Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 9 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.5 (15)
$1,999.99
Guitar Center
$1,999.99
Fender
$1,999.99
Amazon
4.7 (5)
$1,999.99
Reverb
4.0 (11)
$1,775.44 New
$1,400.00 Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (1)
$1,999.99
zZounds
4.0 (2)
$1,999.99
Thomann
4.6 (20)
$1,699.00 $1,690.00 $9.00 · All time low
Gear4Music
£1,499.00

Average Price: $1,874

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 6 merchants for "Fender Mike McCready Signature Stratocaster". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The Fender Mike McCready Signature Stratocaster is a testament to the grunge era, meticulously crafted for those who yearn for the raw, unfiltered essence of rock. Born from the iconic partnership with Pearl Jam's lead guitarist, this instrument is more than just a guitar—it's a piece of musical history. With its Road Worn nitrocellulose lacquer finish, each scratch and ding tells a story, replicating the wear and tear of McCready’s beloved 1960 Strat. The lightweight alder body and Custom Mike McCready '60s Stratocaster pickups deliver that unmistakable vintage tone that has defined countless hits. Whether you're channeling the grunge power or exploring new musical landscapes, this Stratocaster offers a seamless blend of vintage charm and modern playability.

The slender "C" profile maple neck and rosewood fingerboard provide an authentic feel, perfect for intricate solos or power chords. Its 9.5-inch fingerboard radius ensures comfort across 21 medium vintage frets, making it ideal for fast playing. Complete with a vintage-style synchronized tremolo, this guitar promises pure Fender performance and tone. Every aspect of this guitar is designed to reflect Mike's original Strat, from the mismatched knobs to the aged white dot inlays, making it an invaluable asset for guitarists wanting to capture the spirit of grunge.

Key Features:

  • Lightweight alder body
  • Slim "C" maple neck with 9.5-inch-radius rosewood fingerboard
  • Custom Mike McCready '60s Stratocaster single-coil pickups
  • Vintage-style synchronized tremolo with bent steel saddles
  • Road Worn nitrocellulose lacquer finish
  • 21 medium vintage frets
  • Includes Deluxe Brown hard case

Product specs

Artist Mike Mcready
Number of Strings 6
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Type Solidbody
Body Shape Stratocaster
Body Material Alder
Body Finish Road Worn Nitrocellulose Lacquer
Neck Material Maple
Neck Shape Slim C
Neck Joint Bolt-on
Radius 9.5"
Fingerboard Material Slab Rosewood
Fingerboard Inlay Aged White Dot
Number of Frets 21, Medium Vintage (Jescar)
Scale Length 25.5"
Nut Width 1.650"
Nut Material Bone
Bridge/Tailpiece 6-Saddle Vintage-Style Synchronized Tremolo
Tuners Fender Vintage-style
Neck Pickup Fender Custom Mike McCready '60s Single-coil
Middle Pickup Fender Custom Mike McCready '60s Single-coil
Bridge Pickup Fender Custom Mike McCready '60s Single-coil
Controls 1 x volume, 2 x tone
Switching 5-way blade pickup switch
Strings Fender 250R, .010-.046
Case/Gig Bag Hardshell Case

FAQs

What type of neck does the Fender Mike McCready Signature Stratocaster have?

The Fender Mike McCready Signature Stratocaster features a slim C-shaped maple neck, providing a comfortable and fast playing experience suitable for various playing styles.

What kind of pickups are used in the Fender Mike McCready Stratocaster?

This Stratocaster is equipped with Fender Custom Mike McCready '60s single-coil pickups, offering a classic vintage tone with clarity and punch, ideal for rock and blues genres.

Is the Fender Mike McCready Stratocaster suitable for beginners?

While the Fender Mike McCready Stratocaster offers professional-grade features, its comfortable neck and versatile tone make it accessible for dedicated beginners with a focus on quality and performance.

What is the finish on the Fender Mike McCready Signature Stratocaster?

The guitar features a Road Worn Nitrocellulose Lacquer finish, giving it a vintage aesthetic with a well-played look and feel.

Does the Fender Mike McCready Stratocaster come with a case?

Yes, the Fender Mike McCready Stratocaster comes with a hardshell case, providing protection and easy transport for the instrument.

Fender

Fender

Exploring the Mike McCready Stratocaster | Artist Signature Series | Fender

Video thumbnail for Exploring the Mike McCready Stratocaster | Artist Signature Series | Fender by Fender

Exploring the Mike McCready Stratocaster | Artist Signature Series | Fender

Fender

Fender

Video thumbnail for Fender Mike McCready Signature Stratocaster! - Recreating Mike's Stunning 1960 Strat! by PMTVUK

Fender Mike McCready Signature Stratocaster! - Recreating Mike's Stunning 1960 Strat!

PMTVUK

PMTVUK

Video thumbnail for Mike McCready Stratocaster Review - Is It Worth The Money? by DylanTalksTone

Mike McCready Stratocaster Review - Is It Worth The Money?

DylanTalksTone

DylanTalksTone

Video thumbnail for Fender MIKE McCREADY Stratocaster FULL DEMO by Play and Trade Guitars

Fender MIKE McCREADY Stratocaster FULL DEMO

Play and Trade Guitars

Play and Trade Guitars

Video thumbnail for Fender Mike McCready Stratocaster - Demo | Review - Is It Worth It? by Juca Nery

Fender Mike McCready Stratocaster - Demo | Review - Is It Worth It?

Juca Nery

Juca Nery

Video thumbnail for Guitar Talk - Fender Mike McCready Signature Stratocaster by Guitar Talk

Guitar Talk - Fender Mike McCready Signature Stratocaster

Guitar Talk

Guitar Talk

Video thumbnail for Fender Mike McCready Stratocaster - The Guitar That Killed Hair Metal by Rich Bischoff

Fender Mike McCready Stratocaster - The Guitar That Killed Hair Metal

Rich Bischoff

Rich Bischoff

Video thumbnail for 2021 Fender Masterbuilt Mike McCready Signature Stratocaster w/ Dumble Super Reverb by Emerald City Guitars

2021 Fender Masterbuilt Mike McCready Signature Stratocaster w/ Dumble Super Reverb

Emerald City Guitars

Emerald City Guitars

Video thumbnail for Fender Mike McCready Stratocaster Review (Too Good to Be True?) by Randolph Guitars

Fender Mike McCready Stratocaster Review (Too Good to Be True?)

Randolph Guitars

Randolph Guitars

Video thumbnail for Fender Mike McCready Stratocater 1 Month Later (Is It Worth The Money?) by Randolph Guitars

Fender Mike McCready Stratocater 1 Month Later (Is It Worth The Money?)

Randolph Guitars

Randolph Guitars

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional playability with a comfortable, worn neck feel

  • High-quality pickups deliver a signature Pearl Jam and Mad Season sound

  • Resonant body and lightweight design enhance acoustic qualities

  • Excellent fit and finish, comparable to custom shop standards

  • Vintage-style relic finish appeals to fans of aged guitars

  • Electronics feature high-quality components like CTS pots and paper-in-oil capacitors

  • Consistently praised neck shape, preferred even over some high-end models

  • Offers a custom shop aesthetic at a more accessible price point

  • Highly versatile sound suitable for various genres

  • Well-received by fans and players of different guitar brands

CONS

  • Inconsistent out-of-the-box setup, often requiring professional adjustment

  • Some reports of minor cosmetic relic inconsistencies

  • A few issues with the nut and string alignment affecting playability

  • Relic finish not on par with more expensive custom shop models

  • Pricey for a Made in Mexico model, raising expectations for quality

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Mike McCready Signature Stratocaster.

Comparisons

  • Owners compare the McCready MIM Strat to both American and Custom Shop models, noting its close performance to higher-end guitars despite its Mexican origin.

    Source
  • The Mike McCready Strat's relic work often feels excessive, resembling termite damage rather than authentic wear, unlike more natural-looking relic jobs on higher-end models.

    Source

User experience

  • Some users report issues with high E string slipping off due to wide nut spacing, mentioning a Gotoh 510T-SF2 bridge upgrade as a potential solution.

    Source

Build quality

  • Observations include mixed opinions on the rosewood's appearance, with some disappointed by lighter, streaky wood on the fretboard.

    Source
  • The finish on the Mike McCready model can feel sticky and dirty, particularly on the neck, due to its artificial aging process.

    Source
  • Owners note inconsistent alignment of the strings over the pole pieces, particularly high E being too close to the neck edge.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The guitar's custom pickups are highlighted for being particularly hot, enhancing its appeal for Pearl Jam fans and those influenced by Mike McCready's style.

    Source
  • The McCready model features a nitro finish over a poly clear coat, providing a unique feel different from American Vintage models.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Reports of static noise and grounding issues have been noted, with some resolved through Fender's warranty service, suggesting possible factory inconsistencies.

    Source
  • Fretwork has been identified as lacking in polish for some units, requiring additional attention post-purchase to meet personal play preferences.

    Source
  • The McCready model can be poorly set up out of the box, requiring significant adjustments to meet player preferences.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The McCready model is favored for its modern slim C-shaped neck and 9.5" fretboard radius, appealing to players seeking a road-worn aesthetic with a comfortable neck profile.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Some owners feel the McCready model is overpriced at $1900, comparable to American Vintage models, unless you're a dedicated Pearl Jam fan.

    Source

Other

  • A green dot sticker on the tremolo arm is explained as a preventative measure to keep a tensioning spring in place during shipping.

    Source
  • The lacquer finish on the McCready model is perceived by some as resembling a poly relic job, with debate over its authenticity compared to true nitro finishes.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Fender Mike McCready Stratocaster review — the ideal relic Strat?

guitar.com

The Fender Mike McCready Signature Stratocaster impresses as a stellar example of accessible quality, offering a convincing relic look and exceptional playability at a fraction of Custom Shop pricing. Despite some artless wear and tear in the relic job, the guitar shines with its remarkable sound, closely emulating McCready's 1960 original. The neck is beautifully crafted, providing a truly enjoyable playing experience, and the signature pickups deliver an impressive vintage Strat sound. While the relicing may not match high-end counterparts, the overall sonic and tactile performance makes it a worthwhile choice for both Pearl Jam enthusiasts and vintage Strat lovers alike.

positive

Fender Mike McCready Stratocaster review | Guitar World

guitarworld.com

The Fender Mike McCready Signature Stratocaster strikes a chord with its full-bodied tone and superb playability. With a slim, lightning-fast neck and custom '60s pickups, it delivers vintage charm and modern performance that echoes the Pearl Jam guitarist's iconic sound. The Road Worn finish adds character, though it's a touch too pristine for those seeking authentic wear. While the relic job may not please everyone, the guitar’s vibrant tones and comfortable playability make it a worthy stage companion. A formidable blend of vintage spirit and contemporary craftsmanship, this Strat is a testament to McCready's legacy.

positive

Fender Mike McCready Stratocaster review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

Fender's Mike McCready Signature Stratocaster combines excellent playability and sound with a throwback to the '60s era. It's hailed as possibly the best-sounding Mexican Strat yet, with fantastic pickups and a neck that's both thin and comfortably aged for optimal playability. However, the guitar's relic'ing leaves something to be desired, as some of the artificial wear appears unconvincing up close. Despite this, the guitar is celebrated for its authentic vintage feel and sound, offering a more accessible entry point into the world of high-end Strats. For those willing to overlook some cosmetic details, it's a rewarding choice.

positive

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Mike McCready uses Fender Mike McCready Signature Stratocaster

Mike McCready

Guitarist

Pearl Jam

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video from Fender, Mike McCready discusses his signature Stratocaster.

See how St. Vincent uses Fender Mike McCready Signature Stratocaster

St. Vincent

Singer, Guitarist

The Polyphonic Spree

...
Verified via YouTube

Annie mentions she was gifted the Mike McCready Stratocaster by Mike McCready himself in this video.

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