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Description

Step back in time with the Fender Custom Shop 1956 Relic Stratocaster, a vintage-inspired masterpiece that channels the essence of the golden era of rock 'n' roll. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this guitar boasts a genuine Relic treatment that captures the worn-in charm of a classic '56 Stratocaster. While it may look like it's seen decades of stage time, its playability is truly modern, courtesy of a 9.5" radius fingerboard and 21 medium jumbo frets that make bending and shredding a breeze.

The heart of this instrument lies in its Custom Shop Fat '50s pickups, delivering the quintessential Strat spank, sparkle, and chime that defined a generation of music. These pickups, paired with custom wiring, ensure that every note captures the authentic mid-50s sound. The 10/56 large V-shaped neck provides a comfortable grip, making it a joy to play for hours on end.

Whether you're a vintage enthusiast or a modern player seeking that classic tone, the 1956 Relic Stratocaster offers a seamless blend of old-world aesthetics and contemporary performance. It's a true testament to Fender's legacy, complete with a hardshell case for safe travels to your next gig.

Key Features:

  • Fender Custom Shop Relic lacquer finish for authentic vintage visuals
  • 10/56 large V-shaped neck for superb playing comfort
  • Modern 9.5" radius and 6105 medium jumbo frets
  • Three Custom Shop Fat '50s pickups for legendary Strat tone
  • Includes hardshell case for protection and transport

FAQs

What is the neck profile like on the Fender Custom Shop 1956 Relic Stratocaster?

The neck profile is a 10/56 V shape, which offers a comfortable grip and is particularly favored by players who prefer a vintage feel.

What kind of tones can I expect from the pickups on this Stratocaster?

The guitar features hand-wound Fat 60's Strat pickups, delivering rich, vintage tones with clear highs and a warm, rounded midrange, ideal for classic rock and blues.

Is the Fender Custom Shop 1956 Relic Stratocaster suitable for professional musicians?

Yes, this guitar is crafted by Fender's Custom Shop with premium materials and meticulous attention to detail, making it an excellent choice for professional musicians seeking vintage aesthetics and superior sound quality.

What is the body wood of the Fender Custom Shop 1956 Relic Stratocaster?

The body is made from lightweight roasted alder, which enhances resonance and sustain while reducing overall weight.

Does the Fender Custom Shop 1956 Relic Stratocaster come with a case?

Yes, it comes with a hardshell case for protection and easy transport, along with a Limited Edition Certificate of Authenticity.

Wildwood Guitars

Wildwood Guitars

Fender Custom Shop 1956 Stratocaster Relic • SN: R68283

Video thumbnail for Fender Custom Shop 1956 Stratocaster Relic  •  SN: R68283 by Wildwood Guitars

Fender Custom Shop 1956 Stratocaster Relic • SN: R68283

Wildwood Guitars

Wildwood Guitars

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Custom Shop 1956 Relic Stratocaster.

Mods and upgrades

  • Anodized metal pickguards are suggested over 1-ply to prevent warping and reduce hum.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Clapton Soft V neck profile combined with ultra-rolled fretboard edges offers a unique feel catering to those who like a vintage yet comfortable grip.

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  • The guitar features "Abby" signed custom '60s pickups, known for their unique tonal characteristics and rarity as they are no longer in production.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Consider altering the compound radius to 9.5-12 for a potentially more comfortable playability, especially if transitioning between different guitar styles.

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Value and pricing

  • Estimated cost for the custom build can range from $6500 to $8500 CAD, highlighting the investment involved.

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User experience

  • Owners describe the Custom Shop's fit and finish as "perfectly fitted gloves," highlighting a significant upgrade in feel compared to MiM and MiA models.

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  • The V-shaped neck profile is praised for its smoothness and worn feel, which some players prefer over chunkier C necks.

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Use cases and applications

  • The guitar's mojo is notably enhanced when played through tube amps, such as a '57 Custom Champ, compared to solid-state amplifiers like the Yamaha THR30.

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Comparisons

  • The transition from Fender AVRI to Custom Shop models is emphasized as a significant upgrade in terms of both build quality and sound, more so than from MiM to MiA.

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Artist usage

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See how Ross Lynch uses Fender Custom Shop 1956 Relic Stratocaster

Ross Lynch

Singer, Guitarist

R5

...
Verified via YouTube

In his sister & bandmates recent youtube upload, at the 2:33 timestamp, you can see Ross sporting and playing his brand new strat during The Driver Era's soundcheck.

See how Ives Electric uses Fender Custom Shop 1956 Relic Stratocaster

Ives Electric

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Facebook

In a studio footage video on their Facebook page, Ives Electric can be seen using the Fender Custom Shop 1956 Relic Stratocaster in Aged Lake Placid Blue.

See how Brad Tursi uses Fender Custom Shop 1956 Relic Stratocaster

Brad Tursi

Guitarist

Old Dominion

...
Verified via Photo
Color/Finish: Aged Sonic Blue

This is Brad’s main electric guitar.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Fender Custom Shop 1956 Relic Stratocaster, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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