What body wood is used in the Vintera III Late 50s Stratocaster?

The guitar features an alder body, which is a classic tonewood choice for Stratocasters, known for its balanced and punchy sound.

What is the neck profile of this model?

This model features a late 50s 'D'-shaped neck profile, which offers a bolder, fuller feel than a standard modern 'C' neck.

Does this guitar have a maple or rosewood fingerboard?

It features a one-piece maple neck and fingerboard, consistent with the specifications of late 1950s Fender models.

What is the fingerboard radius?

The fingerboard has an era-accurate 7.25" radius, providing a more curved surface than most modern electric guitars.

What kind of pickups are installed?

It is equipped with three vintage-style Late 50s single-coil pickups designed for bright, singing tones and high clarity.

How does the finish differ from earlier 50s models?

This model uses a 3-Color Sunburst finish, which adds a red transition layer between the yellow and black, distinguishing it from the earlier 2-color sunbursts.

What type of frets does the Vintera III Late 50s Stratocaster have?

The guitar uses 'vintage-tall' frets, which provide a classic look but with enough height for modern playability.

Is the finish gloss or satin?

The body and neck feature a gloss finish, staying true to the aesthetic of the late 1950s.

How much does the Vintera III Late 50s Stratocaster cost?

The typical price range for this model is approximately GBP 999.

How does it compare to the Fender American Professional II Stratocaster?

While the American Professional II features modern updates like a 9.5" radius and different wood options like roasted pine, the Vintera III focuses on historical accuracy with its 7.25" radius and 50s-spec hardware.

Is this guitar suitable for high-gain metal?

While possible, its single-coil pickups are voiced for 'sparkle' and 'snap' rather than the high-output humbucker tones found on models like the Jim Root Telecaster.

What makes the 'D' neck profile different from a 'C' profile?

The 'D' profile is generally perceived as having 'fuller' shoulders, providing a more substantial feel in the hand compared to the more oval 'C' shape.

Gear article

Fender Vintera III Late 50s Stratocaster MN 3-Color Sunburst

The Fender Vintera III Late 50s Stratocaster MN 3-Color Sunburst is a vintage-inspired electric guitar designed to replicate the specific tone and feel of late-1950s instruments. It features a period-correct alder body, a maple fingerboard with a 7.25" radius, and a distinctive Late 50s 'D'-shaped neck profile. Part of the Vintera series, this model is positioned as a historically accurate alternative to modern Stratocaster designs while maintaining a mid-range price point.

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Background and Design

The Vintera III series represents Fender's commitment to offering era-specific specifications for players who prefer the idiosyncrasies of vintage instruments. This specific model targets the transition period of the late 1950s, a time when the Stratocaster had established itself as a versatile professional tool. The construction utilises a traditional alder body, known for its balanced tonal response, paired with a one-piece maple neck.

Aesthetics are central to the Vintera III design. The 3-Color Sunburst finish provides a classic visual that evolved from the earlier 2-color versions, offering a more vibrant and stage-ready appearance. Period-correct detailing extends to the hardware and plastics, ensuring the instrument maintains the visual language of the golden era of electric guitar production.

Technical Specifications

The guitar is defined by its specific 'Late 50s' geometry. Unlike the common modern 'C' profiles, the neck on this model features a 'D' shape, providing a slightly fuller feel in the palm. The fingerboard is built to an authentic 7.25" radius, which is more curved than modern 9.5" or 12" boards. This curvature is historically preferred for comfortable chordal playing, though it requires precise setup for low-action lead work.

The frets are 'vintage-tall,' a specification that offers the height of modern frets while maintaining a narrower width to preserve the vintage feel. The electronics comprise three vintage-style Late 50s single-coil pickups, specifically voiced to capture the brightness and articulation characteristic of the era.

Tonal Characteristics

The combination of an alder body and a maple fingerboard creates a sound defined by 'punch' and 'sparkle.' The Vintera III Late 50s Stratocaster is voiced for crystal-clear articulation, meaning notes remain distinct even under heavy use of effects or light overdrive.

The pickups are designed to deliver a bright, singing tone with a significant amount of 'snap'—a percussive quality particularly evident in the bridge and 'in-between' switch positions. This makes the instrument highly suitable for genres that require clarity, such as surf rock, early rock and roll, and clean pop styles.

Target Audience and Comparison

This instrument is primarily suited for purists and vintage enthusiasts who find modern neck profiles and flat fingerboard radii unsatisfying. Its price point of approximately £999 positions it between the entry-level Squier models, such as the Limited Edition Mini Stratocaster, and the premium American-made ranges like the American Professional II Stratocaster.

Compared to the American Professional II, which features a roasted pine option and a 9.5" radius, the Vintera III is strictly traditional. While it lacks the contemporary performance upgrades of the Professional II or the high-output nature of the Jim Root Telecaster, it offers an authentic 1950s experience that is otherwise usually found only in the more expensive Custom Shop ranges, such as the '61 Telecaster Relic.

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Frequently asked questions

What body wood is used in the Vintera III Late 50s Stratocaster?: The guitar features an alder body, which is a classic tonewood choice for Stratocasters, known for its balanced and punchy sound.
What is the neck profile of this model?: This model features a late 50s 'D'-shaped neck profile, which offers a bolder, fuller feel than a standard modern 'C' neck.
Does this guitar have a maple or rosewood fingerboard?: It features a one-piece maple neck and fingerboard, consistent with the specifications of late 1950s Fender models.
What is the fingerboard radius?: The fingerboard has an era-accurate 7.25" radius, providing a more curved surface than most modern electric guitars.
What kind of pickups are installed?: It is equipped with three vintage-style Late 50s single-coil pickups designed for bright, singing tones and high clarity.
How does the finish differ from earlier 50s models?: This model uses a 3-Color Sunburst finish, which adds a red transition layer between the yellow and black, distinguishing it from the earlier 2-color sunbursts.
What type of frets does the Vintera III Late 50s Stratocaster have?: The guitar uses 'vintage-tall' frets, which provide a classic look but with enough height for modern playability.
Is the finish gloss or satin?: The body and neck feature a gloss finish, staying true to the aesthetic of the late 1950s.
How much does the Vintera III Late 50s Stratocaster cost?: The typical price range for this model is approximately GBP 999.
How does it compare to the Fender American Professional II Stratocaster?: While the American Professional II features modern updates like a 9.5" radius and different wood options like roasted pine, the Vintera III focuses on historical accuracy with its 7.25" radius and 50s-spec hardware.
Is this guitar suitable for high-gain metal?: While possible, its single-coil pickups are voiced for 'sparkle' and 'snap' rather than the high-output humbucker tones found on models like the Jim Root Telecaster.
What makes the 'D' neck profile different from a 'C' profile?: The 'D' profile is generally perceived as having 'fuller' shoulders, providing a more substantial feel in the hand compared to the more oval 'C' shape.