1999 Fender American Vintage ‘57 Stratocaster Sunburst Relic w/ Custom Shop Pickups, Tweed Case

Up for sale, a 1999 Fender American Vintage ‘57 Stratocaster with a fully upgraded suite of electronics, complete with the original tweed hardshell case. Presenting as a combination of genuine playwear and possible aftermarket relic, this soulful Strat presents very much like a genuine ‘50s example, outfitted with Custom Shop Texas Special pickups, a five-way switch and Bournes pots. Weighing 7lbs 7oz, tonewoods include an alder body and a one-piece maple neck, yielding a balanced, clear acoustic response.

The Custom Shop Texas Special single coils feature staggered, unbeveled Alnico V magnets, black fiber bobbins, and cloth-covered leads, producing a slightly overwound bridge position with a rich midrange cut and sparkle, yielding a round, bell-like quality at the neck with fatness ideal for lead work. This American Vintage ‘57 Stratocaster benefits from a professional setup here at Mike & Mike’s Guitar Bar with 10-46 strings, low action, and accurate intonation.

Neck Specs:

• Wood: Maple
• Shape: Soft V, measuring .870” 1st fret, .920” 12th fret
• Fretboard: Maple, vintage-spec 7 1/4” radius
• Frets: Slender, leveled/crowned, light wear beneath the G and B strings on frets 1-8
• Scale Length: 25 1/2”
• Nut: 1.650” (42mm)
• Tuners: Kluson-style
• Serialization: V-prefix
• Factory Markings: Maker’s marks stamped inside neck pocket; 1999 neck pocket date stamp

Body Specs:

• Wood: Alder
• Pickups: Custom Shop Texas Special single coil x3
• Controls: Volume, Tone x2, five-way pickup selector
• Harness: Bournes pots, premium tone cap
• Hardware: Synchronized tremolo, jack cup
• Plastics: One-ply white pickguard, white pickup covers, yellowed knobs and switch tip

The gloss two-tone Sunburst nitro lacquer finish shows a likely combination of natural playwear and aftermarket aging, with some finish loss on the body edges, forearm wear on top, extensive (likely faux) fingerboard wear through the lacquer, and considerable wear down to the bare maple on the neck carve for a smooth, fast feel.

The original tweed hardshell case and owner’s manual are included.