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. 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.