Having already purchased a 60's classic Stratocaster a couple years ago, I knew that this Fender was going to be another keeper. First and foremost, always get a professional setup if you can't do it yourself. Out of the box, the tremolo arm was quite wobbly, to the point where it would have presented tuning issues, so I had it adjusted as well as the block, and it works just like it should now.

The single ply pickguard, while historically correct, is flimsy, and the stark white color is oddly mismatched with the aged knobs/pup covers/tremelo tip that this model is equipped with. The stock pickups are a bit hot for a vintage Stratocaster, so I decided to replace them with some '54 Fender Custom Shop pups which I highly recommended for this guitar if you are looking for a more true vintage tone from your Fender.If Metal or Hard Rock is your thing,look elsewhere. Anyone purchasing the Fiesta Red color should prepare themselves for a "chamelion" six string: the guitar genuinely looks ORANGE under typical incandescent lighting. Under bright lights, or daylight, make no mistake about it, this guitar is RED. The Fender 3 ply pearloid white '57 Stratocaster replacement pickguard (not historically correct since they didn't make pearloid in the 50's ,but it sure looks sweet against the Fiesta Red) is one of the few choices you will have as a replacement choice since this is an 8 hole pickguard,rather than the more popular 11 hole (which has a wider availability of styles). The soft V maple neck is positively superb, and a major selling point for this model. Another reviewer mentioned the action cannot be set low on this guitar, but I found that not to be that case at all (no noticable fret buzz either). The maple neck on this 50's classic is noticably brighter sounding than the rosewood on the 60's classic (both serve their purpose). Quality control was quite good overall. Many will say that the American Stratocasters or Custom Shop Stratocasters are superior instruments to the Mexican made models (I have owned a U.S.A. 1991 '52 Telecaster RI since new), and in some respects they are. Having said that, you can buy one of these MIM models for a very reasonably price, trick it out with custom pups/parts, and have yourself a genuine player that looks/sounds fantastic, and makes no apologies for being built a few miles South of the border from the Corona,CA factory. Since Fender never offered the Hank Marvin signature model Stratocaster in the U.S.,this 50's classic will fit the bill just fine for me without having to shell out thousands.

I bought this guitar about a month ago and its been the perfect guitar for all of the varieties of music that I play that varies from Buddy Holly to distorted Link Wray to the early, twangy Johnny Cash. Every one I know that's seen the guitar has always said that it is genuinely beautiful and eye catching. Starting with the vintage tint on the neck ending with the vintage tint on the pickup covers and volume knobs.

I've been playing for over 20 years. Owned a lot of electric guitars in that time...plenty of squires, a USA strat plus, a Jap strat, a Rickenbacker 330, A classic player 50's, a Fender roadworn 60's....

I sold my roadworn because I had done my homework on this guitar.

It has the classic country/twangy/blues strat sound. Think Buddy Holly. It's a 50's strat replica...not meant for hard rock or metal...

All of the detailing is consistent with a late 50's era strat. Including the single ply pickguard, warps and all. That's why Fender changed to 3 ply later on. But it's period accurate.

The neck is the big seller on this guitar. It's possibly an aquired taste, but once you get into it it feels and plays great. A solid piece of maple, soft V shape - certainly softer than the more expensive (but not better) classic player series neck. The finish on the neck is excellent, a dark toned vintage laquer which sets the whole look - and feel - off nicely.

The finish on the body (mine is 2 tone sunburst) is flawless, excellent - it looks fantastic and is very dirable thanks to the poly finish. In an ideal world, these would be offered in a vintage correct nitro finish, but you cant have everything...especially for this price. Besides, the poly is harder wearing. Clapton's strats are all poly after years of blaying nitro finished "Blackie", so I would summise it doesn't affect the tone as much as some may say.

The "aged" knobs, trem knob, PU covers and pickup switch look odd coupled with the white pleckguard and trem cover. Either age it all Fender, or make it all white. Do or do not, there is no try...;)

Still, that's an easy fix with a relic'd single ply 50's cover from the net.

Overall, the guitar is solidly built, looks beautiful, sounds great - I do like the stock PU's...I may consider switching them to Fender fat 50's, but for now am more than happy with the very vintage tone they produce coupled with my hotrod deluxe amp.

Excellent guitar for the price, it's very roadworthy and loveable.

Hard to pick up without playing "Peggy Sue"...

As an 'old school' afectionado, I wouldn't consider purchasing a new American standard. Leo's original design is what I wish for.

So, depending on your musical tastes, style of playing and budget, possibly the prefect strat.

But TRY IT OUT FIRST.

I went through a few models in store until I settled on the one. Some had less nice necks, small flaws in workmanship and so on. You have to hold it in your hands, look it over, listen and feel how it plays then decide.

It might just be 'the one'.

Just snagged a 98' 50's Stratocaster Reissue in Daphne Blue. Wow! If I told you the price I paid, I'd have to kiil ya! I recorded some clash type beater tracks with a touch of new age punk last night. She delivered the goods. Not quiet the tone of my 68 tele.... but plays great! Holds a solid tune. The machine heads are a big improvement over the standard mim. The small radius neck is a little different... but I play em all. This unit will look great on the wall against the white background. If the standard mexican pick ups are a 7.... I'd give the classic 50's an 8.3. The standard American gets the cigar and a 10. Good Day, KId Ritalin

I was looking for a Strat to start playing again since I put my other one in storage. I have the Delphine blue. I love the feel of the strat. I also have a powerhouse strat and this one feels better. I bought it because I like the look of the old Fenders. The Neck feels good I wish it didn't have the gloss finish on it. It would be better if it was a little more destressed. I am planning on changing the pickups to fat 50s or Texas Specials. The ones are a little dull but still sounds ok. If you are planning on MIM strat look at this one!