FENDER AMERICAN ORIGINAL 1950’s STRATOCASTER 2017/2018

This is the pilot year of the AMERICAN ORIGINAL Series. The date from the Serial Number Lookup says it was completed in October of 2017. Which probably means it was dated for the 2018 release.

The review below written by the fine folks at Sweetwater!

Inspired by Strats of the late 1950s

The Fender American Original '50s Stratocaster is a dead ringer for a classic '59 — save for a few modern refinements. The American Original '50s' lightweight alder body and Soft "V" maple neck are staples of this era, as are its vintage-tall frets, synchronized trem system, and nitro lacquer finish. Yet an enlarged 9.5" fingerboard radius (from 7.25") gives the American Original '50s Strat an advantage for lead work. Meanwhile, a trio of painstaking Pure Vintage '59 pickups with period-correct wire, bobbins, and pole pieces — wax potted for feedback control and wired for 5-way switching — puts this instrument in a class all its own.

Classic neck with a modern fretboard radius

This Strat's Soft "V" neck profile feels great in the hand, especially for thumb-over players. Think of it as an early-'50s "U" shape with the shoulders cut off for added clearance. Where the American Original '50s Stratocaster has the advantage over a classic '59 is its enlarged 9.5" (from 7.25") fretboard radius, which allows for upper-register leads and bends with less risk of fretting out.

Pure Vintage '59 pickups

This Strat's Pure Vintage '59 single-coils are as period correct as they come, from the fiber bobbins and Alnico V magnets right down to the Formvar-coated coil wire and cloth-covered output wires. Wax potting keeps feedback and icepicks to a minimum, while contemporary 5-way switching unlocks in-between tones impossible on a true '59.

Classic nitro-finished alder body

This Strat's lightweight, resonant alder body retains its full tonal characteristics thanks to a nitrocellulose lacquer finish. This is just another reason why, for classic inspiration and modern playability, it's hard to top the Fender American Original '50s Strat from Sweetwater.

Fender American Original '50s Stratocaster Features:

• Tribute to a 1959 Stratocaster
• Pure Vintage '59 pickups are painstakingly period correct
• Modern 5-way switching unlocks in-between tones
• '50s-era Soft "V" maple neck feels great for thumb-over playing
• Modern 9.5" fretboard radius minimizes fretting out
• Resonant alder body with breathable nitrocellulose lacquer finish
• Sustain-enhancing bone nut
• 6-saddle synchronized tremolo bridge
• Kluson-style vintage tuning machines
• PREMIUM FENDER G&G TWEED HARDSHELL CASE

The guitar was purchased from the previous owner, I don't know how the finish was damaged on the rear of the guitar (see the pics). The GOOD NEWS is that you can't see it from the front and it is a dream to play!