TEST: Fender AV II 57

 It's just a guess, but I guess the board of directors of Fender Musical Instruments Corporation Inc. wakes up every morning with a smile on their face, knowing that they have what is definitely the world's most successful guitar model in their portfolio and probably have sales of several million You can look forward to seeing examples of this exceptional model over the last 69 years, especially since sales are still not stagnating. In addition to the pioneering innovations in the electric bass and amplifier sectors, the company founded by Leo Fender in 1946 defines itself by THE electric guitar model par excellence, the Fender Stratocaster, or Strat for short. It's funny when you consider that Leo Fender, a staunch republican and known for being a penny-pincher, was only interested in creating an instrument that was as "cheap" as possible, which, for cost reasons, would be made of local wood and assembled by unskilled workers. Who would have thought that this “Billigheimer” would shake the world of rock’n’roll to its core. As the latest creation from Fender, we have a Fender AV II 57 STRAT MN SFMG for testing today.

The concept of the Fender AV II 57 STRAT MN SFMG

It's really not easy as a Strat tester. If the instrument does not contain a completely new approach in some component, you are struggling with the fact that everything, absolutely everything, about this instrument has already been described and evaluated down to the very last detail in thousands of analyses, apart from the fact that the same instrument can also be felt was built in countless variations. As with the second God the Father instrument from the USA, the Gibson Les Paul, the legendary status comes from the first two decades of production, which means that Gibson from around 1956 and the Strat from 1954. Both manufacturers already have several, some of them ridiculously elaborate editions were created so as not to let the myth perish. The Fender AV II 57 STRAT MN SFMG is also such a “reference”, although it is comparatively moderate in its claim to authenticity and, above all, remains affordable.

As the name suggests, it alludes to a model from 1957, which particularly attracts attention with its “Sea Foam” paintwork. Close your eyes for a moment, think of pastel-colored Cadillacs and omnipresent surf music, then you've bridged the gap to this paint job. Of course, the paint is polarizing, which could best be described as a green-leaning turquoise with a high proportion of white, but if you take this color from a guitar model, then it would be a Strat, perhaps a Jazzmaster.

In order to trim the guitar a little more towards “used”, the Americans subjected some components of the Fender AV II 57 STRAT MN SFMG to optical aging, but this comes across very evenly and therefore not really authentic. This “aging” really has nothing to do with the Relic variants from the Customs Shop, but it underlines the vintage approach. All plastic parts such as PU caps, pot attachments and the end of the vibrato lever were covered with slightly yellowed plastic and the one-piece maple neck used until 1958 is relatively heavily stained and is intended to anticipate a darkening of the wood. However, the single-layer pickguard, which is fixed with 8 screws, was left in a very bright white, so you inevitably wonder why the pickup caps are yellowed but the pickguard is not.

All other features of the era up to 1958, such as the truss rod, which is accessible from the rear and closed with walnut (mostly walnut), the 4-point screw connection and the cross screw at the base of the neck, were also adopted. As in the original, the body was also made from alder (previously ash) from 1956 onwards. Anyone who wants their instrument to age as quickly as possible will be happy to hear that Fender has sealed the instrument with nitro lacquer, which is known to have a positive effect on vibration behavior, but only has a comparatively low protective effect. The result is rapid cracking of the paint and uneven wear, which is guaranteed to be very positive with this instrument. The colored finish, on the other hand, is made of polyurethane varnish and will probably last longer than the opaque clear varnish.

The neck

Also worth highlighting is the shaping of the maple neck, which Fender calls a V-profile and, in combination with the 184 mm fretboard radius, can be described as classic and is particularly noticeable when playing barre-free chords. Consequently, weak points in the basic construction were also adopted, such as the routing of the G string behind the saddle. A string tree is only used for the two highest treble strings, which means that the contact pressure of the G string on the saddle is comparatively low due to the unfavorable angle to the tuner and there is a risk that if you play it very hard the string jumps out of the notch. Personally, I would always set a second string tree, but everyone has to know that for themselves. The frets are in the “tall” version according to the approach and there are 21 frets available. As expected, the scale length is the long version at 648 mm.

Hardware and pickups

As a special feature, Fender also offers the so-called “Pure Vintage Single-Line “Fender Deluxe” tuners”, which are in the Kluson style. The staggered pole pieces of the vintage pickups, which, according to Fender, are “designed and tuned exactly to the sound and performance of the original model year,” also rely heavily on the sonic approach of the time. The vibrato unit is also free-floating with its 6 screws (1 whole tone upwards) and is intended to be manufactured using the same machines that were used 70 years ago. However, Fender breaks with its original vintage approach once with the pickup selector switch. A 5-way switch is installed on the Fender AV II 57 STRAT MN SFMG, which was first used in 1977. A 3-way switch would have been correct, but the user probably didn't want to have to put up with the fiddling around to find the intermediate positions without latches.

By the way, the instrument is delivered in a simply constructed but nice-looking tweed case.

The Fender AV II 57 STRAT MN SFMG in practice

There is simply no denying that anyone who has ever held a good Strat in their hands will immediately know why this instrument is the most successful guitar model in the world. This also applies to the Fender AV II 57 STRAT MN SFMG. The instrument hugs the body, is easy to play and produces exactly the sound you expect from a “real” Strat. You can tell from the first fingering that the strengths of the neck are to be found in chord playing. The combination of the V-shaping with the large fingerboard radius suits the round fretting hand very well and enables any voicing in a very relaxed hand position.

What excited me most, however, were the vintage pickups that Fender installed. The comparatively low-power pickups produce an incredibly pearly and crisp basic tone, which not only impresses in the clean and crunchy area, as expected, but also ensures a transparent tone without excessive background noise right up to subtle lead passages. Everything that covers rock, from classic rock to AOR to hard rock in the Deep Purple style, can be achieved with this instrument.

It should come as no surprise that the Fender AV II 57 STRAT MN SFMG impresses in the clean area, just take Nile Rodgers as an example, whose Strat can be heard on around 300 million CHIC songs sold. What also surprised me were the very convincing sounds in pickup positions 2 and 4, which you can hear very well in sound example 1, where I select the 5 switch positions one after the other. Sometimes heavily frowned upon by Strat players in the eighties (producer: “We take the classic Strat sound directly into the console” / He meant pickup position 4…) these positions can also be very convincing on the Fender AV II 57 STRAT MN SFMG, especially since they Give fast 16ths, such as those used in radio, an extra dose of “clack”.

In summary, the Fender AV II 57 STRAT MN SFMG has an excellent sound with very good playability. A very good instrument in all respects!

The sound examples were created with a Hughes & Kettner Triamp MKIII, a Marshall 412 cabinet with Celestion G12T 75 and 2 pcs. Shure SM57 included.

Conclusion

With the Fender AV II 57 STRAT MN SFMG, the American company has an excellent version of its all-time classic in its portfolio. The extravagant paintwork in the classic fifties style may still polarize, but the instrument's feel and sound are impressive across the board.

The pickups in particular are exceptionally pleasing and perfectly round off the very good playing feel and classic sound.

If you are looking for a Strat, definitely check out this model!

——————-

Additional Informations:

The Fender Stratocaster stands as an icon of musical innovation and cultural significance. Born out of the visionary mind of Leo Fender in the early 1950s, the Stratocaster revolutionized the world of electric guitars and forever changed the landscape of popular music. Its sleek design, versatile sound, and impeccable craftsmanship have made it the instrument of choice for countless legendary musicians across genres. To truly appreciate the Stratocaster's impact, one must delve into its fascinating history, tracing its journey from conception to global phenomenon.

Early Beginnings:
The story of the Fender Stratocaster begins with the formation of the Fender Musical Instruments Corporation in Fullerton, California, in 1946. Leo Fender, a self-taught engineer with a passion for electronics, established the company with the goal of creating innovative instruments that would meet the evolving needs of musicians. Fender's first foray into the electric guitar market came with the introduction of the Telecaster in 1950, which quickly gained popularity among country and blues musicians for its twangy tone and sturdy construction.

The Birth of the Stratocaster:
Building on the success of the Telecaster, Leo Fender set out to design a guitar that would offer even greater versatility and playability. Drawing inspiration from feedback received from musicians and incorporating his own ingenuity, Fender introduced the Stratocaster in 1954. The Stratocaster boasted several groundbreaking features that set it apart from its predecessors, including a contoured body for enhanced comfort, three single-coil pickups for a wide range of tones, a synchronized tremolo system for pitch manipulation, and a bolt-on neck for increased stability and ease of repair.

Innovations and Evolution:
From its inception, the Fender Stratocaster was embraced by musicians for its innovative design and unparalleled sound. As the instrument gained popularity, Fender continued to refine and improve upon its design, introducing new features and variations to meet the demands of players across different genres. In 1959, Fender introduced the rosewood fingerboard as an option, adding a touch of elegance to the instrument's aesthetic. Throughout the 1960s, the Stratocaster became synonymous with the burgeoning rock 'n' roll movement, as legendary guitarists like Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, and Ritchie Blackmore pushed the boundaries of what could be achieved with the instrument.

Cultural Impact:
Beyond its technical innovations, the Fender Stratocaster played a pivotal role in shaping the cultural landscape of the 20th century. As rock music exploded onto the mainstream, the image of the Stratocaster became inseparable from the rebellious spirit of youth culture. Its sleek, futuristic design and electrifying sound symbolized a new era of musical expression and freedom. The Stratocaster's influence extended far beyond the realm of music, permeating film, fashion, and art, and cementing its status as an enduring symbol of creativity and individuality.

Enduring Legacy:
Today, more than seven decades since its introduction, the Fender Stratocaster remains as relevant and revered as ever. Its timeless design and versatile sound continue to inspire musicians of all ages and backgrounds, from aspiring beginners to seasoned professionals. Countless iterations and signature models have been released over the years, each paying homage to the Stratocaster's storied legacy while incorporating modern innovations to keep pace with evolving musical trends. As the world of music continues to evolve, one thing remains certain: the Fender Stratocaster will always hold a special place in the hearts of musicians and enthusiasts alike, as a testament to the enduring power of innovation, craftsmanship, and the transformative impact of music on our lives.

Conclusion:
The journey of the Fender Stratocaster from its humble beginnings in a small California workshop to its status as a global icon is a testament to the vision and ingenuity of its creator, Leo Fender. Through decades of innovation, evolution, and cultural influence, the Stratocaster has remained at the forefront of musical innovation, inspiring generations of musicians and shaping the sound of popular music. As we look to the future, one can only imagine the countless new sounds and innovations that will be created with this legendary instrument, ensuring that the legacy of the Fender Stratocaster will endure for generations to come.