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Description

Crafted by the master artisans at Fender's Custom Shop, the Artisan Spalted Maple Stratocaster is a stunning blend of tradition and innovation. Its hollow roasted ash body is topped with spalted maple, offering not only a breathtaking visual appeal but also delivering bright and resonant tones that will elevate your musical expression. The guitar is equipped with three hand-wound Fat '60s single-coil pickups, ensuring a rich palette of vintage tones, while the five-way switch and Strat 1/2 Blender wiring give you the versatility to explore new sonic landscapes.

The playability is enhanced by a smooth, lacquer finish that allows for fast action, and the bone nut ensures precise tuning stability. With a Custom Shop vintage-style synchronized tremolo and vintage-style tuning machines, this Stratocaster offers both classic look and reliable performance. Whether you're performing on stage or recording in the studio, the Artisan Stratocaster is designed to inspire and captivate.

Each instrument comes with a deluxe hardshell case, strap, and certificate of authenticity, making it not just a guitar, but a collector's piece.

Key Features:

  • Hollow roasted ash body with spalted maple top
  • Hand-wound Fat '60s pickups with five-way switching
  • Strat 1/2 Blender wiring for expanded tonal options
  • Custom Shop vintage-style synchronized tremolo
  • Vintage-style tuning machines and bone nut
  • Includes deluxe hardshell case, strap, and certificate of authenticity

Product specs

Body Type Double Cutaway Hollow Body
Top wood Spalted Maple
Body wood Roasted Ash
Body finish Nitrocellulose Lacquer
Neck shape Oval C
Neck wood Maple
Joint Bolt-on
Scale length 25.5"
Truss rod Standard
Material Ebony
Radius Compound
Fret size Tall
Number of frets 21
Nut width/material 1.65"/Bone
Configuration SSS
Neck Proprietary Single Coil
Middle Proprietary Single Coil
Bridge Proprietary Single Coil
Control layout Master volume, Master tone, Blend
Pickup switch 5-Way
Bridge type Tremolo/Vibrato
Bridge design Vintage-style
Tuning machines Vintage-style
Number of strings 6 String
Case Hardshell Case
Orientation Right-Handed
Country of Origin United States

FAQs

What kind of tone can I expect from the Fender Custom Shop Artisan Spalted Maple Stratocaster pickups?

The proprietary single-coil pickups on this Stratocaster offer a classic, bright, and articulate tone, perfect for genres like blues, rock, and funk. The 5-way switch allows for versatile sound options, from crisp highs to rich mids.

How does the spalted maple top affect the sound and aesthetics of this Stratocaster?

The spalted maple top provides a unique visual appeal with its distinct grain patterns, while the roasted ash body contributes to a resonant and balanced tone, enhancing both the guitar's sound and appearance.

Is the Fender Custom Shop Artisan Spalted Maple Stratocaster suitable for advanced players?

Yes, this guitar is designed with high-quality materials and craftsmanship, making it well-suited for advanced players seeking a versatile and premium instrument with a vintage feel.

What is the neck profile of this Stratocaster, and how does it affect playability?

The neck features an Oval "C" profile, offering a comfortable grip and smooth playability, ideal for both rhythm and lead playing styles.

Does the Fender Custom Shop Artisan Spalted Maple Stratocaster come with a case?

Yes, this guitar includes a deluxe hardshell case, providing excellent protection for transport and storage.

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Fender Spalted Maple Artisan Stratocaster - Natural | N Stuff Music

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Fender Spalted Maple Artisan Stratocaster - Natural | N Stuff Music

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Video thumbnail for Max Guitar - Fender Custom Shop Artisan Spalted Maple Stratocaster by Max Guitar B.V.

Max Guitar - Fender Custom Shop Artisan Spalted Maple Stratocaster

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GAK VAULT : Fender Custom Shop Spalted Maple Artisan Stratocaster

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Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

  • The guitar features Custom Shop Hand-Wound Ancho Poblano Single-Coil Strat pickups, known for their unique tonal characteristics and hand-crafted quality.

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  • The neck has a compound radius of 9.50" to 12", allowing for comfortable chording and smooth soloing up the fretboard.

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  • The bridge is a 6-saddle vintage-style synchronized tremolo, known for its classic Stratocaster feel and functionality.

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Build quality

  • The spalted maple top paired with a roasted alder body provides a visually stunning and durable construction, finished with nitro lacquer for enhanced resonance.

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  • The inclusion of Mother-of-Pearl inlays and side dots adds a touch of elegance and premium craftsmanship to the instrument.

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  • The guitar features a medium-roast AAA bird's-eye maple neck with a 10/56 "V" profile, which provides a distinctive feel and adds premium aesthetic value.

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  • The spalted maple design is praised for breaking traditional Fender aesthetics, appealing to those who appreciate unique craftsmanship.

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User experience

  • Owners appreciate the gold hardware for its aesthetic appeal, especially in combination with the natural wood finish.

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  • Some owners view the guitar as a high-end collectible piece, often displayed as art rather than regularly played due to its aesthetic and price.

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Setup and maintenance

  • It's recommended to avoid storing the guitar in areas with extreme temperature or humidity changes to prevent warping and maintain neck tension.

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Use cases and applications

  • Owners suggest setting up the guitar for long-term storage if it's not actively played, similar to how one would maintain a bike not in use.

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  • Even players who typically dislike Stratocasters express interest in this model, indicating its broad appeal beyond standard Strat enthusiasts.

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Value and pricing

  • The guitar is valued between $3,000 to $4,000 due to its custom shop build and high-quality materials like the premium wood grain on the body.

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  • There is a perception among some users that the guitar is more of a luxury item, potentially overvalued for regular use, but justified by its craftsmanship.

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