The new Vintera III Series ditches the broad-strokes approach of its predecessors, zeroing in on specific golden-era moments across the '50s, '60s and '70s to deliver 14 instruments built with a level of historical accuracy the range has never seen before.
Fender has pulled the curtain back on the Vintera III Series, the next evolution of its acclaimed vintage-inspired lineup, reimagined from the ground up. Rather than casting a wide net across entire decades, this new collection targets the most celebrated specifications from distinct, era-defining moments in the company’s history — a “greatest hits” approach, if you will.
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Chief Product Officer Max Gutnik explains, “With the Vintera III Series, we set out to capture the defining moments that shaped Fender’s legacy. Rather than broadly representing entire decades, we focused on the most iconic specifications that players continue to seek out today. By zeroing in on these historic designs — from era-correct pickups and neck profiles to period-accurate aesthetics — we’re giving today’s musicians an authentic connection to the instruments that helped define modern music.”
To nail the tonal side of things, Fender’s engineers went back to the original archives to develop vintage-style pickups matched to each specific period. Players can expect the warm, rounded character of Alnico II designs alongside the punch and clarity of Alnico V — both period-correct choices depending on the model. Neck profiles are equally considered, ranging from the substantial V and D shapes of the mid and late ’50s, through to the comfortable medium C of the early ’60s and the slimmer C profile that defined the late ’60s and early ’70s. Era-specific headstocks, decals, fingerboard inlays, stamps and finishes complete the picture.
The lineup spans 14 models across Stratocaster, Telecaster, Jazzmaster, Jaguar, Mustang, Jazz Bass, Precision Bass and Bass VI — enough variety to cover ground for players chasing vintage character without the vintage price or the paranoia of touring with a 60-year-old instrument.
Songwriter and producer Nate Amos (This is Lorelai, Water From Your Eyes), brought in to road-test the series, had some interesting things to say about the Vintera III Jaguar specifically: “Something about that band seems to call for the Vintera III Jaguar. I think it’s maybe because of the floating tremolo system, but it feels a little bit more chaotic when you really go to town on a guitar like that.”
The Vintera III Series is available now through Fender retailers worldwide. Head here to learn more.
