Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 2 stores. Prices updated .

Average Price: $4,850

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Fender Custom Shop Limited Edition 1956 Relic® Stratocaster". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Step back in time with the Fender Custom Shop Limited Edition 1956 Relic® Stratocaster, an electric guitar that captures the essence of the original era with a modern twist. Crafted with a meticulous attention to detail, this Stratocaster combines the classic design elements of the 1956 model with the artistry of Fender's Custom Shop. The guitar features a 2-piece select alder body known for its balanced tonal properties, ensuring every note resonates with clarity and depth.

The rift-sawn maple neck offers remarkable stability and is paired with a vintage compound-radius fingerboard for unparalleled playability. The hand-wound '59 Strat single-coil pickups deliver that iconic bell-like jangle and bluesy tone, brought to life with the 5-way switching system and RWRP middle pickup for hum-canceling performance. Whether you're seeking mellow cleans or aggressive leads, this Stratocaster delivers with ease.

Finished with a Relic nitrocellulose lacquer, the guitar exudes a well-worn vintage vibe, complemented by vintage-style hardware. The hardtail bridge not only enhances tuning stability but also contributes to its distinctive sound profile. Perfect for those who appreciate both historical authenticity and modern versatility.

Key Features:

  • Custom Shop hand-wound '59 Strat single-coil pickups
  • 2-piece select alder body for balanced sound
  • Rift-sawn maple neck with vintage compound-radius fingerboard
  • 1959 "D"-shaped neck profile with 21 medium-vintage frets
  • Reverse wound/reverse polarity middle pickup
  • Vintage-style tuners and bone nut
  • Hardtail bridge for rock-solid tuning stability
  • Relic nitrocellulose finish with Closet Classic hardware
  • Includes deluxe hardshell case, strap, and certificate of authenticity

Product specs

Number of Strings 6
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Type Solidbody
Body Shape Limited-edition '56 Relic Stratocaster
Body Material 2-piece Select Alder
Body Finish Relic Lacquer
Neck Material Rift Sawn Maple
Neck Shape 1959 D
Neck Joint Bolt-on
Radius 7.25"-9.5" Vintage Compound
Fingerboard Material Flat-Laminate Rosewood
Fingerboard Inlay Dots
Number of Frets 21, Medium-vintage (47095)
Scale Length 25.5"
Nut Material Bone
Bridge/Tailpiece Vintage-Style Hardtail
Tuners Vintage-style
Neck Pickup Fender Custom Shop Hand-Wound '59 Strat Single-coil
Middle Pickup Fender RWRP Middle Single-coil
Bridge Pickup Fender Custom Shop Hand-Wound '59 Strat Single-coil
Controls 1 x volume, 2 x tone
Switching 5-way blade pickup switch
Case/Gig Bag Hardshell Case

FAQs

What is the neck profile of the Fender Custom Shop Limited Edition 1956 Relic® Stratocaster?

The neck profile is a 1959 D shape, offering a comfortable grip that's ideal for players who prefer a slightly fuller neck.

What type of pickups are installed in the Fender Custom Shop Limited Edition 1956 Relic® Stratocaster?

This guitar features Fender Custom Shop Hand-Wound '59 Strat Single-coil pickups in the neck and bridge positions, and a Fender RWRP Middle Single-coil, delivering authentic vintage tones.

Is the Fender Custom Shop Limited Edition 1956 Relic® Stratocaster suitable for vintage tone enthusiasts?

Yes, with its hand-wound '59 Strat pickups and vintage-style hardtail bridge, this guitar is perfect for those seeking classic Fender tones and aesthetics.

What is the fingerboard radius on the Fender Custom Shop Limited Edition 1956 Relic® Stratocaster?

The fingerboard features a vintage compound radius of 7.25" to 9.5", providing a blend of comfortable chording and smooth lead playing.

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

Yes, it comes with a hardshell case to protect the guitar during transport and storage.

What is the body material of the Fender Custom Shop Limited Edition 1956 Relic® Stratocaster?

The body is made from 2-piece select alder, known for its balanced tone and lightweight feel.

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Mods and upgrades

  • Aged gold anodized pickguards are considered a stylish upgrade, with some owners swapping pickguards every six months to refresh the look.

    Source
  • Some users are interested in pairing the guitar with tube amps like the '57 Custom Champ, suggesting this combination enhances the tonal qualities of the pickups.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The guitar comes with Fat 50s pickups, praised for their tone, especially in the neck and middle positions; some opt to swap in a David Allen Echoes bridge pickup.

    Source
  • "Abby" signed custom '60s pickups are highlighted for their rarity and unique tone, providing a distinctive sound character not commonly found in other pickups.

    Source
  • The guitar's aging process subtly influences the color, with Lake Placid Blue appearing as a unique and less common finish, providing a standout aesthetic.

    Source

User experience

  • The Sherwood Green finish appears lighter due to aging, with more blue hues, making it visually pop without appearing too dark under stage lights.

    Source
  • Owners emphasize the smoothness and comfort of the V-shape maple neck, noting it as a significant upgrade over C necks, particularly appreciating its worn-in feel.

    Source
  • The relic finish is appreciated for offering a placebo effect of playing a vintage guitar, despite some initial reservations about the relic aesthetic.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The guitar's shade is lighter and more faded than typical Sherwood Green, with some owners considering alternatives like aged seafoam for a similar aesthetic without the metallic sheen.

    Source
  • Users report that the transition from AVRI to Custom Shop offers a noticeable improvement in build quality and sound, making it a worthwhile investment for those seeking higher quality.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 6 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Dave Murray uses Fender Custom Shop Limited Edition 1956 Relic® Stratocaster

Dave Murray

Guitarist

Iron Maiden

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video Dave Murray uses the fender custom on the song phantom of the opera in 2013. Not completely sure it's an exact fender custom shop 56 relic stratocaster vintage because he has Seymour Duncan hot rail pickups and other small things like fretboard and tuning specifications.

See how Andrew Eldritch uses Fender Custom Shop Limited Edition 1956 Relic® Stratocaster

Andrew Eldritch

Singer, Drummer

The Sisters of Mercy

...
Verified via The-sisters-of-mercy

This is the guitar of choice for general purpose coil work. Nice thin neck (thinner than a regular Strat), flexible sound and a conducive colour.

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 Limited Edition 1956 Relic® Stratocaster, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Epiphone Wilshire 12-String
Epiphone Wilshire 12-String Extended Range Guitars
1
Gibson Chet Atkins CE
Gibson Chet Atkins CE Classical & Nylon-String Guitars
1
Vox AC30 Guitar Combo Amp
Vox AC30 Guitar Combo Amp Combo Guitar Amplifiers
1
Rickenbacker 330 Electric Guitar
Rickenbacker 330 Electric Guitar Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars
1
Fender Stratocaster Electric Guitar
Fender Stratocaster Electric Guitar Solid Body Electric Guitars
1
Marshall 4x12 Cab with V30 speakers
Marshall 4x12 Cab with V30 speakers Guitar Amplifier Cabinets
1
Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus
Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus Combo Guitar Amplifiers
1

More Fender Custom Shop Solid Body Electric Guitars

Accessories & Related Items

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides