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$1001+

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Description

Step back in time with the Fender American Vintage '65, a masterful recreation of Fender's iconic mid-60s design. This solid body electric guitar is crafted for players who appreciate the classic vibe yet demand contemporary sound quality. The C-shaped neck profile captures the essence of the '60s, providing comfort and familiarity to your playing experience. Meanwhile, the American Vintage pickups are painstakingly engineered to deliver the warm, articulate tones of the era, ensuring each strum resonates with authenticity.

The meticulous attention to detail extends to its aesthetic, where period-correct appointments echo the unmistakable style that defined a generation of music. A round-lam rosewood fingerboard enhances both the look and feel, offering a smooth playing surface that complements the guitar's rich tonal palette. Whether you're diving into surf rock or exploring new sonic landscapes, this guitar is your ticket to a sound that's both timeless and exhilaratingly fresh.

With its blend of nostalgia and performance, the American Vintage '65 is more than just an instrument; it's a tribute to a legendary past, ready to inspire the next wave of musical innovation.

Key Features:

  • C-shaped neck profile reminiscent of the '60s
  • American Vintage pickups for authentic mid-60s tones
  • Period-correct appointments for a classic aesthetic
  • Round-lam rosewood fingerboard for smooth playability

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model American Vintage '65 Jazzmaster
Finish 3-Color Sunburst, Aztec Gold, Olympic White
Year 2013 - 2017
Made In United States
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Alder
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Tremolo Tailpiece
Color Family Brown, Gold, White
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss, Metallic
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Fretboard Radius 7.25"
Model Family Fender Jazzmaster
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 21
Number of Strings 6-String
Nut Width 1.65"
Offset Body Offset Body
Pickup Configuration SS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 25.5"
Series Fender American Vintage
Wood Top Style Plain

FAQs

What kind of music is the Fender American Vintage 1965 Stratocaster best suited for?

The Fender American Vintage 1965 Stratocaster is renowned for its versatility, making it well-suited for genres like rock, blues, jazz, and pop. Its classic single-coil pickups offer a bright, clear tone that excels in both clean and overdriven settings.

What is the neck profile like on the Fender American Vintage 1965 Stratocaster?

The neck of the Fender American Vintage 1965 Stratocaster features a mid-'60s "C" shape, providing a comfortable feel for most players. This neck profile is ideal for those who prefer a vintage-style grip that facilitates smooth chord transitions and lead playing.

Are the pickups on the Fender American Vintage 1965 Stratocaster suitable for high-gain distortion?

The vintage-style single-coil pickups on the Fender American Vintage 1965 Stratocaster are designed for classic tones and may produce some noise under high-gain settings. For players seeking high-gain distortion, using a noise gate or considering hum-cancelling pickups might be beneficial.

Does the Fender American Vintage 1965 Stratocaster come with a case?

Yes, the Fender American Vintage 1965 Stratocaster typically comes with a vintage-style hard-shell case, providing excellent protection for the guitar during transport and storage.

How does the tremolo system on the Fender American Vintage 1965 Stratocaster perform?

The Fender American Vintage 1965 Stratocaster features a vintage-style synchronized tremolo system, offering smooth operation for subtle pitch modulation. It's designed to maintain tuning stability while allowing for expressive playing techniques.

Fender

Fender

Fender American Vintage 1965 Stratocaster Demo | Fender

Video thumbnail for Fender American Vintage 1965 Stratocaster Demo | Fender by Fender

Fender American Vintage 1965 Stratocaster Demo | Fender

Fender

Fender

Video thumbnail for Fender Limited Edition American Vintage 65 Stratocaster | N Stuff Music Product Review by N Stuff Music

Fender Limited Edition American Vintage 65 Stratocaster | N Stuff Music Product Review

N Stuff Music

N Stuff Music

Video thumbnail for Quick Riffs: Fender American Vintage 65 Stratocaster by Swee Lee

Quick Riffs: Fender American Vintage 65 Stratocaster

Swee Lee

Swee Lee

Video thumbnail for Fender American Vintage 65 Stratocaster - Effect On Line by Effect On Line

Fender American Vintage 65 Stratocaster - Effect On Line

Effect On Line

Effect On Line

Video thumbnail for FENDER STRATOCASTER AMERICAN VINTAGE 1965 OLYMPIC WHITE by Ludovic Duffez

FENDER STRATOCASTER AMERICAN VINTAGE 1965 OLYMPIC WHITE

Ludovic Duffez

Ludovic Duffez

Reviews

PROS

  • Authentic mid-60s sound with true vintage specs

  • Superb sustain, not typical for Fender offsets

  • Smooth pickups with exceptional tone clarity

  • Comfortable neck with a substantial feel

  • Accurate vintage recreation with impressive attention to detail

  • Nitro finish and bound neck enhance vintage feel

  • Versatile tones suitable for various genres

  • Classic Jazzmaster sound with beautiful Olympic White finish

  • Balances well and fits comfortably when seated

  • Floating bridge and tighter radius offer a unique playing experience

CONS

  • Requires higher action due to 7.25" neck radius and small frets

  • Lacks modern features like a push-in vibrato arm and locking tuners

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender American Vintage 1965 Stratocaster.

Build quality

  • The Fender American Vintage '65 uses a poly base sealer with nitro lacquer, which is more durable than past finishes that were prone to chipping.

    Source
  • Some owners report that the nitro finish used during the 2012-2017 period tends to wear more gracefully than the finishes on other models, giving it a vintage aesthetic over time.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The '65 Strat features a neck profile that is thicker than the '61 model but maintains a comfortable playability for most users.

    Source

User experience

  • Some owners have observed that the finish can start cracking just from adjustments like neck removal, indicating a delicate nature.

    Source
  • Feedback from past users indicates that the AVRI II pickups were particularly well-received for their quality and sound.

    Source
  • Owners from the 2012-2017 era highlight the aesthetic appeal of the sunburst finish, noting its striking appearance compared to other color options.

    Source
  • One user expected more wear after six years of use, suggesting the durability and resilience of the finish during regular play.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The American Original line offers a 'thin skin' lacquer that feels more fragile compared to the AVRI II's thicker, more robust finish.

    Source
  • The 2012-2017 American Vintage models are often compared to the current AVII line, with the former praised for its pure nitro thin-skin finish that ages beautifully.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

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rhargrave1966

Brilliant guitar

The color of this guitar cannot be transcribed onto a computer screen, the first time I saw this on the internet, I Thought the color wasn't amazing, but I can assure when you see the real guitar, you'll love the color Olympic White, it's almost sea green on the American Vintage 65, the sound is amazing and I love the Soft C shape neck.

jimmarchi1

They artificially age the clear coat on the Olympic AVRIs to simulate the way the dupont duco would tint from exposure to sunlight and cigarette smoke back in the day, turning some white fenders of the era yellow, brown or green. I am pretty sure they just add some dye into the clear coat just like they tint the 52RI teles to be butterscotch even though they were white-blonde when new in 1952.

I assure you that if you bought a white 65 strat new at Manny's Music that year the Olympic White was much whiter. They actually actually pull this stunt on all different colored reissues, not just white and blonde guitars, though its least subtle on the light colors. I don't really get it though. If they are using the right 60s paint then time will do the work for you. If you want a relic, buy a relic (even though its lame), a reissue oughta be as close to the original as it would have been at the store in 1965 as possible. That's what makes it a reissue.

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