Right here we’re with one other guitar assessment. I often open these opinions with this after I put up guitar opinions as a result of I do know our focus is shopper expertise. Whereas I really like expertise, significantly TVs, laptops, cell phones, and audio tools, I actually love music and the guitar. So, naturally, when Fender requested me to assessment the Fender American Classic II ’57 Stratocaster, I, after all, could not resist.
Estimated studying time: 7 minutes
The Fender American Classic II sequence is an correct tackle Fender’s traditional designs. Fender says this sequence was constructed with the right our bodies, {hardware}, premium finishes, and voiced to match the yr they had been created.
I have been taking part in guitar since I used to be 12 or 11. I am unable to bear in mind precisely. So attending to play with these Fender guitars and reviewing them is a deal with for me. So let’s get into the total assessment of the Fender American Classic II ’57 Stratocaster in Seafoam Inexperienced.
Specs
The Fender American Classic II ’57 Stratocaster has the next options and specs:
- BodyMaterial: Alder
- Physique End: Gloss Nitrocellulose Lacquer
- Physique Shade: Seafoam Inexperienced (Additionally out there in Classic Blonde and 2-Shade Sunburst)
- Physique Shapes: Stratocaster
- Neck Materials: 1-Piece Maple
- Neck End: Gloss Nitrocellulose Lacquer
- Neck Form: 1957 “V”
- Scale Size: 25.5″ (64.77mm)
- Fingerboard Materials: Maple
- Fingerboard Radius: 7.25″ (184.1mm)
- Variety of Frets: 21
- Fret Dimension: Classic Tall
- Nut Materials: bones
- Nut Width: 1650″ (42mm)
- Inlays: Black Dot
- Aspect Dots: Black
- Truss Rods: Classic-Model Butt Modify
- Controls: Grasp Quantity, Tone 1. (Neck/Center Pickups), Tone 2. (Bridge Pickups)
- switching: 5-Place Blade: Place 1. Bridge Pickup, Place 2. Bridge and Center Pickup, Place 3. Center Pickup, Place 4. Center and Neck Pickup, Place 5. Neck Pickup
- Pickup Configuration: SSS
- Bridge Pickups: Pure Classic ’57 Single-Coil Strat
- Neck Pickups: Pure Classic ’57 Single-Coil Strat
- Bridge: Pure Classic ’57 Single-Coil Strat
- {Hardware} Finishes: Nickel/Chrome
- Tuning Machines: Pure Classic Single Line “Fender Deluxe”
- Pickguard: 1-Ply Parchment
- Management Knobs: Aged White
- Change Ideas: Aged White
- Strings: Fender® USA 250R Nickel Plated Metal (.010-.046 Gauges), PN 0730250406
- Case: Classic-Model Tweed (Crushed Crimson Inside) Included
What’s In The Field
- Fender American Classic II ’57 Stratocaster
- Classic-Model Tweed Case (Crushed Crimson Inside)
- Adjustment Instruments
- Tremolo Bar
- Manuals and Documentation
Design
I am what you’d name a traditionalist in guitar design. I are inclined to gravitate in the direction of Telecaster, Les Paul, PRS, and Stratocaster our bodies. That does not imply I do not like different physique shapes, however Strats are a specific consolation zone for me.
As I discussed within the introduction, the Fender American Classic II ’57 Stratocaster faithfully reproduces Fender’s 1957 Stratocaster. The physique form is similar because the ’57, the neck profile, the headstock, the {hardware}, and even the paint used on it.
Fender ensured that what you are shopping for could be as near what somebody in 1957 would purchase. The frets are classic tall frets; this was my first expertise with them. There are solely 21 frets out there within the ’57, which I had a tough time with as I usually play 24-fret guitars. I can get by with 22, and solely having 21 throw me for a loop, and I’ve to regulate.
The neck and fretboard are one stable piece of maple, which I really like. The dots are black, protecting with the classic look/ The {hardware} is chrome and nickel, once more, protecting with the goal yr. The tuning machines are additionally classic Fender; there are not any locking tuners right here. They’re clean and constant and maintain tune very effectively.
The headstock can be from the interval, and I really like this design. I’ve not favored a few of Fender’s bubble headstocks from the ’70s. They’re simply freakishly large and awkward trying. The pickup covers and management {hardware} are aged white, and the pickguard is 1-ply parchment.
The bridge, saddles, and bone nuts are all premium and interval appropriate. The knobs are clean and transfer properly, so there are not any points with quantity swells. The strap buttons are additionally classic and interval appropriate; no locking strap buttons right here.
The paint is improbable! Fender says that within the ’50s, they used automotive paint for his or her guitars and selected to do the identical right here utilizing a Gloss Nitrocellulose Lacquer. The Seafoam Inexperienced appears beautiful in actual life; photos don’t do justice. I am uncertain how heavy the guitar is as I shouldn’t have a correct scale to weigh it. I can solely say that it’s comfy and appears like common weight to me.
The Classic-Model Tweed case is pink velvet-lined, and Fender ensured it was additionally interval appropriate. The case is included with the acquisition of the guitar. The Tweed instances are my favourites, I really like the classic look, and they’re very protecting.
Total, the Fender American Classic II ’57 Stratocaster retains true to its roots with spot-on specs, paint, and {hardware}. I solely want they’d added one additional fret, however then it would not be correct. LOL.
Out-of-Field Setup
This Fender American Classic II ’57 Stratocaster got here out of the field in practically excellent tune, there have been a few strings that had been flat, however that was no large deal. It’s important to not take away your guitar from its case if you get it from Fender. Let it relaxation, acclimate to your surroundings, and settle the wooden.
The fretwork is superb, the fret ends really feel wonderful, the fretboard is clear and oiled, and every part that was presupposed to be so as was. The knobs, tremolo, and all shifting elements really feel of top quality, and there have been no points.
The motion was EXACTLY the place I favored it. Virtually close to fret buzz however not fairly there. Actions and setups are going to be VERY subjective. All of us are completely different people, and all of us like our guitars arrange in another way. So whereas this match into my vary, you might discover that you will want to make some changes. I am certain Fender reads my opinions and units these guitars up earlier than they arrive to me to try to get them the place they suppose I would prefer it greatest.
Total, I cherished the out-of-box setup on this Strat, however if you happen to dislike yours, a easy setup with an area luthier ought to get you taking part in rapidly.
Sound/Playability
The ’57 V-shaped neck was a brand new expertise for me. Fashionable C necks, C necks, and U necks are among the many shapes I’ve in my assortment. However I discovered this neck form very comfy and glorious playability. My hand felt comfy up and down the neck in each place. The physique has the same old Fender contours, and it feels comfy to strap on and maintain.
The shortage of a twenty second fret was a bit annoying for me. I’m a 24-fret man, and I can get by with 22, however coping with solely 21 took me deliberately reminding myself that there have been fewer frets. Not an enormous deal, that is meant to be classic and correct to the time, so I am not mad.
The Fender American Classic II ’57 Stratocaster sports activities three single-coil pickups, all of that are Pure Classic ’57 Single-Coil Strat pickups. These are tuned to sound similar to what somebody within the ’50s would have performed.
These pickups are definitely signature single-coil and Strat sounding. They sound improbable via a clear tube amp, and naturally, they are going to change when you throw some results on them. I discovered them to be sizzling sufficient to drive and supply greater than sufficient energy and sound.
Total, the playability is superb! The sound is improbable! There’s not a lot to complain about. You’ll be a beast if you pair an incredible amp and results to this guitar!
Worth/Worth
The Fender American Classic II ’57 Stratocaster is priced at $2,099.99. That’s dear, however that is the typical value for Fender’s comparable choices. I feel the worth is there with the added, very good, arduous case. Add to that the truth that this guitar is reproducing an period of sound, and the appropriate purchaser might be searching for that, and that is the place you get it.
Fender American Classic II ’57 Stratocaster Gallery
Fender American Classic II ’57 Stratocaster Gallery
Fender American Classic II ’57 Stratocaster Gallery
Fender American Classic II ’57 Stratocaster Gallery
Fender American Classic II ’57 Stratocaster Gallery
Fender American Classic II ’57 Stratocaster Gallery
Fender American Classic II ’57 Stratocaster Gallery
Fender American Classic II ’57 Stratocaster Gallery
Fender American Classic II ’57 Stratocaster Gallery
Fender American Classic II ’57 Stratocaster Gallery
Fender American Classic II ’57 Stratocaster Gallery
Fender American Classic II ’57 Stratocaster Gallery
Fender American Classic II ’57 Stratocaster Gallery
Wrap Up
The Fender American Classic II ’57 Stratocaster in Seafoam Inexperienced is a improbable guitar and effectively value your {dollars} if you happen to’re searching for that Fender Strat classic look, sound, and really feel of the ’50s.
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Final Up to date on December 3, 2022.
Fender American Classic II ’57 Stratocaster
$2,099.99
Nailed it
- Classic design and {hardware} appears improbable
- Used the identical paint method used within the 50s
- Out of Field setup was spot on
- Interval appropriate hard-shell case included
- Sounds wonderful
- Performs good, nice motion, fantastic neck profile
Wants work
- Being classic interval appropriate, I missed my twenty second fret
- It is dear and a few could not wish to spend this a lot
