Coveted ’61 Stratocaster Charm
In the heyday of early-’60s surf rock, Fender and several guitarists were on a quest to uncover the perfect Strat sound. Everything, including the nitro gloss finish, was manipulated with the goal of distilling Stratocaster tone like no other. With the American Vintage II Strat, Fender has now brought back the quintessential 1961 model with unparalleled authenticity. Built with alder, maple, and rosewood tonewoods, dressed in a classy black finish with gold hardware, and featuring a trio of Fender Custom Shop Strat pickups, the ’61 Strat is a perfect emulation of a beloved axe classic, available only at Sweetwater. Considering it retains the same C neck profile and familiar fretboard access, holding an American Vintage II guitar feels akin to wielding an instrument rife with legendary 20th-century tone.
Classic Strat maneuverability
The shape, feel, and build of a guitar are the first things you notice before you’re about to play. With that idea in mind, Fender took care in making sure that the American Vintage II ’61 Strat was as authentically manufactured as its predecessor. The same classic C-shape neck profile completes the ’61 Strat’s true maneuverability, allowing you to glide between notes. An accurately designed alder, maple, and rosewood construction feels like holding an authentic musical artifact, while amounting to a sturdy build. Topped off with a delicate nitro gloss finish, this Strat is the closest thing to grabbing a real-deal axe off the line in 1961.
Definitive single-coil trio
Lined with a Fat ’60s single-coil pickup set from the Fender Custom Shop, this American Vintage II 1961 Stratocaster is only available at Sweetwater. Featuring Alnico II magnets and period-correct wiring, these pickups will have you reveling in their mid-century audial palette, including warm, sustaining high notes, textured rhythms, and everything in between. The classic Stratocaster control panel includes a 5-way pickup switch and twin tone knobs, letting you maximize your output to your desired taste. Tied together with a single volume knob and easy access to a vintage synchronized tremolo, you’ll be able to conjure up any tone that crosses your creative wit.
American Vintage II authenticity
As with Fender’s first American Vintage series, the American Vintage II line of guitars strive to be as accurate as possible in terms of looks, build, tone, and appointments. When you’re buying an American Vintage II guitar, you’re not only getting a classic-looking axe, but you’re also afforded handpicked vintage-style hardware that’s designed to emulate the performance of a true 20th century instrument. When it comes to gear, Sweetwater musicians are big fans of the classics. Trust us: after playing an American Vintage II guitar, it’s not easy to put it down.
Fender American Vintage II 1961 Stratocaster Features:
- Alder, maple, and rosewood construction provide a vintage build with added stability and comfort
- Authentic 1961 C-shape neck profile provides maximum maneuverability and a solid hold on your fretboard
- Gold hardware made to model coveted guitar appointments of ages past
- Faithful vintage synchronized tremolo with bent steel saddles generates warm guitar waves with ease
- Fender Custom Shop Fat ’60s single-coil Strat pickups flawlessly replicate an entire spectrum of classic sounds
- Tune in to your perfect sound with a standard 5-position pickup switch, dual tone knobs, and a single volume control
- Pure Vintage Single Line “Fender Deluxe” tuning machines keep your intonation stable while providing a stellar visual display
- Premium gloss nitrocellulose lacquer finish presents a renowned Strat shine
