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Average Price: $1,450

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$1001+

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Description

Step back in time and capture the essence of an era with the Fender American Vintage '62 Stratocaster. This electric guitar is your ticket to the golden age of rock and roll, meticulously crafted to bring the iconic 1962 Stratocaster design to life. Every detail has been painstakingly reproduced, from the vintage-style tremolo system to the classic C-shaped neck profile, ensuring an authentic playing experience that resonates with the spirit of the '60s.

The alder body provides a resonant and balanced tone, perfect for a wide range of genres, while the trio of American Vintage '62 single-coil pickups delivers the signature, bell-like Strat sound. Whether you're looking to channel the raw energy of early rock legends or explore new sonic territories, this Stratocaster offers the versatility and expressive potential you need.

With its attention to historical accuracy, this guitar not only pays homage to its heritage but also stands as a testament to Fender's enduring legacy of quality craftsmanship. Immerse yourself in the nostalgia and let the Fender American Vintage '62 Stratocaster be your muse.

Key Features:

  • Alder body with a nitrocellulose lacquer finish
  • Maple neck with a classic C-shaped profile
  • Rosewood fingerboard with 21 vintage-style frets
  • Vintage-style synchronized tremolo bridge
  • Three American Vintage '62 single-coil Strat pickups
  • 5-position blade pickup selector switch

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model American Vintage '62 Stratocaster
Finish 3-Color Sunburst, Black, Dakota Red, Ice Blue Metallic, Inca Silver, Lake Placid Blue, Ocean Turquoise, Olympic White, Sherwood Green, Surf Green
Year 2000 - 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 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 1.65"
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 '62 Stratocaster?

The Fender American Vintage '62 Stratocaster features a C-shaped neck profile, which is comfortable and familiar for most players, providing an authentic vintage feel that is ideal for both chordal and lead playing.

How does the Fender American Vintage '62 Stratocaster perform for different music genres?

This Stratocaster is versatile, with its American Vintage pickups delivering classic Strat tones that are well-suited for rock, blues, and surf music, offering both bright, crisp highs and warm, full-bodied lows.

What kind of tremolo system does the Fender American Vintage '62 Stratocaster have?

The guitar is equipped with an original synchronized tremolo system, which includes an ashtray cover, allowing for smooth vibrato effects while maintaining the vintage aesthetic.

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

While this guitar offers high-quality construction and vintage features that appeal to experienced players, its playability and classic design can also be appreciated by dedicated beginners willing to invest in a premium instrument.

What are the standout features of the Fender American Vintage '62 Stratocaster's pickups?

The guitar features American Vintage pickups, known for their ability to reproduce the classic, bell-like tones of early 1960s Stratocasters, with excellent clarity and dynamic response across all three positions.

Does the Fender American Vintage '62 Stratocaster come with a 5-way switch?

The guitar includes a 3-way switch for pickup selection, but retrofit parts for a 5-way switch are provided, allowing players to achieve additional tonal options if desired.

James Argyle

James Argyle

Fender Stratocaster '62 American Vintage Reissue 2003 - AVRI USA

Video thumbnail for Fender Stratocaster '62 American Vintage Reissue 2003 - AVRI USA by James Argyle

Fender Stratocaster '62 American Vintage Reissue 2003 - AVRI USA

James Argyle

James Argyle

Video thumbnail for Fender American Vintage 62 Stratocaster - Demo by MartinMoyan0

Fender American Vintage 62 Stratocaster - Demo

MartinMoyan0

MartinMoyan0

Video thumbnail for 2002 Fender 1962 American Vintage Stratocaster by GregsGuitars

2002 Fender 1962 American Vintage Stratocaster

GregsGuitars

GregsGuitars

Video thumbnail for 1999 Fender '62 American Vintage Stratocaster (Sherwood Green) by GregsGuitars

1999 Fender '62 American Vintage Stratocaster (Sherwood Green)

GregsGuitars

GregsGuitars

Reviews

PROS

  • Authentic 60's Stratocaster feel and sound

  • Nitrocellulose finish adds to vintage appeal

  • Pickups deliver excellent, classic Strat tones

  • High-quality American-made hardware

  • Great sustain and tone due to substantial neck

  • Accurate vintage specifications, such as 12th fret dot spacing

  • Holds value well over time

  • Comparable to high-end custom shop models

  • Inspiring playability and comfortable neck

  • Positions 4 and 5 pickups sound magical

CONS

  • Setup is more complex due to vintage truss rod adjustment

  • Requires slightly higher action for optimal playability

  • Large neck may not suit players with smaller hands

Owner Insights

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

Build quality

  • The American Vintage '62 Stratocaster has a nitrocellulose lacquer top coat with a poly undercoat, impacting the relic process.

    Source
  • Some early models have a neck pocket that allows the neck to sit slightly out of alignment, which can be adjusted but is noted by reviewers.

    Source
  • A minor quality control issue reported includes a tiny bit of glue on a fret, with other units showing better finishing.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Owners interested in emulating John Frusciante's 1962 sunburst Stratocaster find this model suitable for achieving a similar relic look.

    Source

User experience

  • A 2008 model owner reports it has relic'd well and plays exceptionally, appealing to fans of specific artists like Frusciante.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Owners mention fret buzz at the 8th fret on E and A strings, suggesting a full setup might be needed for optimal playability.

    Source
  • The neck on some units may have a backbow, potentially needing truss rod adjustment for better action.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The 7.25" fingerboard radius is praised for facilitating a thumb-over style, ideal for Hendrix or Frusciante techniques.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Pickups on this model are noted to be hotter than Custom Shop '69s, providing a distinctive sound profile.

    Source

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Zac Brown uses Fender American Vintage '62 Stratocaster

Zac Brown

Singer, Guitarist

Zac Brown Band

...
Verified via Chicago Music Exchange
Color/Finish: Sunburst Year: 1982

This instrument belongs to Zac Brown of Zac Brown Band and is now available to you through a partnership with Chicago Music Exchange.

See how Ejima Harushi uses Fender American Vintage '62 Stratocaster

Ejima Harushi

Guitarist

Polkadot Stingray

...
Verified via ギター・マガジンWEB|Guitar magazine

This guitar is mentioned in this article. It's a sunburst strat with a mint pickguard. You can tell it's a 1962 model, since the pickguard screw is in the pre-'63 position.

See how Masaru Teramae uses Fender American Vintage '62 Stratocaster

Masaru Teramae

Guitarist, Bassist

Demetori

...
Verified via Photo

His main guitar before the Tom Anderson.

See how mcbaise uses Fender American Vintage '62 Stratocaster

mcbaise

Guitarist, Bassist

...
Verified via YouTube

In a YouTube Short by mc bess titled "bit of writing for the new album," mcbaise is seen playing a Fender American Vintage '62 Stratocaster in Olympic White, identifiable by its Rosewood fingerboard and Spaghetti logo.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Fender American Vintage '62 Stratocaster, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

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raystephen

raystephen

Gear IQ 417

giovanni_valente

giovanni_valente

Gear IQ 279

giovanni_valente

giovanni_valente

Gear IQ 279

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