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Average Price: $34,999

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

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Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

This is the Rebuild Version of John Frusciantes scratched 1962 Stratocaster by Fender Custom Shop.

After joining the Red Hot Chili Peppers in 1988 at the age of 18, John Frusciante was quickly embraced by fans thanks to his unique blend of intricate, funky, soulful playing and unmistakable tone. Over the next three decades, Frusciante’s 1962 Sunburst Stratocaster® became his go-to guitar.

For this limited run, Fender Custom Shop Senior Masterbuilder Paul Waller painstakingly replicated this cherished guitar—from the faded and beautifully aged lacquer finish down to the heavily worn body contours. All the dings, dents and scars that cover this infamous Strat® give players the feeling of holding a true piece of rock and roll history in the palms of their hands.

The highly-resonant, select two-piece alder body, early-‘60s “C” profile rift-sawn maple neck and slab rosewood fingerboard are perfect examples of prized golden era Stratocaster® appointments. The combination of those quintessential pre-CBS specs and the trio of Abigail Ybarra Hand-Wound Stratocaster® pickups, with an Ilitch Electronics Hum-Canceling system, gives players the same warm, clear and expressive tones that are the foundation in Frusciante’s signature sound.

Other premium features include 7.25" (184.1 mm) radius, 21 narrow tall (6105) frets, Vintage Strat® wiring, 5-way switch, vintage-style synchronized tremolo, vintage-style tuners, bone nut, wing string tree with metal spacer and certificate of authenticity.

Model Name: Limited Edition Masterbuilt John Frusciante Stratocaster®

Series: Limited Edition

Color: 3-Color Sunburst

Body Shape: Stratocaster®

Body Material: 2-Piece Select Alder

Body Finish: Nitrocellulose Lacquer

Neck Material: Rift Sawn Maple

Neck Shape: '60s Oval "C"

Scale Length: 25.5" (64.77 cm)

Fingerboard Radius: 7.25" (184.1 mm)

Number of Frets: 21

Fret Size: Narrow Tall (6105)

String Nut: Bone

Nut Width: 1.6420"

Headstock: Stratocaster® Small

Neck Plate: 4-Bolt Serialized

Neck Finish: Nitrocellulose Lacquer

Fingerboard: 3A Rosewood

Position Inlays: White Dot

Bridge Pickup: Custom Shop Hand-Wound Abigail Ybarra ’60s Strat®

Middle Pickup: Custom Shop Hand-Wound Abigail Ybarra ’60s Strat®

Neck Pickup: Custom Shop Hand-Wound Abigail Ybarra ’60s Strat®

Controls: Master Volume, Tone 1. (Neck Pickup), Tone 2. (Middle Pickup)

Pickup Switching: 5-Position Blade: Position 1. Bridge Pickup, Position 2. Bridge and Middle Pickup, Position 3. Middle Pickup, Position 4. Middle and Neck Pickup, Position 5. Neck Pickup

Pickup Configuration: SSS

Bridge: 6-Saddle Vintage-Style Synchronized Tremolo with Bent Steel Saddles

Tuning Machines: Vintage-Style with Fender® Logo

Orientation: Right-Hand

Hardware Finish: Nickel/Chrome

Pickguard: 3-Ply Mint Green

Control Knobs: Aged White Plastic

Switch Tips: Aged White

Strings: Nickel Plated Steel (.010-.046 Gauges)

Included Accessories: Deluxe Hardshell Case, Strap and Certificate of Authenticity.

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model Custom Shop John Frusciante Signature Stratocaster
Year 2025
Made In United States
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Alder
Body Shape S-Style
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Tremolo Bridge
Color Family Brown
Finish Features Relic
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Fretboard Radius 7.25"
Model Family Fender Stratocaster
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 21
Number of Strings 6-String
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration SSS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 25.5"
Series Fender Artist Series, Fender Custom Shop
Wood Top Style Plain

FAQs

What makes the Fender Stratocaster Limited Edition Masterbuilt John Frusciante unique?

This guitar is a meticulous replica of John Frusciante's 1962 Sunburst Stratocaster, crafted by Fender Custom Shop Masterbuilder Paul Waller. It features a relic sunburst finish, alder body, and vintage-style hardware, offering an authentic Frusciante experience.

What type of pickups does the John Frusciante Stratocaster have?

The guitar is equipped with a single-coil SSS pickup configuration, providing the classic Stratocaster sound with clear, bell-like tones ideal for rock and funk genres.

Is the Fender Stratocaster Limited Edition Masterbuilt John Frusciante suitable for live performances?

Yes, this Stratocaster's robust build and vintage-style synchronized tremolo make it ideal for live performances, delivering reliable tuning stability and dynamic tonal versatility.

How does the neck profile of the John Frusciante Stratocaster affect playability?

This guitar features a maple neck with a 7.25" radius rosewood fretboard, offering a comfortable, vintage feel that's perfect for smooth chord transitions and expressive soloing.

What is the finish style of the John Frusciante Stratocaster, and how does it impact the guitar's look?

The guitar boasts a relic gloss sunburst finish, which gives it a beautifully aged appearance, replicating the well-worn look of Frusciante's original instrument.

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Fender Custom Shop Limited Edition Masterbuilt Mike McCready 1960 Stratocaster | Guitar of the Day

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Video thumbnail for John Frusciante Fender Stratocaster | Tone Demo (No Talking) by RUSSO

John Frusciante Fender Stratocaster | Tone Demo (No Talking)

RUSSO

RUSSO

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Stratocaster Limited Edition Masterbuilt John Frusciante.

Build quality

  • Abigail Ybarra pickups are featured, adding to the guitar's vintage authenticity.

    Source
  • The relic work on the Mexican models uses a printed design, while master-built versions are hand-aged, offering unique variations in each guitar.

    Source
  • Some buyers found the relicing on the master-built version less authentic compared to other Custom Shop models, with expectations of better execution given the price.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Offers narrow tall frets, contrasting with vintage tall frets on other models, appealing to specific playing preferences.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Owners note that a McCready Masterbuilt went from a master-built to a more accessible Mexican production model, hinting at potential future availability for this model.

    Source
  • The Mexican version is anticipated to be similar to the Mike McCready model, positioning it as a more affordable alternative to the master-built version.

    Source
  • It's suggested that for the price of the Frusciante Strat, purchasing a player-grade 60s Strat might offer a more authentic playing experience.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Some collectors prefer the guitar as a showpiece rather than a playing instrument, emphasizing its status as a collectible.

    Source
  • The guitar’s heavily worn body contours and aged lacquer finish aim to replicate the feel of holding a piece of rock and roll history.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The high price tag is justified by some as an investment in a limited collector's item, despite debates over its practical worth.

    Source
  • The master-built version is limited to 100 units worldwide, emphasizing its exclusivity and potential as a collector's item.

    Source
  • The guitar initially retailed for $20,000, but prices varied internationally, with some UK shops listing it as high as £30,000.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The guitar includes an Ilitch Electronics Hum-Canceling system, which enhances the clarity and warmth associated with Frusciante’s signature sound.

    Source

Other

  • Fender's strategy might involve releasing high-end models first, followed by more accessible Mexican versions, as seen with previous artist collaborations.

    Source

User experience

  • Reviews indicated dissatisfaction with the guitar's authenticity to Frusciante's actual instrument, with some fans feeling it didn't capture the "magic" despite its high cost.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Fender Unveils Masterbuilt John Frusciante Stratocaster - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

“I’ve had many other Strats – I’ve never found one better than that”: John Frusciante’s first-ever Fender signature guitar is here – and it’s a $20k Custom Shop replica of his iconic 1962 Stratocaster | Guitar World

guitarworld.com

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