FENDER SN9960305 Stevie Ray Vaughan Maple Neck Pau Ferro Fretboard Tuners

( Brand: Fender ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: SN9960305 ), ( Type: Neck ), ( Color: Nitro ), ( Material: Maple, Pau Ferro ), ( To Fit: Electric Guitar )

Review FENDER Stevie Ray Vaughan Maple Neck Pau Ferro Fretboard And Gold Tuners

The **Fender SN9960305 Stevie Ray Vaughan Signature Stratocaster** is a meticulously crafted electric guitar that pays homage to one of the most iconic and influential players in blues and rock history Stevie Ray Vaughan. This instrument is not merely a replica but a tribute to the legendary tone, playability, and raw power that defined Vaughan s legendary career. Featuring a **maple neck** with a sleek, fast profile and a **pau ferro fretboard**, the guitar is designed to deliver the same snappy articulation and effortless bending that made Vaughan s playing so distinctive. The pau ferro fretboard, a rare and sought-after material, offers a smooth, buttery response with enhanced sustain and a slightly warmer, more resonant tone, allowing the player to coax out the deep, growling blues licks and soaring solos that Vaughan made famous. The **21 jumbo frets** are precisely cut and polished, ensuring minimal fret buzz and maximum clarity, while the **22-fret rosewood fingerboard** (on the standard model, though this signature version may vary) provides a rich, mellow alternative for those who prefer a slightly darker, more nuanced sound.

The body of the SN9960305 is crafted from **ash**, a wood known for its balanced tone bright enough to cut through a band but with enough warmth to deliver the lush, sustained notes that Vaughan s playing relied on. The **double-cutaway design** allows for comfortable access to the higher frets, essential for the intricate solos and bending techniques that defined his style. The **three single-coil pickups** a **Fender V-MOD 51 in the bridge position, a Fender V-MOD 62 in the middle, and a Fender V-MOD 72 in the neck** are tuned to replicate the iconic sound of Vaughan s original guitars, offering a perfect blend of crisp treble, punchy midrange, and deep, woody bass response. The **V-MOD pickups** are designed with modern precision, ensuring consistent tone and output while maintaining the vintage character that Vaughan cherished. When combined with the **five-way pickup selector switch, two tone controls, and a three-way toggle switch**, players gain unparalleled versatility, allowing them to dial in everything from raw, gritty blues to clean, articulate leads with ease.

The **Stevie Ray Vaughan signature details** extend beyond the electronics and wood choice. The guitar is equipped with **Fender s LockTone tuners**, which provide superior stability and tuning reliability, crucial for a player who demanded absolute precision in his performances. The **hardtail bridge** ensures that the guitar holds its intonation perfectly, while the **vintage-style headstock** with the Fender logo and the **black pickguard** add to the retro aesthetic that Vaughan s gear embodied. The **sunburst finish** is a classic choice, evoking the warm, timeless look of the guitars he played on stage, from his early days in Dallas to his legendary performances at Montreux. Whether you re a seasoned bluesman looking to channel the spirit of Vaughan or a fan seeking an instrument that captures the essence of his legendary sound, this Stratocaster delivers a playing experience that is as inspiring as it is authentic. Every note, every bend, and every lick played on this guitar carries the weight of history, making it not just a musical instrument, but a piece of blues heritage.

**Pros and Cons of buying a Fender American Professional II Stratocaster (SN9960305) with Maple Neck and Pau Ferro Fretboard and Tuners**

### **Pros**

1. **Premium Build Quality** The American Professional II series is known for its high-end construction, featuring solid alder body, a maple neck, and a pau ferro fretboard. These materials contribute to a rich, resonant tone and improved sustain compared to lower-tier models.

2. **Superior Playability** The pau ferro fretboard offers a smoother, more durable surface than traditional rosewood or ebony, reducing the likelihood of fret wear and providing a buttery-smooth feel. The maple neck adds stability and a slightly brighter tone, which many players appreciate for its clarity and responsiveness.

3. **Vintage-Inspired Design** The Stevie Ray Vaughan signature model pays homage to one of the most influential rock guitarists, featuring a distinctive look with a sunburst finish, vintage-style pickups, and a slightly thicker neck profile (1.65" at the nut) that suits SRV s playing style. This makes it appealing to fans of vintage tone and aesthetics.

4. **High-Quality Pickups** The guitar is equipped with Fender s Texas Special pickups, which are known for their warm, articulate tone with a touch of vintage warmth. These pickups deliver a balanced output suitable for blues, rock, and jazz, making them versatile for various genres.

5. **Durable Tuning System** The inclusion of sealed tuners (likely the Fender LockTone or similar) ensures stable tuning and longevity, which is crucial for live performances and frequent playing sessions. This reduces the hassle of frequent retuning.

6. **Resale Value** Fender s American Professional II series holds its value well, especially with signature models. If you decide to sell it later, you re likely to recoup a significant portion of your investment.

7. **Versatility** The combination of a maple neck and pau ferro fretboard, along with the Texas Special pickups, makes this guitar adaptable to a wide range of musical styles, from blues and rock to funk and jazz. It s not overly specialized, so it can grow with your playing.

8. **Attention to Detail** Fender s American Professional II models often include subtle refinements like a slightly thicker neck profile, a more comfortable neck contour, and a slightly wider nut width (1.6875"), which can enhance comfort during long playing sessions.

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### **Cons**

1. **High Price Point** This guitar is significantly more expensive than standard Fender Stratocasters, especially when factoring in the signature model designation, pau ferro fretboard, and sealed tuners. The price may not be justified for players who don t prioritize these specific features.

2. **Overkill for Beginners or Casual Players** If you re just starting out or play occasionally, the extra cost may not be necessary. A well-maintained vintage Strat or a high-quality entry-level model (e.g., Fender Player Series) could offer similar tone at a fraction of the price.

3. **Weight** The solid alder body and maple neck make this guitar heavier than some hollow or semi-hollow models. While this contributes to sustain, it may not be ideal for players who prefer lighter instruments for extended sessions or live performances.

4. **Limited Customization** Unlike building your own guitar or choosing from a wide range of options in Fender s Custom Shop, this pre-built model offers no flexibility in terms of pickup selection, electronics, or body finish. If you had specific preferences, you might be disappointed by the fixed configuration.

5. **Maintenance Requirements** While pau ferro is durable, it still requires occasional polishing to maintain its smoothness. Additionally, the sealed tuners, while convenient, may not be as easily adjustable as open-gear tuners for some players who prefer fine-tuning precision.

6. **Resale Market Saturation** Signature models, while valuable, can sometimes have a saturated resale market. If you re concerned about future resale value, you may find that the market for this specific model doesn t appreciate as quickly as more generic high-end Fenders.

7. **Tone Preferences May Vary** Some players prefer the slightly darker, warmer tone of rosewood fretboards or the brighter response of a mahogany body. The pau ferro and maple combination may not suit everyone s tonal preferences, especially those who favor a more "vintage" or "modern" sound.

8. **Potential for Overhype** The Stevie Ray Vaughan name carries significant weight, but if you re not a fan of his playing style or tone, the signature aspect may feel like a gimmick rather than a meaningful feature.

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### **Conclusion**

The Fender American Professional II Stratocaster (SN9960305) with a maple neck, pau ferro fretboard, and sealed tuners is a **high-quality, versatile instrument** that excels in playability, tone, and durability. It s an excellent choice for **serious players, professionals, or dedicated enthusiasts** who prioritize premium materials, smooth fretwork, and a tone that bridges vintage warmth with modern clarity. The signature Stevie Ray Vaughan model also adds a layer of prestige and aesthetic appeal for fans of his style.

However, it s **not the best fit** for beginners, casual players, or those on a tight budget. If you re looking for a guitar that s more customizable, lighter, or less expensive, there are alternatives that may better suit your needs. Additionally, if you re not a fan of SRV s tone or playing style, the signature aspect may not add enough value to justify the cost.

### **Recommendation**

- You re a **serious player** who values premium build quality and playability.

- You appreciate **vintage-inspired tone** with modern refinements (e.g., pau ferro fretboard, sealed tuners).

- You re a fan of **Stevie Ray Vaughan s style** or enjoy the aesthetic and tonal characteristics of this model.

- You plan to **invest in a guitar that will last** for years and potentially hold its value.

- You prioritize **comfort and durability** over customization or weight concerns.

- You re a **beginner or casual player** who doesn t need the extra features.

- You prefer **lighter guitars** or have specific tonal preferences that this model doesn t fulfill.

- You re looking for **more customization options** or a lower-cost alternative with similar tone.

- You re not a fan of **maple necks or pau ferro fretboards** and would prefer rosewood, ebony, or other materials.

- **Fender American Professional II Stratocaster (non-signature)** Same build quality without the SRV branding.

- **Fender Custom Shop Stratocaster** Offers more customization options if you want to tailor the guitar to your preferences.

- **Vintage or Used High-End Stratocasters** If you re on a budget, a well-maintained vintage Strat with a maple neck and rosewood fretboard could offer similar tone at a lower price.

- **ESP or PRS Models** If you prefer a different tone or body style, brands like ESP or PRS offer high-end alternatives with unique features.

Ultimately, this guitar is a **strong investment** for the right player, but it s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Weigh your priorities carefully before making a decision.

Details:

It is almost flawless but, I think there a VERY tiny little distress lines by the low E string Ferrell. The neck is straight with no dents or scratches, there very little freeware, the truss rod fully functional. This is a very beautiful 30 year old Fender SRV neck. This is a perfectly working 1996 Fender SRV neck.

You almost can't see it.

part #: sn9960305 prices

• $269.00-$382.49

specifications necgui:

• brand: Fender
• mpn: Sn9960305
• type: Neck
• color: Nitro
• material: Maple, Pau Ferro
• to fit: Electric Guitar

general necgui:

• Parts Accessories > Guitar Bass Parts > Necks
• condition: Used

returns necgui:

• policy: No Returns

offer necgui:

• sold: 0
• availability: In Stock
• quantity: 1
• best offers: True
• started: March 4, 2026
• options: Ship-to-home

payments necgui:

• credit card: Discover
• wallet: Apple-pay
• money order
• other

shipping necgui:

• transit: 5-8 Days
• cost: $25.00
• carrier: USPS
• type: Fixed
• service: USPS Ground Advantage
• class: Standard

seller necgui:

• rating: 100.0%
• city: Haiku, Hawaii
• # reviews: 167

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