Pricing and availability
Average Price: $1,395
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
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Description
Step back in time with a modern twist with the Fender American Vintage Hot Rod 50s Stratocaster. This electric guitar is a harmonious blend of vintage charm and contemporary enhancements, designed for the modern musician who cherishes the iconic Strat sound. At its heart, the S-1 switching system elevates your tonal palette, allowing for an unprecedented range of sonic possibilities. Whether you're chasing the smooth, melodic warmth of a '59 neck pickup or the fiery bite of a Texas Special bridge, this Stratocaster has you covered. Its compound-radius fretboard is a testament to playability, offering a seamless transition from rhythm to lead, making high-fret bends a breeze without fretting out.
The guitar doesn't just sound fantastic; it’s built to perform. Locking tuners and a robust D-shaped neck ensure stability and comfort, perfect for long sessions or electrifying stage performances. With the Fender American Vintage Hot Rod 50s Stratocaster, you’re not just playing an instrument; you're wielding a piece of history, reimagined for today's musical landscape.
Key Features:
- Three single-coil pickups: American Vintage '59 neck, '56 middle, and Texas Special bridge
- S-1 switching system for added tonal versatility
- Compound-radius fretboard (7.25"-12") for optimal playability
- Locking tuners for enhanced tuning stability
- D-shaped neck profile for a comfortable grip
- Includes a hard case for protection and portability
Product specs
| Brand | Fender |
| Model | Vintage Hot Rod '50s Stratocaster |
| Finish | 2-Color Sunburst, Fiesta Red |
| Year | 2014 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Solid Body Electric Guitars |
| Body Material | Ash |
| Body Shape | S-Style |
| Body Type | Solid Body |
| Bridge/Tailpiece Type | Tremolo Bridge |
| Color Family | Brown, Red |
| Finish Pattern | Sunburst |
| Finish Style | Gloss |
| Fretboard Material | Maple |
| Fretboard Radius | 12", 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" |
FAQs
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What is the neck profile of the Fender American Vintage Hot Rod 50s Stratocaster?
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The neck profile of the Fender American Vintage Hot Rod 50s Stratocaster is a soft "V" shape, which provides a comfortable grip for most players, making it ideal for both chord work and soloing.
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What type of pickups are on the Fender American Vintage Hot Rod 50s Stratocaster?
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This Stratocaster features a single-coil pickup configuration (SSS), delivering classic Fender tones suitable for a wide range of styles, from blues to rock.
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Is the Fender American Vintage Hot Rod 50s Stratocaster suitable for beginners?
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While the Fender American Vintage Hot Rod 50s Stratocaster offers high-quality features and vintage appeal, its price and specifications are more aligned with intermediate to advanced players seeking authentic vintage tones.
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What is the fretboard radius of the Fender American Vintage Hot Rod 50s Stratocaster?
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The fretboard radius is compound, starting at 7.25" and flattening out to 12", providing a balance of vintage feel and modern playability.
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Does the Fender American Vintage Hot Rod 50s Stratocaster come with a tremolo bridge?
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Yes, it features a tremolo bridge, allowing for expressive pitch modulation and classic Stratocaster vibrato effects.
Videos
Madrid Musical Malaga8
Fender American Vintage Stratocaster Hot Rod 50s - Demo Español
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender American Vintage Hot Rod 50s Stratocaster.
User experience
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Owners report that the Fiesta Red Strat's color can appear different shades depending on lighting, ranging from true red to a faded, coral-like hue.
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One owner expressed nostalgia and regret after trading a Fiesta Red MIM Strat, suggesting a lasting emotional connection and appeal of the color.
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It's noted that the neck is thick but not overwhelmingly so, offering comfort similar to a '58 reissue Les Paul but with less bulk.
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One user reports that the middle pickup does not have a hum-canceling RWRP design but still provides a strong "quack" sound when combined with the bridge pickup.
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Features and functionality
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It’s been noted that the rosewood board on the Fiesta Red Strat offers a distinct visual character, especially when paired with a mint pickguard, making it a popular choice.
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The Hot Rod '62 Strat is fitted with 57 pickups rather than the widely believed 57/62 set, according to Fender.
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The pickups in the Hot Rod '62 Strat are low output, enhancing clean tones and light overdrive, suitable for styles like classic rock or blues.
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Comparisons
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There is a notable preference for Fiesta Red over other red shades like Candy Apple Red, indicating a strong user bias toward this specific hue.
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The '61 Strat is praised for its neck, though some prefer the V-shaped neck of the '57 model for a more vintage feel.
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Owners describe the neck of the Hot Rod '62 as a thick C shape, which feels closer to a PRS McCarty 594 than a '58 Les Paul.
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Build quality
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The nitro finish has been noted to be thicker than expected, resembling poly in durability, suggesting it may not wear as authentically as older models.
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Value and pricing
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Despite price increases, the American Vintage series is still considered relatively affordable compared to Gibson's offerings.
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Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
Artist usage
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In this photo, you can see John Squire using a Fender American Vintage Hot Rod 50s Stratocaster in Fiesta Red. He uses this guitar on the new tour with Liam Gallagher in 2024. 
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
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