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Average Price: $900

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$1001+

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Description

Step back in time with the FSR Traditional 50's Stratocaster, an electric guitar that captures the iconic sound and spirit of the 1950s. This solid body electric guitar is perfect for musicians who appreciate a classic aesthetic paired with modern playability. Crafted with a soft "V" neck profile, it offers a comfortable grip that's ideal for both vintage enthusiasts and contemporary players.

The FSR Traditional 50's Stratocaster is equipped with three single-coil pickups, delivering the legendary tone that has shaped countless genres. These pickups provide a bright, articulate sound that excels in both clean and overdriven settings. The guitar's vintage-style synchronized tremolo bridge ensures smooth, expressive pitch modulation, while maintaining stable tuning.

Whether you're strumming nostalgic rock 'n' roll licks or exploring new sonic landscapes, this Stratocaster offers a versatile platform. Its body is constructed from high-quality alder, beloved for its balanced tonal characteristics. The maple fingerboard offers a smooth playing surface, enhancing both speed and accuracy for complex riffs and solos.

Key Features:

  • Solid alder body for rich, balanced tones
  • Three single-coil pickups for versatile sound
  • Soft "V" neck profile for comfortable playability
  • Vintage-style synchronized tremolo bridge
  • Maple fingerboard for smooth playing experience
  • 21 vintage-style frets for classic feel
  • 5-way pickup selector for diverse tonal options

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model FSR Traditional 50s Stratocaster
Finish Inca Silver / Shoreline Gold Competition Stripe, Lake Placid Blue / Ice Blue Metallic Competition Stripe, Surf Green / Shell Pink Competition Stripe
Year 2018
Made In Japan
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Shape S-Style
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Tremolo Bridge
Color Family Blue, Gold, Green, Pink, Silver
Fretboard Material Maple
Model Family Fender Stratocaster
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Number of Frets 21
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration SSS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Series Fender FSR Limited Edition, Fender MIJ Traditional

FAQs

What makes the FSR Traditional 50's Stratocaster unique compared to other Stratocasters?

The FSR Traditional 50's Stratocaster is a Fender Special Run model, offering exclusive finishes and features inspired by 1950s Stratocasters. Made in Japan, it combines vintage aesthetics with modern playability, making it a collector's item with unique color options and limited availability.

What kind of pickups does the FSR Traditional 50's Stratocaster have?

This guitar is equipped with a trio of single-coil pickups in an SSS configuration, providing the classic Stratocaster sound known for its bright, clear tones and versatility across genres.

Is the FSR Traditional 50's Stratocaster suitable for beginners?

While it offers high-quality craftsmanship and vintage appeal, the FSR Traditional 50's Stratocaster may be more suited for intermediate to advanced players due to its specialized design and limited edition status, which might not be ideal for a beginner's budget or needs.

What type of neck does the FSR Traditional 50's Stratocaster have?

The guitar features a bolt-on maple neck with a classic '50s profile, offering a smooth playing experience and vintage feel that is comfortable for a wide range of playing styles.

Does the FSR Traditional 50's Stratocaster come with a tremolo bridge?

Yes, it features a tremolo bridge, allowing for expressive pitch modulation and classic vibrato effects, enhancing its versatility for various musical styles.

Quimper Sound Records and Guitars

Quimper Sound Records and Guitars

Fender FSR Traditional 50s Stratocaster DEMO

Video thumbnail for Fender FSR Traditional 50s Stratocaster DEMO by Quimper Sound Records and Guitars

Fender FSR Traditional 50s Stratocaster DEMO

Quimper Sound Records and Guitars

Quimper Sound Records and Guitars

Video thumbnail for New For 2018 Fender FSR MIJ Traditional 50s Stratocaster Demo by Alamo Music Center

New For 2018 Fender FSR MIJ Traditional 50s Stratocaster Demo

Alamo Music Center

Alamo Music Center

Video thumbnail for Fender MIJ Traditional 50s FSR 2018 Stratocaster Inca Silver by 2tu Guitars

Fender MIJ Traditional 50s FSR 2018 Stratocaster Inca Silver

2tu Guitars

2tu Guitars

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional build quality comparable to higher-end American models

  • Vintage 7.25" radius neck provides a comfortable playing experience

  • Unique and attractive Lake Placid Blue with Silver stripe finish

  • Pickups deliver classic Strat "quack" sound, ideal for rockabilly and country

  • Lightweight design at approximately 6 lbs 10 oz

  • Rolled fretboard edges enhance comfort and playability

  • Maintains consistency with legendary Fujigen Strats from the 80s and 90s

  • Superb fit and finish typical of Made in Japan Fenders

  • Great value for the price, difficult to replicate cost-effectively yourself

  • Ideal addition to any Stratocaster collection

CONS

  • Vintage-style truss adjustment requires disassembly

  • Glossy neck finish can become sticky; may require modification

  • Low-output pickups might not suit players seeking hotter tones

  • Small frets and 7.25" radius not ideal for shredding styles

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about FSR Traditional 50's Stratocaster.

Build quality

  • The lacquered neck can become sticky quickly, which might affect playability over time.

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  • Some owners report that FSR Strats can be heavier, with opaque finishes concealing the number of wood pieces used in the body.

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  • Users have observed crooked tuners and unfinished fretwork, suggesting potential inconsistencies in assembly quality.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Truss rod adjustment is located at the base of the neck by the pickups, making adjustments more cumbersome.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Sanding down the neck's lacquer and applying gun oil is recommended for a smoother feel; Ben Eller's YouTube video provides guidance.

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  • Owners suggest delaying pickup upgrades like the Fat 50s if budget-constrained, as the standard pickups are nearly 90% as effective for most players' needs.

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User experience

  • Some owners find the included gig bag too thin and not sufficiently protective.

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  • One owner reports that the neck feel of the FSR Player Strat is similar to a Squier J. Mascis Jazzmaster, highlighting a familiar playability aspect for those accustomed to that model.

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Comparisons

  • The racing stripe design is reminiscent of the Fender Mustang's competition stripe, adding a visually appealing element.

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  • It's suggested that FSR models may sometimes be factory seconds, identifiable by unusual colors or features.

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  • The FSR Player Strat's roasted maple neck is considered less common and more desirable than the standard Player Strat's neck, making it a unique selling point.

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Features and functionality

  • FSR models may feature unique cosmetic elements like painted headstocks, which stand out compared to regular models.

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  • Stock pickups in the FSR Player Strat have impressed some owners who initially intended to upgrade, indicating satisfactory default sound quality.

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Use cases and applications

  • For clean tones played through a Yamaha THR5 amp, the standard pickups are deemed sufficient by several users, suggesting a good fit for condo environments or smaller spaces.

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

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haileycanfield

2018 Traditional 50's Strat

This Made In Japan Strat is awesome! Bought it the day it came in to the local music store in town. The neck feels great, and overall the tone is fantastic.

Genre Usage

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

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