Fender is gearing up for an epic celebration in 2024, marking the 70th anniversary of its iconic Stratocaster electric guitar. In anticipation of this milestone, the renowned guitar manufacturer has given enthusiasts a sneak peek into the festivities by releasing the first wave of the celebratory 70th Anniversary Stratocaster series.
70th Anniversary Stratocasters
This release, just before the close of 2023, introduces a range of Stratocasters, each paying homage to the design’s 70 years in production. While maintaining a core of tradition, Fender has incorporated modern elements such as medium jumbo or narrow-tall frets. The series also unveils new finishes, including the nostalgic Anniversary 2-Color Sunburst and the contemporary Nebula Noir.
1954 – 2024
The 70th Anniversary celebration will unfold throughout 2024, and Fender kicks things off with the addition of the limited-edition 2-Color Sunburst finish to both the Player and American Professional II lines. This classic finish is available in maple and rosewood/pau ferro fretboard iterations and pays tribute to the inaugural Strats from 1954.
Highlights of the 70th Anniversary Player Stratocaster
– Maple Modern “C” Neck
– Alder Body and Rosewood Fretboard
– Pure Vintage ‘59 Single-Coil Strat Pickups
– 22 Medium Jumbo Frets
– Black Stratocaster-Style Skirt Control Knobs
– Nebula Noir Finish
– Deluxe Fender Gig Bag Included
Exploring the 70th Anniversary American Professional II Stratocaster
– Maple Deep “C” Neck
– Flame Maple Top over an Alder Body, Rosewood fretboard
– 70th Anniversary V-Mod II Single-Coil Strat pickups
– 22 Narrow Tall Frets
– Aged White Control Knobs
– Comet Burst Finish
– Deluxe Molded Hardshell Gig Bag Included
The Allure of the Player Stratocaster in 2-Color Sunburst
– Alder Body with a Gloss Finish
– Three Player Series Single-Coil Stratocaster pickups
– “Modern C”-shaped neck profile
– Maple or Pau Ferro fretboard
– 9.5″ radius fingerboard
– 2-Point Tremolo Bridge with Bent-Steel Saddles
– Now Available in Anniversary 2-Color Sunburst
American Professional Stratocaster Embraces 2-Color Sunburst
– Three V-Mod II Single-Coil Stratocaster pickups
– Upgraded 2-Point Tremolo with Cold-Rolled Steel Block
– Deep “C”-shaped Neck Profile with rolled fingerboard edges
– Maple or Rosewood fretboard
– Bone Nut and 22 Narrow-Tall Frets for easy bending
– Treble Bleed Circuit maintains highs when reducing volume
– Now Available in Anniversary 2-Color Sunburst
– Deluxe Molded Hardshell Case Included
The Strats
The Nebula Noir-finished Player model stands out, catering to progressive players with its spacey black colorway, black-covered single coils, and a white pearloid pickguard. While maintaining the classic Player platform, this model boasts notable upgrades like an alder body, modern C maple neck, and a premium 9.5”-radius rosewood fingerboard with rolled edges.
For those seeking a more conventionally styled option, the American Professional II Stratocaster in Comet Burst offers a premium experience with its flame maple top, deep C maple neck, and expanded control layout.
Fender enthusiasts can also rejoice as standard Player and American Professional II models now sport a ‘50s-flavored 2-Color Sunburst finish. The former, priced at $799, stays true to the Player platform with a gloss alder body, modern C maple neck, and a 9.5” ‘board radius.
The American Professional II Strat in 2-Color Sunburst, priced at $1,699, features V-Mod II pickups, a sculpted neck heel, and an upgraded two-point tremolo bridge.
Available from Thomann from the individual links below
- 70th Player in Nebula Noir
- 70th Player in 2-Tone with Pau Ferro
- 70th Player in 2-Tone with Maple
- 70th American Pro II with Rosewood
- 70th American Pro II with Maple
- 70th American Pro II in Comet Burst
Guitar Bomb Verdict
Fender’s 70th Anniversary Stratocaster series offers a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation, setting the stage for a year-long celebration of this iconic guitar’s legacy. Sure, they aren’t going to set the world on fire with innovation, though if you like Strats, then you may find one that suits you perfectly.
They are a limited run to appeal to collectors, and the two new finishes are both excellent choices.
More Information
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