The Fender Vintera II 60s Strat. Hit or Miss?

[@crucifixgym]

I got the same one, spent some extra time setting it up to get the action as low as possible and it works well without fretting out. Between setting the neck relief just right and balancing the bridge float and saddle heights, you can get it pretty low before the bends choke out. Very impressive feeling neck and solid build quality.

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Yes, I found it quite nice. It frankly exceeded my expectations. Thanks for watching.

[@nigelwallis9223]

Great review. I love your style, delivery and playing. A few days ago I bought a vintera2 Strat secondhand in mint condition, and I love it. Finding KZbin presenters that give honest unbiased opinions with comprehensive demonstrations are a rare thing. Thank you

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Thank you. I really appreciate the kind words. Enjoy the Strat. They’ve done a nice job with these.

[@len4109]

After reviewing a few lack lustre reviews i am glad i stumbled across yours, i could hear the guitar properly and love the playing and delivery.Cheers mate 👌 Len from the UK 🇬🇧

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Thanks so much my friend. I think often reviewers are looking at a guitar through the lens of their particular musical interest and experience. I quite literally grew up playing vintage Fenders so those are very comfortable for me and fit my traditional style. Thanks so much for watching.

[@NRHR8735]

I have this one in Lake Placid Blue and it's simply incredible. Plays like a dream and doesn't look bad either! Got lucky and scored a demo model in perfect condition for $800.

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

I’ve heard from a few new owners now and it’s nice to see they seem to be pretty consistent. Congrats on the great deal and thanks for watching.

[@bluwng]

Do Vinteras have thin necks or are they chunky? I love the Classic Vibe thin neck wonder how close it is.

[@NRHR8735]

@@bluwng I can't speak on the other models, but this 60s Vintera II has a pretty standard Strat neck. Not chunky at all.

[@d0n315]

I just bought a sunburst one. Can’t wait to get it!

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Nice. I hope it’s great. Thanks for watching.

[@RandyDSims]

Thank you for a wonderful video of this guitar, and the explanation of its features. Especially concerning the neck radius. Great playing and pickup selection samples.

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Thank you so much. I appreciate the comments and I’m happy you found it useful.

[@stevemiller1203]

Glad to see you review this, I think some players have been conditioned to think a 7.25 radius is not good, you definitely proved otherwise and I think the guys at Fender are pretty smart and know what they’re doing.

[@pharmerdavid1432]

Did you see what he said at 5:46....?

[@stevemiller1203]

@@pharmerdavid1432thanks, I listened all the way through but missed that

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Somewhere along the way, factory fret leveling took a nose dive. My first two Fenders, an early 60s Jazzmaster and a late 60s Strat, played very easily right from the factory. It’s not hard to imagine picking up reissues made in the 80s on and thinking a 7.25 radius was unplayable, when all they needed was good fretwork and a nice setup overall. I’m sure that’s where a lot of the reputation originated. Thanks for watching.

[@kennyblackbird5674]

​​@@leonardgriffieblues5845 I recently bought a used Mexican made Classic 70's Strat and I was a bit disappointed when I felt how the left side neck shoulder was sticking into and hurting my thumb! Rather than sending it back I elected to sand down the left shoulder to where I could comfortably play with my thumb over the neck. I guess someone at the Mexican plant left work early and didn't finish the sanding process 😅

[@chrisj1602]

I think you might have just sold me on one of these! Great review and even better playing.

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Thank you so much. If you buy one I hope it’s as good as the one I reviewed.

[@itsonlyme9938]

I have just purchased the Stratocaster player series with pau ferro it looked kind of dried out and then put some lemon oil on to it and looks a lot better with more depth to it. The rose wood on your strat looks very nice.

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Pau Ferro boards can certainly look very nice. Some look spectacular. I tend to prefer a good rosewood for vintage reissues, but all rosewood doesn’t look great either. The dark rosewood on that Vintera II did look great. Thanks so much for watching.

[@davetrottier]

Awesome playing!!!

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Thanks so much.

[@alexstrums]

Just picked one of these up in Sunburst. Got a sweet deal so looking forward to playing when it arrives. Curious to see how it compares to my 96 Korean Squier Strat which is a delight to play.

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Nice. I hope these are consistently good. The one I reviewed set up really nicely with just the normal adjustments. Thanks for watching.

[@alexstrums]

@@leonardgriffieblues5845 fingers crossed. I’ll find out when I manage to get to my studio to give it a whirl 🎸🎸🎸

[@martinkingston1498]

Great review. Could you give some feedback on the neck shape. I would really like to try out a 7.25 radius strat, but I am torn between the neck profile offered on the different models in the Vintera ii series, which offers a 50's soft v, sixties c and, 70's u respectively. Is there a big difference comfort wise, especially if someone wanted the guitar for more bluesy playing with a lot of bending, vibrato and thumb over playing. Any feedback would be appreciated, as where I live it can be hard to get your hands on all three simultaneously to compare them properly. Thankyou.

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

It’s really impossible to generalize. It’s very subjective. I don’t buy into the idea that certain neck profiles are best for different genres. It’s really only about what feels best to the player. This particular model does feel very similar to an “average” 60s Fender, and it’s a shape that’s probably comfortable for a majority of players. Some players really love a big 50s V neck, and some just think they should because others rave about them. I’m super adaptable, but I do think the most average necks (ie: not too thin, not too fat) are going to best serve the majority of players. Older players, who played before people really thought much about this stuff, just played what was available regardless of style. Bending, vibrato, thumb over describes someone like Jimi Hendrix, who played average 60s necks, but he would have been just as good on almost any neck. Hope that’s of some help and thanks for watching.

[@mortonwilson795]

Great playing! I've been on the lookout for a Rosewood board Strat - been eyeing the American Pro II for a while, they are dropping in price here in HK since the launch of the Ultra series (I've seen a few people mention the Ultra noiseless pick-ups are a bit 'thin' altho the one I tried sounded pretty nice). I have a maple board MIM that was made for Roland and it's great - will check the Vintera II out locally. Fralin pick-ups look interesting - will investigate! And, of course, with the off-white a tortoise shell scratch plate essential 😀

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Yes, not a bad choice if you like a vintage spec Strat. Thanks for watching and check out my earlier video on Lindy Fralin pickups if you haven’t yet.

[@johnwalsh3919]

Fantastic video Leonard, lovely playing and great informed review ✌️🧷🎸

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Thanks so much. Happy you enjoyed it.

[@craigw3014]

Doesn’t matter what you play it sounds good Leonard

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Thank you my friend.

[@guitarzan0515]

Renee and I both liked this vintage Strat demo! Thx!!! Nothing like being on a So. Cal beach, listening to the Grif!!👍

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Ah, the SoCal beaches. I spent a lot of my youth on those beaches. Haven’t been there in a very long time. I’ve been on the beach in Florida way more recently! Thanks.

[@MrTkeddo]

Great player, great feel as we guitarist say 👍

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Thanks so much my friend. I appreciate the view.

[@To.Si.Ma.]

Great guitar and playing. - Come over and gig in Berlin.

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Thanks so much my friend. I have played in Germany but I’m afraid those days are behind me.

[@hammerwerkr]

Nice video ! To the point and informative from a real player. By the way what are your favorite Lindey Frailin pickups ?

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Thanks so much. Kinda depends on the guitar. Vintage hots in a naturally bright sounding guitar, regular vintage wind for a darker sounding guitar

[@bluwng]

Most choking occurs on the treble strings not bass so never understood why the bass is set higher and treble strings lower unless it is to compensate for oscillation of heavier strings.

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Yes, it has nothing to do with choking. The bass strings move in a wider arc than the treble strings so many of us set the action slightly higher on that side, in my case just a quarter of a millimeter. Some players do set them the same, especially those who’s action is higher overall or who have a very light touch. Whatever works for the individual. Thanks so much for watching.

[@Lean6]

Great review featuring clean tones, and sweet playing. I picked up one of these last week. I love it. I almost snapped up the AV2 a few months ago. I had also heard the complaints about the AV2, plus when I went to pick it up, it just didn't feel like a guitar at that price point. I've got plenty of guitars at and well above that price point, and I just wasn't impressed.

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Thank you. Yes. While I can’t really speak knowledgeably about the AV II, since I haven’t gotten one in my hands, what you said is exactly what I keep hearing, that it just doesn’t feel like $2200. It’s a shame because it sounds like if Fender just paid more attention to the fretwork and overall playability it’d be a different story. For about $160 my guy would have that playing silky smooth. For that kind of money, I’d probably go G&L, who Plek all the USA guitars now. Thanks for watching.

[@charlexguitar]

Nice playing and feel

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Thank you my friend.

[@darrenc8776]

Well presented and very insightful video cheers mate

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Thank you so much. I appreciate it.

[@patricemurguet5247]

Hye on what type of amp do you play to have such a bluesy sound ? ( except magic fingers🥺)is there any pedal ? Patrice

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Hi Patrice. The amp is a blonde spec Fender Tone Master Deluxe Reverb, and I’m plugged straight in, no pedals. For future reference, if there’s a pedal, I’ll normally mention it with a subtitle. Thanks so much for watching.

[@Hockeyguy1021]

Would you say this neck is favorable to smaller hands? I have a player series which I really enjoy for the thinner neck...I am debating selling it for this model though. Sweet Review

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

I think so. It’s not super thin but still a slim, 60s style neck. I don’t think it’s any bigger than the Player neck, though a slightly different profile. Thanks so much for watching.

[@jamiemaldonado2389]

I have the Fender 60s Classic Series and the biggest difference I see is the Tone control for the Bridge pickup. I’m on the fence if I should trade up or keep my CS. Anyone compare this new Vintera II to the CS yet?

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

I haven’t seen that direct comparison, but it may not be likely since the original Vintera series was introduced in 2019. You can probably find comparisons with those, then see what changes have been introduced with the new Vintera II. I will say the fit, finish and the all important fretwork are some of the best I’ve seen on a MIM model, but it is only one example. A random example, but still no idea about consistency. Thanks so much for watching.

[@jamiemaldonado2389]

Thank you!!! The Classic Series was made before the Vintera until 2018 I believe.​ I just found out that our local Guitar Center has a Vintera II in stock so gonna run by there to check it out. Thanks again for your post!!@@leonardgriffieblues5845

[@champabay7249]

@@leonardgriffieblues5845 Id keep the classic 60s at least for the time being. I wouldn’t even necessarily call the Vintera II an upgrade. The higher price point for the vintera II is because of inflation and well, it’s newer. If you’re happy with your classic 60s you should keep it forever or until you are ready to go AVRI.

[@KRAZEEIZATION]

Very nice guitars but it’s the price of a used USA now! In fact I bought a mint 2018 Fender Am Special Tele last summer for €200 less than a new V2! The LPB Strat looks good, but the rosewood is a bit streaky.

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

I never compare new to used, because obviously the used price of the Vintera II will show a significantly lower price than a used USA Strat. It’s all relative. Thanks so much for watching.

[@Wesley-zl2fz]

Sounds great 👍

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Thank you. I was quite surprised how good this model was. Especially the fretwork, which, with that neck radius, really has to be spot on. Hopefully I wasn’t just lucky and most of them are this nice.

[@מאיראיפרגן-ג1ש]

I like to know What is the strings you use?and what is the size of your strings?

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

For this first review I left it strung with the factory Fender 9s. However, I did a followup in which I strung it with GHS 10-46 and did a couple of setup adjustments for the slightly heavier strings. Be sure to check out that video as well, Vintera II, part 2. Thanks for the question.

[@MarkStearle]

Great playing,do you prefer this to the Silver Sky Se?

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Thanks so much. I think to make that determination I’d need to set it up with my normal gauge strings and spend a little more time with it. I might do that and do a part two.

[@MarkStearle]

That would be a great comparison,thanks@@leonardgriffieblues5845

[@Blues-man.]

Great playing, love the guitar ! It has a sweet tone.

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Thank you my friend. Yes, it’s pretty impressive. Thanks for watching.

[@markosimonic]

Great playing and a nice review!

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Thank you. Appreciated.

[@edwardtroth8630]

How does the neck compare to the modern fender C shape? Is it any thicker?

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

No, not thicker. It’s pretty much the slim, vintage 60s Fender profile. A lot like the early 60s Jazzmaster I grew up playing. It’s very familiar if you’ve played 60s Fenders. In that regard they did a good job. Thanks for watching.

[@edwardtroth8630]

Thanks, great playing too@@leonardgriffieblues5845 I have very small hands so I'm somewhat torn between this and the player plusm, with the 12" radius, as I can get the action quite low.

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

@@edwardtroth8630 Depending on how low you want the action, the 12 inch radius might be a better choice. Though I would caution that much will depend on how well the frets are leveled. The higher the action, the more forgiving of the fretwork. But yeah, if you want it lower than 1.5 millimeters on the treble side, a 7.25 radius probably isn’t best unless you do no bending at all.

[@edwardtroth8630]

@@leonardgriffieblues5845 thanks 🙏

[@azxyul]

Great Guitar the Vintera Strato 60!..Better than many made in USA....

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

That new Vintera II really impressed me. Thanks for watching and look for a followup after I do a setup with my preferred strings.

[@redcatcliveupnorth7338]

Another objective useful review. But Leonard the playing was great 👍, really enjoyed it. I recently got a fingers 70s custom tele and like the 7.25 radius even though my other guitars are all 12 inch. Keep it up you have inspired me to play some blues now!

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Well I’m happy to hear that. Thanks so much for tuning in.

[@MattMorgans]

Hey, where can I buy one of those funky green covers for the tremolo arm hole ? 😂😂

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Well you’re in luck. They’re free with the guitar. 🤣😎

[@nickpatsios407]

I changed to 10’s just added 2 springs vintera 2 plays great

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

That’s great. If it plays how you like it, that’s what matters. This one actually had too much neck relief even with the 9s (common). So changing to 10s made it a little worse. I made all the necessary adjustments and there’s interest in a followup so watch for that. Thanks for watching.

[@christophervincent8420]

It sounds killer. Are you still using the Tone Master Deluxe?

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Thanks so much. I am. Keeps things consistent for comparison.

[@christophervincent8420]

@@leonardgriffieblues5845 awesome. I like that consistency. I think it highlights the differences in the guitars

[@sgblues4238]

If you put out a licks course, I would buy it!

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Thanks. I don’t know if I’ll be putting the together a course, but I have a plan for getting a Patreon page together and some instruction will be one of the perks. Stay tuned. I’m working on it.

[@Wesley-zl2fz]

I'M 61 AN THE P.UPS SOUND 60 ,SOUND CLASSIC,,

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Yes, they do the job very well. Thanks for watching.

[@StahlsBlues]

You could play anything and it would be amazing! Loved and Subscribed

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Thanks so much

[@JCM467]

Great !! ❤

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Thanks so much.

[@ew6629]

I have this exact model in Olympic White being delivered on Monday! I tested it out at Guitar Center last week and loved it so was happy to see your review as well. That was some sweet BB King phrasing there sir. I normally play with 10's also but finding I can also use the 9's so I'll see how that goes. Excellent demo and playing. Thanks!

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Well I hope you get a great one. Thanks so much for watching.

[@powbobs]

David Gilmour seems to have no problem with big bends on vintage frets.

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

No one should have a problem if the guitar is set up well. Especially if the action isn’t set super low. Thanks for watching.

[@philnewton2011]

Hit!

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

It is pretty nice. Can’t afford to keep it but it would easily be worthy.

[@greatvanzini]

Oh, Heck yeah, I Sub'd!

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Thank you so much. 😎

[@user-jb4um9tl8d]

These have ONE-PIECE bodies!

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Not sure where that information came from, but the sunburst versions I’ve seen, where the wood is clearly visible, have had 3 piece bodies. No reason to think that wouldn’t be normal for the line. Not that that’s an issue at all. Most vintage 60s Fenders are multi-piece bodies. Thanks for watching.

[@iancurrie8844]

20% price increase where I live over Vintera. Totally outrageous!!!

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Don’t shoot the messenger. LOL Seriously, there are so many KZbin channels that endlessly bang on about marketing, prices, company politics, etc., etc. I don’t really get into all that. I talk about what the instrument has to offer and let the players decide whether the price is right. Nobody sends me guitars so I shop for deals in order to present them to you. Thanks for watching.

[@iancurrie8844]

​@@leonardgriffieblues5845 Hi Leonard. Thanks for your response. I totally get where you're coming from and I'm sorry if I came off a little brash. Your review was the best one out there. I picked up a second hand Vintera (60s) recently and I'm totally blown away with it. It's truly an outstanding guitar and one of the best Mexican made ones I've played. I'm sure the Vintera II is slightly better, as you say. My only objection is the price. Here in Canada, Mexican strats were $750Cdn not that long ago. now a Vintera II is $1589Cdn. just a few months ago the Vintera (I) was $1250Cdn. That's one heck of a jump! I object to this kind of pricing from Fender. They're clearly trying to move the market up to make it so that only the well heeled can buy an American or even Mexican instrument, while the stuff made in far east asia takes up the former price points of the Mex/USA stuff. What a great American company, eh?

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

@@iancurrie8844I don’t disagree with any of that. Fender keeps raising prices and while all prices are going up, a lot of it does just seem to be corporate greed. It’s why I rarely buy anything new anymore. Especially since my channel is too small for any sort of sponsorship. As a result I struggle to not lose too much money. Thanks and I appreciate you watching and enjoying my channel. It’s the main reason I keep going.

[@LivioC]

Sounds like a hit.

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Yeah, it was a real winner. I’d probably opt for some upmarket pickups, but I was astounded by how well built and nicely finished it was. Thanks for watching.

[@LivioC]

@@leonardgriffieblues5845hi Leonard, can I ask with Lindy fralin’s do you use for your strats?

[@tendingtropic7778]

too bad about the shiny headstock.

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

You do know all vintage Fenders had gloss necks, including the headstock, right? In any case, thanks for watching.