Fender Vintera® III Late '50s Stratocaster®, Maple Fingerboard, Dakota Red

Quick Product Summary

The Fender Vintera® III Late '50s Stratocaster® in Dakota Red brings the character, feel and visual style of a late-1950s Strat into a modern-production Fender designed for players who genuinely want a vintage-inspired experience.

An alder body is paired with a one-piece maple neck, late-'50s "D" profile, traditional 7.25-inch fingerboard radius and 21 vintage-tall frets. Three Vintage-Style Late '50s Single-Coil Strat® pickups provide the clear, open and articulate response associated with a classic three-single-coil Stratocaster, while the six-screw vintage-style tremolo and vintage-style tuning machines complete the period-inspired specification.

Finished in striking Dakota Red with a single-ply white pickguard and parchment plastics, this is an excellent choice for guitarists who want more genuine vintage Fender character than a modern-spec Stratocaster without moving straight into the significantly higher-priced American vintage ranges.

At A Glance

Feature	Details
Brand	Fender
Series	Vintera® III
Model	Late '50s Stratocaster®
Finish	Dakota Red
Condition	New
Body	Alder
Neck	One-piece maple
Neck Profile	Late-'50s "D"
Fingerboard Radius	7.25"
Pickups	3 x Vintage-Style Late '50s Single-Coil Strat®
Included	Deluxe Gig Bag
Main Appeal	Authentic late-'50s-inspired Stratocaster feel and tone
Best For	Blues, rock, indie, pop, country, surf and vintage Fender enthusiasts

What's Included?

• Fender Vintera® III Late '50s Stratocaster®, Maple Fingerboard, Dakota Red

• Fender Deluxe Gig Bag

• Screw-in tremolo arm

• .050" hex saddle-height adjustment wrench

Why Choose The Fender Vintera III Late '50s Stratocaster?

A Proper Vintage-Inspired Fender Feel

The biggest reason to choose this Vintera III Stratocaster over a more contemporary Fender is the playing experience. Its late-'50s "D"-shaped maple neck and 7.25-inch radius fingerboard intentionally move away from flatter, slimmer modern designs, making it a strong choice for players who enjoy the feel of vintage Fender instruments.

Late-'50s-Voiced Stratocaster Pickups

Three Vintage-Style Late '50s Single-Coil Strat pickups give you the classic Stratocaster layout with five-way switching. Expect clear neck-pickup sounds, expressive middle tones, crisp bridge response and the unmistakable hollow character of the bridge/middle and middle/neck combinations.

Vintage-Tall Frets

The 21 vintage-tall frets help retain a traditional Fender feel while providing more fret height than extremely small vintage frets. This makes expressive vibrato and string bending more comfortable without fundamentally changing the old-school character of the fingerboard.

Traditional Six-Screw Tremolo

A six-saddle vintage-style synchronized tremolo with bent-steel saddles and traditional six-screw mounting gives the guitar the familiar mechanical feel and appearance of a vintage-inspired Strat. It is well suited to subtle chord shimmer, expressive vibrato and classic Stratocaster tremolo techniques.

Dakota Red With Classic Fender Detailing

Dakota Red is particularly effective on a late-'50s-inspired Stratocaster, especially alongside the one-piece maple neck, single-ply white pickguard, parchment pickup covers and nickel/chrome hardware. The result feels unmistakably Fender without looking like another standard sunburst Strat.

Fender Vintera III Late '50s Stratocaster vs Popular Alternatives

Fender Vintera III Late '50s Stratocaster vs Player II Stratocaster

Choose the Player II Stratocaster if you favour contemporary playability. Its Modern "C" neck, flatter 9.5-inch fingerboard radius, 22 frets and two-point tremolo make it better suited to players who want an adaptable modern Strat.

Choose the Vintera III Late '50s Stratocaster if vintage character matters more. The 7.25-inch radius, 21-fret layout, late-'50s "D" neck, vintage-style pickups and six-screw tremolo provide a substantially more period-inspired experience.

Fender Vintera III Late '50s vs Vintera II '50s Stratocaster

The previous Vintera II '50s Stratocaster uses a Mid-'50s Soft "V" neck profile, whereas the Vintera III model focuses specifically on the late 1950s with a "D"-shaped profile. Both use traditional 7.25-inch-radius maple fingerboards, vintage-tall frets and vintage-style hardware.

For players who already liked the Vintera II concept but prefer a fuller late-'50s-style neck shape, the Vintera III is the more relevant choice.

Fender Vintera III Late '50s vs American Vintage II 1957 Stratocaster

The American Vintage II 1957 Stratocaster takes period reproduction significantly further with Pure Vintage '57 pickups, a 1957 "V"-shaped neck, nitrocellulose lacquer finish, Pure Vintage hardware and a vintage-style tweed hard case.

The Vintera III offers a more accessible route into genuinely vintage-inspired Stratocaster specifications. Choose the American Vintage II when maximum period detail, American production and premium vintage construction are the priority; choose the Vintera III when you want authentic-style feel and sound at a considerably more approachable level.

Who Is The Fender Vintera III Late '50s Stratocaster For?

This Stratocaster is particularly well suited to:

• Players who prefer vintage-style Fender necks rather than flatter modern fingerboards

• Stratocaster fans looking for a strong late-1950s aesthetic

• Blues and roots players wanting articulate single-coil dynamics

• Indie and alternative guitarists who value clear, responsive clean and driven sounds

• Country players who need definition and attack

• Surf and instrumental guitarists making regular use of tremolo

• Recording musicians looking for recognisable Stratocaster textures

• Players considering a vintage-style Fender but not yet ready to move into American Vintage II territory

If your priority is a flatter fingerboard, 22 frets and more obviously contemporary playability, a Player II Stratocaster is likely to suit you better.

Looking for advice on choosing between a vintage-style Stratocaster and a more modern Fender? Our experienced team of musicians can help you compare neck profiles, pickups and specifications by phone, online or in our Birmingham showroom.

Suitable Genres And Uses

The Vintera III Late '50s Stratocaster is far from limited to 1950s music. Its three single-coil pickups and five-way selector make it capable of covering a wide range of styles.

Blues: Responsive neck and neck/middle tones work particularly well with dynamic valve-style overdrive.

Rock: The bridge pickup retains definition through drive, while the neck pickup gives solos a rounder voice.

Indie & Alternative: Clear single coils interact beautifully with modulation, delay, reverb and fuzz.

Country: The bridge and bridge/middle positions provide the attack and note separation needed for cleaner rhythmic and lead work.

Surf & Instrumental: The synchronized tremolo and bright single-coil response make this a natural platform for reverb-heavy vintage sounds.

Studio & Recording: Five pickup positions make the Stratocaster useful when multiple contrasting guitar textures are required from one instrument.

Is A 7.25-Inch Fingerboard Radius Right For You?

A 7.25-inch fingerboard radius is noticeably more curved than the 9.5-inch radius found on many contemporary Fender guitars. That curvature is a major part of the traditional Fender feel and can be particularly comfortable for chord work, rhythm playing and players who naturally wrap their hand around the neck.

The vintage-tall frets help make bending and vibrato more approachable than the specification might initially suggest. Players accustomed exclusively to flat modern fingerboards may notice the difference immediately, but that is precisely the point of the Vintera III: this guitar is designed to retain the physical character of a vintage-inspired Strat rather than disguising it beneath modern specifications.

Story & Context

Fender introduced the Stratocaster in 1954, combining a contoured solid body, three pickups and synchronized tremolo into a design that would become one of the most recognisable electric guitars ever produced.

Fender instruments did not remain completely static throughout the 1950s. Neck profiles, construction details and other appointments evolved, which is why a late-'50s-inspired Stratocaster can feel noticeably different from one based on an earlier part of the decade.

The Vintera III Late '50s Stratocaster focuses specifically on that later-'50s character. Its one-piece maple neck, late-'50s "D" profile, 7.25-inch radius, vintage-style pickups and traditional hardware are intended to recreate the feel and response players associate with Fender's formative years while remaining part of Fender's current production range.

The wider Vintera III family follows the same philosophy, using model- and era-specific neck shapes, pickup voicings and visual details rather than applying one generic "vintage" specification across every instrument.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Product	Vintera® III Late '50s Stratocaster®
Series	Vintera® III
Orientation	Right-Handed
Colour	Dakota Red
Body Shape	Stratocaster®
Body Type	Solid Body
Body Material	Alder
Body Finish	Gloss Polyester
Neck Material	One-Piece Maple
Neck Construction	4-Bolt Standard
Neck Finish	Gloss Urethane
Neck Profile	Late '50s "D"
Fingerboard Material	Maple
Fingerboard Radius	7.25" / 184.1 mm
Scale Length	25.5" / 648 mm
Number Of Frets	21
Fret Size	Vintage Tall
Position Inlays	Black Dot
Nut Material	Bone
Nut Width	1.650" / 42 mm
Truss Rod	Vintage-Style Butt Adjust
Bridge Pickup	Vintage-Style Late '50s Single-Coil Strat®
Middle Pickup	Vintage-Style Late '50s Single-Coil Strat®
Neck Pickup	Vintage-Style Late '50s Single-Coil Strat®
Pickup Configuration	SSS
Controls	Master Volume, Tone 1 Neck/Middle, Tone 2 Bridge
Switching	5-Position Blade
Bridge	6-Saddle Vintage-Style Synchronized Tremolo with Bent Steel Saddles
Bridge Mounting	6-Screw Vintage-Style
Tremolo Arm	Screw-In
Tuning Machines	Fender® Vintage-Style
Hardware Finish	Nickel/Chrome
Pickguard	1-Ply White
Pickup Covers	Parchment
Control Knobs	Parchment Plastic
String Tree	Butterfly
Strings	Fender® USA 250L Nickel Plated Steel .009-.042
Case / Gig Bag	Deluxe Gig Bag

Power Requirements

The Fender Vintera III Late '50s Stratocaster uses passive single-coil pickups, so no battery or external power supply is required.

Simply connect the guitar to a suitable guitar amplifier, audio interface, modeller or effects setup using a standard instrument cable.

Fair Deal Music Verdict 🎵

★★★★★ 5/5

The Fender Vintera III Late '50s Stratocaster is a particularly strong option for guitarists who want their Strat to feel genuinely vintage-inspired rather than simply look retro. The late-'50s "D" neck, curved 7.25-inch fingerboard and traditional tremolo are meaningful differences that shape how the guitar actually feels in your hands.

Best suited for: Players wanting traditional Fender feel, classic Strat single-coil tones and distinctive late-'50s styling.

Customers usually upgrade from: Squier Classic Vibe Stratocasters, Fender Standard models and modern Fender Player-series instruments when they want a more deliberately vintage playing experience.

Most commonly paired with: A quality valve or modelling amplifier, reverb, overdrive, fuzz and delay pedals, plus a good-quality instrument cable and guitar stand.

Our tip: If you're deciding between this and a Player II Stratocaster, pay particular attention to the neck and fingerboard rather than simply the pickups. The difference between a 7.25-inch late-'50s-style neck and a modern 9.5-inch Fender neck is one of the biggest factors in choosing the right guitar.

Showroom feedback: This is the Vintera III Strat to try if you want a distinctly old-school Fender playing feel. The combination of the "D" profile, maple fingerboard and Dakota Red finish gives it plenty of personality without moving into boutique or American Vintage II territory.

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.

Our Birmingham showroom is backed by a knowledgeable musician-led team who understand guitars, amplifiers, effects and recording equipment and can help you choose the right equipment for your playing style and budget.

When you shop with Fair Deal Music, you can buy with confidence thanks to:

• Expert advice from knowledgeable musicians

• Carefully checked new, used, pre-owned and ex-display equipment

• Competitive prices on leading music brands

• Secure online ordering

• UK delivery available

• Friendly support before and after your purchase

• A large Birmingham music showroom

• Decades of experience with both new and pre-owned musical equipment

Whether you're buying your first Fender Stratocaster or comparing several guitars for your next serious upgrade, we're happy to help you make an informed choice.

Trade In. Trade Up. Save More.

Thinking about upgrading? Your next piece of gear could cost less than you think.

We're always happy to consider part exchanges and trade-ins on a wide range of musical instruments and equipment. Whether you're looking to upgrade your guitar, keyboard, amplifier, drum kit or studio gear, your existing equipment could help reduce the cost of your next purchase.

Simply get in touch with our team for a no-obligation valuation, and we'll be happy to discuss the options available.

It's an easy way to unlock the value of gear you no longer use while making your next instrument even more affordable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Vintera III Late '50s Stratocaster suitable for modern playing styles?

Yes. Although its specifications deliberately reference vintage Fender guitars, its three-pickup layout remains extremely versatile. It works well for contemporary indie, alternative, blues, pop and rock as well as more traditionally vintage styles. Players accustomed to flatter fingerboards should try the 7.25-inch radius to make sure they enjoy the more curved feel.

How does the late-'50s "D" neck feel?

The profile has broader shoulders than many slim modern necks and begins relatively slim near the nut before becoming fuller further up the neck. It gives the guitar a substantial vintage-inspired feel without simply copying the Mid-'50s Soft "V" profile of the preceding Vintera II '50s Stratocaster.

Are vintage-tall frets difficult to bend on?

Not necessarily. Vintage-tall frets retain a traditional visual character while providing more height than very small vintage fretwire, helping with vibrato and string bending. The setup and playing technique also have a significant effect on how easily a guitar bends.

What are positions 2 and 4 on the pickup selector useful for?

Position 2 combines the bridge and middle pickups, while Position 4 combines the middle and neck pickups. These settings produce the hollow, glassy and rhythm-friendly sounds that are among the most recognisable Stratocaster tones.

Can the tremolo be set up differently?

A Stratocaster synchronized tremolo can be adjusted for different playing preferences. Some players prefer it floating for upward and downward pitch movement, while others set it closer to the body for a firmer feel. Our team can advise on the best approach for your playing style.

Is this a better choice than a Player II Stratocaster?

It depends on the feel you prefer. The Player II is the more modern design, while the Vintera III Late '50s places greater emphasis on vintage-inspired neck geometry, hardware and pickup character. Neither specification is automatically better; they suit different players.

What amplifier works well with this Stratocaster?

A Stratocaster works with an enormous range of amplifiers. Clean and edge-of-breakup amps highlight its clarity and pickup-position differences particularly well, while overdrive and distortion can take it comfortably into blues and rock territory. Modelling amplifiers are another strong option if you need several different tones from one setup.

Is the Vintera III worth considering instead of buying a vintage Stratocaster?

For many players, yes. A genuine 1950s Fender occupies a completely different collectable market. The Vintera III is designed for musicians who want era-inspired specifications and playing character in a new production instrument that can be used regularly without the considerations associated with owning an original vintage guitar.