Fender Custom Shop 1956 Stratocaster Relic Wide Fade 2-Tone Sunburst

A Most Classic of Strats

The Fender Custom Shop, often called the Dream Factory, is known for taking the coolest vintage features and adding a few modern favorites.  This 1956 Stratocaster is a great example of what they do.  By bringing back a mid-century classic, matched with classic Fender tone, mixed with easy playability, this guitar is a dream come true within itself.

The ash body is lightweight and resonant, and has been given tasteful Relic finish - it's not overdone, and has all of the appearances of a guitar with life well-lived and loved.  At just 6.9 pounds, it will be a breeze to play while standing up, even all night on stage.  The color is Wide Fade 2-Tone Sunburst, the most iconic of looks for a 50's Strat (or any guitar, for that matter).  Also, the Eggshell  pickguard stands out by creating a contrast against the body - it's a great look, and just beautiful.

This Strat features a period correct 10/56 "V" neck shape that is easy to play, especially for chords and smooth lead lines.  It's been given a Heavy Relic treatment, with no finish on the back from the 1st to the 12th fret, for a broken-in feel.  We did add the more modern tweaks of a 9.5" radius and 6105 (Narrow Tall) frets - the two most popular customizations of vintage-style guitars.  All this makes the guitar super playable and comfortable.

It's not just about looks and feel - the third element - the sound - is where this guitar really shines.  We want to stay true to the unmistakable tone of a vintage Strat, so the guitar is loaded with Handwound '56 Strat pickups (normally an upcharge).  They provide the clean, smooth and clear mid-50's Strat tones that the era is known for.  These are vintage correct pickups, made just like they were back in 1956.  Formvar wire and wax potting create warm, vintage-style tones, and the Alnico 5 magnets add focus and enhanced dynamics.  They have the custom Low G stagger, and it's a calibrated set, for a balanced output across the tonal spectrum.  This makes this Strat very versatile, and suitable for many styles.

It comes with a special Blonde case, Custom Shop leather strap and certificate of authenticity.   We feel that this is one of the better 50's style Strats we've had in a long time. You can see and hear why for yourself by coming to Truetone Music, or by ordering right here to be shipped to your home.