Gear article
Fender American Professional Classic Stratocaster RW Faded Black
The Fender American Professional Classic Stratocaster RW Faded Black is a premium electric guitar that integrates vintage tonal characteristics with modern ergonomic refinements. Featuring an alder body, 'Coastline 57' single-coil pickups, and a 9.5-inch radius rosewood fingerboard, it is designed to meet the demands of contemporary session musicians and touring professionals.

Construction and Design
The instrument is built around a traditional alder body finished in a gloss urethane Faded Black, providing a resilient yet resonant foundation. The four-bolt maple neck features a 'Modern C' profile, intended to offer a comfortable grip for a wide range of playing styles.
The fingerboard is crafted from rosewood and features a 9.5-inch radius, which is slightly flatter than vintage 7.25-inch radii. This is paired with medium jumbo frets, a combination designed to facilitate easier string bending and improved intonation across the entire length of the neck.
Electronics and Hardware
A defining feature of this model is the set of Coastline 57 single-coil pickups. These are voiced to replicate the depth, punch, and high-end sparkle associated with 'golden-era' Strats from the late 1950s. A standard 5-way selector switch allows players to access various pickup combinations, ranging from glassy neck tones to sharp bridge positions.
The guitar also incorporates Fender's Greasebucket tone circuit. This specialised wiring allows the player to roll off high frequencies without adding the bass emphasis or 'muddiness' typically associated with standard tone controls. The hardware is completed by a 6-saddle vintage-style synchronised tremolo system, providing classic vibrato effects with stable return-to-pitch performance.

Sound Character
The tonal profile is described as a blend of 'sweet' vintage resonance and modern clarity. The alder body maintains a lively response, while the Coastline 57 pickups provide the snappy 'bite' required for lead work and the depth needed for rhythmic textures. The Greasebucket circuit further refines the sound by ensuring that the low end remains tight even when the tone is darkened.
Market Position and Comparison
Priced at approximately £1,399, this model occupies a professional tier within the Fender catalogue. It sits above entry-level or student models such as the Squier Limited Edition Mini Stratocaster or the Stagg SES-30BK, and offers a more standard professional specification compared to high-end Custom Shop models like the '61 Telecaster Relic.
Compared to the American Professional II Stratocaster (often seen in Roasted Pine), this model emphasizes a 'Classic' aesthetic and specific 'Coastline 57' voicing. While artists like Daniil Leshchynskyi and Emily Green have utilised this gear, it remains a versatile choice for any player seeking a balance between the Fender Eric Clapton Stratocaster's utility and the raw aesthetic of models like the Jim Root Telecaster.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is the body material of this Stratocaster?
- The guitar features a solid alder body. This wood is chosen for its balanced resonance and lively tonal qualities, finished with a durable gloss urethane.
- What type of neck profile does this model use?
- It utilizes a 'Modern C' carve maple neck. This profile is designed to sit comfortably in the hand for a variety of playing techniques.
- What are the specific pickups installed in this guitar?
- This model is equipped with Coastline 57 single-coil pickups. They are specifically voiced to provide the depth and sparkle characteristic of 1950s-era Stratocasters.
- What is the purpose of the Greasebucket tone circuit?
- The Greasebucket circuit allows you to roll off the high-end frequencies without making the sound muddy. It maintains a clear low-end response even at lower tone settings.
- What is the fingerboard radius and fret size?
- The guitar has a 9.5-inch rosewood fingerboard radius. It is fitted with medium jumbo frets to support easier bends and precise intonation.
- How many pickup positions are available?
- The guitar uses a standard 5-way selector switch. This allows players to choose between the bridge, bridge/middle, middle, middle/neck, and neck pickup configurations.
- What kind of bridge system does it have?
- It features a 6-saddle vintage-style synchronised tremolo. This hardware provides a classic 'wobble' effect while maintaining solid tuning stability.
- What is the typical price for this model in the UK?
- The typical price range for the Fender American Professional Classic Stratocaster RW Faded Black is approximately £1,399.
- How is the neck attached to the body?
- The neck is attached using a standard 4-bolt construction. This ensures a stable and resonant connection between the maple neck and the alder body.
- Does this guitar have a vintage or modern feel?
- It is described as a blend of both. It offers the vintage sound of the 57-style pickups and the modern playability of the 9.5-inch radius and C-shaped neck.
- Are there any famous artists associated with this guitar?
- Yes, artists such as Daniil Leshchynskyi and Emily Green are known to use this specific gear model.
- How does it differ from a Squier Mini Stratocaster?
- The American Professional Classic is a full-scale professional instrument made in the USA with premium hardware and woods. The Squier Mini is a smaller-scale, entry-level guitar intended for beginners.

