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Description

The Fender Custom Shop Gene Baker Founders Design "Stelecaster" uniquely marries the classic appeal of Fender's two legendary guitar models, the Stratocaster and the Telecaster. Crafted by master luthier Gene Baker, this instrument is a testament to both innovation and tradition. The lightweight ash body features a Strat upper bout and a Tele lower bout, offering guitarists the best of both worlds. This duality is echoed in the headstock, which boasts a clever overlay of Tele and Strat designs.

Under the hood, the Stelecaster delivers a diverse tonal palette with its three single-coil pickups, including Josefina hand-wound Tele bridge and '69 Strat middle and neck pickups. The custom 5-way switching, with an added push-pull knob for neck pickup activation, provides a wide range of sonic possibilities, making it an excellent choice for versatile players. The 10/56 neck carve merges modern comfort with a vintage feel, ensuring a seamless playing experience. This limited-edition masterpiece, part of the Fender Custom Shop's 30th-anniversary celebration, is a true collector's item, combining historical significance with cutting-edge craftsmanship.

Key Features:

  • Limited-edition design by Gene Baker, a celebrated Fender Custom Shop builder
  • Lightweight ash body with Strat and Tele contours
  • Unique headstock combining Tele and Strat elements
  • 10/56 neck carve blending vintage and modern designs
  • Pickup configuration: '69 Strat middle and neck, Josefina hand-wound Tele bridge
  • 5-way switching with additional push-pull knob for neck pickup on/off
  • Fender relicing for a comfortable, broken-in feel

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model Custom Shop Founders Design Gene Baker "Stelecaster"
Year 2017
Made In United States
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Ash
Body Shape S-Style
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Tremolo Bridge
Color Family Brown
Finish Features Relic
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Maple
Model Family Fender Stratocaster
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 21
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration SSS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Series Fender Custom Shop
Wood Top Style Plain

FAQs

What type of music is the Fender Custom Shop Gene Baker "Stelecaster" best suited for?

The "Stelecaster" is versatile due to its SSS pickup configuration, making it suitable for genres like rock, blues, and pop where a range of clean to slightly overdriven tones are desired.

What is the neck profile of the Fender Custom Shop Gene Baker "Stelecaster"?

The "Stelecaster" features a comfortable, modern neck profile that allows for easy playability and smooth transitions, ideal for both rhythm and lead playing.

Does the Fender Custom Shop Gene Baker "Stelecaster" come with a tremolo bridge?

Yes, this model is equipped with a tremolo bridge, allowing for expressive vibrato effects and dynamic playing styles.

What is the finish style of the Fender Custom Shop Gene Baker "Stelecaster"?

The guitar features a relic sunburst finish with a gloss style, giving it a vintage aesthetic and a well-played look.

Is the Fender Custom Shop Gene Baker "Stelecaster" suitable for advanced players?

Yes, the "Stelecaster" is designed with high-quality materials and craftsmanship, making it an excellent choice for advanced players seeking a professional-grade instrument.

Fender

Fender

Gene Baker Founders Design "Stelecaster" | Fender Custom Shop | Fender

Video thumbnail for Gene Baker Founders Design "Stelecaster" | Fender Custom Shop | Fender by Fender

Gene Baker Founders Design "Stelecaster" | Fender Custom Shop | Fender

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Fender

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Reviews

Critic Reviews

Founders Keepers: Gene Baker Founders Design Stelecaster

guitar.com

Gene Baker's Fender Custom Shop Stelecaster is a hybrid masterpiece that blends the best of Strat and Telecaster features, creating a guitar with a striking appearance and stellar sound. The wide-fade Chocolate 3-Tone Sunburst Relic finish is visually captivating, complemented by a 10/56 V neck profile that feels as good as it looks. The hand-wound Custom Shop pickups deliver a robust Blackguard tone at the bridge and rich, woody Strat neck pickup tones, making it a versatile tone monster. While some may find the hybrid design unconventional, the innovative blend of elements from both iconic models results in a guitar that feels both fresh and familiar. Overall, this limited edition release stands out as a triumph of design and craftsmanship, perfect for those seeking something unique yet rooted in classic Fender tradition.

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