Fender announced today the release of the new American Original Series of guitars and basses. The new line is set to replace the American Vintage Series, which was first introduced in 1982.
The new series includes six different guitar models and four bass models which, like the American Vintage range, replicate the specs and style of classic instruments from Fender's past. While the American Vintage Series typically reissued individual model years, the new Originals are instead based on general specs from whole decades. According to Fender, the American Original guitars offer "modern playability" via more contemporary fingerboard radii and switching.
Entries in the American Original Series include a '60s Jazzmaster, Stratocaster, Telecaster, Jaguar, Jazz Bass, and Precision Bass; a '50s Telecaster, Stratocaster, and Precision Bass; and a '70s Jazz Bass with block inlays. Finish options for various guitars include Aztec Gold, White Blonde, 2-Color Sunburst, Olympic White, Candy Apple Red, 3-Color Sunburst, Butterscotch Blonde, Fiesta Red, Lake Placid Blue, Surf Green, Ocean Turquoise, Natural, and Black.
Prices on the new guitars will be similar to the American Vintage models, with prices currently listed between $1,799 to $2,099 USD on Fender's website.
This wholesale replacement of a longstanding line in Fender's catalog has precedents in recent years. Last year, Fender replaced the American Standard Series with the American Professional Series, while 2016 saw the replacement of the American Deluxe Series with the American Elite range.