not a true identical reproduction of vintage models
Thick poly finish seen as unattractive by some players

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender American Vintage '57 Stratocaster (1998-2012).

Comparisons

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The AVRI '57 is often compared to Japanese models for its neck and headstock preference, suggesting a personal taste rather than a definitive quality advantage.
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Value and pricing

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Japanese guitars from the 80s are noted to hold their value well, making the MIJ ST-62 a potentially better investment for $700 compared to the AVRI.
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Mods and upgrades

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Owners might consider replacing the stock pickups on the MIJ ST-62, with costs around $200, indicating a common mod for improved sound quality.
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User experience

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Players describe the neck of the ST-62 crafted in Japan as particularly comfortable, reinforcing its appeal for those prioritizing playability.
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Owners report the nitro finish on the neck cracks and yellows over time, contributing to a vintage look.
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The AVRI '57 from 2007 shows significant wear, with dings and spots where nitro is missing, suggesting susceptibility to aging under certain conditions.
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Build quality

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The thick poly finish beneath the nitro can make chips reveal a clear poly coat, affecting the relic effect.
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Features and functionality

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The heavy body and thick paint are noted, which may influence the guitar's feel and sound.
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Use cases and applications

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Some owners find that treating the guitar roughly accelerates the road-worn aesthetic, appealing to those seeking a vintage appearance.
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5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 5 Ratings

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rodrigo_ogando

200

about 3 years ago

Great, almost a classic, buy a used one

Once again, Fender selling the same thing over and over again, its brilliant in a marketing perspective. This is considered a modern classic, and if you look at every 'new' model out there, the difference its in the average quality control every one of them have. This is marketed as an identical reproduction of a vintage instrument, which is not completely true, but its a very fine made guitar. Ive tried many guitars, and mine´s pretty good. Heres my piece of advise: i would never recomend anybody to buy a custom shop guitar, instead, if you like these particular model or anything in this league, go for a japanese 50's style fender- Its very likely for you to find the same quality for less money, and if you do, you can fix the un-ageable thick plastic poly inish and let your instrument to grow old with style, which is also the problem on these avri 57's. Always buy used, they will sound better.

Roles:

Singer Guitarist Keyboardist

Genres:

Rock Pop Psychedelic pop