What is the typical price for the American Vintage II 1957 Stratocaster?

The guitar typically retails for approximately £2,199. This reflects its position as a premium, American-made instrument within Fender's production line.

What kind of pickups are installed in this model?

It features a trio of Pure Vintage '57 pickups. These are designed to produce period-accurate tones, including sparkling highs and chunky lows.

How does the neck profile feel compared to modern Stratocasters?

The 1957 model uses a 'V' shaped neck profile. This is more angular than the modern 'C' shape found on guitars like the American Professional II, offering a distinct retro feel.

What is unique about the tremolo block in this guitar?

The bridge features a cold rolled steel block and bent steel saddles. This specific construction is used to replicate the sustain and resonance of 1950s hardware.

Which finish is available for this specific model?

This specific version comes in a classic 2-Color Sunburst finish, which was standard for the era. It emphasizes the wood grain of the alder body.

Is the American Vintage II 1957 suitable for beginners?

While anyone can play it, its high price point and vintage-spec hardware make it more suited to enthusiasts and professionals. Beginners might find simpler models like the Squier Mini Stratocaster more accessible.

How does this guitar compare to a Custom Shop model?

The American Vintage II is a high-quality production model built to specific historical specs. Fender Custom Shop guitars, such as the '61 Telecaster Relic, often feature hand-wound pickups and artificial aging (relicing) not found on the AVII series.

Who are some notable artists known to use Fender guitars?

Notable users of Fender instruments include Sting, the Austrian musician Falco, and James Hetfield of Metallica. The Stratocaster's versatility allows it to bridge many musical genres.

What is the body material of this Stratocaster?

The guitar typically uses an alder body. This choice provides a balanced tonal foundation that complements the single-coil pickups.

Does this guitar feature modern noise-cancelling electronics?

No, this model uses Pure Vintage '57 pickups designed for period accuracy. These are traditional single-coils that provide authentic 1950s tone rather than modern noiseless performance.

What is the primary difference between this and the Jim Root Telecaster?

The Jim Root Telecaster is a modern, high-output instrument designed for metal, whereas the AVII '57 Stratocaster is a vintage-accurate recreation designed for classic tones and traditional playability.

Is the finish on this guitar a 'relic' style?

No, the American Vintage II series provides a 'brand-new' appearance, intended to look like a guitar that has just left the factory in 1957. For aged finishes, players typically look toward the Fender Custom Shop.

Gear article

Fender American Vintage II 1957 Stratocaster

The Fender American Vintage II 1957 Stratocaster is a high-end electric guitar designed to recreate the specific specifications and feel of the original 1957 model. It combines period-correct hardware, such as Pure Vintage '57 pickups and a 'V'-shaped neck profile, with modern manufacturing precision to offer a vintage playing experience in a brand-new instrument.

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Overview and History

The Fender American Vintage II 1957 Stratocaster serves as a faithful tribute to a pivotal year in the evolution of the electric guitar. By 1957, the Stratocaster had refined its design, moving toward the iconic 'V' neck profiles and specific pickup voicings that defined the era's sound. This model is part of the American Vintage II series, which focuses on period-accurate recreations rather than modernised reinterpretations, aiming to provide the experience of purchasing a factory-fresh guitar exactly as it would have appeared in the late 1950s.

Key Features and Hardware

The instrument is built around a classic alder body finished in a 2-Color Sunburst. Central to its performance is the period-correct hardware, including a synchronised tremolo system featuring a cold rolled steel block and bent steel saddles. This combination is essential for maintaining the sustain and harmonic resonance associated with mid-century Fenders. The neck is carved to a substantial 'V' profile, providing a distinct tactile feel that differs significantly from modern 'C' shaped necks.

Electronics and Sound Character

Sound is generated by a trio of Pure Vintage '57 pickups, which are specifically voiced to replicate the 'twangy' sparkling highs and 'chunky' warm lows characteristic of the original era. These pickups are designed to capture the retro soundscape that helped establish the Stratocaster as a versatile tool for rock, blues, and pop. The electronic configuration stays true to the 1957 specifications, ensuring that the output remains authentic to the period's tonal signature.

Comparison to Alternatives

Within the Fender catalogue, the American Vintage II 1957 sits between the modern-leaning American Professional II series and the highly bespoke offerings of the Fender Custom Shop. While the American Professional II Stratocaster features more contemporary appointments like a Deep 'C' neck and V-Mod II pickups, the AVII '57 prioritises historical accuracy. Compared to the Gibson Les Paul Standard 50s, the Stratocaster offers a brighter, single-coil bite and a vibrato system, contrasting with the Gibson's P90 or humbucker warmth and fixed bridge design.

Artist Usage

The Stratocaster design is utilised across vastly different genres, from the pop-rock of Sting and the pop-rap stylings of Falco to the heavy metal context of James Hetfield. This variety illustrates the instrument's inherent flexibility, despite the American Vintage II 1957 being specifically marketed toward those seeking a retro aesthetic and sound.

Artists who play it

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Frequently asked questions

What is the typical price for the American Vintage II 1957 Stratocaster?: The guitar typically retails for approximately £2,199. This reflects its position as a premium, American-made instrument within Fender's production line.
What kind of pickups are installed in this model?: It features a trio of Pure Vintage '57 pickups. These are designed to produce period-accurate tones, including sparkling highs and chunky lows.
How does the neck profile feel compared to modern Stratocasters?: The 1957 model uses a 'V' shaped neck profile. This is more angular than the modern 'C' shape found on guitars like the American Professional II, offering a distinct retro feel.
What is unique about the tremolo block in this guitar?: The bridge features a cold rolled steel block and bent steel saddles. This specific construction is used to replicate the sustain and resonance of 1950s hardware.
Which finish is available for this specific model?: This specific version comes in a classic 2-Color Sunburst finish, which was standard for the era. It emphasizes the wood grain of the alder body.
Is the American Vintage II 1957 suitable for beginners?: While anyone can play it, its high price point and vintage-spec hardware make it more suited to enthusiasts and professionals. Beginners might find simpler models like the Squier Mini Stratocaster more accessible.
How does this guitar compare to a Custom Shop model?: The American Vintage II is a high-quality production model built to specific historical specs. Fender Custom Shop guitars, such as the '61 Telecaster Relic, often feature hand-wound pickups and artificial aging (relicing) not found on the AVII series.
Who are some notable artists known to use Fender guitars?: Notable users of Fender instruments include Sting, the Austrian musician Falco, and James Hetfield of Metallica. The Stratocaster's versatility allows it to bridge many musical genres.
What is the body material of this Stratocaster?: The guitar typically uses an alder body. This choice provides a balanced tonal foundation that complements the single-coil pickups.
Does this guitar feature modern noise-cancelling electronics?: No, this model uses Pure Vintage '57 pickups designed for period accuracy. These are traditional single-coils that provide authentic 1950s tone rather than modern noiseless performance.
What is the primary difference between this and the Jim Root Telecaster?: The Jim Root Telecaster is a modern, high-output instrument designed for metal, whereas the AVII '57 Stratocaster is a vintage-accurate recreation designed for classic tones and traditional playability.
Is the finish on this guitar a 'relic' style?: No, the American Vintage II series provides a 'brand-new' appearance, intended to look like a guitar that has just left the factory in 1957. For aged finishes, players typically look toward the Fender Custom Shop.