What defines the 'Late 60s' aesthetic on this Stratocaster?

The most prominent visual feature is the large Stratocaster headstock, which replaced the smaller pre-CBS design in the mid-1960s. This model also features period-correct Olympic White finishing and a maple fingerboard.

What is the neck profile of the Vintera III Late 60s Stratocaster?

It features a Late '60s 'C' neck profile. This design is intended to provide a familiar and comfortable feel that accurately reflects the neck shapes used by Fender during that specific production era.

What type of pickups are installed in this model?

The guitar is equipped with a trio of vintage-style late '60s single-coil pickups. These are voiced to deliver articulate tones with sparkling highs and the dynamic clarity typical of the late 1960s sound.

How does the fingerboard radius compare to modern Fenders?

This model uses a 7.25" radius, which is more curved than the 9.5" radius found on modern series like the American Professional II. It is designed for players who prefer the authentic feel of vintage instruments.

What type of frets does this guitar have?

It features vintage tall frets. These are slightly taller than traditional vintage wire, providing a bit more leverage for string bending while maintaining a vintage aesthetic.

What materials are used for the neck and fingerboard?

This specific model features both a maple neck and a maple fingerboard. This combination typically results in a punchy attack and bright tonal characteristics.

What is the typical price for the Vintera III Late 60s Stratocaster?

The typical price range for this instrument is approximately £999. Prices may vary slightly based on the specific retailer and current market conditions.

Is the Vintera III suitable for lead or rhythm playing?

It is designed for both; the late '60s single-coil pickups offer bright rhythm tones and expressive lead sounds. The articulate voicing makes it a versatile choice across various musical genres.

How does the large headstock affect the guitar?

While primarily a stylistic choice characteristic of the late 60s era, some players believe the increased mass of the large headstock contributes to the guitar's sustain and overall resonance.

Is this guitar a good alternative to a Custom Shop model?

The Vintera III offers many of the vintage specifications found in Custom Shop guitars, such as the 7.25" radius and specific neck profiles, at a significantly more accessible price point for the average musician.

What finish does this specific model come in?

This specific version of the Vintera III Late 60s Stratocaster is finished in Olympic White, a classic Fender colour that was highly popular during the late 1960s.

Who is the primary target audience for the Vintera III series?

This guitar is suited for players who want the specific vintage feel and sound of a late-60s Stratocaster without the modern modifications found in the American Professional or Player series.

Gear article

Fender Vintera III Late 60s Stratocaster

The Fender Vintera III Late 60s Stratocaster is a vintage-inspired electric guitar designed to replicate the aesthetic and sonic characteristics of Fender instruments from the late 1960s. It features a signature large headstock, a period-accurate neck profile, and specialized single-coil pickups to deliver the punchy, articulate tone associated with that era.

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Overview

The Fender Vintera III Late 60s Stratocaster in Olympic White is a tribute to one of the most transformative eras in electric guitar history. By the late 1960s, the Stratocaster had evolved with specific visual and ergonomic changes, most notably the adoption of the 'large' headstock. This model recreates those specific specifications for modern players seeking a vintage experience without the cost of a Custom Shop or original vintage instrument.

Built with a maple neck and a maple fingerboard, this specific iteration emphasises a bright, punchy attack. The finish is presented in the classic Olympic White, a staple colour of the period that remains a favourite for collectors and performers alike.

Design and Playability

The playability of the Vintera III Late 60s model is defined by its adherence to vintage dimensions. It utilizes a 7.25" fingerboard radius, which is curved more significantly than modern 9.5" or 12" radii, staying true to the feel of 1960s Fender instruments.

Key ergonomic features include: * Late '60s "C" Neck Profile: A comfortable, period-correct shape that sits naturally in the hand. * Vintage Tall Frets: These provide slightly more height than traditional vintage wire, offering a bridge between classic feel and modern ease of bending. * Large Strat Headstock: The iconic oversized headstock design that characterised Fender's aesthetic during the CBS era.

Sound and Electronics

The guitar is equipped with a trio of vintage-style late '60s single-coil pickups. These electronics are voiced specifically to provide the articulate, sparkling highs and dynamic clarity that defined the decade's music. The sound is characterized by a bright rhythm response and expressive lead tones that can cut through a mix. This pickup configuration allows for the classic five-way switching versatility, offering everything from 'quack' in the in-between positions to biting bridge-pickup leads.

Market Context and Comparison

Positioned at a price point of approximately £999, the Vintera III sits as a premium mid-range offering within the Fender catalogue. Compared to the American Professional II Stratocaster, which often features a more modern 'Deep C' neck and narrow-tall frets, the Vintera III is more focused on historical accuracy. While budget-conscious players might look toward Squier Limited Edition models, the Vintera III offers upgraded hardware and specific 'Late 60s' voicing that differentiates it from general-purpose or entry-level Stratocasters.

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Frequently asked questions

What defines the 'Late 60s' aesthetic on this Stratocaster?: The most prominent visual feature is the large Stratocaster headstock, which replaced the smaller pre-CBS design in the mid-1960s. This model also features period-correct Olympic White finishing and a maple fingerboard.
What is the neck profile of the Vintera III Late 60s Stratocaster?: It features a Late '60s 'C' neck profile. This design is intended to provide a familiar and comfortable feel that accurately reflects the neck shapes used by Fender during that specific production era.
What type of pickups are installed in this model?: The guitar is equipped with a trio of vintage-style late '60s single-coil pickups. These are voiced to deliver articulate tones with sparkling highs and the dynamic clarity typical of the late 1960s sound.
How does the fingerboard radius compare to modern Fenders?: This model uses a 7.25" radius, which is more curved than the 9.5" radius found on modern series like the American Professional II. It is designed for players who prefer the authentic feel of vintage instruments.
What type of frets does this guitar have?: It features vintage tall frets. These are slightly taller than traditional vintage wire, providing a bit more leverage for string bending while maintaining a vintage aesthetic.
What materials are used for the neck and fingerboard?: This specific model features both a maple neck and a maple fingerboard. This combination typically results in a punchy attack and bright tonal characteristics.
What is the typical price for the Vintera III Late 60s Stratocaster?: The typical price range for this instrument is approximately £999. Prices may vary slightly based on the specific retailer and current market conditions.
Is the Vintera III suitable for lead or rhythm playing?: It is designed for both; the late '60s single-coil pickups offer bright rhythm tones and expressive lead sounds. The articulate voicing makes it a versatile choice across various musical genres.
How does the large headstock affect the guitar?: While primarily a stylistic choice characteristic of the late 60s era, some players believe the increased mass of the large headstock contributes to the guitar's sustain and overall resonance.
Is this guitar a good alternative to a Custom Shop model?: The Vintera III offers many of the vintage specifications found in Custom Shop guitars, such as the 7.25" radius and specific neck profiles, at a significantly more accessible price point for the average musician.
What finish does this specific model come in?: This specific version of the Vintera III Late 60s Stratocaster is finished in Olympic White, a classic Fender colour that was highly popular during the late 1960s.
Who is the primary target audience for the Vintera III series?: This guitar is suited for players who want the specific vintage feel and sound of a late-60s Stratocaster without the modern modifications found in the American Professional or Player series.