Fender Yuriy Shishkov Master Built ‘59 Stratocaster Relic – USA 2020

From Fender Custom Shop: 

‘In every art form, there are those who have mastered their craft so thoroughly, through years of training and experience, their work routinely commands extra acclaim and admiration, not to mention outright awe. These astonishing artisans are the Master Builders of the Fender Custom Shop; a select group of the most talented builders recognised around the world for their matchless skill, limitless imagination and utter devotion to their art.’ 

Yuriy Shishkov is well known for his beautiful instruments and intricate inlay work and has worked with some of the biggest names in rock music. Seventeen years ago, he began working in the Fender Custom Shop, where he is now known as a senior master builder. It’s a respectable title that would be the pinnacle of any luthier’s career and as you look over this instrument, you’ll understand how he earned it. 

This Shishkov Master Built Strat is exactly what you expect a Master Built guitar to be – sounds, looks and feels like a 60’s Strat with absolutely no detail spared in its crafting. The guitar displays all the hallmarks of a 60s Strat, the oval “C” profile neck feels good in the hand with enough beef to grab a good hold or move around the fretboard with ease, the vintage 3-ply mint pickguard looks just like the originals in store and the Surf Green Relic finish looks as authentic as it gets.  

The guitar is light and responsive with plenty of acoustic resonance, the action is nice and low making this thing a joy to play. The Hand-wired 60’s pickups have all the sparkle and grit you might look for in a Strat, with warm and mellow tones rolled off, or bright and biting tones that cut through the mix should you require. 

An exceptional 60’s Stratocaster hand-crafted by one of the Fender Custom Shop’s most celebrated Master Builders. 

Specs: 

Scale length: 25.5” 

Fretboard Radius: 10” 

Finish: Surf Green Relic 

Weight: 3.42kg / 7.54lbs 

Action at 1st fret: 0.25mm 

Action at 12th fret: 1.5mm 

Neck depth at 1st fret: 20.39mm 

Neck depth at 12th fret: 23.76mm 

Neck profile: 60 Style Oval “C” 

Nut Width: 41.47mm 

12 fret width: 51.378 

Nut Material: Bone 

Neck material: Maple with Rosewood Fingerboard 

Fretboard inlays: Micarta White Dot 

Body: Alder 

Front Pickup: Hand-wired 60’s Strat Relic 

Middle Pickup: Hand-wired 60’s Strat Relic 

Bridge Pickup: Hand-wired 60’s Strat Relic 

Tuners: Vintage Fender 

Pickguard: 3-ply  

Bridge: American Vintage Strat 

Case: OHSC