In the late-'60s, Fender experimented with constructing their iconic models entirely out of rosewood. George Harrison's all-rosewood telecaster has become iconic, and there's also the legendary story of the all-rosewood Stratocaster prototype built for Hendrix that—because of his untimely death—he never received. Though rare, all-rosewood Fender components hold a fascination among players and collectors alike.
This Stratocaster was made in 2019, and it is a Limited Edition model from the American Professional Series, featuring an all-rosewood neck. Apart from the unique neck, it's built to the same spec as the American Professional Stratocaster, featuring Tim Shaw-designed V-Mod single-coil Strat pickups. The all-rosewood design introduces a different feel and vibe, and it has a smooth, satin finish with a modern Deep C profile. It's hard to say exactly how the rosewood impacts the sound of the guitar, but the most discernible difference is the feel. Compared to a regular Maple neck, this is a different experience. Despite the dense Rosewood neck, this Strat weighs in at 7 lbs 5.1 oz without the tremolo arm.
This 2019 Limited Edition American Pro Stratocaster shows some very minor play wear, especially around the picking area. There is a mark from some old tape or a sticker on the back, and there are some clothing scuffs on the back as well as a ding on the very tip of the peghead (see photos). All in all, there's not much to argue with, and the setup is fantastic. This is a ripping Strat with a lot to offer, and the unique all-rosewood neck sets apart from your average American-made Fender.
2019 Fender Limited Edition American Professional Stratocaster includes its original case, tremolo, hang tag, manual, and Certificate of Authenticity. The rosewood neck is a nice contrast to the Daphne Blue finish. The subtle aging on the knobs and pickup covers give a nice vintage vibe as well. The all-rosewood neck is a cool feature, and in the world of Limited Edition Fenders, this American Pro Strat comes at a great price.