Fender American Vintage II 1961 Stratocaster

3-Colour Sunburst / Slab Rosewood / Alder

$4,099

Fender American Vintage II 1961 Stratocaster

Fender American Vintage II 1961 Stratocaster

Model #: 0110250800

Alder Body
Gloss Nitrocellulose Lacquer Finish
Pure Vintage '61 Single-Coil Strat pickups

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$4,099

In stock — from supplier

2 Year Warranty

from $8.73/week 6 months min. rental

Pay in 4 on purchases under $2,000

Up to 3 months interest free Fees apply

Summary

The Fender American Vintage II series presents a remarkably accurate take on the revolutionary designs that altered the course of musical history. Built with period-accurate bodies, necks and hardware, premium finishes and meticulously voiced, year-specific pickups, each instrument captures the essence of authentic Fender craftsmanship and tone.

During the late '50s and early '60s, the popularity of Fender musical instruments flourished, and although the Fender assortment had expanded to include many great new instruments, the Stratocaster reigned supreme. By 1961, the Stratocaster had taken on a more refined aesthetic, with a 3-Colour Sunburst reformulated with a more vibrant red and bolder black edge, topped with a 3-ply pickguard accenting the Strat's signature curves.

Featuring a premium alder body, a trio of Pure Vintage 1961 Stratocaster pickups and a medium "C"-Shaped maple neck mated with a 7.25" radius slab rosewood fingerboard, the American Vintage II 1961 Stratocaster reproduces the quintessential tone and feel of the original. Other appointments include a vintage-accurate synchronised tremolo with cold rolled steel block and bent steel saddles, single-line "Fender Deluxe" tuners and 3-ply pickguard.

The instruments in the American Vintage II series are direct descendants of the original Fenders: designed for players with a fine appreciation for vintage Fender tone and feel and built with unmatched quality, down to the last screw. These are Fender electrics in their purest form: Fender American Vintage II, the stuff of legends.

Alder Body
Gloss Nitrocellulose Lacquer Finish
Pure Vintage '61 Single-Coil Strat pickups
"C"-Shaped Neck Profile
Slab Rosewood Fingerboard
Pure Vintage Synchronized Tremolo with Bent Steel Saddles

Specs

Body

Body: Alder
Body Finish: Gloss Nitrocellulose Lacquer
Body Shape: Stratocaster

Neck

Neck Material: Maple
Neck Shape: 1961 "C"
Neck Finish: Gloss Nitrocellulose Lacquer
Scale Length: 25.5" (648 mm)
Number of Frets: 21
Fret Size: Vintage Tall
Fingerboard: Slab Rosewood
Fingerboard Radius: 7.25" (184.1 mm)
Position Inlays: Clay Dot
Nut Material: Bone
Nut Width: 1.650" (42 mm)
Neck Plate: 4-Bolt Serialized

Pickups

Neck Pickup: Pure Vintage '61 Single-Coil Strat
Middle Pickup: Pure Vintage '61 Single-Coil Strat
Bridge Pickup: Pure Vintage '61 Single-Coil Strat
Configuration: SSS
Switching: 5-Position Blade: Position 1. Bridge Pickup, Position 2. Bridge and Middle Pickup, Position 3. Middle Pickup, Position 4. Middle and Neck Pickup, Position 5. Neck Pickup

Electronics

Controls: Master Volume, Tone 1. (Neck/Middle Pickups), Tone 2. (Bridge Pickup)
Control Knobs: Aged White

Hardware

Bridge: Pure Vintage Synchronized Tremolo with Bent Steel Saddles
Hardware Finish: Nickel/Chrome
Pickguard: 3-Ply Mint Green
Tuning Machines: Pure Vintage Single Line "Fender Deluxe"
Strings: Fender USA 250R Nickel Plated Steel (.010-.046 Gauges), PN 0730250406

General

Color: 3-Color Sunburst
Country of Origin: USA
Orientation: Right-Hand
Case/Gig Bag: Vintage-Style Brown (Orange Interior)

Highlights

GLOSS NITROCELLULOSE LACQUER FINISH

Nitrocellulose lacquer, as used on ‘50s and ‘60’s Fender instruments, is a premium finish that reveals the instrument’s true tonal character.

ALDER BODY

Alder has a well-balanced tone with beefy mids and a robust low-end.

7.25” RADIUS SLAB-ROSEWOOD FINGERBOARD

The 7.25”-radius fingerboard provides the comfortable playing feel of a vintage instrument, while vintage-tall frets make it easier to bend notes without fretting out.

1961 “C”-SHAPE NECK

In vintage years, the shape and thickness of Fender guitar necks varied tremendously. The American Vintage II Series features authentic neck profiles from Fender’s past.

PURE VINTAGE '61 STRATOCASTER PICKUPS

Specially voiced to reproduce the authentic sound and performance of individual model years, Pure Vintage pickups are constructed just like pickups from Fender’s golden years. Materials include cloth-covered wire, fiber bobbins and alnico magnets.

VINTAGE-STYLE HARDWARE

From the bridge to the string tree and tuning machines, every piece of American Vintage II hardware is manufactured to look, sound and function just like it did on the originals. Much of the American Vintage II hardware is still manufactured on the original ‘50s and ‘60s era Fender factory machines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are you an authorised Fender dealer?

Yes — Music Centre Gosford is an authorised Fender dealer. Every Fender guitar, bass, amplifier and accessory we sell is 100% genuine, sourced directly through Fender's official Australian distribution. You receive the full manufacturer warranty and access to Fender's Australian service network.

What warranty do Fender guitars come with?

Fender electric guitars and basses purchased from Music Centre Gosford come with Fender's Limited Lifetime Warranty against manufacturing defects, covering the original purchaser for the life of the instrument. Amplifiers and accessories carry a separate limited warranty (typically 1–5 years depending on the product). Bring your instrument in-store or contact us and we'll handle any warranty claim directly with Fender.

Do your Fender guitars come set up and ready to play?

Yes. Every Fender guitar sold at Music Centre Gosford receives a professional setup by our in-house guitar technician before it leaves the store. We check and adjust the neck relief, action, intonation, and nut slots so the guitar plays its best straight out of the box — something you won't get buying online from a warehouse.

Can I try Fender guitars in store before buying?

Absolutely. Our West Gosford showroom stocks a wide range of Fender guitars and basses across the American, Player, and Squier series that you're welcome to plug in and play. We're open Monday to Friday 9am–5:30pm and Saturday 9am–4pm at 4/39 Central Coast Highway, West Gosford NSW 2250.

Do you ship Fender guitars Australia-wide?

Yes, we ship to anywhere in Australia. Guitars and basses are carefully packaged and fully insured in transit. Standard delivery typically takes 2–7 business days depending on your location. Express options are available at checkout. Local Central Coast customers can also click-and-collect in store.

Do you offer interest-free finance on Fender guitars?

Yes. We offer Zip Pay and PayPal Pay in 4, both allowing you to split your purchase into four fortnightly payments with no interest. We also offer Studio 19 rent-to-own from as little as $8.73 per week, with a minimum 6-month term — great for students or anyone who wants to try before fully committing.

What is the difference between American and Player Series Fender guitars?

The American Series (American Professional II, American Ultra) are made in Fender's Corona, California factory using premium tonewoods, hand-rolled fingerboard edges, and higher-spec hardware and pickups. They're the flagship instruments and carry a higher price point. The Player Series guitars are made in Fender's Ensenada, Mexico facility and offer excellent quality for the money — the same classic Fender body shapes and specs, with slightly more affordable components. They're a fantastic choice for gigging musicians and intermediate players.

What's the difference between a Fender Stratocaster and a Telecaster?

Both are iconic Fender designs but they sound and feel quite different. The Stratocaster has a contoured double-cutaway body, three single-coil pickups, a five-way selector, and a synchronized tremolo bridge. It produces a bright, glassy tone with plenty of articulation — think Hendrix, SRV, and Clapton. The Telecaster has a flat single-cutaway slab body, two pickups (bridge and neck), and a fixed bridge. It's known for a twangy, punchy tone that cuts through a mix — favoured in country, blues rock, and indie. Come in and play both to find which suits you.

Which Fender guitar is best for a beginner?

For most beginners we recommend starting with a Squier by Fender — they share the same body shapes and feel as full Fender instruments at a much lower entry price. The Squier Classic Vibe and Affinity series are particularly popular. If your budget stretches further, the Fender Player Series Stratocaster or Telecaster is an excellent first 'grown-up' guitar that you won't outgrow as your skills develop. Our staff are happy to help you find the right fit in store or over the phone on (02) 4325 4900.

What is your return policy on Fender guitars?

We offer a 30-day return policy on all Fender products purchased from Music Centre Gosford. If you're not completely satisfied, return the item in its original condition and packaging and we'll provide a full refund or exchange. Instruments that have been modified or show signs of use beyond normal inspection may be subject to a restocking fee. Contact us on (02) 4325 4900 to arrange a return.

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Player reviews

★★★★★

"Genuinely the nicest experience shopping here. The staff were so friendly and spent a good deal of time (unhurried time!) helping me and explaining everything to me so I could choose the right items for my setup. If there were more than 5 stars to give they would get them all."

Ginny Gallegos

★★★★★

"The highly professional and helpful staff here are just outstanding. As a music teacher myself, I know I can always find great advice and high quality products. This is my one-stop-shop for all things music on the Central Coast."

Vivienne McLaren

★★★★★

"Came through looking for a guitar. Chris was run off his feet serving multiple customers but still kept checking in with me and pulling guitars down left right and centre for me to get a feel for. His expertise made the whole process comfortable and I was able to return later that same day and buy the guitar Chris helped me select. Great service and will definitely be back."

Luke Minato

★★★★★

"We rushed in with a minor guitar emergency (major according to the 10 year old) and were sorted in about 5 mins. Lovely staff, excellent customer service. Will be back."

Lisa Hendy

★★★★★

"Excellent service! I ordered this morning and the product is already on its way to me via courier. Their friendly staff are always willing to go the extra mile in sourcing music for their customers. Strongly recommend this music store."

Barbara Westerberg

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