The Vintera II is a group of Mexican-made vintage-spec models. Priced around $1,000, they still capture the essence of Fender. Unlike past Mexican-made models, the biggest topic is the adoption of a rosewood fretboard. The 7.25” R fretboard has advantages for playing low chords, shake hand forms, and funk-groove, but there are also disadvantages like difficulty in lowering the string height. However, with vintage tool-sized frets, playability is not compromised. Vintage specs are rare in brands other than Fender, making this series a good choice for those seeking playability and looks.
For those who:
● Want a Fender with vintage specifications, but find the USA-made ones too expensive.
● Are looking for a second guitar or an upgrade from a beginner guitar within a budget of around $1,000.
● Desire a guitar that resembles the favorite instrument of their beloved guitarist.
An ex-music store staff member, Yosh (@Yosh_Guitar), reviews Fender’s new Vintera II series, which will be released in September 2023. This article compares the changes from the old Vintera and also contrasts it with the Japanese-made vintage-spec Heritage series.
Pros of Vintera II
Mexican-made Vintage Spec
The Vintera II series adopts vintage specifications in a more affordable Mexican-made model. It replicates the specifications of the golden era of Fender from the 50s, 60s, and the distinctive 70s. It’s delightful to get a guitar with the same look as legendary guitarists and professional guitarists handling vintage guitars at an affordable price.
Rosewood Fretboard that Even Spec Enthusiasts Approve
Despite being made in Mexico, the Vintera II adopts a rosewood fretboard. Due to the Washington Convention (CITES) around 2016, Mexican-made Fenders used Pau Ferro instead of rosewood. The return of the rosewood fretboard in the 2023 Vintera II is a significant highlight.
Easy to Play Funk-Groove with 7.25” Fretboard R
The most influential aspect of the vintage specification in terms of playability is the 7.25” (184mm) fretboard radius. In electric guitars, the most curved fretboards are characterized by their ability to easily cut off the sound.
Not only in funk but in modern pop/rock, we often hear a 16-beat rhythm groove. Being able to press the strings with light force and having the sound cut off sharply just by slightly releasing the pressure enhances the sharpness of the cutting.
The vintage tall-sized frets also support the ability to press down with light force. While it’s called a vintage specification, it can be said that it matches well with contemporary music.
Additionally, this fingerboard is suitable for easily pressing down low chords and for a gripping play style. It’s also favored by blues to rock players who press down the bass strings with their thumbs.
Classical Fender Sound
It firmly embodies the orthodox and classical Fender sound.
There’s a pleasant harmonic resonance and an unrefined Fender character that’s just right.
Cons of Vintera II
Texture of Polyester Finish
The body is finished with a polyester paint, commonly used for budget-friendly guitars. This type of paint allows for a large number of guitars to be painted in a short time, making it a popular choice for cost reduction. At Fender, the buffing process is meticulously done, ensuring it doesn’t look cheap. However, the thicker paint layer and slightly dull shine might be seen as negatives by enthusiasts.
A thicker paint layer means the guitar is more resistant to impacts and changes in temperature and humidity. On the sound front, this results in a less vintage-like acoustic resonance, leaning towards a tighter, more modern sound. This is likely why the American Vintage II offers a sound with more acoustic resonance and harmonics.
Interestingly, the popular budget-friendly Fender Player series also uses a polyester finish. You don’t typically hear complaints about the Player series just because of its polyester finish, so this perspective might be more from an enthusiast’s viewpoint.
The Not-So-Beginner-Friendly 7.25” Fretboard Radius
While the 7.25” fretboard radius offers benefits like easier chord pressing and funk groove advantages, it also has features that might not be appreciated by beginners. Specifically, it’s challenging to lower the string height.
Generally, lowering the string height makes it easier for beginners since less force is needed to press the strings. However, with a 7.25” radius, even a slight reduction in string height can cause issues during bending.
For beginners who aren’t adept at adjusting to their preferences or even unsure of their ideal settings, this might pose a higher challenge.
Lineup
Stratocaster
- Vintera II 50s Stratocaster
- Vintera II 60s Stratocaster
- Vintera II 70s Stratocaster
Vintera II 50s Stratocaster
A Strat with a maple fretboard. It has a distinctive 50s V-shaped neck, but it’s slightly rounded, making it easy to play. Ideal for Eric Clapton-style bending and vibrato.
Vintera II 60s Stratocaster
The quintessential Stratocaster. Now available with a rosewood fretboard at a mid-$1,000 price point. It embodies the iconic Strat sound.
Vintera II 70s Stratocaster
Features a large headstock, bullet nut, F-stamped tuners, and a three-point joint. Its thin 70s U-shaped neck and influences from Ritchie Blackmore (Deep Purple) and Yngwie Malmsteen make it popular among hard rock players.
Telecaster
- Vintera II 50s Nocaster
- Vintera II 60s Telecaster
- Vintera II 60s Telecaster Thinline
- Vintera II 70s Telecaster Deluxe with Tremolo
Vintera II 50s Nocaster
Originally named the 1950 Broadcaster, it had to change its name due to trademark issues. It was officially named the Telecaster in late 1951, but models in between had no official name. Now known as the “Nocaster”, this model replicates that era. A rare model, previously only made outside of the Custom Shop. Known as the “Blackguard” Telecaster, it traditionally has an ash body. However, this model uses alder, giving it a milder sound. The neck has a slightly thicker shape, rare for modern Fenders.
Vintera II 60s Telecaster
A surprisingly rare 60s Telecaster spec. True to its era, it adopts pastel colors that resonate with today’s audience.
Vintera II 60s Telecaster Thinline
A 60s Thinline with an ash body, not mahogany.
Vintera II 70s Telecaster Deluxe with Tremolo
This Telecaster Deluxe features a tremolo.
Offset
- Vintera II 50s Jazzmaster
- Vintera II 70s Jaguar
- Vintera II 70s Mustang
Vintera II 50s Jazzmaster
A Jazzmaster with a rosewood fretboard and an anodized pickguard. Enjoy the authentic Jazzmaster sound, including its preset circuit and saddles. Despite its vintage-style saddles, which can cause string drop, it has a unique sound.
Vintera II 70s Jaguar
A rare Jaguar with a maple fretboard. Its unique sound, characterized by its short scale and pickups, is unmistakably Jaguar.
Vintera II 70s Mustang
A model packed with 70s features like a large headstock and competition lines. Its compact body, short scale, and unique sound can be enjoyed by various players.
Bass
- Vintera II 50s Precision Bass
- Vintera II 60s Precision Bass
- Vintera II 60s Jazz Bass
- Vintera II 70s Telecaster Bass
- Vintera II 70s Mustang Bass
- Vintera II 60s Bass VI
Vintera II 50s Precision Bass
A classic Precision Bass spec with an alder body, maple fretboard, and anodized pickguard.
Vintera II 60s Precision Bass
A Precision Bass with a rosewood fretboard. Compared to the 50s, it blends into band ensembles while having a more pronounced presence than the Jazz Bass.
Vintera II 60s Jazz Bass
A very standard Jazz Bass.
Vintera II 70s Telecaster Bass
A rare ‘70s Telecaster Bass in Fender’s lineup. The neck position’s wide-range humbucker produces the warmest sound in the lineup.
Vintera II 70s Mustang Bass
A unique sound due to its short scale and dedicated pickup. Its compact body and short scale make it recommended for those who find regular basses cumbersome.
Vintera II 60s Bass VI
The Bass VI, which often appeared in Beatles documentaries, was the best-selling bass on reverb.com in 2022. Now revived under the Fender brand, it’s a 6-string bass used with a tuning one octave lower than a guitar. It adopts a bass short (30”) scale, longer than a baritone guitar. Its unique single-coil tone and narrow nut make it easy for guitarists to handle.
Differences and Changes from the Old Vintera
The new Vintera II series has undergone some changes compared to the old Vintera series. Let’s compare the two using the 60s Stratocaster as an example:
| Specification | VINTERA II 60S STRATOCASTER | VINTERA ’60S STRATOCASTER |
|---|---|---|
| Market Price | $1,149.99 | $1,099.99 |
| Body Material | Alder | Alder |
| Body Finish | Gloss Polyester | Gloss Polyester |
| Neck Material | Maple | Maple |
| Neck Construction | 4-Bolt | 4-Bolt |
| Neck Finish | Gloss Urethane | Gloss Urethane |
| Neck Shape | ’60s “C” | Mid ’60s “C” |
| Scale Length | 25.5″ (64.77 cm) | 25.5″ (64.77 cm) |
| Fingerboard Material | Slab Rosewood | Pau Ferro |
| Fingerboard Radius | 7.25″ (184.1 mm) | 7.25″ (184.1 mm) |
| Number of Frets | 21 | 21 |
| Fret Size | Vintage Tall | Vintage |
| Nut Material | Synthetic Bone | Synthetic Bone |
| Nut Width | 1.650″ (42 mm) | 1.650″ (42 mm) |
| Pickups | Vintage-Style ’60s Single-Coil Strat | Vintage-Style ’60s Single-Coil Strat |
| Controls | Master Volume, Tone 1. (Neck/Middle Pickups), Tone 2. (Bridge Pickup) | Master Volume, Tone 1. (Neck/Middle Pickups), Tone 2. (Bridge Pickup) |
| Switching | 5-Position Blade | 5-Position Blade |
| Bridge | 6-Saddle Vintage-Style Synchronized Tremolo with Bent Steel Saddles | 6-Saddle Vintage-Style Synchronized Tremolo |
| Tuning Machines | Fender Vintage-Style | Vintage-Style |
| Pickguard | 3-Ply Mint Green | 3-Ply Mint Green |
| Control Knobs | Parchment Plastic | Aged White |
| Case/Gig Bag | Deluxe Gig Bag | Deluxe Gig Bag |
The main changes are:
- Fingerboard: Pau Ferro → Rosewood
- Neck Shape: Mid ‘60s “C” → ’60s “C”
- Fret Size: Vintage → Vintage Tall
- Control Knob Color: Aged White → Parchment
The price remains almost the same. The switch to rosewood and the taller frets, which make the strings easier to press, are probably welcome changes for most people. The neck shape difference is minimal. Both are slightly thin C shapes, easy to grip for anyone. Unless you’re a vintage purist, there’s no need to replace your old Vintera. However, if you’re buying a new one, the new Vintera II seems to be the better choice.
Comparison with Made in Japan Heritage
| Specs | Vintera II 60s Stratocaster | Made in Japan Heritage 60s Stratocaster |
|---|---|---|
| Market Price | $1,149.99 | about $1,540 in Japan |
| Country | Mexico | Japan |
| Body Material | Alder | Alder |
| Body Finish | Gloss Polyester | Gloss Lacquer |
| Neck Material | Maple | Maple |
| Neck Finish | Gloss Urethane | Nitrocellulose Lacquer Over Urethane Finish |
| Neck Shape | ’60s “C” | Thick “C” |
| Scale Length | 25.5″ (64.77 cm) | 25.5″ (64.77 cm) |
| Fingerboard Material | Slab Rosewood | Rosewood |
| Fingerboard Radius | 7.25″ (184.1 mm) | 7.25″ (184.1 mm) |
| Number of Frets | 21 | 21 |
| Fret Size | Vintage Tall | Vintage |
| Nut Material | Synthetic Bone | Bone |
| Nut Width | 1.650″ (42 mm) | 1.615″ (41.02 mm) |
| Position Inlays | White Dot | Clay Dot |
| Pickups | Vintage-Style ’60s Single-Coil Strat | Premium Vintage-Style 60s Single-Coil Strat |
| Controls | Master Volume, Tone 1. (Neck/Middle Pickups), Tone 2. (Bridge Pickup) | Master Volume, Tone 1. (Neck Pickup), Tone 2. (Middle Pickup) |
| Switching | 5-Position Blade | 5-Position Blade |
| Configuration | SSS | SSS |
| Bridge | 6-Saddle Vintage-Style Synchronized Tremolo with Bent Steel Saddles | 6-Saddle Vintage-Style Synchronized Tremolo |
| Hardware Finish | Nickel/Chrome | Nickel/Chrome |
| Tuning Machines | Fender Vintage-Style | Pure Vintage Single Line “Fender Deluxe” |
| Pickguard | 3-Ply Mint Green | 3-Ply Mint Green |
| Control Knobs | Parchment Plastic | Eggshell |
| Switch Tip | Parchment | Aged White |
| Neck Plate | 4-Bolt Vintage-Style | 4-Bolt |
| Case/Gig Bag | Deluxe Gig Bag | Deluxe Gig Bag |
Let’s compare it with the Heritage series, which is the pinnacle of Japanese-made vintage specifications.
The major differences are as follows:
- Paint: Polyester vs. Lacquer
- Neck Shape: ’60s “C” vs. Thick “C”
- Fret Size: Vintage Tall vs. Vintage
- Pickups: Vintage-Style ’60s Single-Coil Strat vs. Premium Vintage-Style 60s Single-Coil Strat
- Nut: Synthetic Bone vs. Cow Bone
- Position Mark: White Dot vs. Clay Dot
- Control Knob Color: Parchment vs. Aged White
The Heritage series, supervised by Custom Shop Master Builder “Mark Kendrick,” can be said to adhere more to the vintage look. The reason the Heritage is over $300 more expensive seems to be largely due to the lacquer paint.
So, is the sound of the Heritage better? It’s hard to say definitively. The sound tendency of the Heritage is, after all, characterized by the unique traits of Japanese-made instruments. When talking about the sound of Japanese-made Fenders, it’s a sound with a clear core. It can also be said that it has less of a wild resonance and fewer acoustic harmonics. This sound seems to be influenced by the high precision of Japanese craftsmen in making guitars.
It’s not a matter of superiority, but the Vintera II has a sound closer to the characteristics of American-made Fenders. The slightly imprecise construction of the Mexican-made version seems to produce an acoustic resonance.
Fender Vintera II series is recommended for those who:
● Want the Fender sound but don’t have the budget for a USA model
● Prefer a 7.25″R fretboard but want a guitar that’s easy to press the strings on
● Want a tight funk groove sound and like to grip the neck tightly when playing
● Want a guitar similar to their favorite guitarist’s, but are hesitant about signature models.
