Fender Custom Shop Masterbuilt Jason Smith Watermelon Stratocaster NOS With Case

Fender Custom Masterbuilt Jason Smith Watermelon 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.   This particular Stratocaster is the only one ever done exactly like it, and it's the only one that will be done.

We've name this one the Watermelon Strat after the finish - it's a Hand Stained Watermelon Transparent on a Burl Maple top, on a Roasted Ash body, with Black Grain Filler to accent the look.  Yes, there's a lot to pack in there.  We could describe how stunning this is, but a picture is worth a thousand words, and we have beautiful pictures for you to view.  Be sure to zoom in closely to see the wood grain and just how stunning this guitar is.

For the neck, we went with the most popular profile, 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.  This provides a hardness and durability - it's one of the hardest and densest woods in the world.  Some would say it's the ultimate choice for power, clarity, punch and harmonic complexity.  For those that want to bend to their hearts delight, we had it done with a compound radius (9.5 - 12.0") and Narrow Tall (6105) frets.  It's an amazing feel, easy to play and rather unique.  Jason Smith absolutely nailed it.

The hand wound Custom Shop '69 Strat pickups were created by Master Pickup Winder Josefina Campos.  They provide the classic sound expected from a late 60's era Strat.  Because of the clarity and transparency created by the unique coil wind and magnet structure, the '69 pickup design works especially well with pedals allowing the low end to thump and the high end to soar. Designed with alnico 5 magnets, enamel wire, period-correct gray fiber bobbins and a vintage stagger, you'll get the glistening highs and warm, punchy lows that define the era's sound.  We 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.

Other features include vintage clay dots, a matching black anodized pickguard and back plate, vintage tuners and bridge, and a Jason Smith insignia neck plate.  The guitar comes with a Custom Shop Deluxe case, strap and signed Certificate of Authencity.

This amazing example from one of Fender's premier Masterbuilders was created as a one-off guitar for Truetone Music - and we couldn't be happier with the result.  Don't hesitate, as it will be at least 2 - 3 years till we get another, as that's the wait time for all Jason Smith builds.  Any Masterbuilt Stratocaster is a special instrument, and this one really stands out.  Come to Club Fender at Truetone Music to check it out today, or order right here to be shipped to your home.

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 # 9211002827
• Serial # JS0586
• Weight: 6.9 lbs
• Finish Package: NOS
• Color: Hand Stained Watermelon Transparent
• Note: Top & Body w/ Black Grain Filler
• Body: Roasted Ash with Burl Maple Top
• Neck: Maple
• Neck Finish: Satin Lacquer
• Fretboard: African Blackwood
• Neck Profile: Modified 60's Oval C
• Depth at 1st Fret: .830"
• Depth at 12th Fret: 980"
  
• 1.650" Nut Width
• Radius: Compound 9.5 - 12.0"
• Frets: Narrow Tall (6105)
• Inlays: Vintage Clay
• Tuners: Vintage
• Pickups: Custom Shop Josefina Handwound '69 Strat
  
• 5-way Switch
  
• Wiring: Vintage Modified # 2
• Pickguard: Black Anodized
• Backplate: Black Anodized
• Knobs: Black
• Bridge: American Vintage
• Jason Smith Masterbuilt Logo Neck Plate
• Custom Shop Deluxe Brown Hardshell case 
• Certificate of Authenticity Signed by Masterbuilder Jason Smith
• Custom Shop Strap