Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $2,000

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

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Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Step back in time and capture the essence of a pivotal year in rock history with the Fender American Vintage '59 Stratocaster. Meticulously crafted to mirror the iconic 1959 model, this guitar is a tribute to the era when the Stratocaster began to cement its place in music history. With a slimmer D-shaped neck profile, it offers an authentic vintage feel, perfect for players seeking an effortless blend of comfort and style. This Stratocaster features period-accurate appointments such as a vintage-style tremolo and a headstock true to the '59 design, providing both aesthetic charm and unparalleled playability.

The tonal heart of this masterpiece lies in its trio of '56 single-coil pickups, offering pure vintage tones with a modern twist. Whether you're aiming for the crystalline highs or the warm, rounded lows, this guitar delivers it all with a grace that transcends decades. Available in a spectrum of stunning finishes, from 3-Tone Sunburst to Faded Sonic Blue, each guitar showcases the timeless beauty of its era. Embrace a piece of history and let your music resonate with the spirit of 1959.

Key Features:

  • Slimmer D-shaped neck profile for enhanced playability
  • Vintage-style tremolo for authentic performance
  • Trio of '56 single-coil pickups for versatile vintage tones
  • Available in multiple finishes including 3-Tone Sunburst, Sherwood Green Metallic, and Faded Sonic Blue
  • Slab Rosewood Fretboard on all models except select 3-Tone Sunburst versions with Maple Fretboard

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model American Vintage '59 Stratocaster
Finish 3-Color Sunburst, Aztec Gold, Black, Faded Sonic Blue, Olympic White, Sherwood Green Metallic
Year 2010s
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, Gold, Green, White
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss, Metallic
Fretboard Material Maple, 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 1.625"
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration SSS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 25.5"
Series Fender American Vintage

FAQs

What are the standout features of the Fender American Vintage '59 Stratocaster?

The Fender American Vintage '59 Stratocaster features an alder body, a 7.25" radius maple or rosewood fretboard, and a vintage-style tremolo bridge. Its SSS pickup configuration delivers classic Strat tones, making it ideal for a variety of music genres.

Is the Fender American Vintage '59 Stratocaster suitable for beginners?

While the Fender American Vintage '59 Stratocaster offers professional-grade features and vintage appeal, its playability and versatile sound also make it a great choice for dedicated beginners looking to invest in a quality instrument.

What kind of neck profile does the Fender American Vintage '59 Stratocaster have?

The Fender American Vintage '59 Stratocaster features a "C" shaped neck profile, which provides a comfortable grip and is well-suited for a wide range of playing styles.

What tones can I expect from the pickups on the Fender American Vintage '59 Stratocaster?

The Fender American Vintage '59 Stratocaster's single-coil pickups produce bright, clear tones with excellent articulation, perfect for classic rock, blues, and surf music.

How does the Fender American Vintage '59 Stratocaster differ from other Strat models?

The Fender American Vintage '59 Stratocaster is designed to replicate the specifications and sound of a 1959 Stratocaster, featuring period-correct hardware, finishes, and a vintage-style tremolo for an authentic vintage playing experience.

N Stuff Music

N Stuff Music

Fender American Vintage '59 Stratocaster

Video thumbnail for Fender American Vintage '59 Stratocaster by N Stuff Music

Fender American Vintage '59 Stratocaster

N Stuff Music

N Stuff Music

Video thumbnail for Fender American Vintage '59 and '65 Stratocasters by N Stuff Music

Fender American Vintage '59 and '65 Stratocasters

N Stuff Music

N Stuff Music

Video thumbnail for Fender American Vintage 59' Strats (Maple vs. Rosewood) by Andreas Diehlmann

Fender American Vintage 59' Strats (Maple vs. Rosewood)

Andreas Diehlmann

Andreas Diehlmann

Video thumbnail for 2012 Fender '59 American Vintage Stratocaster (sunburst) by GregsGuitars

2012 Fender '59 American Vintage Stratocaster (sunburst)

GregsGuitars

GregsGuitars

Reviews

PROS

  • Authentic vintage specs with original 50s tool and die recreation

  • Exceptional tone that handles distortion well, unlike the Fender '57

  • Thinner D-shaped neck for comfortable playability

  • High-quality vintage pickups with clarity in all settings

  • Beautiful, vibrant finishes with accurate era-correct colors

  • Lightweight at 7 lbs 6 oz, enhancing playability

  • High resale value for collectors

  • Smooth playability despite vintage profile frets

  • Original 59' lacquer and paint blends create an authentic vintage look

  • Reliable tuning stability with first-class components

CONS

  • Some may find the 7.25 radius takes time to adjust to

  • Plastic knobs feel inexpensive despite overall build quality

  • Heavier than some Custom Shop models, affecting comfort 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 Vintage '59 Stratocaster (Duplicate).

Build quality

  • Owners note that the neck thickness varies, with the AVRI ‘62 having thinner necks compared to the Original 60s, which is described as a baseball bat.

    Source
  • A few guitars had defective truss rods, with replacements provided by retailers like Sweetwater.

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  • The American Vintage II series has a nitro over poly finish, with the poly undercoat reportedly thicker than that on Custom Shop models.

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Setup and maintenance

  • The 7.25” radius on some models can lead to fretting out, requiring precise setup to avoid buzzing.

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  • A common setup practice is achieving low action at 1.4mm on the bass and 1.2mm on the treble side at the 12th fret.

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  • Owners recommend a full setup, including fret leveling, for optimal playability, enhancing the guitar to feel like a high-end instrument.

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Comparisons

  • The American Vintage series is compared to the American Ultra and Performer series, with all offering high quality but catering to different stylistic preferences.

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  • The American Vintage II is often compared to Custom Shop models for quality, with some owners stating the AVII achieves similar feel and sound.

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  • Despite similar finishes, the Custom Shop guitars have a thinner poly undercoat compared to the AVRI 2 series, affecting the relic process.

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Value and pricing

  • A user reported purchasing a '57 reissue for $550 at a pawnshop, indicating potential for good deals on second-hand models.

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  • AVRI 2 is considered the highest-end USA production line from Fender before reaching Custom Shop level, priced around $2,600 before tax.

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User experience

  • Many owners find the neck on the '61 Strat comfortable, noting it tapers in width and depth, suiting players with smaller hands.

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  • Some players prefer the 7.25" radius, finding it comfortable, especially for those with smaller hands, with bending issues mainly on the E strings.

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  • Some players report brighter-than-expected pickups, requiring adjustments to achieve desired tones.

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  • Some users report natural relicing on AVRI 2 guitars, noting chipping and discoloration over time, especially where the arm rests.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Owners have installed Custom Shop Texas Special pickups in AVRI 2 models for enhanced tone.

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 3 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
eddiepj10

Fantastic Guitar.

Was after something with the look of Mike Mccreadys 1959 no. 1 Strat. Got this and got it relic'd. Plays amazingly, sounds fantastic. Love it!

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Mike McCready uses Fender American Vintage '59 Stratocaster (Duplicate)

Mike McCready

Guitarist

Pearl Jam

...
Verified via YouTube

"It all started with the Strat because I was reading an article with Stevie Ray Vaughn a long time ago and the number 1959 stuck out to me for some reason. So I started searching those out as the band got more popular and I could actually afford one, and I found [this] one in Los Angeles. That is what introduced me to the whole world, the 1959s. My first '59 I got it because I had read somewhere an article with Stevie Ray Vaughn and he was into '59 Strats, and I was - was and still am - very much into his playing. Luckily I got to see Stevie four times when he was alive, in Seattle. He played at a crazy place in Everett. He played there, he played the Paramount and then the Gorge twice so I got to see him all four times... But that's why I got this guitar. I've used it on Even Flow consistently for years - over 10 years, 15 years probably. I've been mixing it up a little bit lately, but this one's the one I use mostly. I use this on 'Yellow Ledbetter', I use this I think for the Star Spangled Banner when I do it. I use it on a lot of stuff. It's one of my go-to guitars, though, for sure. For leads, it's really easy to play. And it's worn in and the neck is totally amazing. It's just trashed - in a good way! That's the beauty of it. That's what I love about it."

See how Álvaro Henriquez uses Fender American Vintage '59 Stratocaster (Duplicate)

Álvaro Henriquez

Singer, Guitarist

Los Tres

...
Verified via Photo

Álvaro Henriquez used the Fender American Vintage '59 Stratocaster (Duplicate) with Pettinellis and later with Los Tres during their 2006 reunion, as well as for the recording of his solo album, according to an interview in the newspaper "La Tercera."

See how Robert Quine uses Fender American Vintage '59 Stratocaster (Duplicate)

Robert Quine

Guitarist

Richard Hell & The Voidoids

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Verified via Robertquine

In 1961 he got his first Fender Stratocaster ­ the guitar he has been identified with for most of his career. His infatuation with the Strat was directly inspired by his idol, Ritchie Valens: "I saw the picture on the cover of his first album, and he had a Stratocaster. I didn't know what it was, but I knew I had to have one."

See how Rogers Stevens uses Fender American Vintage '59 Stratocaster (Duplicate)

Rogers Stevens

Guitarist

Blind Melon

...
Verified via Google

Rogers Stevens used the Fender American Vintage '59 Stratocaster during several concerts, as shown in images available on Google.

Album Usage

The Fender American Vintage '59 Stratocaster (Duplicate) has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

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Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Fender American Vintage '59 Stratocaster (Duplicate), it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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