Fender Custom Shop Masterbuilt Jason Smith 1959 Stratocaster NOS Mojave Sand Sparkle With Case
Fender Custom Masterbuilt Jason Smith Mojave Sand Sparkle 1959 Stratocaster
There aren't many guitars that leave us speechless, but this one did when it landed on our doorstep. This isn't too surprising, considering it was built by Jason Smith, veteran Masterbuilder, but this one went to a different level. That's exactly what he and the other dream-makers at the Fender Custom Shop do.For the neck, this one has an increasingly popular profile, the 59 Esquire C. It's similar to the 60's Oval C, but with a modified cut, to give it a bit more "grip". It's just slightly thicker, providing a nice vintage feel, with a satin lacquer finish that's super comfortable to play. The neck is topped with an African Blackwood fretboard, another unique twist. For comfort and familiarity, the guitar has a modern 9.50" radius and Narrow Tall (6105) frets. This neck has an amazing feel, is easy to play, and of course looks unbelievable. Jason Smith absolutely nailed it.
The Custom Shop Hand Wound 50's Strat pickups give you THE iconic sound from the era that made the Strat so famous. You get the classic bell-like highs, with a pronounced bass response, and just the right touch of mids. It's a very balanced set, and sounds great in any of the 5 positions (a modern touch). He also chose the Vintage Modified # 2 wiring setup. This features a master volume, tone # 1 (neck & middle pickups), and tone # 2 (bridge) with treble bleed (for keeping mids and rolling off highs without adding bass). This guitar sounds downright amazing.
About the builder:
A Custom Shop veteran and son of longtime Fender R&D legend Dan Smith, Jason Smith grew up on Fender—“It has always been in my family,” he said, “And I was always extremely interested in everything my father did.”
Born in Rochester, N.Y., and raised in California, Smith remembers meeting guitar greats from about age five on through his father’s work with Fender—Eric Clapton, Yngwie Malmsteen, Jeff Beck and Robben Ford, to name only a few. He went to his first big rock concert at age six—Rush—and Smith remembers going backstage with his dad and meeting Geddy Lee after the show. Before he was even in his teens, Smith was going to see Pink Floyd, ZZ Top and many other major artists.
Rock music and Fender are part of his DNA. Smith joined the Fender Custom Shop in 1995, and in 2006 completed a five-year apprenticeship under acclaimed Senior Master Builder John English. Among many diverse projects with English, Smith worked on a pair of double-neck Stratocaster guitars for Stone Temple Pilots guitarist Dean DeLeo. He has since crafted fine instruments for players and acts including John 5, Michael Landau, Flea, Josh Klinghoffer, Geddy Lee, Steve Harris, Reggie Hamilton, Linkin Park, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Neon Trees and many others.
- Part # 9211003407
- Serial # JS0547
- Weight: 7.5 lbs
- Finish Package: NOS
- Color: Mojave Sand Sparkle
- Note: Desert Sand Base Coat with Sparse Gold & Copper Flake
- Body: Alder
- Finish: Urethane
- Neck: Roasted AAA Flame Maple
- Neck Finish: Satin Lacquer
- Fretboard: Roasted AAA Flame Maple
- Neck Profile: 59 Esquire "C"
- Depth at 1st Fret: .790"
- Depth at 12th Fret: 970"
- Nut Width: 1.650:
- Radius: 9.50"
- Frets: Narrow Tall (6105)
- Inlays: Micarta White
- Hardware: Gold
- Tuners: Vintage
- Pickups: Fender Custom Shop Hand Wound 50's Strat
- 5-way Switch
- Wiring: Vintage Modified # 2
- Pickguard: Brown Anodized
- Backplate: White
- Knobs: White
- Bridge: American Vintage
- Jason Smith Masterbuilt Logo Neck Plate
- Custom Shop Deluxe Tweed Hardshell case
- Certificate of Authenticity Signed by Masterbuilder Jason Smith
- Custom Shop Strap