Fender Vintera 60s Stratocaster Pau Ferro Fingerboard 3-Color Sunburst

Expected more for the price paid. I have owned several Fender Stratocasters over the years. Some made in the USA, like my 50th anniversary model with color matching painted headstock to several Mexican and Chinese made versions. All have had commensurate quality in relation to the price that I paid--until now.The Fender Vintera 50's Stratocaster "Modified" that I received was a disappointment.The pickguard was buckled just above the bridge, which after some Googling, appears to be a common problem with the single ply scratch plates on Fender's that are built in Mexico. The Daphne Blue paint work has some minor bubbles and inconsistencies, and the frets are not smooth along the edges of the neck.Overall, I guess that I expected the fit and finish to be a little ... MoreExpected more for the price paid. I have owned several Fender Stratocasters over the years. Some made in the USA, like my 50th anniversary model with color matching painted headstock to several Mexican and Chinese made versions. All have had commensurate quality in relation to the price that I paid--until now.The Fender Vintera 50's Stratocaster "Modified" that I received was a disappointment.The pickguard was buckled just above the bridge, which after some Googling, appears to be a common problem with the single ply scratch plates on Fender's that are built in Mexico. The Daphne Blue paint work has some minor bubbles and inconsistencies, and the frets are not smooth along the edges of the neck.Overall, I guess that I expected the fit and finish to be a little nicer for a $999.99 guitar -- regardless of where it was made. For example, I ordered a Squier Affinity Series Telecaster in Butterscotch for $199.99 two years ago that had much nicer fret work than this Mexican made Vintera that cost me $800 more.Perhaps, I had a lackluster instrument? Maybe the majority of these guitars are built to a higher standard?On a positive note, the vintage locking tuning keys are tight, feel nice and maintain tuning well, and the electronics (I.e., pickups, knobs and switch) are solid and quiet. The Maple neck with satin finish is fast and very playable, and the tone and resonance is what you would expect out of a Stratocaster.

I’m no stranger to custom shop strats. No, it doesn’t have the nitro smell or the perfectly rolled edges, but this is one spectacular guitar.First impressions out of the box, it felt really nice in my hands, kind of similar to the deluxe Lone Star Strat I used to own, but the neck on this one is a lot more comfortable to me. I couldn’t find any flaws in the finish or the fretboard and frets. And best of all is how this guitar resonates, it’s deep and soulful when unplugged. Plugged in it sounds just like a strat should. I see no reason to change the pickups.The setup was a little off. A minor truss rod tweak and trem spring adjustment were all it really needed. I always put .10’a on anyway. The fret ends were nice and smooth and the fingerboard edges, while not ... MoreI’m no stranger to custom shop strats. No, it doesn’t have the nitro smell or the perfectly rolled edges, but this is one spectacular guitar.First impressions out of the box, it felt really nice in my hands, kind of similar to the deluxe Lone Star Strat I used to own, but the neck on this one is a lot more comfortable to me. I couldn’t find any flaws in the finish or the fretboard and frets. And best of all is how this guitar resonates, it’s deep and soulful when unplugged. Plugged in it sounds just like a strat should. I see no reason to change the pickups.The setup was a little off. A minor truss rod tweak and trem spring adjustment were all it really needed. I always put .10’a on anyway. The fret ends were nice and smooth and the fingerboard edges, while not “rolled,” felt rounded and smooth regardless. It really does feel like a high end USA made instrument.I was worried about the lighter brown colored Pau Ferro, but it really looks fantastic on this guitar. Also, the mint green pickguard is much greener than the photos and matches really well. Also the tint on the headstock and neck is perfect. It’s nice and dark but not too dark. It’s just right to make it look old and classy. The fretboard was very dry, though and a bit of oiling really brought out the grain and made it look a bit darker and much nicer. The ice blue is a nice color but it’s kind of weird. Almost looks green in certain lighting.The vintage frets are not for everyone but I absolutely love them. Also the radius is just fine, no fret-outs anywhere like everyone tries to tell you. I can see why most people would want the modified version if you’re a speed demon, but if you like a luxurious and smooth feel, you can’t go wrong with this one.

I spent a month looking at fenders and loved a different model in the same sonic blue, but it was an exclusive for another company. I changed out the pickguard for a 3ply in black along with the back cavity plate. The single ply that comes stock on this came warped and the effort of straightening it rather than replace it was too much. The tuning pegs are unique to me and they made re stringing a breeze. Fender came a long way when they stopped putting the truss rod screw at the bottom of the neck. I was not prepared for that and truss rod adjustments are now more time consuming, for me highly stressful. They screened on a spot on the headstock to look like a truss rod hole, if you want to adjust it you have to take off the neck... The gig bag is what I'd expect for ... MoreI spent a month looking at fenders and loved a different model in the same sonic blue, but it was an exclusive for another company. I changed out the pickguard for a 3ply in black along with the back cavity plate. The single ply that comes stock on this came warped and the effort of straightening it rather than replace it was too much. The tuning pegs are unique to me and they made re stringing a breeze. Fender came a long way when they stopped putting the truss rod screw at the bottom of the neck. I was not prepared for that and truss rod adjustments are now more time consuming, for me highly stressful. They screened on a spot on the headstock to look like a truss rod hole, if you want to adjust it you have to take off the neck... The gig bag is what I'd expect for around $30-40 quality. The guitar is beautiful, but be prepared to work to make sure it's playable. Setup was poor out of box.

A Close Version Of The Original

I really like this guitar because it's very close to the original 1955 Fender Stratocaster that Buddy Holly played. It has a "soft v" shaped neck profile, pickups designed to sound (subjectively) like those of the 1950s, single-ply pickguard and tremolo cover plate, 1950s-style tuners, and cloth-covered wiring under the pickguard. However, it DOES have the five-position pickup selector switch for which I am grateful. I bought the seafoam green version because the two-color sunburst version is regrettably only available in the "modified" configuration, which is NOT as close to the original guitar. However, I must say that the seafoam green strat is quite striking and reminds me somewhat of the "7-Up" green version of the Eric Clapton signature strat. This guitar ... MoreI really like this guitar because it's very close to the original 1955 Fender Stratocaster that Buddy Holly played. It has a "soft v" shaped neck profile, pickups designed to sound (subjectively) like those of the 1950s, single-ply pickguard and tremolo cover plate, 1950s-style tuners, and cloth-covered wiring under the pickguard. However, it DOES have the five-position pickup selector switch for which I am grateful. I bought the seafoam green version because the two-color sunburst version is regrettably only available in the "modified" configuration, which is NOT as close to the original guitar. However, I must say that the seafoam green strat is quite striking and reminds me somewhat of the "7-Up" green version of the Eric Clapton signature strat. This guitar looks wonderful, plays easily, and sounds good but, as I noted earlier, may or may not sound just like the 1950s strat to your own ears. As someone who has played for almost 50 years, I can honestly say that I truly ENJOY owning this model Stratocaster very much! One possible drawback is that the truss rod adjusts at the heel of the neck (just like the original), which can be problematic but is still workable. In any case, it's a GREAT guitar and worthy of serious consideration for both players and collectors alike.

Frets out

This guitar could have been a GREAT guitar but "Fender", (in their collective wisdom) can't seem to put together an AFFORDABLE guitar with all the elements players want and need like...a good feeling neck (soft V, mid 60's C, or even oval C) with an absolutely necessary "9.5" radius or a 10 or even a 12...or heres a thought...compound 7.5 radius to 9.5 anything but an antiquated 7.5 radius. Granted, these 7.5 necks were once all the rage back in the day and I have a few VINTAGE guitars with that radius which I never play on stage because I have to raise the action way to high so as to avoid fret out. In todays market I feel this is an unusable radius for studio or stage work. I really hate having to pay an extra $300.00 to $800.00 to get a decent feeling neck after ... MoreThis guitar could have been a GREAT guitar but "Fender", (in their collective wisdom) can't seem to put together an AFFORDABLE guitar with all the elements players want and need like...a good feeling neck (soft V, mid 60's C, or even oval C) with an absolutely necessary "9.5" radius or a 10 or even a 12...or heres a thought...compound 7.5 radius to 9.5 anything but an antiquated 7.5 radius. Granted, these 7.5 necks were once all the rage back in the day and I have a few VINTAGE guitars with that radius which I never play on stage because I have to raise the action way to high so as to avoid fret out. In todays market I feel this is an unusable radius for studio or stage work. I really hate having to pay an extra $300.00 to $800.00 to get a decent feeling neck after I have already plopped down a grand and then buy pick ups to boot.A few years back Fender came close with the Classic Player 50's strat. This guitar felt and looked great! It had a modern soft V, (smaller than the old big chunky style...which was also good) nice looks and weight (heavy but not extremely heavy) and vintage style hardware (save for the cheap zinc bridge). Besides the zinc bridge (which is an affordable easy fix) The pickups were also too thin sounding (57/62) and the way it was wired was funky. However, I got buy and upgraded the pups for $99.00 (Fender 59's great pups buy the way). IMO The most IMPORTANT items on a guitar are the neck and the pups...very few working musicians (and I have been on stage for forty years) I have ever known used or currently use a 7.5 radius neck and just as few use a modern C or deep D or C or whatever. IMO Fender does not currently have ANY affordable guitars in the under a grand category that don't need significant mods for stage or studio play. I Love Fender guitars. Do better fender.

If you enjoy the true vintage feel this one's for you

I've played a lot of Stratocasters and this is the best vintage feeling guitar I have ever played. For being vintage I have no fretting out and the neck plays smooth and fast for me. I don't understand the complaints about this guitar, if your into a modern thin uncomfortable c shape and hum buckets or noiseless pick ups with jumbo frets that go out of intonation with hardly any wear than this isn't for you. If your looking for the absolute best bang for your buck that fender has ever produced than this guitar is for you. I've played American strats and deluxe and I don't like where my creative mind goes. You really get the authentic feel of what a Stratocaster is. Only recommendations I have as far as upgrading would be electronics. 65's would fit this guitar ... MoreI've played a lot of Stratocasters and this is the best vintage feeling guitar I have ever played. For being vintage I have no fretting out and the neck plays smooth and fast for me. I don't understand the complaints about this guitar, if your into a modern thin uncomfortable c shape and hum buckets or noiseless pick ups with jumbo frets that go out of intonation with hardly any wear than this isn't for you. If your looking for the absolute best bang for your buck that fender has ever produced than this guitar is for you. I've played American strats and deluxe and I don't like where my creative mind goes. You really get the authentic feel of what a Stratocaster is. Only recommendations I have as far as upgrading would be electronics. 65's would fit this guitar perfectly. But if your playing clean tones alot then the clean tones on this guitar are beautiful. Fender hit a deer spot here. I have 17 years of experience playing strats

Needed a LOT of Expensive Work; the Only Guitar I Regret

The good is that is delivers classic Strat tones, and the vintage neck/frets are VERY forgiving with chords-which is great if you play rhythm, but you might not dig it as much if you doing major note bending, as they note will quickly "die."The bad, though, far outweighs the good, and although I own more than a dozen guitars, this is the only one I regret buying.The bad is that I needed to spend about $600 to get and keep this thing playable.The setup upon delivery was horrendous, and despite having lots of experience with setups, I still needed professional help with some fretwork in order to get it properly intonated.Then, less than two years later, the B string started to "sitar," which required a new nut to correct...only to discover the that neck was ... MoreThe good is that is delivers classic Strat tones, and the vintage neck/frets are VERY forgiving with chords-which is great if you play rhythm, but you might not dig it as much if you doing major note bending, as they note will quickly "die."The bad, though, far outweighs the good, and although I own more than a dozen guitars, this is the only one I regret buying.The bad is that I needed to spend about $600 to get and keep this thing playable.The setup upon delivery was horrendous, and despite having lots of experience with setups, I still needed professional help with some fretwork in order to get it properly intonated.Then, less than two years later, the B string started to "sitar," which required a new nut to correct...only to discover the that neck was very dry and started to pop frets, so additional fretwork was needed. Unfortunately, this was past Fender's warranty rules for workmanship, so, I was stuck with the bill.It's still not perfect, especially with the high action that is needed above the 12th frets in order for it to not "fret out."

Nice guitar with great Strat tones :)

Pro - Great sounding pickups, wouldn't change a thing. It is really easy to get all of vintage Strat sounds you want out of this. Pro - Really well made. Pro - The neck profile is a lot closer feeling to that era Strat then Fenders previous reissues of this guitar. Pro - It has the 5 way pickup switch as opposed to the three way that was on the original. Much better option. Pro/Con - (Con) Having to pull the neck off to adjust it is a drag. (Pro) To be fair it is like that on the originals and as such needs to be like that to be an accurate reproduction. Con - The setup out of the box was pretty bad. Not a problem, but if you don't do your own setups factor it in as an additional cost. Con - I could not get the stock tuners that came on it to stay in tune for long. ... MorePro - Great sounding pickups, wouldn't change a thing. It is really easy to get all of vintage Strat sounds you want out of this. Pro - Really well made. Pro - The neck profile is a lot closer feeling to that era Strat then Fenders previous reissues of this guitar. Pro - It has the 5 way pickup switch as opposed to the three way that was on the original. Much better option. Pro/Con - (Con) Having to pull the neck off to adjust it is a drag. (Pro) To be fair it is like that on the originals and as such needs to be like that to be an accurate reproduction. Con - The setup out of the box was pretty bad. Not a problem, but if you don't do your own setups factor it in as an additional cost. Con - I could not get the stock tuners that came on it to stay in tune for long. I kept having to retune it. I replaced them with some vintage replica locking tuners (like the ones that come stock on the Vintera 50's modified) and it is now perfect. To be fair the tuners are meant to be replicas of the vintage ones so if you are used to guitars with higher end tuners this will through you off. Again just consider it an additional cost if it bugs you. With the locking tuners and a set up this guitar plays and sounds great. I would recommend it if you are looking for class Strat tones.Included pics of stock -vs- locking tuners, it does not really take much away from the look and makes the tuning much more stable. I would buy it again without hesitation.

Review of Fender Vintera '50s Strat in Sonic Blue

Having owned several Fender Strats previously, including a USA Clapton model, I can honestly say that the Vintera is probably the best one that I’ve played.The action straight out of the box was perfect for me. It has a 7.25” neck radius (same as my PRS SS) which I find extremely comfortable. If you like fast, ultra low action Ibanez RG’s or Jems, this is not for you.The pickups are classic Strat and seem low wound (I haven’t checked the output level spec). I’m not a lover of “hot” pickups and have low wound pickups on all my other guitars, but if you are then you’d not be looking at a 50’s style Strat.The only slight “con” is the neck is a little too glossy but not to the level of some of the Chinese Fenders if played in the past.I bought the Vintera for ... MoreHaving owned several Fender Strats previously, including a USA Clapton model, I can honestly say that the Vintera is probably the best one that I’ve played.The action straight out of the box was perfect for me. It has a 7.25” neck radius (same as my PRS SS) which I find extremely comfortable. If you like fast, ultra low action Ibanez RG’s or Jems, this is not for you.The pickups are classic Strat and seem low wound (I haven’t checked the output level spec). I’m not a lover of “hot” pickups and have low wound pickups on all my other guitars, but if you are then you’d not be looking at a 50’s style Strat.The only slight “con” is the neck is a little too glossy but not to the level of some of the Chinese Fenders if played in the past.I bought the Vintera for the aesthetically pleasing combination of a Sonic Blue Strat with a maple neck and I’ve ended up buying a guitar that I can’t put down.

This thing is a thousand dollar paperweight!

Didn't like the fingerboard straight away. Seemed rather dry. The e string on the treble side was so close to the edge of the fingerboard string bending on the side was out of the question. Took it to GC Tulsa and paid to have it set up. Same situation. Ended up taking it to a shop that found a laundry list of issues. Contacted Fender about the warranty, Fender sent an old list of Fender repair folks a couple whom told me that they don't do warranty work for Fender because Fender has a hard time sending checks to repair folks. ALLEGEDLY. Should have gone with my gut and sent this thing right back,