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Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 2 stores. Prices updated .
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Reviews
Price
Average Price: $1,961
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Fender American Vintage '65 Stratocaster". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 7, 2026.
* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.
Description
Dive into the golden era of rock 'n' roll with the Fender American Vintage '65 Stratocaster, a masterpiece that bridges the gap between timeless sound and contemporary craftsmanship. This electric guitar isn't just a nod to the past; it's a meticulously crafted instrument that recreates the authentic vibe and tone of the '60s. With its '60s-voiced American Vintage pickups, it delivers a sound that's as relevant on today's stages as it was in the heyday of Stratocaster glory. The attention to detail is evident in every aspect, from the period-accurate fingerboard to the iconic U-shaped neck profile, making it a cherished piece for collectors and musicians alike.
Key Features:
- '60s-voiced American Vintage pickups for authentic, era-specific tone
- Period-accurate round-lam fingerboard and U-shaped neck profile for a classic feel
- Meticulous attention to detail in recreating the vintage Stratocaster experience
- Designed to bridge the gap between timeless sound and modern craftsmanship
Owner's manual
Fender American Vintage '65 Stratocaster User ManualProduct specs
| Brand | Fender |
| Model | American Vintage '65 Stratocaster |
| Finish | 3-Color Sunburst, Burgundy Mist Metallic, Dakota Red, Olympic White, Shoreline Gold |
| Year | 2013 - 2016 |
| 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, Gold, Red, 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 | 1.625" |
| 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 '65 Stratocaster?
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The Fender American Vintage '65 Stratocaster features a rounded C-shaped neck profile, providing a comfortable grip reminiscent of classic 1960s Stratocasters.
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Are the pickups on the Fender American Vintage '65 Stratocaster suitable for vintage tones?
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Yes, the pickups are vintage accurate and wound to period-correct specifications, delivering authentic 1960s Stratocaster tones ideal for classic rock, blues, and surf music.
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How does the 7.25" fretboard radius affect playability on the Fender American Vintage '65 Stratocaster?
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The 7.25" fretboard radius offers a vintage feel, making it particularly comfortable for chord playing and rhythm guitar, while still allowing for smooth lead work.
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Is the Fender American Vintage '65 Stratocaster suitable for beginners?
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While it is an excellent instrument, its vintage specs and price point make it more suitable for experienced players or collectors seeking an authentic vintage Stratocaster experience.
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What materials are used in the construction of the Fender American Vintage '65 Stratocaster?
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This guitar features an alder body, a maple neck with a bolt-on construction, and a rosewood fretboard, all contributing to its classic tone and playability.
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Does the Fender American Vintage '65 Stratocaster come with a case?
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Yes, the Fender American Vintage '65 Stratocaster includes a case, providing protection and easy transport for the instrument.
Videos
Fender
Fender American Vintage 1965 Stratocaster Demo | Fender
Fender American Vintage 1965 Stratocaster Demo | Fender
Fender
Fender American Vintage '65 Stratocaster
ProGuitarShopDemos
Aerosmith's Brad Whitford on his American Vintage '65 Strat | Fender
Fender
Fender Limited Edition American Vintage 65 Stratocaster | N Stuff Music Product Review
N Stuff Music
Fender American Vintage 65 Stratocaster - Effect On Line
Effect On Line
Reviews
PROS
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Nitrocellulose finish ages beautifully and provides a vintage appearance
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Pickups deliver a full, warm sound with distinct tonal positions
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Lightweight and well-balanced for comfortable playing, standing or sitting
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Chunky "C" neck offers a comfortable feel for larger hands
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Excellent build quality comparable to custom shop models
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Vintage radius neck allows for fast playing and comfortable chord transitions
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Hot pickups cut through a band mix easily
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Accurate vintage reissue with period-correct features
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Great value for quality, often compared favorably to more expensive models
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Ideal choice for both rhythm and lead playing styles
CONS
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Thin nitro finish can be easily chipped or scratched
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Vintage radius and frets may not suit those preferring modern setups for lead playing
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender American Vintage '65 Stratocaster.
Build quality
Features and functionality
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The '65 Strat is expected to maintain a nitro lacquer over poly undercoat, consistent with late 60s vintage specs.
Source
User experience
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Owners of earlier models noted that the nitro finish can react and chip easily, while the thicker poly base provides more durability.
Source -
Owners from this period appreciate the aesthetic appeal of the sunburst finish, describing it as a standout feature.
Source -
Despite expectations, the finish on the '65 Strat from this era holds up better than other models, such as the Jazzmaster, which tends to flake more readily.
Source
Comparisons
Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 5 Ratings
664
Forever my #1
My absolute favourite guitar I have ever owned or played. Bought it used in Toronto for $1200 CAD in 2019 after years of searching for the perfect Strat. The Olympic White nitrocellulose finish has aged beautifully, with vintage-seeming wear and checking.
My version is a 2012 "1st 46" variant, a limited run with special neck plates. I've also heard the wood was Custom Shop-inspected, though not sure if anyone can second this.
Preferred Settings + Usage:
Nothing beats position #4
Artist usage
Add artist
In this interview, Wayne Sermon mentions buying this guitar.
In this video from Fender, he discusses Fender guitars and this model in particular, American Vintage '65 Stratocaster.
You can see the guitar on his Site, just scroll a bit down.
"Happy to oblige, that night I hopped in my car with my vintage 1959 sunburst Les Paul, 1965 white Strat, and 1965 Rickenbacker 12 string and drove out to the studio. When I got there Ed invited me to hang out with him and Alex at the studio that night while they jammed and just let the tape roll, capturing one hellacious performance. I stayed and hung out with them that night, which turned out to be a special and momentous night that still stays with me today.
After a short break Ed tried out my ’59 Les Paul and ‘65 Strat, and we both commented on how much better Ed's homemade Strat sounded compared to my vintage guitars. Soundwise there was no comparison..."
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"Thanks @fenderguitar @matthewfarrar for my first new strat since 2001! 65 AVRI in Vintage yellow + always #matchingheadstock" - Nick on Instagram
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 '65 Stratocaster, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
Show yours
Similar
Add recommendation1 alternative for Fender American Vintage '65 Stratocaster, curated by the Equipboard community.
$1,149.00
Fender succeeded its long-running American Vintage series with the American Original series in 2018, switching from basing models off of specific years, in favour of capturing the general vibe of the guitars from each decade. In 2022, the American Original line was discontinued with the introduction of the American Vintage II line.
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