Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 8 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (2)
$2,679.99
Guitar Center
5.0 (2)
$2,679.99
Fender
$2,679.99
Amazon
5.0 (1)
$2,679.99
Reverb
4.0 (5)
$2,279.99 New
$625.00 Used
Musician's Friend
$2,679.99
zZounds
$2,679.99
Thomann
5.0 (2)
$1,899.00

Average Price: $2,320

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 6 merchants for "Fender American Vintage II 1973 Stratocaster Electric Guitar". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 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

Step into the realm of classic rock and timeless tones with the Fender American Vintage II 1973 Stratocaster Electric Guitar. A tribute to an iconic era, this guitar is meticulously crafted, echoing the design and soul that made its original counterpart a legend. With its round-lam rosewood fingerboard and a trio of Pure Vintage '73 staggered pole pickups, it delivers a sound that’s as authentic as its inspiration. The large headstock, adorned with dual string trees and a convenient "Bullet" style truss rod nut, not only adds to its vintage charm but also enhances its functionality. The three-bolt neck plate with Micro-Tilt mechanism ensures precise neck alignment, while the C-shaped maple neck offers unparalleled playability.

The Stratocaster’s ash body, paired with classic finishes, evokes the spirit of the '70s music scene, bringing you closer to the tones that defined a generation. Its synchronized tremolo with bent steel saddles and cold-rolled steel block allows for expressive play without sacrificing tuning stability. Whether you're a collector seeking authenticity or a musician desiring vintage tone and feel, the Fender American Vintage II 1973 Stratocaster is a masterpiece that bridges the gap between past and present.

Key Features:

  • Ash body and maple neck with round-lam rosewood fingerboard for a classic feel and sound
  • Equipped with three Pure Vintage '73 staggered pole pickups for authentic Stratocaster tones
  • Large headstock with dual string trees and "Bullet" style truss rod nut
  • Three-bolt neck plate with Micro-Tilt adjustment for precise neck alignment
  • C-shaped neck profile and 7.25" radius fingerboard for comfortable playability
  • Vintage-style "F" stamped tuners and synchronized tremolo with bent steel saddles
  • Comes with a vintage-style black case with an orange interior for protection and style

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model American Vintage II '73 Stratocaster with Maple Fretboard, American Vintage II '73 Stratocaster with Rosewood Fretboard
Finish Aged Natural, Lake Placid Blue, Mocha
Year 2022 - 2025
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 Blue, Brown, Natural
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Maple, 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
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration SSS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 25.5"
Series Fender American Vintage II
Wood Top Style Opaque, Plain

FAQs

What is the neck profile of the Fender American Vintage II 1973 Stratocaster?

The Fender American Vintage II 1973 Stratocaster features a period-correct "C" neck profile, which offers a comfortable grip and vintage feel, ideal for players who appreciate a classic Stratocaster experience.

What type of pickups does the Fender American Vintage II 1973 Stratocaster have?

This Stratocaster is equipped with three Pure Vintage '73 single-coil Strat pickups, which deliver authentic vintage tones, perfect for classic rock, blues, and other genres that benefit from a bright, articulate sound.

Is the Fender American Vintage II 1973 Stratocaster suitable for beginners?

While this guitar offers high-quality craftsmanship and vintage features, it might be better suited for intermediate to advanced players who can fully appreciate its historical significance and nuanced tones.

Does the Fender American Vintage II 1973 Stratocaster have a tremolo system?

Yes, it features a vintage-style synchronized tremolo bridge, allowing for classic vibrato effects and enhancing the guitar's expressive capabilities.

What is the fretboard radius of the Fender American Vintage II 1973 Stratocaster?

The fretboard has a 7.25" radius, providing a traditional feel that is comfortable for chord playing and vintage-style lead work.

Fender

Fender

Exploring the American Vintage II 1973 Stratocaster | American Vintage II | Fender

Video thumbnail for Exploring the American Vintage II 1973 Stratocaster | American Vintage II | Fender by Fender

Exploring the American Vintage II 1973 Stratocaster | American Vintage II | Fender

Fender

Fender

Video thumbnail for No Talking...Just Tones | Fender American Vintage II 1973 Stratocaster | Aged Natural by Peach Guitars

No Talking...Just Tones | Fender American Vintage II 1973 Stratocaster | Aged Natural

Peach Guitars

Peach Guitars

Video thumbnail for TONE CHECK: Fender American Vintage II 1973 Stratocaster Demo by Cream City Music

TONE CHECK: Fender American Vintage II 1973 Stratocaster Demo

Cream City Music

Cream City Music

Video thumbnail for No Talking...Just Tones | Fender American Vintage II 1973 Stratocaster | Mocha by Peach Guitars

No Talking...Just Tones | Fender American Vintage II 1973 Stratocaster | Mocha

Peach Guitars

Peach Guitars

Video thumbnail for Fender American Vintage II 1973 Stratocaster by N Stuff Music

Fender American Vintage II 1973 Stratocaster

N Stuff Music

N Stuff Music

Video thumbnail for Fender American Vintage ii 1973 Stratocaster - First Impressions and Review. NOT Love at First Sight by Nick Handley Creative

Fender American Vintage ii 1973 Stratocaster - First Impressions and Review. NOT Love at First Sight

Nick Handley Creative

Nick Handley Creative

Video thumbnail for Fender American Vintage II 1973 Stratocaster - EMPIRE MUSIC by Empire Music

Fender American Vintage II 1973 Stratocaster - EMPIRE MUSIC

Empire Music

Empire Music

Video thumbnail for Fender American Vintage II Series - 1973 Stratocaster - Aged Natural Finish by rjstauber

Fender American Vintage II Series - 1973 Stratocaster - Aged Natural Finish

rjstauber

rjstauber

Video thumbnail for Fender American Vintage II 1973 Stratocaster Demo | Guitars In The Attic by Guitars In The Attic

Fender American Vintage II 1973 Stratocaster Demo | Guitars In The Attic

Guitars In The Attic

Guitars In The Attic

Reviews

PROS

  • Authentic 1970s vintage sound captures nostalgic tones

  • High-quality build with first-rate craftsmanship

  • Hotter pickups offer a dynamic range of sounds

  • Lake Placid Blue finish with unique silver undertone shimmer

  • Larger CBS headstock for distinctive aesthetic appeal

  • Full, substantial neck profile preferred by many players

  • Versatile sound, excellent for both clean and distorted tones

  • Quality guitar case with attractive orange liner

CONS

  • Heavy guitar compared to modern models

  • Potential neck pocket alignment issues on some units

  • Poly finish may not appeal to those preferring nitro lacquer

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender American Vintage II 1973 Stratocaster Electric Guitar.

Build quality

  • The guitar features a three-bolt neck plate, adhering to full ‘70s specifications.

    Source
  • The unique and visually appealing grain patterns vary significantly between individual guitars.

    Source
  • Some owners reported neck alignment issues, with a few instances of defective truss rods causing bowing that required replacements.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners describe the tone, fit, and finish as comparable to high-end Custom Shop models, making the premium price of Custom Shop less justifiable.

    Source
  • The natural finish is praised for its aesthetic, though some variants show less grain detail, making selection important.

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  • Players noted the 7.25” radius is comfortable for smaller hands, with minimal bending issues, challenging the myth of frequent 'choking'.

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  • Some users report that the guitar looks brighter than expected, with a finish that can appear almost orange, adding unique visual appeal compared to standard black guitars.

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Comparisons

  • The weight feels similar to a standard Stratocaster, avoiding the heavier "boat anchor" feel of some '70s models.

    Source
  • American Vintage II models are said to rival Custom Shop quality, with some owners preferring them over the American Original series due to neck comfort and playability.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Optimal action setup includes 1.4mm at the 12th fret bass side and 1.2mm treble side, post fret leveling and setup by a professional.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The guitar can achieve a more pronounced mid-range tone compared to other Strats, allowing for a fuller sound directly into an amp without pedals.

    Source
  • The tinted headstock gives the guitar a more vintage appearance, aligning with the 1973 aesthetic, which users appreciate for its authentic look.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Models have been spotted on Reverb for $1,600, which is $800 below the sticker price, presenting a potential bargain for interested buyers.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Owners find the guitar well-suited for rock and metal, but it can also be adjusted to achieve David Gilmour-style cleans with effects like delay and reverb.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Fender American Vintage II 1973 Stratocaster review | Guitar World

guitarworld.com

The Fender American Vintage II 1973 Stratocaster is a dazzling tribute to a somewhat overlooked era of Stratocasters, showcasing a period-correct build and vintage-style hardware. Its Pure Vintage '73 pickups deliver crisp cleans and a charming sparkle, while the “C”-shape maple neck offers exceptional playability. However, traditionalists may still lean towards the '50s and '60s models. Overall, this reissue stands as a refined, lightweight, and authentic instrument, perfect for those yearning for that quintessential '70s vibe.

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Artist usage

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See how Felipe Staiti uses Fender American Vintage II 1973 Stratocaster Electric Guitar

Felipe Staiti

Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video "Mi Primer Día Sin Ti" by Enanitos Verdes and Hombres G, Felipe Staiti is seen playing a Stratocaster-style guitar with features such as a natural finish body, rosewood fingerboard, traditional SSS pickup configuration, and a large CBS-era headstock. Close-up shots reveal characteristics consistent with a Fender American Vintage II 1973 Stratocaster, including a natural ash finish, large 1970s-style headstock, and a bullet truss rod adjustment at the headstock. These features confirm the guitar as a Fender American Vintage II 1973 Stratocaster. This performance video is provided by huevosrevueltosVEVO on YouTube, under the description by Sony Music Entertainment México, S.A. de C.V.

See how Lonstar uses Fender American Vintage II 1973 Stratocaster Electric Guitar

Lonstar

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Facebook
Color/Finish: Natural Wood Year: 1973

Lonstar uses a 1973 large headstock Fender American Vintage II Stratocaster Electric Guitar, which he tunes down to low A, as confirmed by a Facebook post captioned "Michael - #zostanwdomu dzień 32 #stayhome day 32 #lonstar."

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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