WE TAKE A LOOK AT THE ALL NEW FENDER VINTERA SERIES GUITARS FROM ENSENADA, MEXICO TO FIND OUT WHAT THE DIFFERENCES ARE, WHAT SETS THEM APART AND WHAT KEY MODELS ARE BEING RELEASED
The all-new Fender Vintera Guitars have been announced today and as fender has put it, they effectively “reimagine, consolidate and replace” the Classic series guitars made in Mexico.
This means the Fender Vintera series is replacing the Classic Player, Road Worn and Baja models to make the series more concise and help you find the guitar you want a lot easier!
WHAT ARE THE MAIN FEATURES OF THE FENDER VINTERA SERIES?
BUILT IN ENSENADA, MEXICO
The Fender Vintera guitars are all built by experienced luthiers in the Ensenada, Mexico factory, which is Located approximately 180 miles south of Fullerton where Fender began.
This thriving city has employed many of its guitar builders for over 20 years, and as we all know, the quality of Mexican Fender guitars is absolutely amazing, with many players preferring them due to certain pickup configurations and design features.
NO MORE CLASSIC SERIES FENDER GUITARS
The Fender Vintera series reimagines and replaces the Classic Series electric guitars (not to be confused with Classic Vibe Squier) which means the Fender Classic Player, Road Worn Series and Baja models are now no longer in production.
Which also means your older guitars have probably become collectors items!
THE BEST OF EACH DECADE
The Fender Vintera guitars embody the spirit and design of specific time periods to give you the option of owning a vintage style guitar at an affordable price with modern reliability.
This series encompasses a range of guitar and bass designs from the 50s, 60s and 70s, all with period correct features. These guitars allow you to take a step back in time and grab a stage-ready guitar from some of the most iconic decades in Fender’s history.
NEW VINTERA SERIES PICKUPS
Each pickup, whether a single coil or humbucker has been specifically voiced for each instrument within the Fender Vintera series. The design of these pickups has been guided by legendary pickup engineer Tim Shaw, so you know they’re going to sound good! Original pickups from each vintage era were listened to and studied extensively.
The Fender team then collectively spent thousands of hours creating prototypes of each pickup, and found out what made each pickup so special. They then set out to create a pickup that would remain true to each era’s tonal character while improving the overall sound and performance for the modern musician.
Alnico magnets, three different types of copper wire and period correct design makes these some of the most versatile, beautifully sounding pickups the brand have produced.
Tim Shaw says: "Each pickup is voiced for the instrument, for the period, and for position. Era-specific magnets, wire, and winding specs for each decade were all part of the equation."
INCREDIBLE VALUE FOR MONEY
The Fender Vintera series makes vintage era (Vintage Style for the Modern Era, get it?) guitars available for musicians of all levels at a price point that is still very affordable and attainable.
These guitars are more than just a step up from the Squier series, but a gig, tour and pro-level option at intermediate prices. You won’t need to upgrade from one of these!
WHAT VINTERA SERIES GUITARS ARE AVAILABLE?
Each model within the Vintera series celebrates hallmark Fender instruments born in the 1950s, 60s and 70s, as well as Modified versions of those guitars.
Each decade has a distinct look and feel, and Fender have retained the special features of each time down to pickup style, finish colours and component parts so you get the “best of the era” in terms of look, feel and sound.
FENDER VINTERA 1950S SERIES
The Fender Vintera 50s series encompasses a new Vintera ‘50s Telecaster, ‘50s Telecaster Modified, Vintera ‘50s Stratocaster, Vintera ’50s Stratocaster Modified and Vintera ’50s Precision Bass.
THE VINTERA ’50S TELECASTER
The Vintera ’50s Telecaster features that classic 50s style sound that put these guitars on the map as well as authentic single-ply pick guard, vintage style, maple fingerboard and classic colours from the decade such as Fiesta Red, Sonic Blue, and 2-Color Sunburst.
A 3-position pickup selector allows you to select your perfect tone from the Alnico 2 & 3 pickups whilst maple fingerboards and original headstock designed with Fender Spaghetti logo top it off nicely.
Each guitar also benefits from a 3-saddle American vintage strings-through-body Tele bridge with brass saddles, whereas the sunburst has chrome barrel saddles. The neck features a period-correct Large “U” shaped neck.
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VINTERA ’50S TELECASTER MODIFIED
The Vintera ’50s Telecaster Modified telecaster series offers vintage style with modern improvements, a more modern neck profile and updated electronics.
You have a set of Custom Shop pickups which include a vintage-style bridge pickup and fat sounding Twisted Tele neck pickup.
The thick soft V neck profile, medium jumbo frets and 9.5” radius is more comfortable to play compared to modern standards, whilst the 4-way switch allows you to select both pickups in series.
In addition to this, the S-1 switch allows you to select the pickups out of phase for an interesting 'strangled' sound.
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VINTERA ’50S STRATOCASTER
The new Fender Vintera ‘50s Stratocaster models feature 50’s voiced pickups for a classic style sound as well as a soft V neck profile with 7.25” radius for added comfort when playing.
A selection of vintage style hardware has also been included to add to that old-school look. An Ash body has also been used for its beautiful resonant tone, authentic sound and beautiful grain which is prevalent on the semi-opaque white blonde finish.
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VINTERA ’50S STRATOCASTER MODIFIED
The Vintera ‘50s Stratocaster Modified series includes a collection of contemporary features.
Hotter 50s style pickups provide a more aggressive tone whilst the two-point synchronized tremolo with vintage-style bent-steel saddles offers rock-solid performance and tuning stability.
The inclusion of an S-1 switch adds the neck pickup in positions 1 and 2 so you have more tonal variety. Vintage-style locking tuning machines, vintage-style strap buttons and chrome hardware have also been included.
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VINTERA ’50S PRECISION BASS
The new Fender Vintera ‘50s P-Bass includes new 50’s voiced single split-coil pickups, new C neck profile with 7.25” radius, reverse open-gear tuners, vintage-style hardware such as a 4-saddle bridge with threaded saddles making it an impressive live and studio instrument.
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FENDER 1960S VINTERA SERIES
The 1960s Vintera series includes a selection of Telecaster models, Stratocasters, Jazzmasters, Jaguars, Mustangs, Jazz bass guitars and Mustang Bass guitars.
VINTERA ’60S TELECASTER BIGSBY
The 60s Telecaster features a set of 60’s voiced pickups, medium U neck profile, 7.25” radius, Bigsby B5 tremolo, vintage-style hardware and a Pau Ferro fretboard.
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VINTERA 60S TELECASTER MODIFIED
Again, the Modified series expertly blends vintage style with modern reliability and functionality.
These guitars feature hotter ‘58/’62 pickups, thick C neck profile with 9.5” radius, 4-way switch, S-1 phase switch to put the pickups out of phase for a “strangled” tone as well as medium jumbo frets for comfort.
In addition to this, the Alder body is light on your shoulder yet super resonant.
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VINTERA ’60S STRATOCASTER
The Vintera ‘60s Stratocaster series includes a set of re-voiced 60’s style pickups that sound just like the originals for a crisp clear tone.
The C neck profile with 7.25” radius, vintage-style hardware, Pau Ferro fretboard and Alder body all offer a lush playing experience and classic style.
Available in:
VINTERA ’60S STRATOCASTER MODIFIED
The Vintera 60s Stratocaster Modified versions have a lot of power under the hood, especially with their hotter 60’s pickups which have an increased girth and respond really well to an amp with the gain turned up.
A modern C neck profile with 9.5” radius is comfortable to play, the 2-point trem is perfect for whammy solos and the S-1 switch adds neck pickup whilst locking vintage tuners keep your tuning in check. Finally, the Alder body offers the resonance and snap you need.
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VINTERA ’60S JAZZMASTER
The new Vintera ‘60s Jazzmaster harks back to the time when the Jazzmaster really came into its stride and was adopted by a wide range of players.
This model now features 60’s voiced pickups, vintage C neck profile with 7.25” radius, with the Ice Blue Metallic version coming with matching headstock. The vintage-style hardware, Alder body and Pau Ferro fretboard finish it off nicely.
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FENDER VINTERA ‘60S JAZZMASTER MODIFIED
Featuring higher output Hot 60’s pickups, a modern C neck profile with 9.5” radius, adjust-o-matic bridge, modified trem position, medium jumbo frets, Alder body and Pau Ferro fretboard – this is a players guitar for those who need more power and sonic options.
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VINTERA ’60S JAGUAR
The Fender Vintera ‘60s Jaguar takes all the elements that made the original 1962 model so revered and recreates every aspect, from the sound, to the playability.
This amazing guitar features 60’s voiced pickups, period correct vintage C neck profile with 7.25” radius, vintage style hardware, Alder body and Pau Ferro fretboard. Bold tone, with a lot of versatility!
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VINTERA ’60S JAGUAR MODIFIED
The Fender Vintera ‘60s Jaguar Modified guitars feature newly designed high-output Atomic™ humbucking pickups which are hotter than usual.
The Alder body in conjunction with the modern C neck profile with 9.5” radius is very comfortable to play especially when combined with the medium jumbo frets and Pau Ferro fretboard.
These guitars also benefit from a new modified rhythm circuit. Coil-splitting has been integrated with the two wheels on the upper bout so you have even more tonal options!
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FENDER VINTERA ’60S MUSTANG
These new Mustang models are loaded with newly voiced Mustang pickups for tonal variety and period correct sound.
There’s a C neck profile with 7.25” radius, vintage style hardware and Alder body all contributing to the lush playability of the guitar.
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VINTERA ’60S JAZZ BASS
If you ever wanted a vintage 60s bass, this is by far a better option!
The pair of single-coil Jazz Bass pickups packed into the Alder body have been re-voiced to sound more true to the originals providing all that grit and growl you want!
A new C neck profile with 7.25” radius makes playing a breeze, whilst reverse open-gear tuners and vintage-style hardware top the bass off nicely.
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VINTERA ’60S MUSTANG BASS
Although the Mustang was originally intended as a student guitar, it has come a long way, and is now relied upon by pro-level musicians everywhere!
You have a set of re-voiced 60’s pickups installed into an Alder body, C neck profile with 7.25” radius and vintage style hardware.
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FENDER VINTERA 1970S SERIES
The fender Vintera 70s series guitars feature an array of Telecaster models including Deluxe, Thinline and Custom, Stratocasters with that awesome larger headstock and a lovely Jazz bass!
VINTERA ’70S TELECASTER DELUXE
The fender Vintera ’70s Telecaster Deluxe features a set of re-voiced 70’s Wide Range humbucking pickups which offer a little more punch than the old style.
A “bullet” style truss rod makes adjustments easy, the C shape neck profile with 9.5” radius is comfortable to play too!
A 3-bolt neck plate, medium jumbo frets, vintage-style hardware and larger headstock design with Fender Bob Perine logo looks incredible.
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VINTERA ’70S TELECASTER CUSTOM
Fender has stayed true to the original style with the Vintera ’70s Telecaster Custom.
The vintage-style single-coil bridge pickup is partnered with a fat-sounding Wide Range humbucking neck pickup for tonal versatility.
These unique Wide-Range humbuckers put the internal coils further apart than traditional designs, which emphasises lows and smooths out the highs and mids.
You also have a C shape neck profile with 9.5” radius, 3-bolt neck plate, vintage-style frets, vintage-style hardware and an Alder body for lush resonance.
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VINTERA ’70S TELECASTER THINLINE
Originally designed to make use of wood stocks that exceeded acceptable weight limits, Fender introduced a Roger Rossmeisl designed semi-hollow body version of the Telecaster in 1972.
This design featured a new curvaceous pickguard and “F” hole that Country players in particular loved. However, this guitar now appears in all manner of musical genres.
The Fender Vintera ‘70s Telecaster Thinline features a pair of Tim Shaw re-voiced Wide Range humbucking pickups for massive tone.
You have a medium U shape neck profile with 7.25” radius, 3-bolt neck plate, vintage frets, vintage-style hardware and semi-hollow Ash body all contributing to the stunning playability and tone.
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VINTERA ’70S STRATOCASTER
The Fender Vintera ’70s Stratocaster features all the classic styling that made it so popular in the 70s including larger headstock style and period-correct neck profile and feel.
You also have an Ash body loaded with a trio of ‘70s single-coil Stratocaster pickups, U neck profile with 7.25” radius and vintage-style hardware.
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VINTERA ’70S JAZZ BASS
The Fender Vintera ‘70s Jazz Bass includes a set of re-voiced pickups to sound more like the originals as well as a 70’s C neck profile with 7.25” radius.
The bound neck features block inlays and subtle yet important features like the ’70s stamped tuners and vintage-style hardware have been included.
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Shop the new Fender Vintera guitars over at PMT Online today or call into your local PMT store now to try out the range in person. Alternatively, call 0151 448 2089 to reserve your new guitar today!
Updated: 2020-07-03
