
Meet the new Fender American Ultra Luxe Vintage collection: Aged lacquer finishes meet stainless steel frets, locking tuners and shred-ready necks
Fender has debuted the American Ultra Luxe Vintage series, a line of Strats and Teles which sit at the highest end of the brand’s current electric guitar lineup.
Offering vintage finishes with modern player-friendly features, the American Ultra Luxe Vintage range “redefines the balance between heritage and innovation”.
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The new series comprises five models in total: the American Ultra Luxe Vintage ‘50s Stratocaster, ‘60s Stratocaster, ‘60s Stratocaster HSS, ‘50s Telecaster and ‘60s Custom Telecaster.
According to the Big F, this collection represents the “pinnacle of Fender innovation and craftsmanship, setting the benchmark for premium electric instruments whilst showcasing the finest of the brand’s heritage”.
Key features on all models include Heirloom lacquer finishes, Pure Vintage pickups and stainless steel frets. But naturally, we’ve got to first talk about those Heirloom finishes…
In fact, the American Ultra Luxe Vintage range is the first time Fender’s proprietary Heirloom finishes have featured on production line guitars, after first being introduced on Bruno Mars’ signature Strat in 2023.
Speculated to be an answer to Gibson’s Murphy Lab aging process, Fender’s Heirloom finishes aim to create a vintage worn look by letting the tonewood “breathe as it wears naturally and uniquely”.
Features present on each of the five guitars also include stainless steel frets with rolled edges – for “fast playing”, as well as “consistency and durability” – Modern D shape neck profiles and sculpted neck joints for uninhibited upper-fret access, deluxe locking tuners for quick string changes and superior tuning stability, Luminlay side dots and Graph Tech TUSQ nuts.
In terms of pickups, the new American Ultra Luxe Vintage models feature Pure Vintage single coils, while the ‘60s Stratocaster HSS is also loaded with a Haymaker humbucker. S-1 switches are present on each of the guitars’ volume pots, which allow guitarists to tap into a wider selection of pickup wiring options.
Colour options for each of the five models are as follows:
‘50s Stratocaster: 3-Color Sunburst, White Blonde
‘60s Stratocaster: Ice Blue Metallic, Surf Green
‘60s Stratocaster HSS: Fiesta Red, Seafoam Green
‘50s Telecaster: Butterscotch Blonde, White Blonde
‘60s Custom Telecaster: 3-Color Sunburst, Lake Placid Blue
“With the American Ultra Luxe Vintage series, we’ve redefined the balance between heritage and innovation,” says Fender’s Chief Product Officer Max Gutnik. “This collection honors our iconic legacy while pushing the boundaries of modern craftsmanship.
“Every detail is built for exceptional tone, feel, and timeless style. We’re proud to offer players an elevated experience that respects tradition and sets a new standard for performance.”
“The American Ultra Luxe Vintage series offers musicians the best of both worlds: classic Fender design, timeless elegance, and historical significance, combined with modern sonic engineering’s unparalleled performance and versatility,” the brand adds.
“These instruments are an evolution that honours the legacy that continues to define the Fender brand while being cherished by a new generation of players.”
Pricing for each American Ultra Luxe Vintage model varies depending on specs chosen, but range from $2,849 to $2,999.
For more information, head to Fender.
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Source: www.guitar-bass.net