Fender Classic '60s Stratocaster RW 3-Color Sunburst

What I Liked The Fender Classic ’60s Stratocaster is ample proof that a guitar doesn’t have to be built in America to be of high quality. While the cheaper hardware may leave a bit to be desired (some would call it ”room to grow,“) there are definitely a few places where this guitar absolutely shines.
Fist off, the ’60s Strat is just dripping with retro style. That old-school yellowed finish on the neck & headstock, not to mention vintage style tuners, a funky mint green pickguard, and of course those ”aged“ plastic parts, make for a great looking guitar all around. Definitely gets two thumbs up for visual appeal.
The ”C“ shaped maple neck is another stand-out, and I found it to be just plain comfortable in my hand, and fast, fast, fast… with one caveat: the glossy polyurethane finish is one of those things you either lover or hate–personally, I think it feels just like a great guitar neck should, but if you absolutely have to have a smooth satin finish, well, this could easily be a deal breaker.
While some folks don’t like the ’60s necks at all, to me they feel sufficiently chunky without getting in the way. This is one of those things you’ll really have to decide for yourself, as every hand is different, and every guitar is different as well––even those of the same model.
Another feature you’re either going to love or hate on the ’60s Strat is the vintage 7.25” radius rosewood fretboard. As a long-time player of much flatter fretboards I can say that while it does take adjusting to, that highly curved fretboard is a big part of what makes a vintage Strat feel so different than a modern one. I like it. You might not.
For those who don’t know, a tight vintage radius like the one on the ’60s Strat means that while chording is incredibly comfortable, action tends to require a bit higher of an adjustment––that is if you don’t want to be fretting-out during bends above the 13th fret or so.
In the end, if you’re obsessed with having super-low action, the reality is that a vintage-style guitar may not be for you–you’ll find that you have to “dig in” a bit to make a classic Strat really sing, but those who are in the know will tell you that it’s well worth the extra effort.
What I Didn’t Like Cheap hardware is where the Classic ’60s Stratocaster falls a bit from grace… in fact, it’s not really that the hardware is bad for a Fender in this price range, it’s just that there is so much better out there.
The two different guitars I played had moderate difficulty staying in tune with heavy tremolo use… now granted, this may be accurate to a period-correct instrument, but that doesn’t mean I have to like it.
I’m not even sure if this was a problem with the vintage style bridge or those Fender/Ping tuners, but these are the first two things I would upgrade if purchasing this guitar.
Pickup-wise, the ’60s Strat is kind of right in the middle––the pups can seem a bit weak and noisy (that’s vintage 60-cycle hum, folks!) but then again that weakness is fairly true to Strats from the ’60s, so its part of what makes this guitar sound different than a modern instrument.
Once again, you’ll have to make up your own mind about this one… luckily, pickups can be replaced!
Unfortunately, finish can’t… at least not very easily. Perhaps the biggest downside to the Classic ’60s Stratocaster is its polyester finish. You know the score––if you want a finish that will last a lifetime with out ever showing any wear and tear, then you’ll be more than happy with the finish on this guitar. If, however, you prefer an instrument that will age like a fine wine, becoming more tasty & comfy as the years go by, nitrocellulose is the way to go. Unfortunately, it’ll also cost you a premium.
The finish on this thing is downright plasticy, enough said.
Final Word All in all, while the Classic ’60s Stratocaster may not be the answer for everyone, it really is a quality