Fender AVRI '57 Strat, fiesta red, made in USA 1994. The American Vintage series launched to wide acclaim in 1982: finally, Fender were building guitars like they did in their 50s and 60s golden era again. This one dates to 1994, which is relatively early in the game for the series, as they were made basically to the same recipe up until 2012. It's unusual to get a fiesta red example: the vast majority of AVRI '57s are sunburst, with black and olympic white accounting for most of the rest, so this is one of only a couple of fiesta red examples currently available anywhere in the world. The finish has yellowed significantly, mellowing to a vibrant orange hue, injecting a welcome dash of summery flair into our wintery store. The bright orange pops perfectly, and paired with the golden syrup maple fretboard and crème caramel plastics, it looks fantastic. The neck is a comfy vintage C shape, with some beautiful consistent grain on display on the bottom side on the neck and an agreeable played-in feel. There's plenty of natural resonance on offer, the lightweight body rings generously at a light touch. Plug it in, and there's plenty to love: bright, sherbet high end chime paired with an eloquent, assured bass response and a breathy midrange. It's extremely responsive to a varied attack, with a voice ranging from a whisper to a rolling tenor to a snarky growl depending on how hard you dig in. The best sounding Strats have a certain girth and weight to the tone, and this absolutely has that going on. The original case, accessories and docs are missing, but it does include a handy Fender TSA-approved ABS hard case, perfect if you're a busy player. I don't know why, but I have a sudden urge to get some butter chicken, be right back!

Model: Fender American Vintage '57 Stratocaster
Made: Corona USA,  neck date 8 Mar 1994 (serial V037410)
Finish: fiesta red, gloss nitro, 1-ply white guard
Body: alder
Neck: maple with maple board, 25.5" scale, 7.25" radius, vintage C profile, 43mm nut
Weight: 3.540kg
Mods: none
Pickups: Fender American Vintage single coil x3
Case: non-original Fender ABS deluxe hard case. Note the docs, 5-way switch and tremolo arm are not included

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has some dimples on the end and bottom edge. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, very minor dimples on the back only. The back has some minor dimples on the bottom horn and bottom corner and some light scuffs in the elbow area and around the belly carve, no major marks. The sides have a few dimples near the knobs and in the elbow area. The front has a few dimples along the back edge, scuffs behind the bridge and in the elbow area and some play wear on the guard and horns. There's a small crack in the guard near the neck pickup. 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. The frets have some normal wear inc minor pitting, but they're pretty even with no major buzz issues, 6/10 for fret life left. Wearing fresh 10/46 Moonshiners strings.