1982 Fender American Vintage Reissue AVRI '62 Stratocaster - Black (Fullerton Plant)

1982 Fender AVRI ’62 Stratocaster – Black

The Altitude Summary

This is a rare and compelling example of Fender’s first American Vintage Reissue “’62” built in Fullerton (1982–84), essentially their first in‑house “custom shop” attempt to recapture vintage mojo. The gloss black finish has aged beautifully—with lacquer checking, paint chips, and dings that form a natural relicing—but it retains solid structural integrity. The frets have been replaced with vintage spec wire and show minimal wear, so you get vintage flavor without fretboard fatigue. The guitar plays superbly with low action throughout, effortless string response, and rich Strat tone that feels alive. At 7 lbs, it’s comfortable for long playing sessions yet substantial enough to resonate.

Heritage & Build Story

Between 1982 and 1984, Fender revived the “Vintage Reissue” Strat program at Fullerton, using many of the same jigs, tools, and techniques once employed in pre‑CBS production. The ’62 model was chosen (alongside the ’57) as one of the most revered original Strat designs, and thus it received extra attention in terms of appointments, body contours, and vintage-accurate hardware.  The black finish is especially rare in this line—most ’62s came in sunburst or white—making this one particularly striking to collectors and players alike. 

Tone & Electronics

This Strat is all original under the hood: the vintage-style single-coil pickups with black bottoms and original pole‑piece lacquer remain intact; the original cloth wiring and solder joints are untouched. Your description of “great tone” is spot on: expect the characteristic open top-end shimmer, balanced mids, and singing sustain that vintage Strats are known for. The 5-way switching kit that originally came with the model gives more sonic flexibility than the default 3-way, and many players run it to access the additional in-between wiring options.

Playability & Comfort

With the fret replacement, the neck now feels smooth and fresh, while preserving the vintage 7.25" radius and “slim” neck profile typical of the Fullerton AVRI ’62s. Low action all across means you can dig in or play softly without fretting out. At 7 lbs, the body has an ideal “just right” heft to sustain notes without being tiring on stage or in rehearsal.

Collector Appeal & Rarity

Black was a custom color in the early Fullerton reissues and thus comparatively rare. Most buyers and collectors gravitate toward sunburst or white finishes—meaning this black example gives you a unique variation on a sought-after model. The fact it remains 100% original (aside from frets) enhances its value as both a playable instrument and a collection piece.

Key Features

• Rare black nitrocellulose finish from the original Fullerton run

• Authentic Fullerton‑era ’62 AVRI build using vintage tooling

• Original, unmodified electronics, pickups, and wiring

• Replaced frets with minimal wear

• Low action and excellent playability

• Comfortable 7 lb body weight

• Included: original case, manual, Fender strap, tremolo arm, spring packet