Gear article

Fender American Professional Classic Stratocaster RW Faded Sherwood Green Metallic

The Fender American Professional Classic Stratocaster RW Faded Sherwood Green Metallic is a professional-grade electric guitar designed to bridge the gap between golden-era vintage specifications and modern performance standards. Featuring an alder body, Coastline 57 single-coil pickups, and a rosewood fingerboard, it provides a versatile range of traditional Stratocaster tones refined for contemporary stage and studio use.

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Background and Design

The American Professional Classic series represents Fender's commitment to delivering instruments that maintain the aesthetic charm of historical models while incorporating hardware and ergonomic improvements. This specific model is finished in a Faded Sherwood Green Metallic gloss urethane, providing a vintage-inspired look. The choice of an alder body is a staple of Fender design, selected for its balanced tonal response and resonance. The instrument is built to withstand the rigours of professional touring and session work, serving as a reliable tool for diverse musical environments.

Technical Specifications

The guitar features a 4-bolt maple neck with a 'Modern C' carve, a profile designed to be comfortable for a wide variety of playing styles. The rosewood fingerboard has a 9.5" radius, which is flatter than vintage 7.25" boards, facilitating easier string bends without 'choking out.' It is equipped with 22 medium jumbo frets, aiding in precise intonation and grip. The hardware includes a 6-saddle vintage-style synchronised tremolo system, which offers traditional vibrato effects while ensuring a stable return to pitch.

Electronics and Sound Profile

The core of this model's sound lies in its three Coastline 57 single-coil pickups. These are voiced to produce the depth, punch, and high-end 'sparkle' associated with 1950s-era instruments. A 5-way selector switch allows players to access various combinations, from glassy neck-position tones to the characteristic 'snap' of the bridge pickup. A notable internal feature is the Greasebucket tone circuit; this allows the player to roll off high frequencies without adding bass or losing gain, maintaining clarity even at lower tone settings.

Artist Association and Market Positioning

This model has been adopted by a variety of contemporary performers, including Daniil Leshchynskyi, Mia Morris, and Emily Green. It is positioned as a workhorse instrument for players who require classic Stratocaster aesthetics without the limitations of purely vintage-spec hardware. Retailing at a typical price point of £1,399, it sits in the mid-to-high tier of Fender’s US-made production line, offering a distinct alternative to more specialised models like the Eric Clapton Signature or the heavier-sounding Jim Root Telecaster.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary body wood used for this model?
The guitar features an alder body, which is valued for its resonant qualities and balanced frequency response across the spectrum.
What type of neck profile does this Stratocaster have?
It uses a 'Modern C' neck profile, designed to provide a comfortable grip that suits most hand sizes and playing styles.
What are the characteristics of Coastline 57 pickups?
These single-coil pickups are voiced to emulate 'golden-era' tones, offering depth, punch, and the classic high-end sparkle expected from a traditional Stratocaster.
How does the Greasebucket tone circuit work?
The Greasebucket circuit allows the player to roll off high frequencies while keeping the low end tight, preventing the tone from becoming muddy or losing volume as the knob is turned down.
What is the fingerboard radius on this guitar?
The rosewood fingerboard has a 9.5-inch radius, which is a modern standard that balances comfortable chording with easy string bending.
What kind of bridge is installed on this model?
It features a 6-saddle vintage-style synchronised tremolo, providing classic vibrato functionality with modern tuning stability.
How many frets does this model have?
The guitar is equipped with medium jumbo frets, which provide a modern feel and improved accuracy for intonation and vibrato.
What is the significance of the Faded Sherwood Green Metallic finish?
It is a gloss urethane finish that offers a vintage-inspired aesthetic, mimicking the aged look of classic metallic colours from Fender's history.
Is the neck attached via a bolt-on or set-neck construction?
The guitar uses a traditional 4-bolt maple neck construction, which contributes to its snappy tonal character and ease of maintenance.
How does this model compare to the American Professional II Stratocaster?
While similar in quality, this model focuses on a 'Classic' spec with Coastline 57 pickups, whereas the American Professional II often features V-Mod II pickups and different timber options like Roasted Pine.
What switching options are available?
The guitar includes a standard 5-way blade switch, allowing for individual pickup selection as well as the classic 'in-between' positions for quack and sparkle.
What is the typical price for this instrument in the UK?
The typical price range for this specific American Professional Classic model is approximately £1,399.