1984 Fender American Vintage Reissue '57 Stratocaster (Fullerton Plant) - Vintage White

1984 Fender American Vintage Reissue '57 Stratocaster – Fullerton's Finest

The Altitude Summary
This 1984 Fender AVRI '57 Stratocaster represents the best of Fender’s early American Vintage Reissue series, built at the original Fullerton, CA factory using Pre-CBS equipment. This iconic reissue faithfully captures the essence of the legendary 1957 Stratocaster with its alder body, nitrocellulose lacquer finish, Maple fretboard, and original black bottom pickups. Serial number V007843 and period-correct details like potentiometer date codes from the 30th week of 1983 and a pencil-dated neck reads 11-13-1984 ensure its authenticity. With its bell-like tones, authentic playability, and historical significance, this Stratocaster is a collector’s dream and a treat to play. Body shows checking throughout as well as various dings and scratches. Finish has yellowed with age to an appealing vintage white banana cream. The fretboard has wear that is smooth to the touch. Frets are at 80% with lots of life left in them.

Fullerton, CA – Original Plant, First Reissues
Fender’s first run of American Vintage Reissue Stratocasters (1982–1984) were the precursor to Custom Shop instruments. Built in Fullerton, CA, on the same machinery used to produce the coveted Pre-CBS models, these guitars represent Fender’s dedication to replicating the sound and feel of their most iconic designs. Led by the Dan Smith-era team, Fender chose the 1957 and 1962 Stratocasters as templates for their historical and musical importance, capturing the timeless playability and tone of Leo Fender’s original creations.

Authentic Vintage Craftsmanship
The slim C-shaped maple neck and 7.25-inch radius maple fretboard offer the smooth, comfortable playability of a true vintage guitar. Its 21 vintage-style frets and Fullerton-crafted curves deliver the feel of an original 1957 Strat. The pickups provide quintessential Strat tones:

• Neck Pickup: Iconic bell-like chime and clarity for clean, soulful playing.
• Bridge Pickup: Twangy, punchy tones perfect for rock, blues, and early surf sounds.

Era-Correct Features

• Body: 2-piece alder with nitrocellulose lacquer finish with "Gonzales" marking in the neck pocket.
• Neck: Pencil-dated and stamped 11-13-1984 and J. Torres, with original waterslide logo. 
• Electronics: Original black bottom pickups, potentiometer dates from the 30th week of 1983, CTS pots, and a 5-way blade switch.
• Condition: Excellent with lacquer checking, minor dings, and minimal fret wear.
• Extras: Includes the original Fullerton case with extensive case candy including Instruction manual, Fender hang tag, bridge cover, whammy bar, 5 way switch and Fender polishing Cloth and trem springs in envelope.

Key Highlights:

• Vintage-accurate construction using original Fullerton equipment.
• Bell-like tones from the neck pickup and bright, twangy bridge tones.
• Original AVRI pickups, electronics, and hardware for authentic sound and feel.
• Nitrocellulose lacquer finish that ages gracefully over time.

A Piece of Fender History
This Fullerton-built AVRI '57 Stratocaster captures the heart of Fender’s golden era, combining unparalleled craftsmanship with authentic vintage tones. Perfect for players and collectors alike, it’s a rare opportunity to own a historically significant guitar that plays and sounds as good as it looks.

Add this timeless Strat to your collection and experience the sound of Fender’s legacy.