The Fender American Deluxe Stratocaster V Neck in Candy Apple Red combines the unmistakable sound and style of a classic Fender Stratocaster with premium American craftsmanship and modern performance features. Featuring a distinctive 1950s-inspired V-shaped maple neck, a contoured alder body and Fender's advanced noiseless pickup technology, this guitar offers an impressive balance of vintage character and contemporary versatility.

Designed for players who appreciate the feel of a traditional Fender neck but want the flexibility of a modern instrument, the American Deluxe Stratocaster V Neck delivers everything from sparkling clean tones and articulate rhythm sounds to expressive blues leads and powerful rock overdrive.

The original model specification features three Fender Noiseless Stratocaster pickups, an innovative S-1 switching system, staggered locking tuners and a two-point synchronised tremolo. Together, these appointments provide expanded tonal options, dependable tuning performance and comfortable playability.

Its Candy Apple Red finish gives the guitar a striking metallic appearance, complemented by a maple fingerboard and traditional Stratocaster styling.

This particular example is presented in Very Good Pre-Owned Condition, weighs 8.3 lbs (approximately 3.76kg) and comes complete with a hardcase.

For guitarists seeking a premium American Stratocaster with distinctive vintage neck characteristics and professional modern appointments, the American Deluxe V Neck offers an appealing combination of tone, comfort and versatility.

At A Glance

Pre-Owned Condition Report

Very Good Condition

This Fender American Deluxe Stratocaster V Neck is presented in Very Good Pre-Owned Condition, indicating some cosmetic wear consistent with careful previous ownership.

The Candy Apple Red metallic finish gives the guitar an attractive appearance, while the contoured Stratocaster body, maple neck and distinctive V-shaped profile combine traditional styling with the refined appointments associated with Fender's American Deluxe Series.

The guitar may display minor signs of previous use, although specific scratches, marks, finish wear or hardware imperfections have not been individually documented.

Please study the product photographs for a closer assessment of the individual condition of this instrument.

Weight

This provides a substantial, traditional solid-body Stratocaster feel, with the familiar comfort of Fender's contoured body design.

Hardcase Included

A hardcase is included with this instrument, providing useful protection during storage and transportation.

The case has not been independently confirmed as the original Fender factory case.

Pickup & Production Specification

The American Deluxe Stratocaster V Neck was produced in several versions, including earlier examples fitted with Samarium Cobalt Noiseless (SCN) pickups and later versions featuring N3 Noiseless pickups.

Fingerboard radius and certain hardware details also changed during the model's production history.

The production year, serial number and exact pickup generation fitted to this guitar have not been provided, so these details should be confirmed before making claims about the specific components installed.

What's Included

• Fender American Deluxe Stratocaster V Neck – Candy Apple Red, Maple Fingerboard

• Hardcase

No additional accessories, tremolo arm, documentation or case candy have been confirmed.

Service & Setup

The American Deluxe Stratocaster features an adjustable truss rod, individual bridge saddles and a two-point tremolo system, allowing adjustments to string action, intonation and tremolo balance. Appropriate maintenance also includes checking the condition of the frets, nut, locking tuners, pickup selector and S-1 switching system. Individual setup measurements, service history and testing results have not been supplied for this guitar. Please note that guitar setups can naturally change over time due to fluctuations in humidity, temperature and environmental conditions, potentially affecting neck relief, string action and overall playability.

Key Features

• American-Made Fender Stratocaster: Premium construction from Fender's American Deluxe Series.

• 1950s-Inspired V-Shaped Maple Neck: Traditional Fender feel with a distinctive profile.

• Candy Apple Red Metallic Finish: A striking colour with classic Stratocaster appeal.

• Solid Alder Body: Balanced response with clear note definition.

• Maple Fingerboard: Bright appearance and familiar Fender playing feel.

• Fender Noiseless Pickup Technology: Traditional single-coil character with reduced electrical hum.

• S-1 Switching System: Additional pickup combinations beyond standard Stratocaster switching.

• Five-Way Pickup Selector: Familiar Stratocaster sounds.

• Two-Point Synchronised Tremolo: Smooth, expressive pitch modulation.

• Staggered Locking Tuners: Convenient string changes and reliable tuning when correctly set up.

• Contoured Body: Comfortable for seated and standing performance.

• 25.5-Inch Scale Length: Traditional Fender string tension and articulation.

• 22 Frets: Expanded upper-register access compared with vintage 21-fret designs.

• Very Good Pre-Owned Condition: An attractive alternative to purchasing a new American-made Fender.

• Hardcase Included: Protection for storage and transportation.

Why You'll Love It

The Fender American Deluxe Stratocaster V Neck offers a particularly appealing combination of traditional Fender character and modern performance features.

Its V-shaped neck is one of the model's defining characteristics, providing a distinctive playing feel inspired by the substantial profiles found on Fender instruments from the 1950s.

For players accustomed to modern C-shaped necks, the V profile offers something noticeably different, with pronounced shoulders that can feel especially comfortable for traditional thumb-over chord techniques and expressive blues playing.

The Noiseless pickup system is another major attraction, providing the familiar clarity and articulation of a Stratocaster while reducing the electrical hum associated with conventional single-coil designs.

Combined with the S-1 switching system, locking tuners and two-point tremolo, the American Deluxe provides extensive versatility without sacrificing its traditional appearance.

The Candy Apple Red finish completes the package, making this a distinctive American Stratocaster that looks as impressive as it sounds.

Detailed Features & Benefits

Classic Alder Body & Candy Apple Red Finish

The American Deluxe Stratocaster V Neck features a solid alder body, one of Fender's most established tonewoods. Alder is appreciated for its balanced frequency response, articulate attack and clear midrange, making it particularly effective across clean and overdriven guitar sounds. The Candy Apple Red metallic finish gives the guitar a striking appearance, while the familiar Stratocaster body contours provide comfort during extended playing sessions. Its forearm contour and shaped rear body make it equally suitable for seated practice, recording and standing performance.

Distinctive 1950s-Style V-Shaped Maple Neck

One of the defining features of this model is its traditional V-shaped maple neck, inspired by the profiles used on certain Fender guitars during the 1950s. Unlike a conventional rounded C-shaped neck, the V profile features a more pronounced central ridge and differently shaped shoulders, creating a distinctive playing experience. This can be particularly appealing to guitarists who use thumb-over chord techniques or prefer a more substantial feel in the fretting hand. The lightly tinted maple construction also contributes to the guitar's vintage-inspired appearance.

Maple Fingerboard & 22 Frets

The maple fingerboard provides the familiar playing response and appearance associated with classic Fender Stratocasters. With 22 frets and a modernised fingerboard design, the American Deluxe offers additional upper-register access compared with many traditional 1950s-inspired Stratocasters. Medium jumbo frets provide a comfortable balance for chord work, string bending and expressive lead playing. Exact fingerboard radius specifications vary by production period, with earlier examples using a conventional 9.5-inch radius and later versions adopting a compound-radius design.

Fender Noiseless Single-Coil Pickups

The American Deluxe V Neck was developed around Fender's advanced noiseless pickup technology, designed to preserve the clarity, snap and articulation associated with Stratocaster single-coils while reducing unwanted electrical hum. Earlier examples were fitted with Samarium Cobalt Noiseless pickups, while later production featured N3 Noiseless designs. Both approaches aim to provide the familiar range of bright bridge sounds, warm neck pickup tones and glassy combined-pickup positions. The exact pickup generation installed in this particular guitar should be confirmed from its production year or component markings.

Innovative S-1 Switching System

Fender's S-1 switching system expands the available pickup combinations beyond those offered by a conventional five-way Stratocaster selector. Integrated into the master volume control, the S-1 switch allows the player to access additional wiring configurations, depending on the guitar's production specification. This provides a broader tonal palette while retaining a familiar control layout, making the American Deluxe particularly appealing to musicians who need to cover several genres without changing instruments. The system offers extra flexibility for rhythm guitar, expressive lead playing and layered recording arrangements.

Traditional Five-Way Stratocaster Switching

The standard five-way pickup selector provides the familiar tonal combinations that have made the Fender Stratocaster one of the most versatile electric guitars ever produced. The bridge pickup delivers a bright, articulate response, while the neck pickup provides warmer, rounded tones suited to expressive blues and melodic playing. Positions two and four combine adjacent pickups, creating the glassy, slightly scooped character associated with funk, pop and clean rhythm guitar. Combined with the S-1 system, the American Deluxe offers additional tonal options beyond this traditional arrangement.

Two-Point Synchronised Tremolo

The American Deluxe Stratocaster features Fender's refined two-point synchronised tremolo system, designed to provide smooth pitch modulation and improved mechanical operation compared with traditional six-screw designs. The bridge allows subtle vibrato, expressive melodic effects and more pronounced pitch changes when correctly set up. Depending on production year, these models feature premium saddle designs and convenient pop-in tremolo arm arrangements. The inclusion of a tremolo arm with this individual guitar has not been confirmed.

Staggered Locking Tuning Machines

Fender's staggered locking tuners are a practical feature of the American Deluxe Series, designed to provide secure string anchoring and convenient string changes. Locking tuners reduce the amount of string winding required around the tuning posts, helping minimise one potential source of tuning instability. The staggered post heights can also contribute to appropriate string break angles across the nut. Together with a properly adjusted tremolo and correctly cut nut, these tuners support dependable tuning performance during regular playing.

Comfortable Body Contours & Upper-Fret Access

The Stratocaster's iconic body contours remain an important part of the American Deluxe design, providing a comfortable instrument for extended playing sessions. Its contoured forearm area and rear body shaping allow the guitar to sit naturally against the player, while the double-cutaway design provides good access to the upper frets. American Deluxe models also feature a sculpted neck heel, improving comfort when reaching higher positions on the fingerboard. These details make the guitar particularly attractive for musicians who regularly move between rhythm playing and demanding lead passages.

Premium American Deluxe Construction

The American Deluxe Series was developed to offer modern performance improvements while retaining the essential characteristics of Fender's traditional electric guitar designs. Premium hardware, noiseless pickups, expanded switching and refined neck construction distinguish these guitars from more conventional production Stratocasters. The V Neck variation is especially interesting because it combines those modern features with a distinctly vintage-inspired neck profile, creating an instrument that appeals to both traditional Fender enthusiasts and players seeking contemporary reliability.

Who Is It For?

Blues Guitarists: The V-shaped neck and expressive single-coil tones are particularly well suited to blues playing.

Classic Rock Players: Noiseless pickups, flexible switching and a responsive tremolo provide excellent versatility for rhythm and lead guitar.

Country Guitarists: Bright, articulate tones and traditional Fender response suit expressive country picking.

Funk & Pop Guitarists: The familiar Stratocaster pickup combinations deliver clear, rhythmic sounds.

Session Musicians: Expanded S-1 switching and reduced pickup hum make the guitar useful for a variety of recording applications.

Fender Enthusiasts: The distinctive V-shaped neck offers an interesting alternative to conventional American Standard and American Deluxe Stratocasters.

Playing Styles & Applications

The Fender American Deluxe Stratocaster V Neck is particularly well suited to blues, classic rock, country, funk, soul, pop, indie and alternative rock.

Its neck pickup provides warm, expressive tones for blues and melodic playing, while the bridge pickup offers the articulate attack required for rock and country.

The combined pickup positions deliver the familiar glassy character associated with clean Stratocaster rhythm guitar.

The S-1 switching system expands these possibilities, making the guitar particularly useful for musicians who cover several musical styles.

For recording, the noiseless pickup design can help reduce unwanted electrical interference while retaining the traditional Stratocaster character.

How It Compares

American Deluxe Stratocaster V Neck vs American Standard Stratocaster

The American Standard Stratocaster offers a familiar modern Fender playing experience, generally featuring a C-shaped neck and conventional five-way single-coil switching. The American Deluxe V Neck adds a more traditional 1950s-inspired neck profile, noiseless pickup technology, S-1 switching and premium hardware. Players seeking a straightforward Stratocaster may prefer the American Standard, while those who appreciate expanded tonal options and vintage-inspired neck characteristics may favour the American Deluxe.

American Deluxe Stratocaster V Neck vs Eric Clapton Stratocaster

Both models draw inspiration from Fender's traditional V-shaped neck designs, making them appealing to players who prefer this distinctive profile. The Eric Clapton Stratocaster features its own specialised electronics, including active mid-boost circuitry and TBX tone shaping on many versions. The American Deluxe V Neck instead focuses on noiseless pickups and S-1 switching, providing a different approach to tonal versatility.

American Deluxe Stratocaster V Neck vs American Vintage Stratocaster

American Vintage Stratocasters generally prioritise historically inspired construction, traditional pickup designs and period-correct hardware. The American Deluxe V Neck combines vintage styling with modern features, including locking tuners, a two-point tremolo and expanded switching. Players seeking a more historically accurate Fender experience may prefer an American Vintage model, while musicians who value modern convenience may find the American Deluxe more suitable.

Fender American Deluxe Series Heritage

The Fender American Deluxe Series was introduced during the late 1990s as a premium alternative to the American Standard range, offering modern electronics, refined hardware and professional performance features.

The American Deluxe Stratocaster V Neck variation appeared in the mid-2000s, combining the classic feel of a 1950s-style maple neck with Fender's developing noiseless pickup technology.

Early examples used Samarium Cobalt Noiseless pickups and S-1 switching, while later models introduced updated pickup designs and changes to the fingerboard and hardware specifications.

The range appealed to players who wanted traditional Stratocaster styling without sacrificing the convenience and flexibility of modern guitar construction.

The American Deluxe Series was eventually succeeded by Fender's American Elite range, making discontinued Deluxe models an interesting option for players seeking particular combinations of neck profile, electronics and hardware.

Technical Specifications

The following information describes the American Deluxe Stratocaster V Neck model family. Features that changed between production years are identified separately.

Power Requirements

The Fender American Deluxe Stratocaster V Neck uses passive magnetic pickup electronics and does not require batteries or an external power supply.

Its Noiseless pickups and S-1 switching system operate through conventional guitar circuitry.

The instrument connects to a suitable guitar amplifier, effects processor or audio interface using a standard ¼-inch instrument cable.

🎵 Fair Deal Music Expert Verdict ★★★★★

The Fender American Deluxe Stratocaster V Neck in Candy Apple Red offers a particularly appealing balance of classic Fender feel and modern performance technology.

Its distinctive V-shaped maple neck provides a different playing experience from the more common C-shaped Stratocaster profiles, making it especially interesting for players who appreciate vintage-inspired instruments.

The Noiseless pickups and S-1 switching system provide excellent tonal flexibility, while the staggered locking tuners and two-point tremolo add practical benefits for regular performance.

Its Candy Apple Red finish completes the package, offering a striking appearance that complements the guitar's traditional styling.

This particular example is presented in Very Good Pre-Owned Condition, weighs 8.3 lbs and comes complete with a hardcase.

Best Suited For: Blues, classic rock, country, pop and session guitarists seeking a premium American Stratocaster with a vintage-inspired neck.

Customers Usually Upgrade From: Fender Mexican Standard, Player Series and American Standard Stratocasters.

Most Commonly Paired With: Fender valve amplifiers, boutique overdrive pedals, compression, analogue delay and reverb.

Our Tip: Explore the five standard pickup positions before engaging the S-1 switch. This makes it easier to appreciate how the additional wiring combinations expand the guitar's tonal range.

Showroom Advice: The V-shaped neck is the defining feature of this model. Players accustomed to a conventional C-shaped profile should try the guitar in person where possible, as the difference in neck shape can be significant.

Why Buy Pre-Owned From Fair Deal Music?

Buying a pre-owned Fender American Deluxe Stratocaster from Fair Deal Music provides an opportunity to own a premium American-made instrument with distinctive features at an attractive alternative to purchasing new.

Our experienced team understands the importance of accurate condition descriptions, clear specifications and transparent information about included accessories.

This particular guitar is presented in Very Good Pre-Owned Condition, weighs 8.3 lbs and includes a hardcase.

The discontinued American Deluxe range also offers an appealing alternative for musicians who prefer particular specifications no longer found together in Fender's current production models.

Warranty, Returns & Delivery

This is a pre-owned electric guitar, with its condition and confirmed accessories detailed above.

Applicable warranty arrangements, returns information and delivery options are provided through Fair Deal Music's current terms and checkout information.

The included hardcase provides useful protection for storage and transportation.

Why Buy From Fair Deal Music?

When you buy from Fair Deal Music, you're choosing one of the UK's most established, independent family run music retailers since 1987.

As Birmingham's largest independent music store, we specialise in new, used, vintage and collectable guitars, amplifiers, effects pedals and professional audio equipment.

Our experienced team of musicians provides knowledgeable advice and personal service, helping customers choose instruments suited to their playing styles and requirements.

Customers benefit from competitive pricing, secure online ordering, UK delivery options, our Birmingham showroom and part-exchange services.

Part Exchange – Trade In. Trade Up. Save More.

Fair Deal Music buys and part-exchanges a wide range of musical equipment, including Fender electric guitars, acoustic guitars, basses, amplifiers, effects pedals and keyboards.

Your existing equipment could help towards the cost of this Fender American Deluxe Stratocaster V Neck.

Contact our team for a no-obligation valuation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What condition is this Fender American Deluxe Stratocaster V Neck in?

This guitar is presented in Very Good Pre-Owned Condition, indicating some cosmetic wear consistent with careful previous ownership.

Does this guitar come with a hardcase?

Yes. A hardcase is included.

How much does the guitar weigh?

This particular guitar weighs 8.3 lbs, approximately 3.76kg.

Where was the American Deluxe Stratocaster V Neck made?

The model was manufactured in the United States.

What year was this guitar made?

The individual production year has not been confirmed. Fender introduced the V Neck variation during the mid-2000s.

What is a V-shaped neck?

A V-shaped neck features a more pronounced central ridge than a conventional C-shaped profile, creating a different feel in the fretting hand.

Is the V-shaped neck suitable for blues?

Yes. Many blues guitarists particularly enjoy V-shaped neck profiles for traditional thumb-over techniques and expressive playing.

What wood is the body made from?

The American Deluxe Stratocaster V Neck features an alder body.

What fingerboard does this guitar have?

It has a maple fingerboard.

What is the fingerboard radius?

Earlier versions feature a 9.5-inch radius, while later production introduced a 9.5-to-14-inch compound radius. The exact specification of this guitar requires confirmation.

How many frets does it have?

The model features 22 medium jumbo frets.

What is the scale length?

It uses Fender's traditional 25.5-inch scale length.

What pickups are fitted?

The American Deluxe V Neck model family used Fender Noiseless pickups, with SCN pickups on earlier versions and N3 pickups on later examples.

Are the pickups completely silent?

No pickup system can eliminate every source of electrical interference, but Fender's Noiseless designs significantly reduce the hum associated with conventional single-coil pickups.

What does the S-1 switch do?

The S-1 system introduces additional pickup configurations beyond those available through the standard five-way selector.

How many pickup positions does it have?

The conventional selector has five positions, with the S-1 system providing additional wiring combinations.

Does it have a tremolo bridge?

Yes. The factory model features a two-point synchronised tremolo.

Is a tremolo arm included?

The inclusion of a tremolo arm with this individual guitar has not been confirmed.

Does it have locking tuners?

The standard model features Fender staggered locking tuning machines, although the hardware fitted to this individual guitar has not been independently verified.

Does it require a battery?

No. Its original pickup and switching system operates without a battery.

Is it suitable for recording?

Yes. The reduced electrical hum of Fender Noiseless pickups and the additional S-1 switching combinations make it a versatile recording instrument.

Is the American Deluxe V Neck still in production?

No. It is a discontinued Fender model.

How does it compare with the American Professional Stratocaster?

The American Professional range offers a different combination of pickups, neck profiles and switching specifications. The American Deluxe V Neck is especially appealing to players who want its distinctive vintage-inspired neck shape together with noiseless pickups and S-1 switching.

Can I part-exchange another guitar towards this Fender?

Yes. Fair Deal Music considers guitars, amplifiers and other musical equipment for part exchange.