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Description

Step back in time with the Fender Masterbuilt '56 Stratocaster, a guitar that marries classic craftsmanship with contemporary innovation. Handcrafted by Master Luthier Jason Smith in Fender's elite Custom Shop, this Stratocaster is a testament to the timeless appeal of a bygone era, infused with modern sensibilities. The Lace Sensor Silver pickups provide an expressive range of fat single-coil tones, while the Fender TBX master tone circuit expands your tonal palette, giving you more bass, treble, and presence right when you need it.

The guitar's 1-piece maple neck with a "10/56" V profile harkens back to its '50s roots, offering a comfortable grip that feels both familiar and refined. Vintage-style tuners, fretwire, and tremolo add to its authentic vibe, while a modern five-way switch ensures you have immediate access to a variety of tones. This blend of old and new makes the '56 Stratocaster not just a guitar, but a versatile instrument perfect for any setting—from intimate jam sessions to arena stages.

Whether you're a collector or a player seeking that iconic Strat sound with a twist, the Masterbuilt '56 Stratocaster delivers unparalleled quality and a playing experience like no other.

Key Features:

  • Handcrafted by Master Luthier Jason Smith
  • Alder body with a 1-piece maple neck and fingerboard
  • Classic "10/56" large V neck shape for comfortable playability
  • Vintage-style tuners, fretwire, and tremolo
  • Equipped with Lace Sensor Silver pickups and Fender TBX master tone circuit
  • Modern 5-way switch for versatile tone access
  • Includes Custom Shop brown tolex hardshell case
Wildwood Guitars

Wildwood Guitars

Fender Custom Shop Masterbuilt Todd Krause 1956 Stratocaster - Relic • SN: R95393

Video thumbnail for Fender Custom Shop Masterbuilt Todd Krause 1956 Stratocaster - Relic  •  SN: R95393 by Wildwood Guitars

Fender Custom Shop Masterbuilt Todd Krause 1956 Stratocaster - Relic • SN: R95393

Wildwood Guitars

Wildwood Guitars

Video thumbnail for Fender 56 Stratocaster Todd Krause Masterbuilt Relic by Blues&Rock Guitars

Fender 56 Stratocaster Todd Krause Masterbuilt Relic

Blues&Rock Guitars

Blues&Rock Guitars

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Masterbuilt '56 Stratocaster.

Features and functionality

  • The pin-up model features a unique pickup configuration: '69 in the neck, Fat '50 in the middle, and Texas Special in the bridge, offering diverse tonal options.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Users highlight that Masterbuilt guitars are crafted by a single luthier, contrasting with team-built Custom Shop models, enhancing the uniqueness and potential craftsmanship quality.

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Value and pricing

  • Owners report Masterbuilt guitars can hold their value well, with pre-owned models reselling for 8-9k CAD, despite new ones costing 12-15k CAD post-tax.

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Mods and upgrades

  • For aesthetic preference, some suggest replacing the gold pickguard with a white shield, as parts are interchangeable, while keeping the original for value retention.

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User experience

  • A user notes owning multiple guitars and trading frequently, suggesting the excitement of new guitars keeps them engaged with playing, despite minimal quality differences perceived.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

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Artist usage

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See how Ray LaMontagne uses Fender Masterbuilt '56 Stratocaster

Ray LaMontagne

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Reverb

LaMontagne once owned this particular Stat built by master luthier Jason Smith but sold it in September 2015.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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Gear Guides

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    lexman
    lexman

    Gear IQ 6823