Legendary guitar maker Fender just released a new line of vintage-correct guitars and basses that is actually affordable. The Vintera Series is made up of over 20 instruments that feature period-correct neck shapes, pick-ups with decade-specific tones and vintage finishes. Instead of recreating year-specific models, the brand opted to create guitars that reflect the best of the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s.
The featured models include Fender’s most loved styles: the Stratocaster, the Telecaster, the Jazzmaster, the Jaguar, the Mustang, the Precision Bass, the Mustang Bass and the Jazz bass. Prices range from $900 to $1,050, which is a fraction of the price of some of Fender’s other vintage-inspired instruments.
For players wanting vintage-inspired details, these Mexican-made guitars are well-worth the price. The Vintera ‘50s Stratocaster features a ‘Soft V’-shaped neck with 21 vintage-style frets, the ‘60s Strat has a ‘Mid 60s C’-shaped neck and the ‘70s Strat has a ‘Early 70s C’-shaped neck. Also, pickups, hardware and headstocks differ between each model, appropriately. The details on the Teles are similar: the alder-body Vintera ’50s Telecaster has an ‘Early 50s U’-shaped neck, a 7.25-inch radius maple fingerboard, a bridge with three brass barrel saddles and vintage-style strap buttons.
For players who don’t want to fully commit to a single decade, the brand also offers “modded” guitars for each decade that include different features not available on period-appropriate models. The Vintera ‘50s Stratocaster Modified, for instance, includes three Hot ‘50s Strat single coils pickups, a ‘Modern C’-shaped neck, medium-jumbo frets and a S-1 pickup switch to add the neck pickup in positions 1 and 2 — all things that may appeal to players comfortable with contemporary guitars.
So if you’re in the market for a vintage-inspired guitar and don’t want to drop more than a grand, these instruments should be at the top of your list. The feel, sound and look are spot-on — and it’s hard to beat the price.
