Hard choice

This is Fender's limited run Vintera '70s hardtail Strat. I love everything about it, less the price: $1,899. They don't make too many hardtail Strats these days so this is something to be treasured. I'm still unable to reconcile certain price points with the country of manufacturer. I do not doubt the quality, it's about costs & prices. Then again, manufacturers will ride on stuff like limited run, to hike prices & we would fall for it. 

Pic: Fender

2K Mex

The day we (Fender benders) dread is finally here; the Mexican Strat has crossed the $2K mark. The Vintera Limited Edition Road Worn 50s HSS Strat is currently listing for $2,149 (Tele version - $2,099). So... would you tell yourself to save $2k to buy a... Mexican Fender? 

The irony of it all - when Leo Fender created the Tele & Strat way back in the day, these were meant to be affordable instruments. The pickguard electronics mount & the bolt-on features kept costs down while tone remained delectable. Fast forward today, the Fender name had somehow swung to the elitist corner with prices getting out of hand pretty quickly. By the way, what's wrong with Mexican Fenders? Answer: The price. 

Pic: Fender Inetrnational

V-good

 

Finally, I got to try this out at Swee Lee (Start Vista) last Sunday. The store was not crowded so decided to give it a go. I usually don't fancy Mexican stuff, if it's a value for money Fender, my affiliations are with the Japanese version. However, the Vintera series are levelling up to the Japanese standards. I believe this 50s Strat has successfully surpassed the Japanese take in both QC & tone. But I was reminded by the cyber Strat community that it might be my lucky day. I happened to come across an exceptional model, they said. The Mexican QC is really a hit/miss affair & I could attest to this having come across both outstanding & rotten models over the years. Then again, the Vintera range might have a different agenda & consistency might be it. On that note, if you are after some Strat magic & wouldn't want to venture into the American offerings, this Vintera 50s Strat is highly recommended. 

Pic: Fender

Vintera

The first batch of Fender Vintera Series of instruments are now available at Swee Lee.

I was never a big fan of the Mexican Fenders, just a little interested in the offset models not too long ago but that episode had come to pass. Not really looking forward to invest in one of these either but they got good appraisals by most reviewers. The Vintera prices are very close to the American Performers & I definitely won't pay that much for a Mexican model. It's just me.

Vintera!

Summer surprise by Fender- the Vintera Series. These are Mexican models replacing the current Classic Series with immediate effect. According to the Fender official reference, selected models feature Tim Shaw designed pickups giving good value for money to those of us who do wish to tread the mod path after buying one. The guitar range includes the Strat, Tele, Jaguar & Jazzmaster while the basses are the Precision, Jass & Mustang selections. I'm just gonna pick a few to highlight here.

Good to see the 70s model being retained. I've tried the Classic model & personally, it's my favourite among the Strat range. The Classic version is rather heavy & give off that slightly thicker bottom end, no idea if this is gonna be the case for the Vintera.

Not a Bigsby fan but good to see a model in the series offering this option.

I just feel that block inlays for a 70s Jazz bass is simply a cool affair. 

Moving on to prices- the most affordable model is listed for SGD1,218 while the most affordable current Classic Series model will set you back SGD1,199. Would you pay $19 more for a revamped series of instruments with a potential to be better sounding owing to a set of 'revised' pickups on board? Also, the Vintera series comes with a complementary Deluxe Fender bag, remember to check this inclusion before you part with hard-earned cash. 

Pics: sweetwater/ Fender