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Description

The Fender American Vintage '62 Hot Rod Stratocaster seamlessly marries the charm of vintage aesthetics with the firepower of modern innovation. Crafted for those who appreciate the iconic legacy of the Stratocaster, this guitar is more than just a nod to the past—it's a celebration of it. Sporting a comfortable "C"-shaped neck, it offers a delightful playing experience that feels as if it has been a part of your journey for years. The rosewood fingerboard and medium jumbo frets ensure smooth playability, making it an ideal choice for both seasoned players and newcomers alike.

But don't let its vintage allure fool you. Beneath its classic exterior lies a trio of American Vintage Strat single-coil pickups, designed to deliver a wide tonal spectrum that can effortlessly transition from shimmering cleans to gritty overdrive. The reverse wound/reverse polarity middle pickup adds a touch of modernity, offering hum-canceling capabilities and enhanced tonal versatility.

The Fender American Vintage '62 Hot Rod Stratocaster is not just an instrument; it’s a testament to the enduring spirit of rock 'n' roll. Whether on stage or in the studio, this guitar promises to be both a reliable companion and a source of inspiration, capturing the essence of what it means to be a musician.

Key Features:

  • Series: American Vintage Hot Rod Series
  • Body: Comfort contoured Alder
  • Neck: Maple, larger "C" shape, satin back
  • Fingerboard: Rosewood, 9.5" radius
  • Frets: 21 medium jumbo
  • Pickups: 3 American Vintage Strat single-coil pickups with reverse wound/reverse polarity middle pickup
  • Bridge: American Vintage Synchronized Tremolo
  • Controls: Master volume, tone 1 (neck pickup), tone 2 (bridge pickup)
  • Pickup switching: 5-Position Blade

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model Vintage Hot Rod '62 Stratocaster
Finish 3-Color Sunburst, Olympic White, Sherwood Green
Year 2007 - 2013
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, Green, 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 1.687"
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration SSS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 25.5"

FAQs

What is the neck profile of the Fender American Vintage '62 Hot Rod Stratocaster?

The Fender American Vintage '62 Hot Rod Stratocaster features a "C" shaped neck profile, providing a comfortable and familiar feel that suits a wide range of playing styles.

What kind of pickups are in the Fender American Vintage '62 Hot Rod Stratocaster?

This Stratocaster is equipped with three single-coil pickups, delivering the classic, bright, and articulate tones that are ideal for rock, blues, and pop genres.

Is the Fender American Vintage '62 Hot Rod Stratocaster suitable for beginners?

While beginners can certainly appreciate this guitar, its features and price point are typically more appealing to intermediate and advanced players seeking vintage-style sound and aesthetics.

What is the fretboard radius of the Fender American Vintage '62 Hot Rod Stratocaster?

The fretboard radius of this Stratocaster is 9.5", offering a balance between vintage feel and modern playability, making it comfortable for both chord playing and lead work.

Does the Fender American Vintage '62 Hot Rod Stratocaster have a tremolo bridge?

Yes, this guitar features a vintage-style tremolo bridge, allowing for expressive pitch modulation and classic vibrato effects.

Angela Petrilli Music

Angela Petrilli Music

Angela Petrilli at Norman's Rare Guitars (Fender American Vintage Hot Rod Stratocaster)

Video thumbnail for Angela Petrilli at Norman's Rare Guitars (Fender American Vintage Hot Rod Stratocaster) by Angela Petrilli Music

Angela Petrilli at Norman's Rare Guitars (Fender American Vintage Hot Rod Stratocaster)

Angela Petrilli Music

Angela Petrilli Music

Video thumbnail for Blues Rock No.3 - Fender American Vintage 62 Hot Rod Stratocaster by Rick G

Blues Rock No.3 - Fender American Vintage 62 Hot Rod Stratocaster

Rick G

Rick G

Video thumbnail for '07 Fender American Vintage Hot Rod ’62 Reissue Stratocaster | Review & Demo! by Guitar Chimp

'07 Fender American Vintage Hot Rod ’62 Reissue Stratocaster | Review & Demo!

Guitar Chimp

Guitar Chimp

Reviews

PROS

  • Chunky rosewood neck with a comfortable, flatter 9.5" radius

  • Vintage-style 57/62 pickups offer classic Strat tones with depth and sparkle

  • Thin nitro finish enhances resonance and allows the wood grain to show

  • Medium jumbo frets make bending and chording easier

  • High manufacturing quality with vintage tuners and mint green pickguard

  • Resonant acoustically, with a full and balanced tone when plugged in

  • Better playability than vintage specs, compared favorably to Custom Shop models

  • Sultry 3 Tone Sunburst finish is visually appealing

  • Versatile dynamic range despite low output pickups

CONS

  • Neck's satin finish may feel sticky until broken in

  • Some players find pickups underwhelming compared to Custom Shop 69 set

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender American Vintage '62 Hot Rod Stratocaster.

Build quality

  • The thin-skin nitro finish is noted to wear well over time, even with a possible poly undercoat, providing a desirable aged look after 17 years of play.

    Source
  • A 70th anniversary American Pro II Strat is noted for its flawless balance and perfect weight distribution, providing a noticeable quality difference during play.

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Features and functionality

  • The original 57/62 pickups, when set low, deliver a sweet sound, with no modifications needed for a satisfying tone.

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  • The American Deluxe V-Neck Strat from 2003 is praised for its exceptional sound and feel compared to dozens of other Strats tried during the purchasing process.

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Comparisons

  • Some players find this model superior to other Stratocasters, citing a near-perfect feel that other models lack.

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  • A user prefers their 1995 Japanese 57 Reissue Strat's neck over any new Fender Strat, highlighting the superior craftsmanship of older models.

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User experience

  • Owners appreciate the natural wear over time, considering it a true relic earned through years of playing, enhancing its character.

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Other

  • The nitro finish on this guitar is praised for its ability to quickly show a well-played look, contrasting with thicker lacquers that remain pristine longer.

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Setup and maintenance

  • A 2011 American Standard Strat reportedly has an unparalleled neck feel and action, maintaining sweet sound quality without any significant adjustments over years of play.

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Mods and upgrades

  • An owner upgraded a 1986 MIJ Contemporary Strat with Fender Lace Sensor pickups, specifically three blue models, enhancing its sound and playability significantly.

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  • A Fender Deluxe Player Stratocaster in Vintage Blonde featured a push button switch allowing for unique pickup combinations, including all three pickups simultaneously.

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Critic Reviews

Fender Vintage Hot Rod '62 Stratocaster review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Fender American Vintage '62 Hot Rod Stratocaster is a standout for those craving vintage aesthetics and modern playability. It shines with ace pickups, a flatter fingerboard, and larger frets, addressing common vintage Strat issues like sticky necks and thin frets. Hum-cancelling in-between settings are a boon for noise-free performance. However, the neck pocket isn't as perfect as the '57 model, and there's a noticeable weight difference, so trying before buying is advisable. Overall, it's a professional-grade instrument that delivers a quintessential Strat sound with a subtle modern twist.

positive

4.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 3 Ratings

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Genre Usage

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