Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 2 stores. Prices updated .

Average Price: $916

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Fender Classic Series '50s Stratocaster". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 23, 2026.

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Description

Step into the golden era of rock 'n' roll with the Fender Classic Series '50s Stratocaster. This guitar is a nostalgic nod to the iconic Stratocasters of the '50s, complete with all the vintage details that made the original a legend. The alder body is lightweight and resonant, producing a balanced, full-bodied tone that's perfect for blues, rock, and everything in between.

You'll love the smooth playing feel of the maple neck, shaped into a modern C profile for comfort and speed. The bolt-on neck attachment offers stability and sustain, while the maple fretboard with black dot inlays provides a bright, clear tonality. With 21 medium jumbo frets, you have plenty of room to express yourself.

At the heart of this guitar are the 3 vintage-style '50s Hot Strat single coils, delivering the classic bell-like chime and warmth that's become synonymous with the Stratocaster. The S-1 Switch and 5-way switch give you an array of tonal options, from sparkling cleans to gritty leads.

This guitar is not just about great sound - it's a feast for the eyes too. The Daphne Blue color, single-ply white pickguard, and vintage-style steel saddles stamped with the Fender name all contribute to its retro aesthetic.

Key Features:

  • Vintera Series
  • Body: Alder
  • Neck: Maple
  • Neck attachment: Bolt-on
  • Fretboard: Maple
  • Fretboard inlays: Black dots
  • Neck profile: Modern C
  • Scale: 648 mm (25.5")
  • Fretboard radius: 241 mm (9.49")
  • Nut width: 42 mm (1.65")
  • Nut: Synthetic bone
  • Frets: 21 Medium jumbo
  • Pickups: 3 Vintage-style 50s Hot Strat single coils
  • Master volume- and 2 x tone controls
  • S-1 Switch
  • 5-Way switch
  • Synchronized 2-point tremolo
  • Vintage-style steel saddles stamped with the Fender name
  • Pickguard: Single-ply white
  • Machine heads: Vintage-style locking
  • Hardware: Nickel / Chrome
  • Strings: Fender USA 250L NPS NPS .009 - .042
  • Colour: Daphne Blue
  • Includes a deluxe 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 kind of neck profile does the Fender Classic Series '50s Stratocaster have?

The Fender Classic Series '50s Stratocaster features a soft V-shaped neck profile, offering a comfortable grip reminiscent of the original 1950s models, making it ideal for players who prefer a vintage feel.

What type of pickups are used in the Fender Classic Series '50s Stratocaster?

This Stratocaster is equipped with vintage-style single-coil pickups in an SSS configuration, delivering the classic bright and clear tones associated with 1950s Fender guitars.

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

The Classic Series '50s Stratocaster is designed with vintage enthusiasts in mind, offering authentic 1950s playability and tone. While it can be used by beginners, it is especially appreciated by players seeking a traditional Stratocaster experience.

Does the Fender Classic Series '50s Stratocaster have a tremolo bridge?

Yes, this model 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 of this Stratocaster has a 7.25" radius, which is typical of vintage models and provides a curved surface that many players find comfortable for chord playing.

How does the Fender Classic Series '50s Stratocaster compare to modern Stratocasters in terms of sound?

The Classic Series '50s Stratocaster delivers a warm, bell-like tone with clarity and articulation, closely resembling the sound of original 1950s models, which may differ from the more modern, versatile sound of contemporary Stratocasters.

Equipboard's Expert Review

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Reviews

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.

Comparisons

  • The Classic Series '50s Stratocaster is compared to the Vintera series, indicating superior quality over standard MIM models.

    Source
  • Owners with experience in both UK and US markets suggest that guitar prices differ significantly, often favoring US buyers due to a larger market.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The 7.25" radius fretboard can complicate achieving low action, potentially resulting in higher action than modern specs.

    Source
  • Some users find transitioning from fixed bridges and non-locking tuners to this model a learning experience, particularly with setup adjustments.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • This model includes American pickups, enhancing tonal quality compared to typical MIM versions.

    Source
  • Vintage spec guitars, including this model, are valued for their build quality and the distinct sound of their pickups.

    Source
  • The Vintera 50s Hot Strat pickups are noted for their unique tonal quality, distinct from the regular Vintera models.

    Source

User experience

  • Vintage style tuners are sometimes challenging to use, impacting tuning stability and ease of string changes.

    Source
  • Owners appreciate the vintage spec feel, particularly the 7.25" radius, which some find fits their hand perfectly.

    Source
  • Owners appreciate the guitar's chunky satin roasted maple neck, often highlighting its comfort and expressiveness during play.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • $600 is considered a reasonable price with a case, though some suggest negotiating due to wear.

    Source
  • Several users consider £600 a steal for a Vintera model, emphasizing its high value compared to similar models.

    Source

Build quality

  • The neck from the Classic Series '50s is highly praised, with some using it as a preferred aftermarket choice for partscasters.

    Source

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 38 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
brian_krashpad

Great midlevel MIM Strat

After owning a series of cheaper import Fender and Squier Strats, as well as a US-made Peavey Predator Strat, I found this used at a GREAT price (I think the seller thought it was a Mexican-made Standard rather than a CS '50s; the latter street for about $800 rather than $500 for the Standard). This is about as good as it gets without paying for Fender USA. Finally found "my" Stratocaster.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Blaster Silonga uses Fender Classic Series '50s Stratocaster

Blaster Silonga

Singer, Guitarist

IV of Spades

...
Verified via Google

Blaster Silonga is seen using a customized Fender Classic Series '50s Stratocaster, originally featuring a white pickguard and pickups. The guitar was modified at Guitar Hospital to have black pickguard and pickups, as evident in the images found through a Google search.

See how Connan Mockasin uses Fender Classic Series '50s Stratocaster

Connan Mockasin

Singer, Guitarist

Connan and the Mockasins

...
Verified via YouTube

Surprised that no one has gotten the correct guitar he uses. He sawed the two horns off of this Strat. It's a made in Mexico seafoam green/daphne blue classic series 50's Fender Stratocaster with a rosewood fretboard as opposed to the maple. Notice the vintage tuners which set it apart from most standard Stratocasters.

See how Sam Fender uses Fender Classic Series '50s Stratocaster

Sam Fender

Singer, Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via YouTube

Visible in this live performance of Fender's song "Start Again."

See how Nick Hamm uses Fender Classic Series '50s Stratocaster

Nick Hamm

Singer, Guitarist

Citizen

...
Verified via YouTube

Nick Hamm, so far, has not talked about it in any interviews. He can be seen using it during Citizen's Audiotree Live session and more recently, the video they filmed in their own studio: "Citizen: Live in Studio". It's a fiesta red finish with a 1 ply white pickguard and a darker finished maple neck.

See how JD McPherson uses Fender Classic Series '50s Stratocaster

JD McPherson

Guitarist

Robert Plant & Alison Krauss

...
Verified via YouTube

In the Premier Guitar "Rig Rundown" video, starting at 9:00, JD McPherson showcases his Fender Classic Series '50s Stratocaster. This guitar, along with a Telecaster featuring a Curtis Novak pickup, reflects his preference for instruments based on 1950s specifications.

See how carter c uses Fender Classic Series '50s Stratocaster

carter c

Singer, Guitarist

Iridal

...
Verified via Photo

in this image provided by carter c they show their 2017 classic series 50's stratocaster

See how Kiaran Crook uses Fender Classic Series '50s Stratocaster

Kiaran Crook

Singer, Guitarist

The Sherlocks

...
Verified via Photo

Kiaran Crook has been using his Fender Classic Series '50s Stratocaster, notably in red, as his primary guitar since 2013. A user-uploaded photo on Cloudinary captures him with this instrument.

See how Julian Wolf uses Fender Classic Series '50s Stratocaster

Julian Wolf

Guitarist

Funk Fragment

...
Verified via Photo

At Musikmesse 2018, Julian Wolf performed with his band "Funk Fragment" using a Fender Classic Series '50s Stratocaster in Fiesta Red at the Festival Arena in Frankfurt am Main, as shared on his Instagram.

Album Usage

The Fender Classic Series '50s Stratocaster has been featured on the following albums:

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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Community setups

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cameronjamesneville

cameronjamesneville

Gear IQ 134

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riley_fryer

Gear IQ 69

john_h_reid

john_h_reid

Gear IQ 221

juan_barrezueta

juan_barrezueta

Gear IQ 448

1 alternative for Fender Classic Series '50s Stratocaster, curated by the Equipboard community.

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