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Average Price: $500
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$400
$1001+
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Description
Transport yourself to the golden age of rock 'n' roll with the Fender Classic Series '50s Stratocaster. This iconic electric guitar captures the essence of the Buddy Holly era, fusing vintage aesthetics with modern craftsmanship. Its deep body contours and characteristic V-shaped maple neck offer an authentic playing experience reminiscent of the original Strats that took the world by storm. Each detail, from the classic single-ply pickguard to the aged plastic parts, echoes the timeless charm of the '50s.
Crafted at Fender's esteemed facility in Ensenada, Mexico, this Stratocaster doesn't just look the part—it sounds it too. Equipped with three vintage-style single-coil pickups, it delivers the bright, bell-like tones that defined a generation. The staggered Alnico magnet pole pieces ensure a balanced sound, making this guitar a versatile companion for any genre. The vintage-style synchronized tremolo lets you add expressive vibrato to your playing, enhancing your musical creativity.
Whether you're a seasoned performer or a budding guitarist, the Fender Classic Series '50s Stratocaster is a testament to enduring design and sound. Its retro vibe is a nod to the past, while its superior build quality ensures it will be a staple in your collection for years to come.
Key Features:
- Alder body with retro aesthetics
- 1-piece maple neck with soft V shape
- Maple fingerboard for smooth playability
- 3 vintage-style single-coil pickups with staggered Alnico magnet pole pieces
- Vintage-style synchronized tremolo
- Chrome hardware with aged knobs and switch tip
- Comes with a deluxe Fender gig bag
Product specs
| Brand | Fender |
| Model | Classic Series '50s Stratocaster |
| Finish | 2-Color Sunburst, Black, Dakota Red, Daphne Blue, Fiesta Red, Olympic White, Shoreline Gold, Surf Green |
| Year | 1999 - 2018 |
| Made In | Mexico |
| Categories | Solid Body Electric Guitars |
| Body Material | Alder |
| Body Shape | S-Style |
| Body Type | Solid Body |
| Bridge/Tailpiece Type | Tremolo Bridge |
| Color Family | Black, Blue, Brown, Gold, Green, Red, White |
| Finish Pattern | Sunburst |
| Finish Style | Gloss, Metallic |
| Fretboard Material | Maple |
| 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 | 1.65" |
| Offset Body | Non-Offset Body |
| Pickup Configuration | SSS |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Scale Length | 25.5" |
| Series | Fender Classic Series |
FAQs
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What is the neck profile of the Fender Classic Series '50s Stratocaster - Surf Green?
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The Fender Classic Series '50s Stratocaster features a soft V-shaped maple neck, which is comfortable for players who prefer a vintage feel and is ideal for thumb-over playing styles.
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What type of pickups does the Fender Classic Series '50s Stratocaster use?
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This Stratocaster is equipped with three vintage-style single-coil pickups with staggered pole pieces and alnico magnets, delivering classic '50s Fender tones that are bright and clear.
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Is the Fender Classic Series '50s Stratocaster suitable for beginners?
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While it offers classic styling and vintage features, this Stratocaster is best suited for players who appreciate vintage specifications, such as a 7.25" fretboard radius and vintage-style frets, which may not be ideal for all beginners.
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Does the Fender Classic Series '50s Stratocaster come with a tremolo system?
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Yes, this guitar features a vintage-style synchronized tremolo bridge, allowing for smooth pitch modulation and classic vibrato effects.
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What is the fretboard radius on the Fender Classic Series '50s Stratocaster?
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The fretboard has a 7.25" radius, which is typical of vintage Fender guitars, offering a more curved surface for comfortable chord playing.
Videos
Gear4music Guitars
Fender Classic Series '50s Stratocaster, MN, Surf Green | Gear4music demo
Reviews
PROS
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Authentic vintage 50s look, feel, and playability
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High-quality craftsmanship with flawless workmanship
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Comfortable and attractive soft "V" neck
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Great-sounding pickups with classic Strat tones
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Excellent value for the price
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Reliable tuning stability
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Nitro finish adds character over time
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Versatile tone with easy modding potential
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Comes with an excellent tweed hard shell case
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Stunning surf green color and appealing design
CONS
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Period-correct wiring and single-coil pickups susceptible to hum
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Bridge pickup can be sharp and trebly
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Single-ply pickguard may feel less durable
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Classic Series '50s Stratocaster.
Build quality
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The soft-V neck is praised for its feel, especially by players with larger hands, providing a comfortable grip not found in modern C-shape necks.
Source
Comparisons
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The Vintera line offers a similar model with a "sea foam green" finish, differing in shade from the discontinued Classic Series' "surf green."
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Mods and upgrades
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Custom Shop '69 SSS pickups are favored for enhanced tonal variety, often used in partcaster projects to achieve richer sound.
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Owners have swapped original pickups for Dimarzio Cruisers, enhancing tonal flexibility and suitability for various music styles.
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An owner swapped the bridge pickup for a Seymour Duncan SSL-5, noting the original sounded thin, while keeping the original pickup cover for aesthetics.
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User experience
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Owners appreciate the Classic Series' build quality, likening it to American-made models despite its Mexican manufacture.
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Some users note that the surf green finish maintains its color well over time, despite extensive gigging use.
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A ten-year user praises the Classic Series as offering exceptional value, equating the quality to American Strats at a Mexican price point.
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Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 5 Ratings
1017
Great vintage feeling strat
I love the soft v neck. As a strat, it is easy to mod. Mine has had trem routing chiseled further, new everything from the switch to the string tree. Unique (in a positive way) playing strat as the neck isn't so vintage feeling it is slow. Fantastic if you want a more one-of-a-kind strat with vontage feel and custom everything else.
Preferred Settings + Usage:
HSS w/ coil split rails and overwound middle pickup
216
Beautiful Guitar, Love it
Got this as a gift, literally my dream guitar, met all my expectations and more.
Artist usage
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