Fender Custom Shop Limited Edition 1957 Stratocaster Journeyman Relic Super Faded Aged Shell Pink

Ever since the Stratocaster debuted in 1954, it has evolved, even in the earliest days.  1957 saw some important changes to the Stratocaster, a new neck shape, differently voiced pickups, and new color options.  As music progressed during this era, so did Leo Fender's finest creation.  The Strat has continued to change over the years, but for many, stepping back to how it was done in the mid-to-late 50's is the way to go.  

The Custom Shop 1957 Stratocaster Journeyman Relic is a fine testament to these innovations, featuring a two-piece select alder body that has been hand-selected to be lightweight, a rock solid quartersawn maple neck with period correct 57 Style Soft "V" neck shape, and all of the correct vintage hardware.  We went with a 9.5" radius and Narrow Tall (6105) frets for easy playing and bending (the most common and popular tweak to Custom Shop guitars).  While the guitar is a Journeyman Relic, we had the neck given a Heavy Relic treatment, to maximize the "broken in" feel that players love.  As for the color, this isn't just Shell Pink - it's Super Faded Aged Shell Pink.  As the title suggests, the result is a "muted" and faded look that gives the appearance of a guitar that has been aging gracefully for the last 60 years, morphing into an entirely different color of its own.

We love the ability of the hand-wound Fat 50's Strat pickups to get the most classic of Strat tones, and a reverse-wound/reverse-polarity middle pickup to eliminate hum in positions 2 & 4.  We also chose the Fat 50's wiring, to match the pickups.  First, the overall tone gets stronger with a more transparent bloom.  Second, the typical treble loss that occurs when rolling back the volume is much less, and both the volume and tone controls react more smoothly and more evenly, without the typical hot spots. As a side effect, it’s easier to clean up an overdriven amp by simply rolling back the volume on the guitar a bit. Many of the Fender Master Builders prefer this hook up.

Other features include an American Vintage synchronized tremolo, vintage-style tuning machines, bone nut and a single-ply white pickguard. Also includes a period correct Custom Shop tweed hardshell case, strap and certificate of authenticity.

Come to Club Fender to check out this amazing Strat, or order here right now for it to be sent straight to your home.