Fender Vintera II '50s Stratocaster Black

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.

As classic a Strat as you'll find. Great fit and finish and sounds glorious. Great work from Fender on this series.

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.

Fender Vintera 50s Strat(Seafoam Green)

Overall:This guitar exceeded my expectations. I've played/owned several MIM strats. And they have always been fairly nice sounding and playing. Not quite on the American level. However when I ordered this, I mainly wanted the soft V neck and "7.25 radius. I wasn't expecting it to be nearly as nice as it is. It came set up perfectly. And it's just amazing to play and look at. The sound is phenomenal. And the vintage neck is super comfortable. The gig bag is decent as well. Everything was better than expected and I would say is on par with American series nowdays. I would definitely recommend buying this. You can achieve super low action as well. Also, zZounds rocks. Their pay as you play makes instruments accessible to everybody.

I would definitely purchase this item again

This guitar exceeded all my expectations. It was exactly what I was hoping for and more. The look, sound, and feel is amazing!

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.

Seafoam Green Dream

Overall:Been playing Strats since 1974. This is a awesome deal and great quality out of the box. Great neck. So what about MIM. Either buy a american made assembled by mexicans or buy one from mexico assembled by mexicans. Hanging on my wall for good!

white blonde

came set up with 9's. very tinny sounding. as soon as i set up and put on a little heavier string it sounded better. The high e is almost off the finger board as you go down the neck line. The heavier strings helped with that also, as the weight and mass of the string stays on the finger board better. The bridge and saddles are a little cheap feeling and looking. hard to get the strings to come out of the bridge when i changed them. like they were stuck in that cheap bridge. That all being said is actually a real nice guitar for the $$. The finish is flawless and the neck is very comfortable to play. the pick ups have a real nice ring to them and are very versatile with the 5 way switch. Should come with a hardshell case as the "Deluxe" gig bag doesn't do the guitar ... Morecame set up with 9's. very tinny sounding. as soon as i set up and put on a little heavier string it sounded better. The high e is almost off the finger board as you go down the neck line. The heavier strings helped with that also, as the weight and mass of the string stays on the finger board better. The bridge and saddles are a little cheap feeling and looking. hard to get the strings to come out of the bridge when i changed them. like they were stuck in that cheap bridge. That all being said is actually a real nice guitar for the $$. The finish is flawless and the neck is very comfortable to play. the pick ups have a real nice ring to them and are very versatile with the 5 way switch. Should come with a hardshell case as the "Deluxe" gig bag doesn't do the guitar justice!! Ive played it on two gigs this weekend and after doing the "fine tuning" its really a cool sounding and playing guitar.