Expected more for the price paid. I have owned several Fender Stratocasters over the years. Some made in the USA, like my 50th anniversary model with color matching painted headstock to several Mexican and Chinese made versions. All have had commensurate quality in relation to the price that I paid--until now.The Fender Vintera 50's Stratocaster "Modified" that I received was a disappointment.The pickguard was buckled just above the bridge, which after some Googling, appears to be a common problem with the single ply scratch plates on Fender's that are built in Mexico. The Daphne Blue paint work has some minor bubbles and inconsistencies, and the frets are not smooth along the edges of the neck.Overall, I guess that I expected the fit and finish to be a little ... MoreExpected more for the price paid. I have owned several Fender Stratocasters over the years. Some made in the USA, like my 50th anniversary model with color matching painted headstock to several Mexican and Chinese made versions. All have had commensurate quality in relation to the price that I paid--until now.The Fender Vintera 50's Stratocaster "Modified" that I received was a disappointment.The pickguard was buckled just above the bridge, which after some Googling, appears to be a common problem with the single ply scratch plates on Fender's that are built in Mexico. The Daphne Blue paint work has some minor bubbles and inconsistencies, and the frets are not smooth along the edges of the neck.Overall, I guess that I expected the fit and finish to be a little nicer for a $999.99 guitar -- regardless of where it was made. For example, I ordered a Squier Affinity Series Telecaster in Butterscotch for $199.99 two years ago that had much nicer fret work than this Mexican made Vintera that cost me $800 more.Perhaps, I had a lackluster instrument? Maybe the majority of these guitars are built to a higher standard?On a positive note, the vintage locking tuning keys are tight, feel nice and maintain tuning well, and the electronics (I.e., pickups, knobs and switch) are solid and quiet. The Maple neck with satin finish is fast and very playable, and the tone and resonance is what you would expect out of a Stratocaster.

I have had plenty of guitars mostly strats of various styles. Have had USA and Mexican and I can honestly say that this Vintera in Sonic Blue rates up there as good as any that I've had. Had a setup done and changed the strings to 10's and this baby rings like no other. Definitely a keeper.

I spent a month looking at fenders and loved a different model in the same sonic blue, but it was an exclusive for another company. I changed out the pickguard for a 3ply in black along with the back cavity plate. The single ply that comes stock on this came warped and the effort of straightening it rather than replace it was too much. The tuning pegs are unique to me and they made re stringing a breeze. Fender came a long way when they stopped putting the truss rod screw at the bottom of the neck. I was not prepared for that and truss rod adjustments are now more time consuming, for me highly stressful. They screened on a spot on the headstock to look like a truss rod hole, if you want to adjust it you have to take off the neck... The gig bag is what I'd expect for ... MoreI spent a month looking at fenders and loved a different model in the same sonic blue, but it was an exclusive for another company. I changed out the pickguard for a 3ply in black along with the back cavity plate. The single ply that comes stock on this came warped and the effort of straightening it rather than replace it was too much. The tuning pegs are unique to me and they made re stringing a breeze. Fender came a long way when they stopped putting the truss rod screw at the bottom of the neck. I was not prepared for that and truss rod adjustments are now more time consuming, for me highly stressful. They screened on a spot on the headstock to look like a truss rod hole, if you want to adjust it you have to take off the neck... The gig bag is what I'd expect for around $30-40 quality. The guitar is beautiful, but be prepared to work to make sure it's playable. Setup was poor out of box.

I LOVE this guitar. What surprised me is the neck is a bit wide then again I've never owned a 50's style strat. Anyways this is the guitar I play the most now. Sounds really clean. Only thing I don't like R the aged looking parts so I'll just get all white 1's. Thanks again AMS.

Fender Vintera 50s Strat(Seafoam Green)

Overall:This guitar exceeded my expectations. I've played/owned several MIM strats. And they have always been fairly nice sounding and playing. Not quite on the American level. However when I ordered this, I mainly wanted the soft V neck and "7.25 radius. I wasn't expecting it to be nearly as nice as it is. It came set up perfectly. And it's just amazing to play and look at. The sound is phenomenal. And the vintage neck is super comfortable. The gig bag is decent as well. Everything was better than expected and I would say is on par with American series nowdays. I would definitely recommend buying this. You can achieve super low action as well. Also, zZounds rocks. Their pay as you play makes instruments accessible to everybody.

I can’t say enough good things about this guitar.

I absolutely love this guitar, I have had plenty of strats, telecasters, and LP's and I love all of them in their own way, but this guitar is so player friendly and such a value at this price. The sonic blue is absolutely beautiful as well!

Review of Fender Vintera '50s Strat in Sonic Blue

Having owned several Fender Strats previously, including a USA Clapton model, I can honestly say that the Vintera is probably the best one that I’ve played.The action straight out of the box was perfect for me. It has a 7.25” neck radius (same as my PRS SS) which I find extremely comfortable. If you like fast, ultra low action Ibanez RG’s or Jems, this is not for you.The pickups are classic Strat and seem low wound (I haven’t checked the output level spec). I’m not a lover of “hot” pickups and have low wound pickups on all my other guitars, but if you are then you’d not be looking at a 50’s style Strat.The only slight “con” is the neck is a little too glossy but not to the level of some of the Chinese Fenders if played in the past.I bought the Vintera for ... MoreHaving owned several Fender Strats previously, including a USA Clapton model, I can honestly say that the Vintera is probably the best one that I’ve played.The action straight out of the box was perfect for me. It has a 7.25” neck radius (same as my PRS SS) which I find extremely comfortable. If you like fast, ultra low action Ibanez RG’s or Jems, this is not for you.The pickups are classic Strat and seem low wound (I haven’t checked the output level spec). I’m not a lover of “hot” pickups and have low wound pickups on all my other guitars, but if you are then you’d not be looking at a 50’s style Strat.The only slight “con” is the neck is a little too glossy but not to the level of some of the Chinese Fenders if played in the past.I bought the Vintera for the aesthetically pleasing combination of a Sonic Blue Strat with a maple neck and I’ve ended up buying a guitar that I can’t put down.

Seafoam Green Dream

Overall:Been playing Strats since 1974. This is a awesome deal and great quality out of the box. Great neck. So what about MIM. Either buy a american made assembled by mexicans or buy one from mexico assembled by mexicans. Hanging on my wall for good!