Using your Fender American Vintage II 1957 Blonde Strat Electric Guitar is a breeze. First, plug it into your amplifier using a standard instrument cable. You can then start adjusting the volume and tone knobs to get the sound you want. The three pickups offer different tones - the bridge pickup gives a bright, cutting sound, the middle one is warm and balanced, and the neck pickup produces a smooth, mellow tone. When it comes to changing strings, use the tuning machines to loosen the old strings and then thread the new ones through the bridge and the tuning pegs. Tune the strings up to pitch slowly to avoid breakage.
As for maintenance, keep your guitar in its vintage - style tweed case when not in use to protect it from dust and scratches. Wipe it down regularly with a soft, dry cloth to remove fingerprints and dirt. You can also use a guitar polish on the body finish, but make sure it's suitable for gloss nitrocellulose lacquer. Check the frets periodically for wear and tear, and if you notice any sharp edges, take it to a professional for a fret dressing. Also, make sure to store your guitar in a place with stable temperature and humidity to prevent warping of the neck or body.