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Fender Releases the American Original Series

A collection of new instruments based on some of Leo's most classic designs.

Scottsdale, AZ (January 16, 2018) -- Here are the details on Fender's American Original series that will debut at Winter NAMM 2018.

American Original ’50s Stratocaster – $1,949.99 (White Blonde); – $1,899.99 (Aztec Gold, 2-Color Sunburst)

When we released the Stratocaster in 1954, we didn’t set out to create a classic-but we did. The Stratocaster’s sleek style, articulate sound and plethora of innovations redefined electric guitar and opened up a brave new world of musical possibilities. The American Original ‘50s Stratocaster maintains Fender’s legendary original-era style and ground-breaking tone, while adding modern feel and pickup switching. The wax-potted Pure Vintage ‘59 single-coil Stratocaster pickups are as period-correct as possible, from the Formvar-coated coil wire to the cloth-covered output wires, fiber bobbins and alnico 5 magnets. The thick “Soft V” neck profile is perfect for chording, while the 9.5”-radius fingerboard enhances playability. Other authentic touches include vintage-tall frets, original-era body radii, vintage-style hardware-including a six-point synchronized tremolo bridge-vintage-style hardshell case and a lacquer finish that not only lets the wood “breathe” naturally, it also ages in a distinctively appealing way. The American Original ‘50s Stratocaster is the best way to experience the performance, style and tone that made Fender a household name among guitarists. This model is offered in White Blonde, 2-Color Sunburst and Aztec Gold.

American Original ’60s Stratocaster – $1,949.99

A period of change, both for Fender and for pop culture as a whole, the 1960s saw the Strat mellow slightly as it grew up. The white pickguard was updated to mint green, and the fingerboard was switched from the original maple to rosewood, adding a smoother note to the Strat’s clear, articulate voice. The American Original ‘60s Stratocaster keeps these refinements intact while adding modern feel and pickup switching to the iconic instrument that helped birth guitar rock as we know it. The wax-potted Pure Vintage ‘65 single-coil Stratocaster pickups are as period-correct as possible, from the enamel-coated coil wire to the cloth-covered output wires, fiber bobbins and alnico 5 magnets. The thick “’60s C” neck profile and the 9.5”-radius fingerboard enhances playability. Other authentic touches include vintage-tall frets, original-era body radii, vintage-style hardware-including a six-point synchronized tremolo bridge- vintage-style hardshell case and a lacquer finish that not only lets the wood “breathe” naturally with resonant tone, it also ages in a distinctively appealing way. The American Original ‘60s Stratocaster is the best way to experience the performance, style and tone that made Fender the choice of legends. This model is offered in 3-Color Sunburst, Olympic White and Candy Apple Red.

American Original ’50s Telecaster – $1,799.99

The ultimate blue-collar guitar, the Telecaster launched a musical revolution when we released it. Quickly adopted by working guitarists who were enamored with its trend-setting sound, feel and unique style, the Telecaster laid the foundation for modern country, blues and even heavy metal (in Jimmy Page’s hands). The American Original ‘50s Telecaster has all of the authentic Fender touches that made the Telecaster a star of the studio and stage, adding modern feel and pickup switching to this classic guitar. The Pure Vintage ’52 single-coil Telecaster pickups are as period-correct as possible, from the enamel-coated coil wire to the cloth-covered output wires, fiber bobbins and alnico 3 magnets. We even made sure the steel base plates are copper-plated, while the pickups’ pole pieces are flush-mounted like the originals. The thick “U”-shaped neck profile gracefully fills the fret hand, while the 9.5”-radius fingerboard will feel familiar to any player. Other authentic touches include vintage-tall frets, original-era body radii, vintage-style hardware—including three brass barrel saddles—vintage-style hardshell case and a lacquer finish that not only lets the wood “breathe” naturally with resonant tone, it also wears in a distinctively appealing way. The American Original ‘50s Telecaster is the best way to experience the performance, style and tone that made Fender the foundation of modern music. This model is offered in Butterscotch Blonde.

American Original ’60s Telecaster – $1,999.99

One of the most versatile guitars ever created, the Telecaster is easily at home in any genre, thanks to its flexible sound, alluring style and smooth playing feel. In 1960, we offered rosewood as the standard fingerboard wood and launched the Telecaster Custom, an elegant model with a double-bound body and 3-ply pickguard. The American Original ‘60s Telecaster combines period-accurate sound and style from this electrifying decade with modern, fast-playing feel and pickup switching. The Pure Vintage ’64 single-coil Telecaster pickups are as period-correct as possible, from the enamel-coated coil wire to the cloth-covered output wires, fiber bobbins and alnico 5 magnets. The bridge pickup’s copper shielding plate adds some zing to your tone, while the pole pieces are staggered for balanced volume between the strings. The mid-‘60s “C”-shaped neck profile gracefully fills the fret hand, while the 9.5”-radius round-lam rosewood fingerboard will feel familiar to any player. Other authentic touches include vintage-tall frets, original-era body radii, vintage-style hardware—including three steel saddles—vintage-style hardshell case and a lacquer finish that not only lets the wood “breathe” naturally with resonant tone, it also wears in a distinctively appealing way. A legendary instrument, the American Original ‘60s Telecaster is the best way to experience the performance, style and tone that made Fender the foundation of modern music. This model is offered in 3-Color Sunburst, Lake Placid Blue and Fiesta Red.

American Original ’60s Jazzmaster – $1,999.99

Originally designed to appeal to jazz guitarists with elegant appointments and sophisticated controls, the Jazzmaster found its way into the hands of musical rebels. From surf to punk and indie rock, its flexible sound heralded the call of change and shaped the voice of rebellion. The American Original ‘60s Jazzmaster faithfully recreates the voice and style of this classic guitar, supplementing them with smooth, modern playability. The wax-potted Pure Vintage ’65 Jazzmaster single-coil pickups are as period-correct as possible, from the enamel-coated coil wire to the cloth-covered output wires, fiber bobbins and alnico 5 magnets. The pickups’ pole pieces are flush-mounted just like the original. Other authentic touches include the distinctive Jazzmaster tone circuitry, vintage-tall frets, original-era body radii, vintage-style hardware—including floating tremolo with lock button and push-in arm—vintage-style hardshell case and a lacquer finish that not only lets the wood “breathe” naturally with resonant tone, it also wears in a distinctively appealing way. For Fender fans who want the authentic sound of the ‘60s, the American Original ‘60s Jazzmaster is the best way to experience the performance, style and sound from that era of innovation. This model is offered in 3-Color Sunburst, Olympic White and Ocean Turquoise.

American Original ’60s Jaguar – $2,099.99

Never resting in our mission to make life better for musicians, we created the short-scale Jaguar guitar in 1962. Originally released as our feature-rich, top-of-the-line electric guitar, it inspired the heroes of the musical underground and hit its stride with surf, punk and alternative guitarists. The American Original ‘60s Jaguar brings that supple sound and slinky playability to life again, slightly tweaked for a modern feel. The wax-potted Pure Vintage ’65 Jaguar single-coil pickups are as period-correct as possible, from the enamel-coated coil wire to the cloth-covered output wires, fiber bobbins and alnico 5 magnets. We kept the Jaguar’s unique circuitry intact for this incarnation; the familiar lead/rhythm circuits are there, along with the bass-cut “strangle” switch. Other authentic touches include vintage-tall frets, original-era body radii, vintage-style hardware——including floating tremolo with lock button and push-in arm——vintage-style hardshell case and a lacquer finish that not only lets the wood “breathe” naturally with resonant tone, it also wears in a distinctively appealing way. An inspiring instrument, the American Original ‘60s Jaguar is a great way to experience the performance, style and tone that made Fender the choice of axemen with attitude. This model is offered in Candy Apple Red, Surf Green and 3-Color Sunburst.

American Original ‘50s Precision Bass – $1,949.99(White Blonde), $1,899.99 (2-Color Sunburst)

Few companies can honestly claim to have changed the world like we did when we created the Precision Bass in 1951. By making playing bass easily accessible, it helped musicians find their creative voice and create new forms of music. The American Original ‘50s Precision Bass updates the playability of this groundbreaking instrument while retaining the original sound and style that changed the world. The Pure Vintage ’58 P Bass split-coil pickup is as period-correct as possible, from the enamel-coated coil wire to the cloth-covered output wires, fiber bobbins and alnico 5 magnets. There’s no mistaking the powerful punch of this pickup that helped shape the sound of modern music. Other authentic touches include vintage-tall frets, original-era body radii, vintage-style hardware—including a four-saddle vintage-style bridge—vintage-style hardshell case and a lacquer finish that not only lets the wood “breathe” naturally with resonant tone, it also wears in a distinctively appealing way. Representing a fundamental shift in musical possibilities, the American Original ‘50s Precision Bass is the best way to experience the performance, style and tone that made Fender the foundation of modern music. This bass is offered in White Blonde and 2-Color Sunburst.

American Original ‘60s Precision Bass – $1,949.99

By the 1960s, the Precision Bass was the workhorse electric bass; from the clubs of Detroit to the beaches of Southern California, its tone laid the foundation for modern music. The American Original ‘60s Precision Bass has all of the features with which the P Bass conquered the world of music—elegantly simple, its sound, style and comfort are joined by modern playability. The Pure Vintage ’63 P Bass split-coil pickup is as period-correct as possible, from the enamel-coated coil wire to the cloth-covered output wires, fiber bobbins and alnico 5 magnets. There’s no mistaking the powerful punch of this pickup that helped shape the sound of modern music. The thick “1963 C”-shaped neck profile gracefully fills the fret hand, while the 9.5”-radius fingerboard will feel familiar to any player. Other authentic touches include vintage-tall frets, original-era body radii, vintage-style hardware—including a four-saddle vintage-style bridge—vintage-style hardshell case and a lacquer finish that not only lets the wood “breathe” naturally with resonant tone, it also wears in a distinctively appealing way. An updated take on the instrument that created the pop culture soundtrack of the 20th century, the American Original ‘60s Precision Bass is the best way to get original-era sound and style with today’s feel. The bass is offered in 3-Color Sunburst, Olympic White and Lake Placid Blue.

American Original ‘60s Jazz Bass – $1,999.99

Released in 1960, the upscale Jazz Bass quickly found favor among working bassists thanks to its premium appointments and versatile sound. The narrower neck seemed tailor-made for fast, dexterous playing, while the pair of single-coil pickups added a bold new dimension to Fender bass tone. The American Original ‘60s Jazz Bass has all the tone and style of its earliest incarnation, with modern playability. The Pure Vintage ’64 Jazz Bass single-coil pickups are as period-correct as possible, from the enamel-coated coil wire to the cloth-covered output wires, fiber bobbins and alnico 5 magnets. There’s no mistaking the sound of these pickups—from a deep growl to articulate punch, they are the voice of this legendary bass. The slim “’60s C”-shaped neck profile and 9.5”-radius round-lam rosewood fingerboard combine for an agile playing feel. Other authentic touches include vintage-tall frets, original-era body radii, vintage-style hardware—including a four-saddle vintage-style bridge—vintage-style hardshell case and a lacquer finish that not only lets the wood “breathe” naturally with resonant tone, it also wears in a distinctively appealing way. An inspiring instrument, the American Original ’60s Jazz Bass is the best way to add original-era Fender tone and style to your sound. The bass is offered in 3-Color Sunburst, Olympic White and Candy Apple Red.

American Original ‘70s Jazz Bass – $2,099.99

Over the course of the ‘70s, the Jazz Bass entered its “teenage years,” changing its visual style and inspiring new playing techniques—such as slapping—which led directly to new, creative forms of expression. Its smooth feel and growly midrange, tempered with a bit of treble bite, made it a hero in recording sessions around the globe. The American Original ‘70s Jazz Bass updates the smooth playing feel with a modern-radius fingerboard, while retaining the classic Fender tone and style that made the Jazz Bass the tool of choice for creative bassists. The Pure Vintage ’74 Jazz Bass single-coil pickups are as period-correct as possible, from the enamel-coated coil wire to the cloth-covered output wires, fiber bobbins and alnico 5 magnets. The sleek “’70s U”-shaped neck profile and 9.5”-radius fingerboard combine for a comfortably agile playing feel. Other authentic touches include vintage-tall frets, original-era body radii, vintage-style hardware—including a four-saddle vintage-style bridge—vintage-style hardshell case. An authentic recreation of the instrument that created funk and disco, the American Original ‘70s Jazz Bass is the best way to get inspired and groove. The bass is offered in 3-Color Sunburst and Natural.

American Original ‘50s Stratocaster Left-Hand – $1,949.99

When we released the Stratocaster in 1954, we didn’t set out to create a classic-but we did. The Stratocaster’s sleek style, articulate sound and plethora of innovations redefined electric guitar and opened up a brave new world of musical possibilities. The American Original ‘50s Stratocaster LH maintains Fender’s legendary original-era style and ground-breaking tone, while adding modern feel and pickup switching. The wax-potted Pure Vintage ‘59 single-coil Stratocaster pickups are as period-correct as possible, from the Formvar-coated coil wire to the cloth-covered output wires, fiber bobbins and alnico 5 magnets. The pickups’ pole pieces are staggered properly for left-handed orientation, ensuring you get the articulate Strat™ (random r-ball) tone you expect. The thick “Soft V” neck profile is perfect for chording, while the 9.5”-radius fingerboard enhances playability. Other authentic touches include vintage-tall frets, original-era body radii, vintage-style hardware-including a six-point synchronized tremolo bridge- vintage-style hardshell case and a lacquer finish that not only lets the wood “breathe” naturally with resonant tone, it also ages in a distinctively appealing way. The American Original ‘50s Stratocaster LH is the best way for left-handed guitarists to experience the performance, style and tone and made Fender a household name among guitarists. This model is offered in White Blonde.

American Original ‘60s Stratocaster Left-Hand – $1,949.99

A period of change, both for Fender and for American culture as a whole, the 1960s saw the Strat mellow as it grew up. The white pickguard was updated to mint green, and the fingerboard was switched from the original maple to rosewood, adding a smoother note to the Strat’s clear, articulate voice. The American Original ‘60s Stratocaster keeps these refinements intact while adding modern feel and pickup switching to the iconic instrument that helped birth guitar rock as we know it. The wax-potted vintage-style ‘65 single-coil Stratocaster pickups are as period-correct as possible, from the enamel-coated coil wire to the cloth-covered output wires, fiber bobbins and alnico 5 magnets. The pickups’ pole pieces are staggered properly for left-handed orientation, ensuring you get the articulate tone you expect. The thick “’60s C” neck profile is perfect for chording, while the 9.5”-radius fingerboard enhances playability. Other authentic touches include vintage-tall frets, original-era body radii, vintage-style hardware-including a six-point synchronized tremolo bridge- vintage-style hardshell case and a lacquer finish that not only lets the wood “breathe” naturally with resonant tone, it also ages in a distinctively appealing way. The American Original ‘60s Stratocaster LH is the best way to experience the performance, style and tone that made Fender the choice of legends. This model is offered in Olympic White.

American Original ‘50s Telecaster Left-Hand – $1,799.99

The ultimate blue-collar guitar, the Telecaster launched a musical revolution when we released it. Quickly adopted by working guitarists who were enamored with its trend-setting sound, feel and unique style, the Telecaster laid the foundation for modern country, blues, and even heavy metal (in Jimmy Page’s hands). The American Original ‘50s Telecaster LH has all of the authentic Fender touches that made the Telecaster a star of the studio and stage, while adding modern feel and pickup switching to this classic guitar.The Pure Vintage ’52 single-coil Telecaster pickups are as period-correct as possible, from the enamel-coated coil wire to the cloth-covered output wires, fiber bobbins and alnico 3 magnets. We even made sure the steel base plates are copper-plated, while the pickups’ pole pieces are flush-mounted like the originals. The thick “U”-shaped neck profile gracefully fills the fret hand, while the 9.5”-radius fingerboard will feel familiar to any player. Other authentic touches include vintage-tall frets, original-era body radii, vintage-style hardware—including three brass barrel saddles—vintage-style hardshell case and a lacquer finish that not only lets the wood “breathe” naturally with resonant tone, it also wears in a distinctively appealing way. A legendary instrument, the American Original ‘50s Telecaster LH is the best way to experience the performance, style and tone that made Fender the foundation of modern music. This model is offered in Butterscotch Blonde.

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