By C.

The American Vintage reissues are some of most popular modern day offerings from Fender, showcasing the company’s legacy and meticulous craftsmanship that define their iconic guitars and basses. With an illustrious history spanning over six decades, Fender has continuously pushed the boundaries of innovation while honoring its roots in the modern era. The American Vintage Reissue series pays homage to the timeless designs and sonic characteristics that shaped music history.

Do you have a guitar you’d like to sell? Contact us here

The story starts in the early 1980’s, as the demand for vintage Fender instruments continued to grow amongst both collectors and players. Like many other major manufacturers at the time, Fender had spent much of the 70’s and early 80’s dabbling with new lots of new features to augment their line of pre-existing guitars and basses. While some of these additions became successful in their own right, a large majority of the Fender fanbase pleaded for the traditional designs and simplicity of Fender’s ‘golden era’ instruments of the 50’s and early 60’s. So after some thoughtful consideration, Fender rolled out the American Vintage Reissue Series, or ‘AVRI’ for short.

At the heart of this series lies a dedication to authenticity. Each instrument is a faithful recreation of a classic model, meticulously crafted to capture the essence of the originals. From the iconic Stratocaster and Telecaster to lesser-known gems like the Jazzmaster and Jaguar, Fender’s American Vintage reissues recreate these vintage instruments with impeccable attention to detail.

Crafted to mirror the specifications of their respective eras, these guitars transport players back in time. Whether it’s the chunky U-shaped neck profiles of the ’50s or the slim, fast-playing C-shaped necks of the ’60s, Fender meticulously replicates these features to provide an authentic playing experience. The selection of premium tonewoods ensured that each guitar resonated with the same warmth and character as its vintage counterpart.

The devil, as they say, is in the details. Fender leaves no stone unturned in recreating the nuances that made these guitars legendary. From period-correct reproduction hardware and pickups to authentic color-matched finishes, every element is thoughtfully reproduced. This commitment to authenticity isn’t merely cosmetic; it directly influences the instrument’s tone and feel.

The very first iteration of the AVRI’s became known as the “Fullerton Reissues”, as they were some of the last instruments made in Fender’s original factory in Fullerton, CA before relocating to Corona, CA in the mid 80’s. These guitars are a strong attempt at replicating a golden era Fender, but still have some DNA of their era built-in.

Fender continued to iron out the kinks throughout the late 80’s, 90’s, and early 00’s with the American Vintage reissues, ultimately churning out some of their most inspiring pieces for a fraction of the cost of the higher-end Custom Shop line. While Custom Shop guitars are about as top of the food chain as one might get with a new Fender product, the American Vintage reissues also catered to purists, vintage enthusiasts and also to modern players seeking classic tones with contemporary reliability. Fender incorporated modern refinements such as improved tuning stability, upgraded electronics, and more consistent manufacturing processes while preserving the essence and character of the originals, just as they did with the Custom Shop line.

The sonic palette offered by the American Vintage reissues is as diverse as the artists who have wielded these instruments. The unmistakable twang of a Telecaster, the versatile voice of a Stratocaster, or the atmospheric soundscapes of offset guitars like the Jazzmaster—all resonate with unique character and charm. Fender’s dedication to capturing these tonal nuances ensured that each instrument is a sonic time machine, capable of transporting players to different musical epochs.

Beyond their sonic prowess, these guitars hold a cultural significance that transcends their physicality. They are vessels of creativity, carrying the spirit of countless musicians who have shaped genres and defined eras. From the hands of blues legends to rock gods and modern virtuosos, Fender guitars have been the trusted companions of musical pioneers.

The enduring appeal of the American Vintage reissues lies in their ability to evoke nostalgia while inspiring new waves of creativity. They serve as a bridge between the past and the present, allowing players to tap into the rich heritage of Fender while exploring new sonic frontiers.

The original series survived all the way up until 2018, when Fender announced that they would replace the line with the new American Original Series. Many players embraced the new Original series, as they were still high quality USA made Fenders at the end of the day. But now, Fender has brought back the line with the American Vintage II Series, like this ’66 Jazz Bass In Seafoam Green, allowing players to once again revisit the timeless features and and specs of their predecessors.

The Fender American Vintage reissues are more than just guitars and basses; they are living embodiments of history, craftsmanship, and musical innovation. With each strum, bend, and chord, these instruments continue to shape the musical landscape, and show everyone why Fender is still the top dog when it comes to historically faithful recreations of their bygone era creations. If you’re in the market for a choice Fender guitar, the AVRI series may be for you. Give us a call at any of our 4 locations in Southern California and see what’s in the shop! We’re happy to help you find your dream instrument.