Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 4 stores. Prices updated .

Average Price: $4,801

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

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Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Fender Custom Shop Limited Edition Relic Stratocaster H/S". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The Fender Custom Shop Limited Edition Relic Stratocaster H/S is a guitar that artfully bridges the gap between classic design and modern innovation. With its Heavy Relic finish, this Stratocaster carries the aesthetic of a well-loved, roadworn instrument, while its construction speaks to the meticulous craftsmanship of Fender's top luthiers. At its heart beats a versatile HS pickup configuration, featuring a Seymour Duncan '59 humbucker in the neck for warm, full-bodied tones, and a hand-wound Telecaster single-coil at the bridge for that unmistakable twang. This unique setup offers an expansive tonal palette, perfect for players seeking both vintage and contemporary sounds.

The guitar’s 2-piece ash body and quartersawn maple neck, with a '66 oval C profile, provide a comfortable, familiar feel. Its 9.5–12-inch compound radius AAA rosewood fingerboard is equipped with 21 vintage-style frets, ensuring smooth playability across the board. The Tele-inspired hardware includes a string-through-body Tele RSD Cutoff bridge with brass compensated saddles for enhanced intonation and a mellow attack, making it a reliable choice for any performance scenario.

Key Features:

  • Heavy Relic nitro lacquer finish for a vintage look and feel
  • 2-piece ash body with a '66 oval C-profile quartersawn maple neck
  • 9.5–12-inch compound radius AAA rosewood fingerboard with 21 vintage-style frets
  • Neck-position Seymour Duncan ’59 humbucker and Fender Custom Shop hand-wound Telecaster single-coil bridge pickup
  • String-through-body Tele RSD Cutoff bridge with 3 compensated brass saddles
  • Vintage-style Fender tuning machines
  • Tele-style control setup with master volume, master tone, and 3-way switch

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model Custom Shop Limited Edition Relic H/S Stratocaster with Maple Fretboard
Finish Aged Black, Aged Candy Apple Red, Aged Candy Tangerine, Faded Sonic Blue, Faded Surf Green, Magenta Sparkle, White Blonde
Year 2016
Made In United States
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Shape S-Style
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Tremolo Bridge
Color Family Black, Blue, Green, Orange, Pink, Red, White
Finish Features Relic
Fretboard Material Maple
Model Family Fender Stratocaster
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration HS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Series Fender Custom Shop

FAQs

What is the neck profile like on the Fender Custom Shop Limited Edition Relic Stratocaster H/S?

The neck profile of this Stratocaster is typically a comfortable "C" shape, which is favored for its playability and comfort, making it suitable for a wide range of playing styles.

What kind of tones can I expect from the H/S pickup configuration on this Stratocaster?

The H/S configuration provides a versatile range of tones, with the humbucker offering a thicker, more powerful sound ideal for rock and heavier genres, while the single-coil delivers the classic Stratocaster sparkle and clarity.

Is the Fender Custom Shop Limited Edition Relic Stratocaster H/S suitable for professional musicians?

Yes, this guitar is crafted with high-quality components and meticulous attention to detail, making it an excellent choice for professional musicians seeking exceptional tone and playability.

How does the relic finish affect the feel and playability of this Stratocaster?

The relic finish gives the guitar a vintage, worn-in look and feel, often preferred by players who enjoy the aesthetic and smoother, broken-in playability of a well-used instrument.

Does the Fender Custom Shop Limited Edition Relic Stratocaster H/S come with a case?

Yes, this guitar typically includes a custom hardshell case to protect it during transport and storage, ensuring it remains in excellent condition.

Musician's Friend

Musician's Friend

Fender Custom Shop Limited Edition H/S Relic Stratocaster Electric Guitar

Video thumbnail for Fender Custom Shop Limited Edition H/S Relic Stratocaster Electric Guitar by Musician's Friend

Fender Custom Shop Limited Edition H/S Relic Stratocaster Electric Guitar

Musician's Friend

Musician's Friend

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 Relic Stratocaster H/S.

Comparisons

  • Custom Shop models are compared to independent luthier guitars, which can offer similar quality at a lower price point due to independent production processes.

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  • Some players prefer the feel of CS guitars due to their relic finishes, which give a "played-in" comfort, unlike brand-new models.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Users frequently upgrade MIM Strats with parts like rail humbuckers, Graphtec saddles, and locking tuners to achieve a custom feel for less cost.

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  • Owners often swap out stock CS pickups for Cavalier Nashville Lion and Lion King pickups to achieve desired tonal characteristics.

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Use cases and applications

  • Custom Shop guitars, despite their quality, are often viewed as collector's items or status symbols rather than purely instruments for professional musicians.

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  • The CS Strat with custom '63 pickups is noted for its phenomenal tone, appealing to players with experience in various high-end brands like Suhr and Tom Anderson.

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Value and pricing

  • Custom Shop guitars are noted for maintaining value better than some other models, though resale can still be challenging due to their specialized nature.

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  • A CS Tele Pro is considered a great purchase around $1500 but not recommended for prices exceeding $2000.

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User experience

  • Custom Shop guitars provide a unique vibe and texture but may not necessarily outperform American Professional models in playability or sound, according to some owners.

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  • A CS Nocaster’s acoustic resonance and feel are highlighted as standout features, making it a dependable choice for gigging musicians.

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  • Enthusiasts suggest trying CS models in-store due to variability in feel and resonance, even among similar models.

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Build quality

  • The Journeyman Relic finish is appreciated for its subtle aging, providing a comfortable and familiar feel without excessive wear.

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