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Average Price: $599

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$400

$1001+

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Description

Dive into a sea of nostalgia with the Fender Classic Series 60's Stratocaster in Lake Placid Blue. This guitar is a time capsule that blends the cherished vintage vibe with the reliability of modern craftsmanship. Perfect for those who value the iconic Stratocaster sound and the beauty of a bygone era, without compromising on performance. The Lake Placid Blue finish is not just a color; it's a statement, ensuring that this guitar stands out both in sound and style.

Key Features:

  • Body: Contoured double cutaway alder with a glossy polyester finish
  • Neck: Maple "C" profile with a 7.25" radius fretboard for comfortable playing
  • Electronics: Equipped with Vintage-Style Single-Coil Strat pickups for that classic Fender tone, complemented by one volume and two tone knobs, along with a five-way pickup switch for versatile sound shaping
  • Other Features: Features a six-saddle synchronized bridge and a vintage-style butt adjust truss rod, capped off with a three-ply pickguard for that authentic 60's Stratocaster look

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model Classic Series '60s Stratocaster
Finish 3-Color Sunburst, Black, Burgundy Mist, Candy Apple Red, Inca Silver, Lake Placid Blue, Olympic White, Shell Pink
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, Pink, Red, Silver, White
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss, Metallic
Fretboard Material Pau Ferro, 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
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 '60s Stratocaster?

The Fender Classic Series '60s Stratocaster features a "C" shaped neck profile, which offers a comfortable and vintage feel, ideal for players who prefer a more traditional neck shape.

What type of pickups does the Fender Classic Series '60s Stratocaster have?

This Stratocaster comes with a trio of vintage-style single-coil Strat pickups, delivering the classic, bright, and articulate tones associated with 1960s Fender guitars.

Is the Fender Classic Series '60s Stratocaster suitable for beginners?

While it offers vintage styling and sound that may appeal to experienced players, its comfortable neck and versatile tones also make it a good option for beginners seeking a quality instrument.

What is the fretboard radius of the Fender Classic Series '60s Stratocaster?

The fretboard radius is 7.25", providing a vintage playing feel that is ideal for chord playing and traditional techniques.

Does the Fender Classic Series '60s Stratocaster come with a tremolo bridge?

Yes, it features a vintage-style synchronized tremolo bridge, allowing for expressive vibrato effects while maintaining tuning stability.

Guitarist

Guitarist

Fender Classic Series '50s & '60s Stratocaster Lacquer electric guitars demo

Video thumbnail for Fender Classic Series '50s & '60s Stratocaster Lacquer electric guitars demo by Guitarist

Fender Classic Series '50s & '60s Stratocaster Lacquer electric guitars demo

Guitarist

Guitarist

Video thumbnail for Fender Classic Series '60s Stratocaster Lacquer by N Stuff Music

Fender Classic Series '60s Stratocaster Lacquer

N Stuff Music

N Stuff Music

Video thumbnail for Fender Classic Series 50's & 60's Lacquer Strat Demo by PMTVUK

Fender Classic Series 50's & 60's Lacquer Strat Demo

PMTVUK

PMTVUK

Video thumbnail for Fender Classic Series 60s Stratocaster | Lake Placid Blue | Used | Rimmers Music Bolton Store by Rimmers Music

Fender Classic Series 60s Stratocaster | Lake Placid Blue | Used | Rimmers Music Bolton Store

Rimmers Music

Rimmers Music

Reviews

PROS

  • Comfortable neck design feels custom-fitted to your hand

  • Striking Lake Placid Blue color that matures beautifully over time

  • Versatile tone suitable for a wide range of rock music

  • Excellent resonance and comfortable weight at 7 pounds

  • High-quality AlNiCo pickups deliver vintage Stratocaster sound

  • Vintage specs offer excellent value before stepping up to American models

  • Great option for pickup upgrades, handling modifications with ease

  • Highly recommended for achieving vintage Stratocaster sound and feel

CONS

  • Stock pickups may require upgrades for optimal sound balance

  • Saddles prone to action drop, causing detuning

  • Finish is not nitrocellulose, which some vintage enthusiasts may prefer

  • Whammy bar hole can strip, causing it to swing loosely

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Classic Series 60's Stratocaster.

Build quality

  • Owners note the transition from Rosewood to Pau Ferro fretboards around 2017 due to CITES regulations, with Rosewood returning in the Vintera II series.

    Source
  • The MIJ body features a thick poly finish, known for its deep appearance and resilience to wear, distinct from the thinner nitro finishes.

    Source
  • Some models feature vintage-style tuners that users prefer for hiding sharp string ends, though confusion arises due to multiple versions of these tuners.

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Features and functionality

  • The Classic Series 60s Stratocaster initially featured Rosewood, which was considered more traditional, before switching to Pau Ferro due to regulatory changes.

    Source
  • Some Classic Series 60s Strats have the PW-29 stamped bridge, which can inadvertently block the vibrato arm input, requiring adjustment for proper use.

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  • The Made in Japan Traditional 60’s Stratocaster is confirmed to have a 9.5" radius with a U-shaped neck, which some find surprisingly comfortable despite initial concerns.

    Source

User experience

  • A user compared a 2018 model's Pau Ferro fretboard to an older Rosewood model, noting minimal differences in feel and tone, highlighting personal preference in appearance.

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  • Users observed that body swaps may be identified by mismatches in finish type, such as nitro versus poly, along with serial number inconsistencies.

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  • Owners appreciate the Lake Placid Blue color for its aesthetic appeal, often being a decisive factor in choosing this model over others.

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Comparisons

  • A user highlighted the 7.25" radius of the Classic Series compared to a 9.5" radius on newer Player Strats, offering different playability experiences.

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  • The ST-362 MIJ body can either belong to Fender or Squier models, with Squier models having Fender-branded saddles, impacting perceived value and authenticity.

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Use cases and applications

  • The switch to Pau Ferro was initially met with resistance due to its less traditional appearance, but users reported adapting to the tonal differences over time.

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Value and pricing

  • Owners report that mixed-component Strats (MIM neck, MIJ body, MIA electronics) can still provide good value when acquired at the lower end of market price ranges.

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Setup and maintenance

  • A user noted incorrect string winding on vintage tuners, emphasizing the importance of proper restringing to maintain tuning stability.

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  • One user experienced fret buzz from the 6th fret onwards on a Hybrid 2 Jazzmaster, revealing potential quality control issues in some models.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Fender Classic Series '60s Stratocaster Lacquer review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

Fender's Classic Series '60s Stratocaster in Lake Placid Blue is celebrated for its stunning finish, vintage feel, and great tone, offering a fantastic alternative to pricier American Vintage models. The nitrocellulose lacquer finish, typically reserved for U.S.-made models, offers a vintage aesthetic and feel, while the guitar's build quality is top-notch. The setup ensures smooth playability, although it's not ideal for heavy rock. While some might nitpick about the polyester undercoat, the overall sound and build make it the best vintage-inspired Strat at this price point. A win for those seeking vintage charm without the hefty price tag.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

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alfredo_delima

Great fender stratotocaster with a friendly price

great vintage tones with the classic single coil but pickups are not rwrp because they are period correct

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don_jamison

don_jamison

Gear IQ 179

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