(SOLD) Fender American Vintage '57 Stratocaster Fiesta Red 1986
Fender AVRI '57 Strat, fiesta red, made in Corona USA 1986. What a score this is! The American Vintage series launched in 1982 and heralded a return to form for Fender: finally, Fender were delivering guitars made the way they used to be made. This one was made in late 1986, so it's a very early example from the then-brand-new Corona factory. It's in absolutely knock-out condition: there's barely a mark on it to speak of and it comes with the original case and docs. It's gorgeous in the hands too. The neck is a moderate C profile, not exactly fat, but there's enough meat in it to feel comfy in the hands. The body is moderate in weight and responds gleefully to every note, it's got plenty of natural resonance on deck. The pickups deliver a great balance between hefty, fat low end and a chiming, sparkly top. It cleans up beautifully but is equally happy wailing with a generous dose of gain. The finish has yellowed with age to a sweet ripe orange hue, there's no major marks to speak of so the colour really does all the talking. These early Corona guitars are beautifully made and a pretty decent bet to go up in value from here, so scoring an almost-mint example in a rare finish is surely a huge win. Viva the Strat!
Model: Fender American Vintage '57 Stratocaster
Made: Corona USA, neck date 8 Dec 1986, pots date 1986 (serial V024285)
Finish: fiesta red, 1-ply white guard
Body: alder
Neck: maple with maple board, 25.5" scale, 7.25" radius, 50s C shape, 43mm nut
Weight: 3.405kg
Mods: factory-supplied 5-way switch installed
Pickups: Fender 'black bobbin' single coil x3
Case: original Fender tweed hard case, excellent quality, very good condition with a handful of minor scuffs and some fading etc
Bonus: original hangtags, warranty docs, Fender strap, trem arm and 3-way switch
Cosmetic condition notes: mild finish wear. Headstock has some minor dimples on the end and back near the A-string tuner, no major marks. Neck is clean and smooth in the hands, major marks. The back has some very minor dimples on the top horn, near the cavity and on the back edge, no major marks. The sides have minor scuffs in the elbow area and near the jack, no major marks. The front has some dimples behind the bridge and on the back edge, some light scuffs in the elbow area and some play wear on the guard and top horn. Overall: excellent condition (9/10).
Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electrics tested and working properly. Frets are original, so they have some normal wear including the start of some pitting, but they're pretty even with no major buzz issues, 7/10 for fret life left. Wearing fresh 10/46 Moonshiners strings.