Fender Vintera II '50s Stratocaster Electric Guitar - Black with Maple Fingerboard
The Fender Vintera II '50s Stratocaster Electric Guitar in Black with a Maple Fingerboard is a vintage-inspired instrument that brings the look, feel, and sound of Fender’s early Stratocasters to modern players. With a range of period-correct features, it captures the essence of the 1950s Strat while offering excellent playability. Here’s a detailed description:
Body and Construction:
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Body Shape: Classic Stratocaster double-cutaway design, providing comfort and easy access to higher frets.
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Body Material: Alder, a popular Fender tonewood known for its balanced resonance, clear mids, and lightweight feel.
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Finish: Gloss polyester in Black, which is durable and gives the guitar a sleek, vintage appearance.
Neck and Fingerboard:
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Neck: Maple neck with a “Soft V” profile, replicating the neck shape used in the 1950s for a comfortable grip, especially for players who like to wrap their thumb around the neck.
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Fingerboard: One-piece maple, known for its bright, snappy tonal quality and fast playability.
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Frets: 21 vintage-style frets, delivering a traditional feel with smaller fret wire for classic Strat playability.
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Radius: 7.25-inch fingerboard radius, characteristic of vintage Fenders, offering a rounder feel suited for chordal playing and giving the guitar an authentic retro vibe.
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Scale Length: 25.5 inches, providing the familiar Fender tension and brightness, with defined attack and articulation.
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Nut Width: 1.650 inches (42 mm), offering a comfortable width for both lead and rhythm playing.
Electronics:
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Pickups: Equipped with three Vintage-Style '50s single-coil Strat pickups, providing a crisp, clear tone with the iconic Stratocaster “chime” and quack, ideal for classic rock, blues, and surf music.
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Controls:
- Master volume and two tone controls.
- 5-way pickup selector switch for a wide range of tonal possibilities, from glassy clean tones to biting, overdriven sounds.
Hardware:
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Bridge: 6-saddle vintage-style synchronized tremolo bridge, offering smooth vibrato action with authentic 1950s design, perfect for subtle bends and expressive playing.
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Tuning Machines: Vintage-style tuners, providing reliable tuning stability and adding to the retro aesthetic.
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Pickguard: 1-ply white pickguard, providing a clean and classic contrast to the Black finish, staying true to '50s design.
Sound:
The Vintera II '50s Stratocaster delivers a bright, articulate sound with the distinctive bell-like quality that Stratocasters are known for. The pickups produce clear highs, punchy mids, and warm lows, making this guitar suitable for a variety of musical styles. The 5-way switch adds versatility, allowing players to access everything from sparkling cleans to classic Strat out-of-phase tones.
Playability:
With its “Soft V” neck profile, vintage-style frets, and rounder radius, the Vintera II Stratocaster offers a period-correct playing experience. The neck feels substantial yet comfortable, especially for those who enjoy traditional chordal playing or thumb-over techniques. The tremolo bridge provides smooth, reliable action for vibrato effects without sacrificing tuning stability.
Aesthetic Appeal:
The Black finish combined with the Maple fingerboard creates a timeless, classic look, exuding understated elegance. The white pickguard adds a vintage touch, while the chrome hardware completes the retro vibe.
Conclusion:
The Fender Vintera II '50s Stratocaster in Black with a Maple Fingerboard is perfect for players seeking a vintage Strat experience. It offers classic '50s styling and tone, while still being a reliable and playable guitar for modern musicians. Whether you’re into vintage rock, blues, or surf, this guitar delivers the authentic Fender Stratocaster feel and sound.