Pricing and availability

Average Price: $23,687

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Unleash the power of neoclassical metal with the Fender Custom Shop Yngwie Malmsteen "Play Loud" Stratocaster, a tribute to one of the most iconic shredders in rock history. This limited-edition masterpiece is more than just a guitar—it's a meticulously crafted replica of Yngwie Malmsteen's battle-worn 1971 Stratocaster. With its scalloped maple fingerboard and distinct large '70s-style headstock, this guitar is designed for those who demand precision and flair.

What sets this Stratocaster apart is its DiMarzio HS-3 pickups, positioned in the bridge and neck, providing the searing tones that made Malmsteen a legend. The middle position is equipped with a classic Fender single-coil from the '70s era, delivering a versatile sonic palette. The instrument's body showcases an alder construction, treated to mimic the wear and tear of Yngwie's original axe, complete with the iconic "Play Loud" sticker.

Beyond its striking appearance, the guitar offers exceptional playability. The modern "C" shape maple neck and 7.25" radius scalloped fingerboard facilitate lightning-fast solos and sweeping arpeggios, allowing you to channel your inner virtuoso. Whether you're a dedicated fan or a serious musician looking for an instrument that embodies both heritage and performance, this Stratocaster is a dream come true.

Key Features:

  • Body: Alder
  • Neck: Maple, modern "C" shape
  • Fingerboard: Scalloped maple
  • Pickups: Two DiMarzio HS-3 stacked humbuckers (bridge and neck), one Fender single-coil (middle)
  • Bridge: American Vintage Synchronized tremolo
  • Machine Heads: Vintage "F"-style tuning machines
  • Limited edition with authentic "Play Loud" sticker and battle-worn finish

FAQs

What is the neck profile of the Fender Custom Shop Yngwie Malmsteen "Play Loud" Stratocaster?

The neck profile is a modern "C" shape with machine screw mounting inserts, providing stability and a comfortable grip for fast playing styles.

How does the scalloped fingerboard affect playability on this Stratocaster?

The scalloped maple fingerboard allows for easier string bending and faster playing, making it ideal for advanced techniques and expressive solos.

What type of pickups are installed on the Yngwie Malmsteen "Play Loud" Stratocaster?

This guitar features two DiMarzio HS-3 pickups in the neck and bridge positions, and a standard Fender '70s-era pickup in the middle, offering a versatile tonal range suitable for rock and metal.

Is the Fender Custom Shop Yngwie Malmsteen Stratocaster suitable for beginners?

While it offers exceptional playability and sound, this guitar is designed for advanced players who can fully utilize its unique features, such as the scalloped fingerboard and specialized pickups.

What are the tonal characteristics of the Fender Custom Shop Yngwie Malmsteen Stratocaster?

The guitar delivers a bright and articulate tone with the ability to produce both vintage and modern sounds, thanks to its combination of DiMarzio HS-3 pickups and a standard Fender '70s-era pickup.

Does the "Play Loud" Stratocaster come with a case?

Yes, the Fender Custom Shop Yngwie Malmsteen "Play Loud" Stratocaster includes a case for protection and transport.

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In Detail: Fender Stratocaster Yngwie Malmsteen 'PLAY LOUD' Sound Custom Shop Tribute Guitar

Video thumbnail for In Detail: Fender Stratocaster Yngwie Malmsteen 'PLAY LOUD' Sound Custom Shop Tribute Guitar by RJV Guitars

In Detail: Fender Stratocaster Yngwie Malmsteen 'PLAY LOUD' Sound Custom Shop Tribute Guitar

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Fender Custom Shop Yngwie Malmsteen "Play Loud" en Organigrama Guitars

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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 Yngwie Malmsteen "Play Loud" Stratocaster.

Features and functionality

  • The Yngwie Malmsteen Strat features a scalloped fingerboard and YJM Fury single coil pickups, providing a unique playability not typical of most Stratocasters.

    Source
  • The guitar employs a 3-way switch, which is less common on modern Stratocasters that often have 5-way selectors, offering a more traditional setup.

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  • The "Play Loud" Strat uses two HS-3 pickups with a non-essential middle pickup, reflecting Malmsteen's typical setup where the middle pickup is rarely engaged.

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Comparisons

  • This model diverges from typical shredder guitars due to its 9.5" radius neck and scalloped frets, which offers a distinctive feel and tone.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Resale value can be lower for this model, so purchasing a used version, especially pre-2007, might offer better value without sacrificing key features.

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User experience

  • Owners appreciate the stacked single-coil pickups for their sound quality, suggesting they contribute significantly to the guitar's tonal prowess.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Yngwie Malmsteen's early sound can be achieved using two Dimarzio HS-3 pickups, as HS-4s were introduced in 1995 and likely not used by Malmsteen.

    Source
  • For authenticity, consider disconnecting the tone switches, as Malmsteen claims they negatively impact sound quality.

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Mick Thomson uses Fender Custom Shop Yngwie Malmsteen "Play Loud" Stratocaster

Mick Thomson

Guitarist

Slipknot

...
Verified via MusicRadar

Thomson purchased a Yngwie Malmsteen Strat that was part of a tribute run of the Play Loud Strat limited to 100, handbuilt by Fender Master Builders.

See how Yngwie Malmsteen uses Fender Custom Shop Yngwie Malmsteen "Play Loud" Stratocaster

Yngwie Malmsteen

Guitarist, Bassist

The G3 Jam

...
Verified via Photo

In this image Yngwie Malmsteen can be seen holding this guitar.

See how Josh Rand uses Fender Custom Shop Yngwie Malmsteen "Play Loud" Stratocaster

Josh Rand

Guitarist, Bassist

Roadrunner United

...
Verified via reverb.com
Color/Finish: Yellow Year: 2007

The 2007 Fender Custom Shop Yngwie Malmsteen "Play Loud" Stratocaster, also known as the "Duck," is owned by Josh Rand. This limited edition guitar, one of only 100, was primarily crafted by master builder John Cruz, but due to production deadlines, six were completed by master builder Yuri Shishkov, including this particular instrument. It has been signed by Yngwie Malmsteen himself and is authenticated by JSA, with the certificate included. This information is corroborated by a listing on Reverb.

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 Yngwie Malmsteen "Play Loud" Stratocaster, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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