(SOLD) Fender American Vintage '57 Stratocaster Sunburst 1994
Fender AVRI 57 Strat, two tone sunburst, made in Corona USA 1994. This, friends, is a knockout guitar. The American Vintage line was launched in the eighties and marked a return to form for Fender; they were finally building guitars with precision and care like they were in the 50s. This one hails to the mid 90s, a few years into the Corona era, and it's a majestic beast. The neck is a sweet piece of maple: lovely wavy grain pattern up the back, arrow straight, lovely round slightly chunky C profile, played in and smooth as silk... perfection. The body shows off some really tasty grain; it's fairly light and very resonant, springing to life with every note. The nitro finish has that tasty burnt popcorn smell and has aged to perfection, it's looking absolutely superb and definitely adds an extra dimension to the tone. The tone is gorgeous: thick, juicy warm harmonics and an immediate and articulate attack. It balances warmth and brightness, body and pluck perfectly. If you're after a Strat in the Custom Shop quality bracket without selling a kidney to finance the dream, nab this dreamy creature and thank yourself daily for the next few decades.
Model: Fender American Vintage '57 Stratocaster
Made: Corona USA, neck date 16 Dec 1994 (serial V078116)
Finish: 2-tone sunburst (2TS), 1-ply white guard
Body: alder
Neck: maple with maple board, 25.5" scale, 7.25" radius
Weight: 3.550kg
Mods: back cover removed, 5-way switch installed
Pickups: Fender American Vintage alnico single coils
Case: original Fender tweed hard case, excellent quality, good condition with a few scuffs and some fading etc
Cosmetic condition notes: mild finish wear. Headstock has some minor dimples on the end and back, no major marks. Neck is clean and smooth in the hands, just some minor dimples on the back and some light nicks on the board around the 8th and 12th fret. The back has a few dimples and light scuffs spread around the body but no major marks, it's pretty clean. The sides are pretty clean, just a little chip on the top horn and near the jack. The front is also good, just some scuffs around the back edge near the jack and light marks on the shoulder and some light play wear on the guard and top horn. Overall: very good condition (8/10).
Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electrics tested and working properly. Frets have very some minor wear but are in good shape, 8/10 for fret life left. Wearing fresh 10/46 Moonshiners strings.