Fender Custom Shop 50's Stratocaster Deluxe Closet Classic Copper

Experience something special - this Fender Custom Shop 50's Stratocaster really knocks it out of the park.  One look at the AAAA flame maple neck and you'll see why.  But that's not all that's going on here; this guitar brings a lot to the table.  It has vintage styling, modern playability and an incredible set of handwound pickups.

This superior instrument has a roasted alder body with a Copper finish that has been given the Deluxe Closet Classic treatment.  So, you get heavy checking, but not relic work - this is a clean guitar. It has the look and feel of a guitar that came out of the factory, was never played, and aged gracefully inside of its case, perhaps only taken out to be polished, resulting in a lush, beautiful patina.  We went for "sort for lightweight" to make sure it didn't come out too heavy.  Our friends at the Custom Shop picked out the lightest piece of alder on hand at the time.  

 

The main feature that stands out is the AAAA Flame Maple neck.  The Custom Shop selected the most primo piece of flame maple to use on this guitar, and it's mind blowing.  We've had a lot of flame maple necks here, but this one takes the cake.  Normally, AAAA flame is only available on a Masterbuilt instrument, but we were able to get it for this one.  The neck was roasted, which ends up really accenting the flames.  Be sure to check out all of the photos to see just how nice the neck is. 

 

It's not just about the look through - the neck is a super comfortable 10/56 "V" shape that was modified a bit.   We asked for it a bit slimmer in the first position, so it's .840" at the 1st fret instead of the usual .880", and retains the .980" depth at the 12th fret.   It's super comfortable to play.  Another added feature is the compound radius of 9.5 - 12.0" and Narrow Tall (6105) frets.   It allows for a classic feel when playing chords, but then easy bending while playing leads as it evolves into a 12.0" radius further up the neck.

  

Where this guitar steps into another dimension is the pickups.  All three are Handwound, with the neck and middle being the Ancho Poblano Strat pickups. Bright, with plenty of chime, they are crafted around alnico 3 magnets, Formvar wire and staggered pole pieces.  These pickups are overwound for high output and wax-potted to resist feedback.  Also, the middle pickup is RWRP (reverse wound reverse polarity) to eliminate hum in positions 2 and 4.  The bridge pickup brings the bite in the form of an El Diablo Strat pickup, overwound by hand to provide an aggressive and high output option for Strat players.  You still get excellent clarity but with a dose of extra heat.  This custom set allows for a wide range of high-output tones. 

Additionally, the ½ blender wiring turns the second tone control into a blend pot while the pickup switch is in Position 1 and 2, allowing you to mix the neck pickup in, shaping your tone to precisely match your taste.

It doesn't end there with the customization.  We chose to go with the Custom Shop RSD Strat tremolo bridge for this one.  While it looks like a normal bridge, it combines vintage 6-screw aesthetics with modern playability updates.  It has a narrower string/saddle spacing to keep the high and low E strings from slipping off the fretboard edges, an improved pivot design for smoother vibrato, and a secure pop-in tremolo arm where you can adjust the tension.

Other features include a single-ply parchment pickguard, vintage tuners and a Limited Edition neckplate.  The guitar comes with a deluxe tweed case, strap and certificate of authenticity. 

 

As soon as we opened the case and pull this guitar out, "oohs" and "aahs" were heard, due to the AAAA flame maple neck.  Then we plugged it and we equally as blown away by the sound.  You can see and hear why for yourself by coming to Truetone Music, or by ordering right here to be shipped to your home.

• Serial # CZ590736
• Part # 9231017280
• Weight: 7.3 lbs
• Finish Package: Deluxe Closet Classic
• Finish: Nitro Lacquer
• Color: Copper
• Pickguard: Single Ply Parchment
• Neck Pickup: Custom Shop Handwound Ancho Poblano
• Middle Pickup: Custom Shop Handwound Ancho Poblano
• Bridge Pickup: Custom Shop Handwound El Diablo
• Body: Roasted Alder - Sort for Lightweight
• Neck: Roasted 4A Flame Maple 
• Tint: Light
  
• Dots: Micarta Black
• Neck Shape: 10/56 "V"
• Frets: 21
• Fretwire: 6105
• Radius: Compound 9.5 - 12.0"
• Neck Nut Width: 1.650"
• Neck Thickness at 1st Fret: .840"
• Neck Thickness at 12th Fret: .980"
• Neck Butt Width: 2.200"
• Bone Nut
• Hardware: Closet Classic treatment
• Tuners: Vintage 
• String Guide: Vintage
• Bridge: RSD Strat
• Switch: 5 Way
  
• Wiring: Fat 50s Strat 1/2 Blender
• Neck plate: Limited Edition
• Case: Tweed