Fender vintage strat reissues

[SeventhSon]

I don't know much about vintage Fender strats. In fact, I've never owned a Fender strat...ever! [img]/images/graemlins/eek.gif[/img]

If I got one, it would have to be something as far away from a Charvel/Jackson super strat as possible. So I'm kind of GASing for a 50's era reissue. That said, I pretty much only see '54 and '57 reissues being offered on ebay. What's the difference between them in a nutshell? And any particular reason why they chose the '56 for their time machine?

Also considering MIJ ones.

Thank you, oh wise ones! [img]/images/graemlins/notworthy.gif[/img]

[pebber]

Re: Fender vintage strat reissues

<u>USA</u>
the first US vintage reissues were the '57 and '62 strats, launched in 82: the '57 has a maple neck, the '62 a rosewood slab fingerboard and both have an alder body.
in the mid 90's, the Fender Custom Shop launched the relic series, containing both a 50's (w/ ash body) and 60's strat (w/ alder body) (and dicontinued in 2000).
in the 90's, also via the Fender Custom Shop, there was the Custom Classic Series:
- 54 strat (swamp ash body, 1992-1998)
- 60 strat (alder body, 1992-1998)
- 69 strat (alder body, oversized headstock, 1996-1998)
The 58 strat (alder body, 1996-1998) was a Fender Custom Shop model.

<u>MEXICO</u>
for the entry level market, there is the Classic Series, made in Mexico with a 50's strat (poplar or alder body, maple fingerboard), 60's strat (poplar or alder body, rosewood fingerboard) and 70's strat (ash body, rosewood or maple fingerboard).

<u>JAPAN</u>
started in 1982, they made the Fender JV strat (-> for the japanese market) and Squier JV strat (-> for the european market), both 57 and 62 model.. which are high quality replica's with a certain collectibility,
followed in 83 with the Squier 70's SQ Strat (-> for the US market).
Fender Japan made also the Collectable Series (for export), containing of a 50's strat (basswood body, maple/maple neck ) and a 60' strat (basswood body, rosewood/maple neck), with the optional foto flame finishes. The '68 (ash body, maple/maple neck) and '72 (ash body, maple/maple neck) strat, with a special run of the Paisley and Blue Flower strat. For their internal market, they remade almost every model.

The main differences are:
- type & quality of wood
- HW
- pups
- finish
- neck profiles (In general, the 50's have a "V" neck profile, the 60's a "C" neck profile and the 70's a "U" neck) profile.

I myself am a big fan of Japanese JV and Collectables (from L to right, Fender 50's collectable series w/ fotoflame body, Fender 60's collectable series w/ fotoflame body & neck, Fender Squier JV 57 2T SB, Fender Squier JV 62 3T SB, Fender Squier JV 62 non-export model:


The 1982 US vintage reissues are also higly regarded and on my list to add later.

Did I cover everything..


[img]/images/graemlins/scratchhead.gif[/img]

[GodOfRhythm]

Re: Fender vintage strat reissues

[img]/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

[img]/images/graemlins/notworthy.gif[/img] [img]/images/graemlins/toast.gif[/img]

[thebisch]

Re: Fender vintage strat reissues

To add to what was alreay said, the AV '57 reissue is/was also avalibe in ash in Mary Kay blond.

A '54 reissue will be MIJ or Custom Shop with the most recent being the master built 50th anniversary reissue.

The JV/Squires are real nice playing and feeling guitars, however, mine ('83 Squire '62 RI) can't hold a candle tonewise to my '99 American '62 reissue. Playability though I prefer the Squire. Neither is as good as any of my late '70s Strats though...

With that said, if you have the scratch for a MIA reissue, then you have the scratch for a real late '70s Strat. IMO, get the '70s Strat. You won't loose money on it is you shop smart, and you may even make a buck or two on it if you decide to sell it. Take your time, and educate your self on them. The deals are still out there, but they a quickly dissappearing...

Also, if you run across a MIJ '54 RI hardtail, smag it! They are cool and pretty rare.

[SeventhSon]

Re: Fender vintage strat reissues

Awesome, dudes. Thanks!!! [img]/images/graemlins/toast.gif[/img]

And another (heck 2) for pebber! You rock, bro! [img]/images/graemlins/toast.gif[/img] [img]/images/graemlins/toast.gif[/img]

[JRE]

Re: Fender vintage strat reissues

WOW

THanks for the posts full of info guys!

Someday, I'll snag a strat like some of those in your pics Pebber!!

SWEET!!

[axeman81]

Re: Fender vintage strat reissues

check out the "fender custom shop" part over at www.themusiczoo.com

those guys sure got a lot of great axes in stock....