Fender Vintera ’60s Stratocaster – Review

The Fender Vintera ’60s Stratocaster is an outstanding tribute to the legendary decade that defined the golden age of rock and roll. This exquisite instrument perfectly captures the essence and vibe of the 1960s, providing guitarists with an unparalleled vintage sound and playability experience. In this article, we take a look at the magical qualities that make the Fender Vintera ’60s Stratocaster a timeless gem for musicians of all stripes and genres.

Authentic ’60s Aesthetic

The Fender Vintera ’60s Stratocaster faithfully recreates the iconic visuals that made the original ’60s Stratocasters so captivating. From vintage-inspired finishes such as:

  • Olympic White;
  • Sonic Blue;
  • Three-Tone Sunburst.

Every detail is carefully crafted to transport you back to the swinging sixties.

Versatile Pickup Configuration

This Stratocaster’s pickup configuration provides a wide range of tonal possibilities. Equipped with three single-coil Strat pickups from the ’60s in a vintage style, the guitar offers the distinctive ringing, clarity, and nuance that have defined the signature Stratocaster sound. From a smooth and mellow clean sound to a sharp overdrive, the Vintera ’60s Stratocaster can handle any musical genre with grace.

Who Is The Vintera Road Worn 60s Strat For?

Vintera Road Worn 60s Strat body

The Vintera Road Worn ’60s Strat is designed for guitarists who appreciate the aesthetics and feel of a vintage instrument, as well as its shabby look that tells of years of use and love. It is especially suited for players who are drawn to iconic sounds and styles from the 1960s, such as blues, rock, and classic rock. The vintage sound pickups, distressed finish, and aged hardware give the guitar an authentic vintage feel, making it the perfect choice for musicians looking to capture the essence of that era.

Additionally, the Vintera Road Worn ’60s Strat will appeal to players who appreciate comfort and convenience. The “Road Worn” fingerboard treatment creates a shabby feel while providing smooth and easy playability. The medium C-shaped fingerboard profile and vintage-style picks provide a familiar and comfortable playing experience, making the guitar suitable for experienced players as well as those transitioning from other guitar models.

The Vintera Road Worn ’60s Strat is a great choice for concert musicians and performers who want a reliable and ready-to-play instrument. Despite its vintage appearance, this guitar is made with modern manufacturing techniques and components for durability and consistent performance. The road finish also adds a layer of wear protection, making it suitable for frequent use on stage or in the studio.

Overall, the Vintera Road Worn ’60s Strat is designed for guitarists who crave a vintage aesthetic, authentic ’60s tones and a road-worn feel. Whether you’re a professional musician, performing artist or just a guitarist who appreciates the timeless appeal of a well-worn instrument, the Vintera Road Worn ’60s Strat offers a thrilling playing experience that connects you to the spirit of the 60s.

Vintera Road Worn 60s Strat – Specifications

Basic specifications of the Vintera Road Worn ’60s Strat:

Body:

  • Body shape: Stratocaster;
  • Case material: Alder;
  • Case finish: Road Worn Nitrocellulose Lacquer.

Vulture:

  • Lead material: Maple;
  • Handlebar Shape: Mid 60’s “C”;
  • Finish: Road Worn Nitrocellulose Lacquer;
  • Handlebar length: 25.5″ (648 mm);
  • Make up material: Pau Ferro or maple;
  • Handlebar radius: 7.25″ (184.1 mm);
  • Number of Falls: 21;
  • Fret size: Vintage-Style;
  • Nut material: Synthetic bone;
  • Nut width: 1.650″ (42 mm);
  • Positioning pads: White Dot.

Electronics:

  • Bridge pickup: Vintage-Style ’60s Single-Coil Strat;
  • Middle pickup: Vintage-Style ’60s Single-Coil Strat;
  • Neck Pickup: Vintage-Style ’60s Single-Coil Strat;
  • Controls: Master Volume, Tone 1 (Neck/Middle Pickups), Tone 2 (Bridge Pickup);
  • Sound pickup switching: 5-position blade.

Equipment:

  • Bridge: 6-Saddle Vintage-Style Synchronized Tremolo;
  • Tuning knobs: Vintage-Style;
  • Lining: 3-ply mint-green;
  • Control knobs: Aged white plastic;
  • Switch tip: Aged white.

Miscellaneous:

  • Strings: Fender USA 250L nickel-plated steel (gauges.009-.042);
  • Case/playing bag: Deluxe Gig Bag;
  • Unique Features: Road Worn nitrocellulose lacquer finish;
  • Warped body, fingerboard and hardware, vintage-style pickups, aged plastic parts.

These specifications reflect general characteristics of the Vintera Road Worn ’60s Strat, but there may be differences in specific models depending on region and availability. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, we always recommend checking the official Fender website or consulting an authorized dealer.

Features And Benefits

Vintera Road Worn 60s Strat neck

Features and Benefits of the Vintera Road Worn ’60s Strat:

  • Road Worn Nitrocellulose Lacquer Finish: The guitar has a carefully applied road-worn nitrocellulose lacquer finish, giving it an authentic vintage look and feel. This finish not only enhances the aesthetics of the guitar, but also contributes to its resonance and timbre characteristics;
  • Distressed body, fingerboard, and fittings: the Vintera Road Worn ’60s Strat replicates the wear and damage of your favorite vintage instrument. The distressed body, fingerboard, and fittings create the look of a battered road, giving the guitar a unique, aged personality and story to tell;
  • Vintage-inspired pickups: Equipped with single-coil Strat sound pickups in a vintage ’60s style, this guitar delivers the timeless tones that defined the sound of that era. These pickups deliver the classic ringing, clarity, and versatility of the Stratocaster sound, allowing players a wide range of tones, from clean and articulate to harsh and overdriven;
  • Comfortable fingerboard profile: The “Mid ’60s C”-shaped fingerboard profile provides a comfortable playing experience with a familiar feel that suits a variety of playing styles. It makes it easy to play chords, play fast leads, and make comfortable bends, making it suitable for both rhythm and lead guitarists;
  • Roadworthy: Despite its vintage aesthetic, the Vintera Road Worn ’60s Strat is made with modern technology and components for exceptional reliability. It can withstand all the stresses of gigging and touring, making it a reliable companion for professional musicians;
  • Versatile tonal possibilities: With a five-position pickup selector and separate volume and tone controls, the Vintera Road Worn ’60s Strat offers a versatile range of tonal possibilities. From sparkling clean sound in the fingerboard position to punchy rhythms in the midrange position and sharp lead tones in the bridge position, this guitar can adapt to a variety of musical genres and playing styles;
  • Authentic vintage vibe: The combination of scuffed finishes, vintage-style components, and attention to detail creates an instrument that exudes an authentic vintage vibe. From the aged plastic parts to the vintage-style tremolo bridge, every aspect of the guitar contributes to its overall nostalgic charm;
  • Includes Deluxe Gig Bag: The Vintera Road Worn ’60s Strat comes complete with a deluxe gig bag that provides a convenient and secure way to transport your guitar. This ensures your instrument stays safe on the road or between gigs, giving you peace of mind.

Overall, the Vintera Road Worn ’60s Strat offers the perfect combination of vintage aesthetics, authentic tones, modern reliability, and comfortable playability. This is a guitar that will appeal to vintage enthusiasts, professional musicians, and anyone looking for a road-worn instrument with timeless appeal and exceptional performance.

Sound and electronics

The sound and electronics of the Vintera Road Worn ’60s Strat contribute to its distinctive tone and versatility. Let’s take a closer look at these aspects:

  • Pickups: The Vintera Road Worn ’60s Strat features single coil Strat pickups in vintage ’60s style in the fingerboard, midrange, and bridge positions. These pickups are designed to convey the authentic sound of the original ’60s Stratocasters, which are known for their distinctive ringing, clarity, and versatility;
  • The nylon pickup provides warm, smooth tones ideal for blues parts, soft, clean passages or jazz chords. The midrange pickup provides balanced and articulate tones suitable for a wide range of playing styles and genres. The bridge pickup provides a bright and edgy tone with increased presence, making it ideal for crisp rhythms, cutting solos, and high-gain applications.

The combination of these pickups provides an expansive tonal palette spanning genres such as blues, rock, classic rock, funk, and more. Whether you’re looking for a clean clean sound, a tight overdrive or a soaring leader, the Vintera Road Worn ’60s Strat pickups deliver the iconic Stratocaster sound with authenticity and precision.

The Vintera Road Worn ’60s Strat has a traditional control layout consisting of a master volume control, tone controls for the neck/midrange and bridge pickups, and a five-position pickup selector switch.

  • The master volume control makes it easy to control the overall output level of your guitar, giving you dynamic control over your playing. Tone controls allow you to further change the character of your instrument, giving it the warmth or brightness you desire;
  • A five-position pickup selector switch offers a variety of pickup combinations, opening up a wide range of tonal possibilities. With the bridge position, you get bright and edgy tones. If you use the midrange or neck pickup individually, you’ll get a smoother, more rounded sound. In the intermediate positions, you’ll get a mixture of these characteristics, offering different timbral variations;
  • Vintage-style wiring: The Vintera Road Worn ’60s Strat uses vintage-style wiring that contributes to the guitar’s authentic tone and responsiveness. This wiring scheme ensures that the pickups interact with each other in a way that captures the essence of the original ’60s Strats, resulting in a classic Stratocaster sound.

The vintage-style wiring, along with the high-quality components and craftsmanship of the guitar, ensure excellent signal transfer, minimal noise interference, and overall tonal integrity. This allows players to reach the full sonic potential of the Vintera Road Worn ’60s Strat, providing expressive playing and a wide range of tonal possibilities.

Overall, the sound and electronics of the Vintera Road Worn ’60s Strat embody the iconic Stratocaster tones of the ’60s. Vintage-style tips, a versatile pickup selector, and authentic wiring provide a wide range of tones suitable for a variety of musical genres, making this guitar a solid choice for players looking for classic Stratocaster sounds.

Beware Of Availability

Please note that availability of specific Vintera Road Worn ’60s Strat models may vary by region and dealer availability. As with any guitar model, it is important to check the availability of the Vintera Road Worn ’60s Strat in the desired finish and specifications with authorized Fender dealers or the official Fender website.

Fender periodically updates its lineup, and some models or finishes may be limited in availability or discontinued. It is always recommended that you contact your local dealers or check online sources for the most current availability.

In case the particular Vintera Road Worn ’60s Strat you’re interested in is out of stock, you can explore alternatives in the Fender Vintera series or consider other Fender Stratocaster models that offer similar features and tonal characteristics.

Don’t forget to contact an authorized Fender dealer for personalized assistance and to explore ordering options or alternative models that match your preferences.

Reliability and Affordability

Reliability and availability are two important factors to consider when evaluating any musical instrument, including the Fender Vintera Road Worn ’60s Strat. Let’s delve into these aspects.

Reliability

The Vintera Road Worn ’60s Strat, despite its vintage-inspired aesthetic, benefits from Fender’s modern manufacturing techniques and quality control standards. This ensures that the guitar can withstand the rigors of regular use, including live performances, studio sessions, and touring.

Fender’s commitment to durability and reliability means that the Vintera Road Worn ’60s Strat guitar is built using high quality materials, components, and hardware. The guitar is designed to maintain stability, playability, and timbral integrity over long periods of time. Such reliability is especially important for professional musicians who need an instrument they can rely on when performing.

In addition, the nitrocellulose lacquer coating not only gives the guitar an aged aesthetic, it also provides protection. It helps protect the guitar from scratches, minor scrapes, and wear and tear, further increasing the strength and durability of the instrument.

Affordability

Fender’s Vintera series specifically aims to create vintage-style instruments at more affordable prices than their premium counterparts. The Vintera Road Worn ’60s Strat strikes a balance between quality craftsmanship and affordability, making it an attractive option for a wide range of players.

By using modern manufacturing techniques and efficient production processes, Fender is able to offer the Vintera Road Worn ’60s Strat at a more affordable price compared to vintage instruments or high-end workshop-built models. This allows musicians to access the vintage aesthetics, tones and playability associated with ’60s Strats without breaking the bank.

The affordability of the Vintera Road Worn ’60s Strat guitar does not diminish its overall quality. Fender ensures that the guitar meets their high standards of construction, performance, and timbral excellence. This makes it a great choice for both seasoned professionals and novice musicians who want to experience the magic of a vintage instrument at an affordable price.

Overall, the Vintera Road Worn ’60s Strat is a reliable instrument that is built to withstand regular use and offers the desired vintage aesthetic. In addition, its affordable price ensures that players can access the iconic tones and playability of ’60s Strats without sacrificing their budget.

FAQ

Is the Fender Vintera worth it?

The Fender Vintera series, including the Vintera Road Worn ’60s Strat, offers a compelling value proposition for guitarists looking for vintage-inspired instruments. Whether it’s worth it, however, ultimately depends on your personal preferences, budget, and musical needs. Here are some factors to consider when determining the value of the Fender Vintera Series:

Vintage aesthetics and feel: The Vintera Series strives to convey the look, feel, and vibe of vintage Fender guitars. If you appreciate the aesthetics and aura of classic instruments, the Vintera Series is an affordable way to experience vintage design.

Authentic Tone Palette: The Vintera Road Worn ’60s Strat, equipped with vintage sound pickups and wiring, is designed to recreate the iconic tones of ’60s Stratocasters. If you want the classic Stratocaster sound associated with blues, rock, and classic rock, the Vintera series offers accurate reproduction at a more affordable price than the original vintage instruments.

Is the Fender Vintera better than the player?

Determining whether the Fender Vintera Series is better than the Player Series is subjective and depends on individual preferences and needs. Both series offer high-quality instruments, but they have a few key differences:

Design and aesthetics: The Vintera Series focuses on vintage design, echoing the look and feel of classic Fender models from the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s. The Player Series, on the other hand, has a more modern aesthetic with updated features. Which design appeals to you more is a matter of personal taste.

Pickups and electronics: The Vintera Series often uses vintage-style pickups, seeking to recreate the classic tones of certain eras. The Player Series uses modern pickups that offer versatile tones suitable for a wide range of musical genres. Consider whether you prefer vintage tones or more modern, versatile options.

Price Range: The Vintera Series is usually in a higher price range than the Player Series. The Vintera Series tends to provide vintage aesthetics and tone at a more affordable price than high-end models, while the Player Series offers solid performance at a mid-price range price.

Target Audience: The Vintera Series is designed for players who appreciate the vintage aesthetic, tone and vibe of classic Fender instruments. The Player Series is intended for a wider audience, including players who prefer modern design and versatile tones.

What is the difference between Fender Vintera and player?

The Fender Vintera and Player series are popular lines of electric guitars offered by Fender. Although they share some similarities, there are a few key differences between the two series. Below are their differences:

Vintera Series: The Vintera Series is known for its vintage design, echoing the look and feel of classic Fender models from the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s. These guitars feature period-appropriate specifications, vintage-inspired finishes, and period-inspired details such as the fingerboard profile and fittings.

Player Series: The Player Series, on the other hand, adopts a more modern aesthetic with updated features. It combines classic Fender design with modern elements, offering an elegant and versatile look that will appeal to a wide range of players.

What is the difference between the Fender Stratocaster Vintera 50 and 60?

The Fender Stratocaster Vintera ’50s and ’60s are part of the Vintera series, offering vintage-style recreations of classic Stratocaster guitars from different eras. While they share many similarities, there are notable differences between the ’50s and ’60s models. Here are their differences:

Vintera ’50s: The Vintera ’50s Stratocaster captures the essence of the original 1950s Stratocaster design. It has a soft “V”-shaped fingerboard profile that thickens slightly toward the back of the fingerboard. The fingerboard is usually maple, and there are vintage-style tuning knobs on the headstock. The ’50s model often includes period-inspired details such as single-layer fingerboard, syncopated tremolo, and vintage-style hardware.

Vintera ’60s: The Vintera ’60s Stratocaster model represents the style and features of 1960s Stratocasters. It typically has a thicker “C”-shaped fingerboard profile than the ’50s model, providing a comfortable and familiar feel. The fingerboard is usually rosewood, and there are vintage-style tuning knobs on the headstock. A ’60s model might include design elements such as a three-layer fingerboard, vintage-style syncromesh tremolo, and aged plastic parts.
Ultimately, the choice between Stratocasters 50s and 60s Vintera depends on your personal preferences for fingerboard profile, tonal characteristics, and aesthetics associated with the 1950s or 1960s era. By trying out both models and considering the musical styles in which you intend to play, you will be able to determine which one best suits your preferences.

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