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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

What is the neck profile of the Fender Classic Series '50s Stratocaster - Surf Green?

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.

What type of pickups does the Fender Classic Series '50s Stratocaster use?

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.

Is the Fender Classic Series '50s Stratocaster suitable for beginners?

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.

Does the Fender Classic Series '50s Stratocaster come with a tremolo system?

Yes, this guitar features a vintage-style synchronized tremolo bridge, allowing for smooth pitch modulation and classic vibrato effects.

What is the fretboard radius on the Fender Classic Series '50s Stratocaster?

The fretboard has a 7.25" radius, which is typical of vintage Fender guitars, offering a more curved surface for comfortable chord playing.

Gear4music Guitars

Gear4music Guitars

Fender Classic Series '50s Stratocaster, MN, Surf Green | Gear4music demo

Video thumbnail for Fender Classic Series '50s Stratocaster, MN, Surf Green | Gear4music demo by Gear4music Guitars

Fender Classic Series '50s Stratocaster, MN, Surf Green | Gear4music demo

Gear4music Guitars

Gear4music Guitars

Video thumbnail for Fender Classic Series '50s Stratocaster (surf green), Part1 by GregsGuitars

Fender Classic Series '50s Stratocaster (surf green), Part1

GregsGuitars

GregsGuitars

Video thumbnail for Fender Stratocaster 50´s Classic Series Surf Green - Review by Martin Alonso

Fender Stratocaster 50´s Classic Series Surf Green - Review

Martin Alonso

Martin Alonso

Video thumbnail for Fender Classic Series '50s Stratocaster (surf green), Part2 by GregsGuitars

Fender Classic Series '50s Stratocaster (surf green), Part2

GregsGuitars

GregsGuitars

Reviews

PROS

  • Authentic vintage 50s look, feel, and playability

  • High-quality craftsmanship with flawless workmanship

  • Comfortable and attractive soft "V" neck

  • Great-sounding pickups with classic Strat tones

  • Excellent value for the price

  • Reliable tuning stability

  • Nitro finish adds character over time

  • Versatile tone with easy modding potential

  • Comes with an excellent tweed hard shell case

  • Stunning surf green color and appealing design

CONS

  • Period-correct wiring and single-coil pickups susceptible to hum

  • Bridge pickup can be sharp and trebly

  • 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

  • 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

  • The Vintera line offers a similar model with a "sea foam green" finish, differing in shade from the discontinued Classic Series' "surf green."

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Custom Shop '69 SSS pickups are favored for enhanced tonal variety, often used in partcaster projects to achieve richer sound.

    Source
  • Owners have swapped original pickups for Dimarzio Cruisers, enhancing tonal flexibility and suitability for various music styles.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners appreciate the Classic Series' build quality, likening it to American-made models despite its Mexican manufacture.

    Source
  • Some users note that the surf green finish maintains its color well over time, despite extensive gigging use.

    Source
  • A ten-year user praises the Classic Series as offering exceptional value, equating the quality to American Strats at a Mexican price point.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Owners suggest waiting for deals on Reverb, where Classic Series Strats can be found for as low as $385 in excellent condition.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Fender Classic Series '50s Stratocaster Review | GuitarSquid

guitarsquid.com

Fender's Classic Series '50s Stratocaster is a stunning homage to vintage design, boasting exceptional sound and playability. Its combination of alder body and maple neck produces a rich, three-dimensional tone that seasoned players will appreciate. While its gorgeous Surf Green finish and vintage aesthetics are visually appealing, the instrument's setup right out of the box further enhances its value, especially at under $1000. However, the guitar may require a bit of finesse due to its advanced features, making it less ideal for beginners. Overall, this Stratocaster delivers fantastic quality and tone, making it a worthy addition for guitarists looking to explore classic sounds with modern reliability.

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 5 Ratings

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perfectcandor

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

tedhayes

Beautiful Guitar, Love it

Got this as a gift, literally my dream guitar, met all my expectations and more.

From Gear Setup

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Christian Mazzalai uses Fender Classic Series '50s Stratocaster

Christian Mazzalai

Guitarist

Phoenix

...
Verified via Photo

A Fender Classic '50s Stratocaster in Surf Green, Used by Mazzalai during the 2018 phoenix tour, Photo is from July 3rd in Boston MA at the House Of Blues

See how Benjamin Totten uses Fender Classic Series '50s Stratocaster

Benjamin Totten

Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

In this Youtube video at 12:04, Benjamin Totten can be seen playing a Fender Stratocaster -Surf green. He performed this gig at the Jorja Smith’s Tiny Desk concert in 14 jun 2018.

Genre Usage

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

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Fender Classic Series '50s Stratocaster, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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dc86

dc86

Gear IQ 923

tedhayes

tedhayes

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