The 2018 Fender American Professional Stratocaster I in Sienna Sunburst stands as a significant milestone in Fender’s modern-era evolution. Replacing the long-running American Standard series, the American Professional line sought to refine classic Stratocaster elements with thoughtful, player-centric upgrades while maintaining the instrument’s iconic identity.
CONDITION
The condition of this particular guitar is excellent. While it’s been regularly played and even gigged, it’s clearly been very well cared for throughout its life. It remains in completely original condition, with no modifications or repairs. There are no dings, dents, scrapes or knocks—just a few light pick marks on the guard and some subtle swirl marks in the gloss from regular, loving polishing.
As with all our pre-owned guitars, this beauty has been through the Village Music workshop for a light fret dress, a full service, and a professional set-up. It now boasts a smooth, low playing action with precise intonation and has been freshly restrung with Elixir 9–42 strings, ensuring it’s playing at its absolute best.
Specifications
This model features an alder body finished in a translucent Sienna Sunburst, allowing the natural wood grain to show through—a finish typically reserved for ash bodies, making this variant particularly eye-catching. The maple neck sports a comfortable modern “C” profile, paired with a rosewood fingerboard and 22 narrow-tall frets, allowing for easy bending and a more precise feel under the fingers.
The guitar is equipped with three V-Mod single-coil pickups, designed by pickup guru Tim Shaw. These are individually voiced for each position, delivering balanced output with vintage chime and enhanced clarity. Additional features include a treble-bleed circuit to preserve high-end definition at lower volumes, and a 2-point synchronised tremolo bridge for smoother vibrato and improved tuning stability.
Build Quality
Fender’s build quality during this era, particularly at the Corona, California plant, was widely praised for its consistency and attention to detail. The fit and finish on American Professional models was considered a notable improvement over previous generations, with tighter tolerances, improved fretwork, and better factory setups.
Reception
At launch, the American Professional Stratocaster was very well received by both players and critics. Reviewers highlighted the guitar’s versatility, improved playability, and enhanced tonal range. The V-Mod pickups and modern neck carve were considered standout upgrades that made the instrument more accessible to a wider range of players, without alienating vintage purists.
Legacy
Now several years on, the 2018 American Professional Strat has cemented itself as a reliable modern classic. It offers a perfect balance of tradition and innovation, making it a popular choice among serious hobbyists, working musicians, and collectors alike. Its enduring reputation, particularly in finishes like Sienna Sunburst, makes it a sought-after model that continues to hold its value well on the second-hand market.
