This Fender Custom Shop Stratocaster Heavy Relic is a refined reissue of the 1955 model, presented in the evocative 2017 Aged Black Over Chocolate Two-Tone Sunburst finish, capturing all the soul and charm of the most well-worn Strats. The ash body offers the bright, dynamic response typical of early production, while the maple neck with a '54 U profile and nitrocellulose finish provides a solid, authentic feel, perfectly in keeping with the instrument's vintage spirit. The 9.50"-radius maple fingerboard with 21 Sanko 6105 frets offers an excellent balance between vintage feel and modern playability, allowing for smooth bending and great control. The electronics are handled by three shielded '55 handwound pickups, controlled by a 5-way switch, offering a rich, defined, and incredibly expressive sound spectrum, ranging from crystalline cleans to rasping leads. The instrument is completed by a vintage tremolo bridge, perfect for preserving the guitar's original character and offering a smooth, musical response. The instrument comes with an original Fender hardshell case, tags, and certificate of authenticity—essential elements for anyone seeking an instrument with strong collectible as well as musical value.