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Average Price: $2,051

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$1001+

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Description

Experience the seamless fusion of vintage charm and modern innovation with the Fender American Vintage Hot Rod '57 Stratocaster. Crafted for musicians who appreciate the timeless allure of a classic Strat while craving the performance upgrades of today's guitar technology, this instrument is a true masterpiece. The soft V neck profile offers unparalleled comfort and playability, making it perfect for both intricate solos and powerful rhythm sections. Equipped with a DiMarzio Tone Zone bridge pickup, it delivers a punchy, high-output sound that is both dynamic and versatile.

This guitar is not just about looks and feel; it's about delivering a sound that inspires. The combination of vintage-style appointments with hot-rodded features ensures that you can effortlessly switch between genres, from blues to rock, and everything in between. Whether you're jamming in your bedroom or performing on stage, the Fender American Vintage Hot Rod '57 Stratocaster is your ticket to a superior sonic experience.

Key Features:

  • Soft V neck profile for enhanced playability
  • DiMarzio Tone Zone bridge pickup for powerful sound
  • Modern upgrades on a classic design
  • Versatile tone suited for various music styles
  • High-quality construction for durability and reliability

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model Vintage Hot Rod '57 Stratocaster
Finish 2-Color Sunburst, Black, Candy Apple Red
Year 2007 - 2013
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 Black, Brown, Red
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss, Metallic
Fretboard Material Maple
Fretboard Radius 9.5"
Frets Medium Jumbo
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

What kind of tones can I expect from the Fender American Vintage Hot Rod '57 Stratocaster pickups?

The Fender American Vintage Hot Rod '57 Stratocaster features a single-coil pickup configuration that delivers classic, bright, and clear Stratocaster tones, perfect for genres like rock, blues, and surf. The pickups provide a vintage sound with a modern edge, making it versatile for various musical styles.

Is the Fender American Vintage Hot Rod '57 Stratocaster suitable for advanced players?

Yes, the Fender American Vintage Hot Rod '57 Stratocaster is well-suited for advanced players. Its combination of vintage aesthetics and modern playability, such as the 9.5" fretboard radius and medium jumbo frets, offers enhanced comfort and precision for complex playing styles.

What is the neck profile of the Fender American Vintage Hot Rod '57 Stratocaster?

The neck of the Fender American Vintage Hot Rod '57 Stratocaster features a soft V profile, providing a comfortable grip that is especially favored by players who use their thumb over the top of the neck for chordal work.

How does the Fender American Vintage Hot Rod '57 Stratocaster handle live performances?

The Fender American Vintage Hot Rod '57 Stratocaster is designed for live performance with its durable construction, reliable tuning stability, and the iconic Stratocaster sound that cuts through the mix, making it a great choice for gigging musicians.

What is the body material of the Fender American Vintage Hot Rod '57 Stratocaster, and how does it affect the sound?

The body of the Fender American Vintage Hot Rod '57 Stratocaster is made from ash, which contributes to its bright, resonant tone with pronounced midrange and clear highs, ideal for achieving a classic Strat sound.

Lucas Sgreccia

Lucas Sgreccia

Fender American Vintage Stratocaster Hot Rod 57 - Lucas Sgreccia

Video thumbnail for Fender American Vintage Stratocaster Hot Rod 57 - Lucas Sgreccia by Lucas Sgreccia

Fender American Vintage Stratocaster Hot Rod 57 - Lucas Sgreccia

Lucas Sgreccia

Lucas Sgreccia

Video thumbnail for Fender American Vintage Hot Rod '57 Stratocaster | @ams.guitar by ams.guitar

Fender American Vintage Hot Rod '57 Stratocaster | @ams.guitar

ams.guitar

ams.guitar

Reviews

PROS

  • Lightweight design makes it comfortable for extended play

  • Creamy, buttery smooth maple neck enhances playability

  • Unique pickup configuration offers versatile sound options

  • DiMarzio Tone Zone bridge pickup delivers powerful growl with minimal noise

  • Exceptional sustain for prolonged notes

  • Classy 2-tone sunburst finish with white pickguard

  • Plays well right out of the box, requiring minimal setup

  • Factory custom setup appeals to many players' preferences

  • Considered a great value in the used guitar market

CONS

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 57 Stratocaster.

Build quality

  • Some owners highlight concerns about the aggressive relicing, describing it as looking artificially worn with tool-like marks, affecting both aesthetic appeal and perceived authenticity.

    Source
  • It's noted that the "thin skin" nitro finish, despite having a poly base, can eventually wear off, showing natural aging characteristics similar to pre-CBS models.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Issues reported with significant fret wear near the nut, potentially necessitating a full fret level and setup to avoid high action and buzzing.

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Comparisons

  • Some users prefer the three-way toggle switch on original 1950s Strats for its distinct tonal characteristics, unlike the five-way switch found on reissues.

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  • Owners compare the aging and wear of the American Vintage Hot Rod series to both pre-CBS Strats and modern Fender models, noting differences in finish thickness and wear patterns.

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  • The neck on the 62 Hot Rod Strat is less bulky compared to the 'baseball bat' neck on a 58 Les Paul reissue, offering comfort to players who prefer substantial necks.

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Mods and upgrades

  • An owner suggests replacing stock pickups with King Tone Bluebirds, noting improved tone after modification.

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  • Users consider swapping the body with an MJT body to achieve more authentic aging and wear patterns similar to vintage Fender models.

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User experience

  • The American Vintage series, including the 57 Stratocaster, is praised for exceptional playability and faithful recreation of vintage models, despite the specific relicing critiques.

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  • Some owners observed that Olympic white finishes tend to yellow over time, developing a yellowish cream color with age.

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  • Despite concerns, the thick neck of the 62 Hot Rod Strat is reported as comfortable, not as overwhelmingly large as some descriptions suggest.

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Features and functionality

  • The "thin skin" finish is a marketing term by Fender, indicating a nitrocellulose lacquer that wears over time, but includes a poly base coat unlike older models.

    Source
  • The 62 Hot Rod Strat features a 'thick C' shaped neck, which is favored by players who prefer a robust feel similar to PRS McCarty 594s.

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  • The pickups on the 62 Hot Rod Strat are vintage 57s, not the commonly believed 57/62 set, offering low output suitable for clean tones and light overdrive.

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  • The middle pickup on the 62 Hot Rod Strat is not RWRP, affecting the 'quack' sound when combined with other pickups, which some players inquire about for tonal variety.

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Critic Reviews

Fender Vintage Hot Rod '57 Stratocaster review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

Fender's American Vintage Hot Rod '57 Stratocaster is a pleasing blend of classic aesthetics and modern playability. Its upgraded neck design enhances comfort without sacrificing vintage charm, while the railed DiMarzio Tone Zone humbucker brings a punchy edge perfect for hard rock. However, the unique look of the pickup might not appeal to everyone. Despite minor drawbacks like some friction in the satin finish, this guitar delivers a rich tone and smooth playability, making it a stellar choice for rock enthusiasts.

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