Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
$2,299.99
Guitar Center
$2,299.99
Amazon
$2,419.99
Reverb
$2,203.58 New
$1,860.80 Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (2)
$2,299.99
Thomann
5.0 (2)
$2,222.00 $2,199.00 $23.00 · All time low

Average Price: $2,226

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Fender American Vintage II 1961 Stratocaster Left-handed Electric Guitar". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Capture the essence of a musical era with the Fender American Vintage II 1961 Stratocaster Left-handed Electric Guitar in 3-tone Sunburst. This masterpiece not only pays homage to the golden age of surf rock but also delivers on the promise of time-honored Fender craftsmanship. Designed for those who appreciate precision, this guitar features a trio of Pure Vintage '61 single-coil Strat pickups, ensuring each note you play is imbued with the clarity and richness that has defined Stratocaster sound for decades.

With its authentic "C" neck profile, playing the American Vintage II feels like a journey back in time, offering unparalleled comfort and playability. Whether you're a left-handed virtuoso seeking that perfect Stratocaster experience or a collector looking for a piece of music history, this guitar will not disappoint. The delicate balance of alder, maple, and rosewood used in its construction not only contributes to its mesmerizing tone but also to its durability and aesthetic appeal. Topped with a premium gloss nitrocellulose lacquer finish, this guitar stands out with its classic 3-tone Sunburst, capturing the spirit and style of the early '60s.

Key Features:

  • Pure Vintage '61 Single Coil Strat pickups offer a rich spectrum of classic sounds.
  • Authentic 1961 “C”-shape neck profile for maximum maneuverability and comfort.
  • Constructed from alder, maple, and rosewood for a vintage build with added stability.
  • Nickel and chrome hardware, emulating the coveted guitar appointments of the past.
  • Vintage synchronized tremolo with bent steel saddles for generating warm guitar waves.
  • Standard 5-position pickup switch, dual tone knobs, and a single volume control for fine-tuning your sound.
  • Pure Vintage Single Line “Fender Deluxe” tuning machines for stable intonation and a stellar look.
  • Premium gloss nitrocellulose lacquer finish, presenting a renowned Strat shine.
Fender

Fender

Exploring the American Vintage II 1961 Stratocaster | American Vintage II | Fender

Video thumbnail for Exploring the American Vintage II 1961 Stratocaster | American Vintage II | Fender by Fender

Exploring the American Vintage II 1961 Stratocaster | American Vintage II | Fender

Fender

Fender

Video thumbnail for Fender American Vintage II 1961 Stratocaster.  Is this Fender's finest Strat? by pearlandGUITARIST

Fender American Vintage II 1961 Stratocaster. Is this Fender's finest Strat?

pearlandGUITARIST

pearlandGUITARIST

Video thumbnail for Guitar Talk - Fender American Vintage II 61 Stratocaster 2022 Review by Guitar Talk

Guitar Talk - Fender American Vintage II 61 Stratocaster 2022 Review

Guitar Talk

Guitar Talk

Reviews

PROS

  • Faithful to the original 1961 Stratocaster design and details

  • Perfect tuning stability and comfortable playability

  • Neck feels delightful for extended play sessions

  • Custom pickups deliver spectacular, full-bodied sound

  • High-quality craftsmanship akin to Fender Custom Shop models

CONS

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender American Vintage II 1961 Stratocaster Left-handed Electric Guitar.

Build quality

  • Some cases are disappointing, not securing the guitar well, but Fender is responsive with replacements.

    Source
  • One owner noted a tightly fit neck pocket, reducing likelihood of needing neck alignment adjustments, contributing to better playability.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Owners report factory setup with perfect action, relief, and pickup height; fretwork is highly praised.

    Source
  • A user reported action set at approximately 1.4mm on the bass side and 1.2mm on the treble side at the 12th fret after a professional setup.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Vintage-style pickups offer a unique chime and classic bell tone, distinct from Fender's Pure Vintage line.

    Source
  • The 7.25" radius allows easy bends without choking out, contrary to some myths; middle strings can bend 1.5 steps without issue.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Owners consider it comparable to Fender Custom Shop quality but at half the price, with vintage accuracy.

    Source
  • Compared to American Original series, the neck of the AVII is slightly narrower, making it more suitable for players with smaller hands.

    Source

User experience

  • A notable lightweight model is 7lb 2oz, though weights vary significantly, with lighter wood often reserved for Custom Shop.

    Source
  • Some owners find the neck slightly narrower and more comfortable for smaller hands compared to American Originals, enhancing playability.

    Source
  • Owners report that the AVII's thick poly finish may not relic naturally like earlier models but will age better than all-poly coats.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Ideal for players seeking a vintage 60s sound, particularly for Hendrix and SRV styles.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Fender American Vintage II ’61 Stratocaster and ’51 Telecaster review | Guitar World

guitarworld.com

Fender's American Vintage II 1961 Stratocaster Left-Handed Electric Guitar is a masterclass in craftsmanship and vintage authenticity. It delivers stunning sound clarity and playability, with a flawless construction that will please any discerning guitarist. The 7.25-inch radius and vintage tall frets provide comfort, while the tonal versatility across its five-way switch is impressive. However, some may find the lack of compensated saddles a slight drawback, suggesting a small extra investment for optimal performance. Overall, this Stratocaster is a fantastic homage to its historic roots, making it a solid choice for players seeking classic vibes with modern reliability.

positive

Fender American Vintage II 1951 Telecaster and 1961 Stratocaster review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

Fender's American Vintage II 1961 Stratocaster impresses with its authentic build quality and classic tones, making it a compelling choice for players seeking vintage vibes without the hefty price tag of Custom Shop models. The guitar showcases superb craftsmanship and a nostalgic feel, staying true to original specs. However, its understated design may not attract those looking for standout features, and the lack of a left-handed option may limit accessibility for some musicians. Overall, it’s a remarkable homage to the past that resonates with modern players.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

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Artist usage

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See how Courtney Barnett uses Fender American Vintage II 1961 Stratocaster Left-handed Electric Guitar

Courtney Barnett

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video titled "Courtney Barnett | Fender Sessions | Fender," Courtney Barnett is observed playing a Fender American Vintage II 1961 Stratocaster Left-handed Electric Guitar at the 2:31 mark, as detailed in the video description by Fender.

See how LANA uses Fender American Vintage II 1961 Stratocaster Left-handed Electric Guitar

LANA

Singer, Rapper

...
Verified via Photo
Color/Finish: Fiesta Red Year: 2021

the picture clearly shows a left-facing headstock and can in certain terms be identified as a not-flipped image because the Fender logo is the right way round. The pickgaurd in the user’s image can be believed to be the yellowed off-white, but the lighting is too bad to tell for certain. Searching the website yielded this. other notes (year) were stolen from the other guy’s submission.

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