Fender American Vintage II 1961 Stratocaster - FRD

In the heyday of early-’60s surf rock, Fender and several guitarists were on a quest to uncover the perfect Strat sound. Everything from the newly manufactured Alnico III single-coil pickup down to 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 and maple, and rosewood tonewoods and featuring an exclusive trio of single-coil Strat pickups, the ’61 Strat is a perfect emulation of a beloved axe classic. 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.

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.

What’s the most iconic detail of a ’61 Strat? Its mid-end punch and bright treble tone, of course! Lined with three Pure Vintage ’61 single-coil Strat pickups, you’ll revel in this guitar's mid-century audial palette, including singing 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.