Fender AV II 61 STRAT LH RW FRD

Fender AV II 61 STRAT LH RW FRD review

The Fender AV II 61 STRAT LH RW FRD is a left-handed, six-string electric guitar with a familiar Strat-style outline and a specification set focused on the early 1960s. Its Fiesta Red finish, rosewood fingerboard, mint green pickguard, and vintage-style hardware give it a period-inspired look. Fender lists it at $2,059, and the package includes a brown vintage-style hard case with orange lining.

The model has been available since October 2022. Its alder body is finished in high-gloss Fiesta Red, with gloss nitrocellulose lacquer over polyurethane. A maple neck carries a slab rosewood fingerboard, clay dot inlays, and 21 vintage-tall frets. The stated scale length is 648 mm, or 25.51 inches. Other key measurements include a 184 mm fingerboard radius and a 42 mm nut width. The nut is bone.

Neck and playing feel

Fender specifies a 1961 "C" neck profile. That description gives buyers a useful reference for the neck shape, though the listed measurements do not provide a full profile depth. One owner describes the neck as especially comfortable and enjoyable to play, and reports that the guitar stays in tune well. Those comments are individual impressions rather than a guarantee that every player will find the neck or setup equally suitable.

The vintage-tall frets and 7.25-inch fingerboard radius are notable choices for a modern purchase. Players drawn to period-correct specifications may welcome that combination. Those accustomed to flatter fingerboards or a different fret shape should consider how it compares with their current guitar. The supplied feedback points to comfortable playability, but personal preference remains central when choosing a neck.

Three pickups and familiar controls

The pickup system consists of three Fender Pure Vintage '61 Strat single-coil pickups, selected with a five-way switch. The controls are one master volume and two tone knobs. This is a straightforward layout, with the familiar range of pickup selections associated with a three-pickup Strat-style guitar. Fender also supplies nickel-plated steel strings in a.010 to.046 gauge set.

The owner feedback describes the pickups as made specifically for this guitar and praises their rounded sound, body, and definition. That is a useful first-hand impression, but the supplied comments do not identify an amplifier, playing style, or recording setup. The pickup design and controls are clear from the specifications; the precise result will depend on the rest of the signal chain and how the player uses the instrument.

Vintage hardware and included case

For tremolo, the guitar uses Fender's Pure Vintage synchronized design with bent steel saddles. The tuning machines are Pure Vintage single-line Fender Deluxe units. Together with the vintage-inspired finish details, these components reinforce the model's 1961 reference. The guitar includes a hard case, not a gig bag, an important distinction for buyers comparing package contents.

The left-handed configuration is central to this model's appeal. It offers players who need a left-handed instrument a specification set that combines a rosewood board, three single-coil pickups, and a vintage-style tremolo. The listed product code is 549023, and the sales unit is one guitar.

Who should consider it?

This Fender is a strong candidate for left-handed players seeking a premium Strat-style instrument with clearly stated vintage-era details. The 1961 "C" neck, clay dot inlays, rosewood slab fingerboard, and Pure Vintage '61 pickups establish its particular character. The supplied owner describes the finish and details as faithful to an original 1961 Stratocaster, and compares the guitar's overall level favorably with Fender Custom Shop instruments. That comparison reflects the owner's judgment, not a specification claim by Fender.

At $2,059, it is a substantial purchase. Buyers should weigh the period-focused radius and fret specification against their own preferences, and confirm that the left-handed layout is the configuration they need. The included case adds practical value, while the absence of a gig bag is unlikely to matter if the guitar will be transported in its case.

Verdict

The AV II 61 STRAT LH RW FRD brings together a left-handed layout, Fiesta Red finish, rosewood fingerboard, and a detailed set of vintage-inspired components. Its three dedicated '61 single-coil pickups and synchronized tremolo define the hardware package, while owner feedback highlights tuning stability, comfort, and a full, clear pickup sound. For players specifically seeking these features in a left-handed Fender, the specification sheet and reported experience make it a compelling option. Its vintage-oriented neck and fingerboard dimensions are the main details to assess before buying.