Originally published 14 May 2024. Updated 13 October 2026. Product specifications, prices and availability may change; check the exact current listing.
The Stratocaster’s 70th anniversary fell in 2024, and Fender marked it with a collection of commemorative models. The American Professional II edition in Comet Burst was one of those instruments. This is a historical model overview, not a new-release or remaining-stock announcement.
Comet Burst and the American Professional II platform
The anniversary model combined an alder body with a flame-maple top, a rosewood fingerboard and a Deep “C” maple neck. Rolled fingerboard edges, the satin “Super-Natural” neck finish and the sculpted heel carried through the American Professional II approach to feel and upper-fret access.
The principal specifications
- 70th Anniversary V-Mod II single-coil Strat pickups.
- 9.5-inch fingerboard radius, bone nut and 22 narrow-tall frets.
- Two-point tremolo with bent steel saddles, pop-in arm and cold-rolled steel block.
- Deluxe locking tuners.
- Commemorative anniversary neck plate.
- Inca Silver moulded ABS hardshell case with blue interior.
These details identify this particular American Professional II anniversary edition. Other 70th Anniversary Stratocasters have different specifications, so a shared anniversary name is not enough to establish equivalence.
Looking back at the anniversary
The model brought a distinctive figured top and commemorative appointments to a familiar Fender design. Players comparing one today should assess its exact model number, condition and included case rather than relying on a launch-era scarcity claim.
Contact Guitar World to discuss current Fender listings and availability.
Sources: Fender model specifications; Fender 2024 announcement.