1986 Fender 57RI Stratocaster Seafoam Green
www.rocknrollvintage.com
There's "Custom Colors" and "Relics" and then there are real road-worn one of a kind wonders like this Seafoam/Surf Green 57RI Strat. Yep, you can't duplicate this kind of vibe in a factory. When you're looking for a Stratocaster you've got a lot of models and copies to explore but our favorites are still the ones that start with vintage specs and don't deviate too far. Fender's own American Vintage Re-Issue (AVRI) line are always our first stop. The 57RI features a one piece maple necks, alder body, nitro finish, vintage styled bridge, vintage Kluson styled tuners, etc. It's as close as you can get to a real '57 without having to take our a mortgage! The clear coats have taken on a dark amber hue taking it from Seafoam to Apple Green territory and beyond. No breaks or repairs on this one, couple of mods though. The original 1 ply pickguard was swapped out for a 3-ply when the Seymour Duncan bucker was put it and some black knobs finished the customization job. The extra kick you get from the Duncan can sometimes be quite a welcome addition to a Strat (particularly for a guy like me who lives on the neck pickup on a Strat). Neck clearly reads '86 as do the pots, the previous owner wrote his initials and date that he got it (91) in the neck pocket. I'm happy to report it plays great and really rings out acoustically before you even get close to an amp. The neck has a comfy medium C shape, definitely more meat than the early reissues. Only 7.7 lbs so it's a fabulous weight. This one will satisfy Strat fans and would probably convert a few skeptics too.