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Average Price: $1,699

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$1001+

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Description

Step into the golden era of electric guitar craftsmanship with the Fender American Vintage '59 Stratocaster. This meticulously crafted instrument is a tribute to the legendary 1959 Stratocaster, embodying the spirit and sound that defined a generation. With its authentic '59 specs, this guitar features a slimmer D-shaped neck profile that offers comfort and playability, making it a favorite for both vintage aficionados and modern players alike.

The '59 Stratocaster comes equipped with three '56 single-coil pickups, delivering that classic, bell-like tone that has become synonymous with the Fender name. Its period-accurate headstock and vintage-style tremolo not only pay homage to its storied past but also provide the reliability and performance expected by today's musicians. Whether you're strumming soulful blues or ripping into a rock solo, the American Vintage '59 Stratocaster is your gateway to timeless sound and style.

The guitar is available in a range of stunning finishes, including 3-Tone Sunburst, Sherwood Green Metallic, Faded Sonic Blue, Black, and limited runs of Aztec Gold and Olympic White. Each piece features a Slab Rosewood Fretboard, except the 3-Tone Sunburst variant, which offers a choice between Rosewood and Maple Fretboards. This attention to detail ensures that every player can find a model that suits their aesthetic preferences and playing style.

Key Features:

  • Authentic '59 specs with a slimmer D-shaped neck profile
  • Three '56 single-coil pickups for classic Fender tone
  • Vintage-style tremolo and period-accurate headstock
  • Available in multiple finishes, including 3-Tone Sunburst and limited edition colors
  • Fretboard options: Slab Rosewood or Maple (for 3-Tone Sunburst only)

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 is the neck profile of the Fender American Vintage '59 Stratocaster?

The Fender American Vintage '59 Stratocaster features a "C"-shaped neck profile, which is designed to provide a comfortable grip and smooth playability, reminiscent of the original 1959 Stratocaster models.

What type of pickups does the Fender American Vintage '59 Stratocaster have?

This guitar is equipped with three American Vintage '59 single-coil Strat pickups, delivering the classic, bright, and articulate tones that are ideal for a variety of music genres, including rock, blues, and pop.

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

While the Fender American Vintage '59 Stratocaster offers high-quality craftsmanship and authentic vintage tones, it is generally more suited for intermediate to advanced players who appreciate its historical significance and tonal versatility.

What kind of tremolo system does the Fender American Vintage '59 Stratocaster use?

The guitar features a vintage-style synchronized tremolo bridge, which allows for smooth pitch modulation and classic vibrato effects, staying true to the original design of the late '50s Stratocasters.

How does the fretboard radius of the Fender American Vintage '59 Stratocaster affect playability?

The 7.25-inch fretboard radius of the Fender American Vintage '59 Stratocaster is designed to provide a vintage feel, offering comfortable chord playing and a classic aesthetic, though it may require a lighter touch for modern bending techniques.

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 Stratocaster in Sonic Blue Demo | PMTVUK by PMTVUK

Fender American Vintage '59 Stratocaster in Sonic Blue Demo | PMTVUK

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PMTVUK

Video thumbnail for Fender - American Vintage '59 Stratocaster Demo at GAK by GAK

Fender - American Vintage '59 Stratocaster Demo at GAK

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GAK

Video thumbnail for Fender American Vintage '59 Stratocaster 3TSB by 楽器.me

Fender American Vintage '59 Stratocaster 3TSB

楽器.me

楽器.me

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional vintage specs and authentic tone reminiscent of 1950s Stratocasters

  • Thinner D-shaped neck offers comfortable playability for various hand sizes

  • Vibrant, well-blended three-tone sunburst and other authentic color options

  • Lower output vintage pickups deliver clear, classic Strat sounds with versatility

  • Excellent build quality using original manufacturing techniques from the 1950s

  • High resale value due to vintage accuracy and demand

  • Stays in tune remarkably well, even with extensive play

  • Smooth playability with vintage profile frets enhancing the classic feel

CONS

  • Plastic knobs feel inexpensive compared to overall build quality

  • Heavier than some custom shop models, though not excessively so

  • 7.25 radius may take time for some players to acclimate to

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 Electric Guitar.

Setup and maintenance

  • Regular neck adjustments are necessary to prevent buzzing and dead notes, requiring neck removal every six months.

    Source

User experience

  • The Sonic Blue finish fades to a greener hue over time, especially in areas of frequent contact.

    Source
  • The guitar's vintage 7 1/4” radius board is praised for exceptional feel and playability.

    Source
  • Owners highlight the AV series' build quality as comparable to custom shop guitars, emphasizing their desirability over the American Original line.

    Source
  • Some owners prefer the rosewood fretboard for its aesthetic and rarity, while others lean toward the maple neck for its availability and replaceability at a lower cost.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Owners note this model feels comparable in quality to Fender Custom Shop guitars, but at a lower price point.

    Source
  • The Wildwood Thin Skin Strats are noted for having a 9.5” radius, making them less period-correct compared to the AV series' 7.25” radius.

    Source
  • The '59 model's Suhr v63 pickups are praised, but some prefer the original '59 pickups for authenticity, emphasizing the importance of personal preference in tonal qualities.

    Source

Build quality

  • The clay dots on the rosewood neck become less pronounced with years of playing.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The 2012-2017 AV series is praised for its thin nitro finish without a poly undercoat, which is only available in custom shop models now.

    Source
  • Brazilian rosewood, known for its rarity and desirable darker hue, adds unique value to the '61 model, making it more attractive to collectors.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The AV series from 2012-2017 is highly sought after, maintaining prices close to their original MSRP of $2850, particularly in unique colors like Sonic Blue.

    Source
  • A 2015 American Vintage '59 Strat with swapped pickups was priced at $1800, while a stock '61 Strat was $1600, highlighting a cost difference influenced by originality and modifications.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The AV '59 is favored by players seeking an authentic 1959 Strat experience, down to the precise specifications and finish unique to that year.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Despite modifications, some users suggest focusing on the guitar's inherent qualities over pickup swaps, as pickups can be customized later to fit personal preferences.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Fender American Vintage '59 Stratocaster review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Fender American Vintage '59 Stratocaster is hailed as the most authentic vintage-style Stratocaster available, offering superb tones, exceptional build quality, and great value for money. Its elegant design and nitrocellulose finish enhance its vintage appeal and tonal quality. The '59's slimmer neck and rolled fingerboard edges deliver a comfortable playing experience reminiscent of classic guitars. However, the vintage-style radius and small frets may cause issues with bigger bends, posing a playability compromise for modern players. Despite minor concerns about its durability, this Stratocaster is a must-have for vintage guitar enthusiasts seeking an authentic experience.

positive

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 14 Ratings

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alexkaralis75

First guitar - gear

I've a 92 classic 60 strat custom, with woodoo pickups and american vintage neck.... my best guitar, the colour is lake placid blue

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Misha Mansoor uses Fender American Vintage '59 Stratocaster Electric Guitar

Misha Mansoor

Guitarist, Drummer

Periphery

...
Verified via YouTube

Misha can also be seen playing this guitar 2 minutes into this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFoDIDEdMzw&t=120s

See how Alex Kapranos uses Fender American Vintage '59 Stratocaster Electric Guitar

Alex Kapranos

Singer, Guitarist

Franz Ferdinand

...
Verified via Photo

In an Instagram photo posted by Franz Ferdinand, Alex Kapranos looks to be playing a green/blue-ish colored Fender Strat. It looks a lot like a Fender American Vintage '59 Stratocaster in Sherwood Green, however that particular guitar has a rosewood fingerboard, and Alex's guitar clearly has a maple fingerboard.

See how Mike Campbell uses Fender American Vintage '59 Stratocaster Electric Guitar

Mike Campbell

Guitarist

Fleetwood Mac

...
Verified via YouTube

"Sherwood green Strat. This is for 'You Wreck Me,' which is tuned up to F, half step up," explains Mike Campbell's guitar tech about the Fender American Vintage '59 Stratocaster Electric Guitar in Sherwood Green.

See how Robert Ackroyd uses Fender American Vintage '59 Stratocaster Electric Guitar

Robert Ackroyd

Guitarist

Florence and the Machine

...
Verified via Instagram

In this photo, Robert Ackroyd's Fender American Vintage 59 Stratocaster in Aztec Gold finish can be seen. He captions the photo "Au." (Au is the symbol for Gold)

See how Colin James uses Fender American Vintage '59 Stratocaster Electric Guitar

Colin James

Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

A Fender Stratocaster 3 color sunburst body, rosewood fretboard is used by Colin on the "Voodoo Thing" video from 1988.

See how Matt Perrin uses Fender American Vintage '59 Stratocaster Electric Guitar

Matt Perrin

Guitarist

AngelMaker

...
Verified via Photo

In this post Matt shows off his Fender American Vintage 59 strar. Matt states he bought this guitar from the store he worked at. his Strat is in a sherwood metallic green finish

Genre Usage

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Used With

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

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david_j_reed

david_j_reed

Gear IQ 72

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