Pricing and availability
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Price
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.
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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
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What is the neck profile of the Fender Custom Shop Limited Edition 1956 Relic® Stratocaster?
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The neck profile is a 1959 D shape, offering a comfortable grip that's ideal for players who prefer a slightly fuller neck.
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What type of pickups are installed in the Fender Custom Shop Limited Edition 1956 Relic® Stratocaster?
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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.
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Is the Fender Custom Shop Limited Edition 1956 Relic® Stratocaster suitable for vintage tone enthusiasts?
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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.
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What is the fingerboard radius on the Fender Custom Shop Limited Edition 1956 Relic® Stratocaster?
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The fingerboard features a vintage compound radius of 7.25" to 9.5", providing a blend of comfortable chording and smooth lead playing.
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Does the Fender Custom Shop Limited Edition 1956 Relic® Stratocaster come with a case?
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Yes, it comes with a hardshell case to protect the guitar during transport and storage.
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What is the body material of the Fender Custom Shop Limited Edition 1956 Relic® Stratocaster?
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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
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Aged gold anodized pickguards are considered a stylish upgrade, with some owners swapping pickguards every six months to refresh the look.
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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.
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Features and functionality
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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.
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"Abby" signed custom '60s pickups are highlighted for their rarity and unique tone, providing a distinctive sound character not commonly found in other pickups.
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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.
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User experience
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The Sherwood Green finish appears lighter due to aging, with more blue hues, making it visually pop without appearing too dark under stage lights.
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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.
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The relic finish is appreciated for offering a placebo effect of playing a vintage guitar, despite some initial reservations about the relic aesthetic.
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Comparisons
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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.
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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.
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5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 6 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artistIn 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.
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.
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