What body material is used for this Stratocaster?

The guitar features a sculpted alder body, a classic tonewood choice known for its balanced resonance across the frequency spectrum.

What type of finish is applied to the Surf Green model?

It is finished in an aged 'Heirloom' nitrocellulose lacquer, which allows the wood to breathe and will age naturally over time unlike polyester finishes.

Does this guitar have a standard neck profile?

The neck is quartersawn maple with a compound-radius rosewood fingerboard, featuring 'Ultra-rolled' edges for maximum tactile comfort.

What are the benefits of stainless-steel frets?

Stainless-steel frets are significantly harder than traditional nickel-silver, offering superior durability against wear and a smoother surface for effortless string bends.

Which pickups are installed in this model?

The guitar is equipped with three Pure Vintage '61 Stratocaster pickups, voiced to provide authentic 1960s-style tonal character.

What does the S-1 switch do on this guitar?

The S-1 switch is integrated into the volume pot and allows the player to access additional pickup wiring combinations for greater tonal flexibility.

What kind of bridge system does it use?

It features a two-point synchronized tremolo bridge equipped with a cold-rolled steel block for enhanced sustain.

Are the tuners vintage-style or modern?

The guitar uses modern Deluxe locking tuners, which facilitate faster string changes and provide improved tuning stability compared to vintage non-locking versions.

How does the neck construction differ from standard models?

The neck is made of quartersawn maple, where the grain runs vertically through the wood, providing greater structural stability and resistance to warping.

Is the fingerboard radius flat or curved?

It features a compound radius, which is typically more curved near the nut for comfortable chording and flatter at the higher frets for easier lead playing.

What makes the 'Ultra Luxe' different from the standard 'Ultra' series?

The Ultra Luxe adds premium features such as stainless-steel frets and specific finish options like the Heirloom nitrocellulose lacquer found on this 60s model.

Does the guitar include a tremolo block upgrade?

Yes, it includes a cold-rolled steel block in the tremolo system, which is a high-end appointment designed to improve the instrument's overall resonance.

Gear article

Fender American Ultra Luxe Vintage 60s Stratocaster

The Fender American Ultra Luxe Vintage 60s Stratocaster is a premium solid-body electric guitar that blends a classic 1960s aesthetic with contemporary performance specifications. It features a sculpted alder body, a quartersawn maple neck, and stainless-steel frets, designed for guitarists seeking vintage-inspired tones with modern playability.

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Background and Design

The American Ultra Luxe Vintage 60s Stratocaster represents the pinnacle of Fender's production-line innovation. While the standard Ultra series focuses on modern aesthetics, the Luxe Vintage variant incorporates 'Heirloom' nitrocellulose lacquer finishes to evoke the look and feel of a 1960s instrument. Despite its traditional appearance, the guitar is built with high-performance components such as a quartersawn maple neck and stainless-steel frets, which are typically reserved for custom-tier instruments.

Neck and Playability

A primary feature of the Ultra Luxe series is the focus on ergonomic comfort. The neck is constructed from quartersawn maple for enhanced stability and features a compound-radius rosewood fingerboard. The edges are 'Ultra-rolled' to provide a broken-in feel, while the stainless-steel frets offer durability and a smooth surface for string bending. The sculpted body heel further allows for easier access to the upper registers of the fretboard.

Electronics and Tone

The guitar is equipped with three Pure Vintage '61 Stratocaster single-coil pickups, designed to replicate the specific tonal characteristics of the early 1960s. To enhance versatility, Fender has included an S-1 switch. This system allows players to access additional wiring configurations, expanding the traditional five-way pickup selector's capabilities. The result is a palette that ranges from classic 'quack' and chime to thicker, more complex voicings.

Hardware and Stability

For tuning reliability, the model utilizes Fender's Deluxe locking tuners and a two-point synchronized tremolo system. The tremolo bridge is fitted with a cold-rolled steel block, a material choice intended to improve sustain and resonance. These modern appointments ensure the guitar remains stable during expressive vibrato use, bridging the gap between vintage tone and modern mechanical precision.

Market Position and Comparisons

Positioned at a premium price point of approximately £2,699, this model competes with both high-end production guitars and entry-level custom shop offerings. It serves as a more modern-playing alternative to the American Professional II series, which often uses different tonewoods like Roasted Pine. While it shares some DNA with artist models like the Eric Clapton Stratocaster, the Ultra Luxe distinguishes itself through its specific combination of stainless-steel frets and nitrocellulose finish.

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Frequently asked questions

What body material is used for this Stratocaster?: The guitar features a sculpted alder body, a classic tonewood choice known for its balanced resonance across the frequency spectrum.
What type of finish is applied to the Surf Green model?: It is finished in an aged 'Heirloom' nitrocellulose lacquer, which allows the wood to breathe and will age naturally over time unlike polyester finishes.
Does this guitar have a standard neck profile?: The neck is quartersawn maple with a compound-radius rosewood fingerboard, featuring 'Ultra-rolled' edges for maximum tactile comfort.
What are the benefits of stainless-steel frets?: Stainless-steel frets are significantly harder than traditional nickel-silver, offering superior durability against wear and a smoother surface for effortless string bends.
Which pickups are installed in this model?: The guitar is equipped with three Pure Vintage '61 Stratocaster pickups, voiced to provide authentic 1960s-style tonal character.
What does the S-1 switch do on this guitar?: The S-1 switch is integrated into the volume pot and allows the player to access additional pickup wiring combinations for greater tonal flexibility.
What kind of bridge system does it use?: It features a two-point synchronized tremolo bridge equipped with a cold-rolled steel block for enhanced sustain.
Are the tuners vintage-style or modern?: The guitar uses modern Deluxe locking tuners, which facilitate faster string changes and provide improved tuning stability compared to vintage non-locking versions.
How does the neck construction differ from standard models?: The neck is made of quartersawn maple, where the grain runs vertically through the wood, providing greater structural stability and resistance to warping.
Is the fingerboard radius flat or curved?: It features a compound radius, which is typically more curved near the nut for comfortable chording and flatter at the higher frets for easier lead playing.
What makes the 'Ultra Luxe' different from the standard 'Ultra' series?: The Ultra Luxe adds premium features such as stainless-steel frets and specific finish options like the Heirloom nitrocellulose lacquer found on this 60s model.
Does the guitar include a tremolo block upgrade?: Yes, it includes a cold-rolled steel block in the tremolo system, which is a high-end appointment designed to improve the instrument's overall resonance.