Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 9 stores. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
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
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What type of neck does the Fender Mike McCready Signature Stratocaster have?
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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.
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What kind of pickups are used in the Fender Mike McCready Stratocaster?
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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.
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Is the Fender Mike McCready Stratocaster suitable for beginners?
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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.
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What is the finish on the Fender Mike McCready Signature Stratocaster?
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The guitar features a Road Worn Nitrocellulose Lacquer finish, giving it a vintage aesthetic with a well-played look and feel.
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Does the Fender Mike McCready Stratocaster come with a case?
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Yes, the Fender Mike McCready Stratocaster comes with a hardshell case, providing protection and easy transport for the instrument.
Videos
Fender
Exploring the Mike McCready Stratocaster | Artist Signature Series | Fender
Reviews
PROS
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Exceptional playability with a comfortable, worn neck feel
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High-quality pickups deliver a signature Pearl Jam and Mad Season sound
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Resonant body and lightweight design enhance acoustic qualities
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Excellent fit and finish, comparable to custom shop standards
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Vintage-style relic finish appeals to fans of aged guitars
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Electronics feature high-quality components like CTS pots and paper-in-oil capacitors
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Consistently praised neck shape, preferred even over some high-end models
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Offers a custom shop aesthetic at a more accessible price point
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Highly versatile sound suitable for various genres
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Well-received by fans and players of different guitar brands
CONS
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Inconsistent out-of-the-box setup, often requiring professional adjustment
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Some reports of minor cosmetic relic inconsistencies
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A few issues with the nut and string alignment affecting playability
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Relic finish not on par with more expensive custom shop models
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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
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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.
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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.
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User experience
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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.
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Build quality
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Observations include mixed opinions on the rosewood's appearance, with some disappointed by lighter, streaky wood on the fretboard.
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The finish on the Mike McCready model can feel sticky and dirty, particularly on the neck, due to its artificial aging process.
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Owners note inconsistent alignment of the strings over the pole pieces, particularly high E being too close to the neck edge.
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Features and functionality
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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.
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The McCready model features a nitro finish over a poly clear coat, providing a unique feel different from American Vintage models.
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Setup and maintenance
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Reports of static noise and grounding issues have been noted, with some resolved through Fender's warranty service, suggesting possible factory inconsistencies.
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Fretwork has been identified as lacking in polish for some units, requiring additional attention post-purchase to meet personal play preferences.
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The McCready model can be poorly set up out of the box, requiring significant adjustments to meet player preferences.
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Use cases and applications
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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.
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Value and pricing
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Some owners feel the McCready model is overpriced at $1900, comparable to American Vintage models, unless you're a dedicated Pearl Jam fan.
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Other
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A green dot sticker on the tremolo arm is explained as a preventative measure to keep a tensioning spring in place during shipping.
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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.
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Critic Reviews
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