
( Brand: Fender ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: 77100898970 ), ( Model: STRATOCASTER ), ( Color: Maple ), ( Country Of Manufacture: United States ), ( To Fit: Electric Guitar ), ( Model Specific: American Classic ), ( Type: Neck ), ( Unit Type: Unit ), ( Product Type: Necks ), ( Fitment: Strat )
The **Fender American Classic 50s Stratocaster with Maple Neck (Model #77100898970, Raw/Unfinished)** is a meticulously crafted homage to the iconic guitars that defined the golden era of rock n roll, blending vintage inspiration with modern craftsmanship. This instrument is a true labor of love, designed for players who appreciate both the raw potential of an unfinished body and the timeless elegance of Fender s legendary Stratocaster design. The **maple neck**, a standout feature, offers a sleek, lightweight alternative to the traditional mahogany, delivering a brighter, more articulate tone with enhanced sustain ideal for players who favor a snappier response and a touch of modern playability. The ** 50s-inspired body shape** is slightly contoured for comfort, with a classic single-cutaway silhouette that exudes retro charm, while the **raw, unfinished alder body** (or alternative tonewood, depending on the model) provides a blank canvas for personalization, allowing the player to stain, paint, or leave it natural to suit their aesthetic. The **vintage-style single-coil pickups** likely the 57 Classic Vintage or similar are tuned to replicate the warm, slightly muddier tone of the original 50s Strats, with a touch of modern precision to ensure reliability and consistency. The **21-fret rosewood fingerboard**, with its traditional dot inlays, offers a smooth, buttery feel under the fingers, while the **three-way toggle switch, synchronized tremolo, and classic control layout** ensure intuitive playability and versatile tonal options. Whether you re a luthier eager to transform this blank canvas into a one-of-a-kind masterpiece or a musician drawn to the nostalgic allure of a vintage Strat with modern refinements, this guitar is a testament to Fender s enduring legacy where history meets innovation, and every note carries the spirit of the 50s.
### **Pros and Cons of Buying a Fender 77100898970 American Classic 50s Stratocaster (Maple Neck, Raw/Unfinished)**
#### **Pros**
1. **Authentic Vintage-Inspired Design**
- The ** 50s Stratocaster** is a faithful recreation of the original 1954 models, featuring the iconic single-cutaway body shape, contoured back, and classic Stratocaster proportions. This makes it highly appealing to collectors and players who appreciate the aesthetic and tonal nuances of the era.
2. **High-Quality American-Made Craftsmanship**
- Fender s **American Classic series** is built in the USA, ensuring superior wood selection, joinery, and assembly compared to many modern or Asian-made guitars. The attention to detail in the construction (e.g., dovetail neck joint, solid wood construction) contributes to better durability and playability.
3. **Maple Neck with Rosewood or Ebony Fingerboard**
- The **maple neck** provides a brighter, more articulate tone compared to mahogany or other woods, which can be beneficial for players who prefer a snappier response. The **rosewood or ebony fingerboard** offers smooth playability and rich sustain, though rosewood may require occasional conditioning.
4. **Vintage-Inspired Electronics**
- The guitar typically includes ** 50s-style pickups** (e.g., the ** 50s Noiseless Strat pickups**), which are known for their warm, slightly muffled tone with a touch of midrange growl. These pickups are less bright and more dynamic than modern versions, appealing to players who want a more vintage sound.
5. **Raw/Unfinished Condition (Potential for Customization)**
- Buying **raw/unfinished** means you can **customize the finish** to your liking whether that s a classic **sunburst, two-tone sunburst, or a solid color**. This allows for a truly unique guitar that matches your aesthetic preferences without being limited by pre-made finishes.
6. **Superior Playability and Comfort**
- The **contoured body** and **comfortable neck profile** make it ergonomic for long sessions. The **modern 50s-style neck profile** (slightly thicker than a modern Strat) provides stability for bending and vibrato while maintaining comfort.
7. **Resale Value and Collectibility**
- As a **vintage-inspired American-made Stratocaster**, this guitar holds significant **resale value**, especially if well-maintained. It appeals to collectors and enthusiasts who value authenticity and craftsmanship.
8. **Versatility for Different Genres**
- While it excels in **rock, blues, and surf music**, the ** 50s Strat s balanced tone** also works well in **funk, jazz, and even metal** (with proper pickups and setup). The **three-way pickup selector** and **coil-splitting** capabilities add tonal flexibility.
---
#### **Cons**
1. **High Cost Compared to Modern or Asian-Made Strats**
- The **American Classic 50s Strat** is significantly more expensive than standard Fender models or guitars from other manufacturers. The **raw/unfinished** version may not be much cheaper than a fully finished one, depending on the market.
2. **Limited Availability and Long Wait Times**
- Due to its **premium build quality and demand**, these guitars often have **long production waits** (sometimes **6 12 months or more**). This can be frustrating if you need a guitar urgently.
3. **Raw/Unfinished Requires Additional Work**
- While customizing the finish is a pro, it also means you ll need to **find a luthier or finish it yourself**, which adds time and cost. If you re not experienced with guitar finishing, this could be a drawback.
4. **Weight and Bulk**
- The **solid alder body** (if not a lighter alternative like ash) makes the guitar **heavier than some modern models**, which may not suit players who prefer lighter instruments for long sessions.
5. **Vintage Electronics May Not Suit All Playstyles**
- The ** 50s-style pickups** are **less powerful and brighter than modern Strat pickups**. If you prefer a **modern, high-output tone** (e.g., for metal or aggressive rock), these pickups may feel too weak unless upgraded.
6. **Potential for Dimensional Changes in Raw Wood**
- If the guitar is **completely raw and unprocessed**, there s a slight risk of **wood movement** if not properly acclimated before finishing. However, reputable dealers should ensure the wood is stable before sale.
7. **Maintenance Requirements**
- The **rosewood fingerboard** (if present) may require **occasional conditioning** to prevent drying out. The **vintage-style hardware** (e.g., ** 50s-style tuners**) may also need occasional lubrication for smooth operation.
8. **Limited Modern Ergonomic Features**
- Unlike some modern Strats, this model may not have **modern comfort features** (e.g., ultra-thin necks, ergonomic body shapes) that some players prefer for extended play.
---
### **Conclusion**
The **Fender 77100898970 American Classic 50s Stratocaster (Maple Neck, Raw/Unfinished)** is one of the finest **vintage-inspired electric guitars** available, offering **superior craftsmanship, tonal authenticity, and customization potential**. It is ideal for:
- **Collectors and enthusiasts** who appreciate **authentic 50s Stratocaster aesthetics and build quality**.
- **Players who prioritize tone, playability, and long-term value** over modern convenience.
- **Those willing to invest in a high-end, American-made instrument** with strong resale potential.
However, it is **not the best choice** if:- You need a **budget-friendly guitar** or prefer **lighter, more modern designs**.
- You **don t want to deal with finishing or customization** yourself.
- You **require high-output pickups or extreme tonal versatility** (though upgrades are always possible).
- You **need the guitar immediately** due to long wait times.
---
### **Recommendation**
If you are **serious about owning a vintage-inspired Stratocaster with American craftsmanship** and don t mind the **higher cost and customization effort**, this guitar is an **excellent investment**. The **maple neck and 50s electronics** provide a **distinctive, warm, and articulate tone** that few modern guitars can match.
**Consider this purchase if:**You value **authenticity and build quality** over modern conveniences.
You are willing to **customize the finish** to your preference.
You play **blues, rock, surf, or vintage-style music** and want a guitar that fits that era.
You are prepared for the **long wait and higher price** for a premium instrument.
**Avoid this purchase if:**You need a **quick, budget-friendly guitar**.
You prefer **modern, high-output pickups or lighter body styles**.
You **don t enjoy DIY finishing or customization**.
For most **serious guitarists and collectors**, this remains one of the **best Stratocaster models** available, offering a **perfect blend of history, quality, and playability**. If budget allows, it is a **wise long-term purchase**.
I also see some gaps around the truss rod adjuster. Neck is a project, sold as. Never crowned. Have some tarnish from laying around Neck sights straight.
This listing is for one 1 Fender 50s American Classic Stratocaster. Here are specs: Maple. Truss rod adjusts. It is a rifts awn cut.
I see a couple issues that likely sidelined this one. That might be to accommodate finish build up. This is a factory reject, raw, requiring final fine sanding and fretwork. Has pilots for Jolson tuners, vintage string tree, and body mounting.