Built By A Master
Throughout the years, Truetone Music has received a ton of Custom Shop guitars. They're all special, but when a Masterbuilt piece lands, it feels like an event, not just a guitar. This is especially true with one like this. It's a classic, with a twist. As always, Jason Smith nailed it.
At first glance, it's simple: a '60 Stratocaster in 3-Tone Sunburst. That's exactly what it is, which of course is a true classic. The alder body is super resonant, and really sings, even unplugged. The rock solid quartersawn maple has a 10/56 "V" profile - that's where the twist comes in. Typically, this is only seen on 50's models, not a '60 Strat with a rosewod fretboard. For those that know, the 10/56 "V" profile is very comfortable - it's got a good amount of grip, but isn't too thick. So, for those that want that feel but on a guitar that has a rosewood fretboard, this is a dream come true. We tweaked it even more, with the modernization move of a 12.0" radius and 6105 (narrow tall) frets. So, fret not, you won't fret out on this guitar, even when your bending goes to the extreme.
Speaking of going to the extreme, for this Custom Shop Strat we chose the Ultimate Relic package. The name says it all - it's taking a Heavy Relic and going up a level or two, all the way to Ultimate Relic. There's no where to go beyond that. Hence, the name. The body looks like it's spent way too many nights on stage, which is exactly what a Strat like this should be doing. It's not just about looks though - it's really about feel. The Ultimate Relic treatment creates a well broken-in feel that is supremely comfortable and fun to play.
The guitar features Josefina Handwound Fat 60's Strat pickups. They provide mellow vintage tones but with enough bite to cut through the mix with crisp articulation, and are over-wound for a hefty low-end punch. Alnico 2 magnets, Formvar magnet wire, period-correct cloth wire, and a fiber bobbin keep it accurate to what you would expect in a vintage Strat, with a warm, sweet output. The reverse-wound, reverse-polarity middle pickup eliminates hum for whisper-quiet performance. Legendary Josefina Campos, who came up under the tutelage of historic pickup winder Abigail Ybarra, did the handwinding for these pickups.
Other features include a 3-ply parchment pickguard, American Vintage bridge, period correct tuners, string tree, and other hardware. The guitar comes with a Custom Shop deluxe case, strap and Certificate of Authenticity signed by the Masterbuilder.
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 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 # 9216095054
- Serial # R145031
- Weight: 7.4 lbs
- Finish Package: Ultimate Relic
- Finish: Nitrocellulose Lacquer
- Color: 3-Tone Sunburst
- Body: Alder
- Neck: Quartersawn Maple
- Tint: Dark
- Fretboard: Flat Lam Rosewood - Sort for Dark
- Neck Profile: 10/56 "V"
- Depth at 1st Fret: .900"
- Depth at 12th Fret: 950"
- 1.650" Nut Width
- Radius: 12.00"
- Frets: Narrow Tall (6105)
- Inlays: Vintage Clay
- Tuners: Vintage
- Pickups: Custom Shop Josefina Handwound Fat 60's
- 5-way Switch
- Pickguard: 3-ply Parchment
- Backplate: White
- Knobs: White
- Bridge: American Vintage
- Neck Plate: Vintage
- Custom Shop Deluxe Hardshell case
- Certificate of Authenticity Signed by Masterbuilder Jason Smith
- Custom Shop Strap
