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Average Price: $1,699
High-end/Boutique
$400
$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
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What is the neck profile of the Fender American Vintage '59 Stratocaster?
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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.
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What type of pickups does the Fender American Vintage '59 Stratocaster have?
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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.
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Is the Fender American Vintage '59 Stratocaster suitable for beginners?
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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.
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What kind of tremolo system does the Fender American Vintage '59 Stratocaster use?
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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.
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How does the fretboard radius of the Fender American Vintage '59 Stratocaster affect playability?
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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.
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Fender American Vintage '59 Stratocaster
Reviews
PROS
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Exceptional vintage specs and authentic tone reminiscent of 1950s Stratocasters
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Thinner D-shaped neck offers comfortable playability for various hand sizes
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Vibrant, well-blended three-tone sunburst and other authentic color options
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Lower output vintage pickups deliver clear, classic Strat sounds with versatility
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Excellent build quality using original manufacturing techniques from the 1950s
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High resale value due to vintage accuracy and demand
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Stays in tune remarkably well, even with extensive play
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Smooth playability with vintage profile frets enhancing the classic feel
CONS
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Plastic knobs feel inexpensive compared to overall build quality
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Heavier than some custom shop models, though not excessively so
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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
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Regular neck adjustments are necessary to prevent buzzing and dead notes, requiring neck removal every six months.
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User experience
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The Sonic Blue finish fades to a greener hue over time, especially in areas of frequent contact.
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The guitar's vintage 7 1/4” radius board is praised for exceptional feel and playability.
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Owners highlight the AV series' build quality as comparable to custom shop guitars, emphasizing their desirability over the American Original line.
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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.
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Comparisons
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Owners note this model feels comparable in quality to Fender Custom Shop guitars, but at a lower price point.
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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.
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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.
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Build quality
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The clay dots on the rosewood neck become less pronounced with years of playing.
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Features and functionality
Value and pricing
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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.
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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.
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Use cases and applications
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The AV '59 is favored by players seeking an authentic 1959 Strat experience, down to the precise specifications and finish unique to that year.
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Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 14 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
Misha can also be seen playing this guitar 2 minutes into this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFoDIDEdMzw&t=120s
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.
"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.
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)
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.
Community setups
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