Fender Custom Shop ’56 Stratocaster Relic – USA 2008

From Fender -

“1956 was a transitional year for the Strat, with the introduction of alder bodies rather than ash on Sunburst and custom-colour models. In November of that year, a soft “V” neck back shape appeared that was sometimes slightly off centre—a profile we’ve recreated for this version—and the rectangular “wing” string tree replaced the disc type. Overall, the 1956 Strat became a highly sought-after classic, and now we’ve given it several updated player-friendly appointments for comfort and improved tonal capabilities.

The two-piece alder body’s Relic lacquer finish gives the look and feel of a well-loved guitar that’s seen countless stages. The rift-sawn tinted maple neck plays fast, with a comfortable 9.5”-radius fingerboard and 21 frets. The trio of Hand-Wound Fat ‘50s single-coil pickups with Fat ‘50s wiring that creates stronger tone with more transparent bloom, reducing treble loss when rolling back volume—achieved in part by wiring the tone pot to the output of the volume pot. Other features include Light Relic hardware, five-way switch, Custom Shop vintage synchronized tremolo, vintage-style tuning machines and bone nut.“

Features –

Body
Body Shape:    Stratocaster
Body Material:  2-Piece Select Alder
Body Finish:     Nitrocellulose Lacquer

Neck
Neck Material:  Rift Sawn Maple
Neck Shape:    11/56 Off Center "V"
Scale Length:   22.5" (572 mm)
Fingerboard Radius:    9.5" (241 mm)
Number of Frets:          21
Fret Size:         Jumbo

String Nut:       Bone
Nut Width:        1.650" (42 mm)
Truss Rod Nut: Vintage-Style Slotted
Headstock:      Stratocaster
Neck Plate:      4-Bolt
Neck Finish:     Nitrocellulose Lacquer
Fingerboard:    Maple
Position Inlays: Black Dot

Electronics
Bridge Pickup: Custom Shop Hand-Wound Fat '50s Single-Coil Strat®
Middle Pickup: Custom Shop Hand-Wound Fat '60s RWRP Single-Coil Strat®
Neck Pickup:    Custom Shop Hand-Wound Fat '50s Single-Coil Strat®
Controls:          Master Volume, Tone 1. (Neck/Middle Pickups), Tone 2. (Bridge Pickup)
Pickup Switching:         5-Position Blade: Position 1. Bridge Pickup Position 2. Bridge and Middle Pickup Position 3. Middle Pickup Position 4. Middle and Neck Pickup Position 5. Neck Pickup
Pickup Configuration:   SSS

Hardware
Bridge: Custom Shop Vintage Synchronized Tremolo
Tuning Machines:        Vintage-Style
Orientation:      Right-Hand
Hardware Finish:          Nickel/Chrome
Pickguard:       1-Ply Eggshell
Control Knobs: Vintage White
Switch Tips:     Vintage White

This is a very tasty guitar, made to look and feel just right by the Fender Custom Shop. We think the playability of this guitar is on another level. As soon as we opened the case and it fell into our hands it wanted to be played, and it was extremely difficult to put this guitar back down! The neck feels perfect in the hand, and it is surprisingly resonant acoustically.

The relic treatment is described as heavy, which means it is through to the wood in some places, and with deliberately inflicted buckle rash on the back.

Finished in stunning Dakota Red nitro, the lacquer shows subtle crazing which looks authentically natural. This guitar certainly looks the part.

It is in excellent overall condition, with no modifications & everything works as it should. Showing miniscule fret wear, tuners are solid, quality trem bridge intonates well.

One-piece maple neck and board with a rear walnut skunk stripe, centre dot inlays, truss adjustment at the heel.

Weight is relatively light at 7.6 lbs

A true Fender classic with the right vintage feel, without the vintage price tag. 

Comes in its original Fender hard shell case in good condition with original tags, unopened case candy & Certificate of Authenticity .