What is the body material of the Vintera III Early 60s Stratocaster?

The guitar is constructed with an alder body. Alder is known for producing a balanced, punchy, and articulate voice that is characteristic of classic Stratocaster models.

What type of fingerboard does this model have?

This model features a rosewood fingerboard. It is paired with a maple neck to recreate the specific feel and tonal character of early 1960s Fender guitars.

What is the fingerboard radius?

The fingerboard has a 7.25" radius. This is a traditional vintage specification that provides a curved surface, reflecting the design of original 1960s instruments.

What neck profile is used on this guitar?

It features an early '60s "C" neck profile. This shape is designed to provide a comfortable, period-correct vintage feel for the player.

What kind of frets are installed on the Vintera III?

The guitar uses vintage tall frets. These are slightly higher than traditional vintage wire, making it easier to perform string bends while maintaining a classic aesthetic.

How many pickups does this Stratocaster have?

It is equipped with three vintage-style early '60s single-coil pickups. These are specifically voiced to deliver the signature sparkle and clarity of that era.

What are the tonal characteristics of the pickups?

The pickups provide a combination of bright sparkle, glassy clarity, and expressive dynamics. They are designed to be highly responsive to the nuances of the player's technique.

In what color is this specific model finished?

This specific model is finished in Black. It is a classic Fender color that has been used on various iconic models, including the Eric Clapton signature Stratocaster.

How does the Vintera III compare to the American Professional II Stratocaster?

The Vintera III focuses on vintage-style features like the 7.25" radius and early 60s pickups, whereas the American Professional II often features modern updates like roasted pine bodies and different fingerboard radii.

Is this guitar suitable for beginners?

While it is a professional-grade instrument, its classic specifications make it suitable for any player seeking a traditional Stratocaster. However, beginners may also consider smaller alternatives like the Squier Mini Stratocaster.

What era of Fender history does this guitar represent?

It represents the early 1960s, one of the most influential decades for electric guitar design. The specs are chosen to define the tone and style of that specific period.

What is the typical price for this model?

The typical price for this guitar is approximately GBP 999. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current market conditions.

Gear article

Fender Vintera III Early 60s Stratocaster RW Black

The Fender Vintera III Early 60s Stratocaster RW is an electric guitar designed to recreate the specifications and aesthetics of Fender instruments from the early 1960s. It features a traditional alder body, a rosewood fingerboard, and three vintage-style single-coil pickups voiced specifically for the era.

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Background and Construction

The Vintera series was developed by Fender to provide players with vintage-accurate specifications at a mid-range price point, effectively bridging the gap between entry-level models and the American-made professional series. This specific model is built using an alder body, a tonewood praised for its balanced and punchy response. The maple neck is paired with a rosewood fingerboard, a combination that was standard for the early 1960s era after Fender transitioned away from one-piece maple necks in 1959.

Technical Specifications

The guitar utilizes a traditional 7.25" fingerboard radius, which is significantly rounder than modern 9.5" or 12" boards. This is paired with 'Vintage Tall' frets, which provide a traditional look but offer more height than standard vintage wire to assist with string bending. The neck itself features an 'Early 60s C' profile, designed to mimic the slightly fuller feel found on original instruments from the start of that decade.

Electronics and Sound

The core of the instrument's sound comes from three vintage-style early '60s single-coil pickups. These are voiced to produce the 'glassy' clarity and bright sparkle associated with the pre-CBS era. The electronics are designed to be highly responsive to player dynamics, allowing for a range of tones from clean, articulate chime to punchy, driven textures when used with an overdriven amplifier.

Comparative Context

Compared to modern alternatives like the Fender American Professional II, the Vintera III is more focused on historical accuracy than modern utility. While the American Professional II features a flatter 9.5" radius and a roasted pine body option, the Vintera III adheres to the 7.25" radius and alder construction. It sits above the Squier Limited Edition Mini Stratocaster in terms of build quality and scale, offering a full-size professional experience, while remaining more affordable than high-end Fender Custom Shop '61 Relic models.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the body material of the Vintera III Early 60s Stratocaster?: The guitar is constructed with an alder body. Alder is known for producing a balanced, punchy, and articulate voice that is characteristic of classic Stratocaster models.
What type of fingerboard does this model have?: This model features a rosewood fingerboard. It is paired with a maple neck to recreate the specific feel and tonal character of early 1960s Fender guitars.
What is the fingerboard radius?: The fingerboard has a 7.25" radius. This is a traditional vintage specification that provides a curved surface, reflecting the design of original 1960s instruments.
What neck profile is used on this guitar?: It features an early '60s "C" neck profile. This shape is designed to provide a comfortable, period-correct vintage feel for the player.
What kind of frets are installed on the Vintera III?: The guitar uses vintage tall frets. These are slightly higher than traditional vintage wire, making it easier to perform string bends while maintaining a classic aesthetic.
How many pickups does this Stratocaster have?: It is equipped with three vintage-style early '60s single-coil pickups. These are specifically voiced to deliver the signature sparkle and clarity of that era.
What are the tonal characteristics of the pickups?: The pickups provide a combination of bright sparkle, glassy clarity, and expressive dynamics. They are designed to be highly responsive to the nuances of the player's technique.
In what color is this specific model finished?: This specific model is finished in Black. It is a classic Fender color that has been used on various iconic models, including the Eric Clapton signature Stratocaster.
How does the Vintera III compare to the American Professional II Stratocaster?: The Vintera III focuses on vintage-style features like the 7.25" radius and early 60s pickups, whereas the American Professional II often features modern updates like roasted pine bodies and different fingerboard radii.
Is this guitar suitable for beginners?: While it is a professional-grade instrument, its classic specifications make it suitable for any player seeking a traditional Stratocaster. However, beginners may also consider smaller alternatives like the Squier Mini Stratocaster.
What era of Fender history does this guitar represent?: It represents the early 1960s, one of the most influential decades for electric guitar design. The specs are chosen to define the tone and style of that specific period.
What is the typical price for this model?: The typical price for this guitar is approximately GBP 999. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current market conditions.