The American Vintage Reissue series, introduced in 1982, were Fender’s effort to recapture the magic of their pre-CBS models, meticulously reproducing the specs and craftsmanship of the original 1957 and 1962 Stratocasters. The AVRI series became a favorite among vintage enthusiasts and professional musicians looking for a true-to-form Strat with period-correct features and high-quality build.

This particular 1987 example is a ’57 reissue, featuring an alder body with a Surf Green nitrocellulose lacquer finish and one-piece maple neck. The neck has a soft V-shaped profile, providing a comfortable playing feel reminiscent of the late ‘50s originals. The finish has lovely lacquer checking and wear, adding to its vintage appeal.

The guitar has a five-way pickup selector installed, with the original three-way switch included in the case. The guitar is very resonant and really sings. Frets are 90% there. Weight is 3700g.

There is some finish flaking around the neck joint, as well as finish sanding on the bottom near the jack and the top bout, likely due to a repair attempt after a reaction between a guitar stand and the nitro finish—an issue common with vintage-correct lacquer. The pickguard has a small crack near the neck joint, another common issue, and the plastic trem cavity cover is missing. Original tweed case is included. Is is is well-worn but functional, with the previous owner’s name stencilled on.

A killer early AVRI Strat that itself is nearly 40 years old!

SPECIFICATIONS

Body: Alder
Finish: Nitrocellulose lacquer in Surf Green
Neck: One-piece maple
Neck Profile: Soft V-shape
Scale Length: 25.5” (648mm)
Fretboard: Maple
Frets: 21, medium vintage-style (90% remaining)
Nut Width: 1.65” (42mm)
Pickup Configuration: Three single-coil pickups
Pickups: Fender American Vintage ’57 Stratocaster pickups
Pickup Selector: 5-way switch installed (original 3-way included)
Bridge: Vintage-style synchronized tremolo
Saddles: Bent steel saddles
Tuners: Kluson-style vintage tuners
Electronics: Master volume, two tone controls
Pickguard: Single-ply white, cracked around neck joint
Hardware: Nickel/chrome, some tarnishing and rust present
Weight: 3700g
Case: Original tweed case (worn but functional, previous owner’s name visible)