1996 Fender 50th Anniversary American Standard Stratocaster — #291 of 2500 — LR Baggs X-Bridge

Asking $2,295

One classy Strat. Two personalities. And one pickguard that has spent 30 years on vacation.

If Fender had decided in 1996 to build a Stratocaster for someone who wanted a little more “Wow” and a little less “Is that another black Strat?”, this would be it.

This is a 1996 Fender 50th Anniversary American Standard Stratocaster, one of only 2,500 made, and this one is #291 of 2500. It features the gorgeous Antique/Cherry Burst finish over highly figured maple top and back, gold-plated hardware, rosewood fingerboard, and the classic American Standard Stratocaster platform.

And yes, it still looks fantastic.

The original 50th Anniversary pickguard — still wearing its sunscreen

Here's a particularly nice detail for collectors:

The guitar comes with its original white Fender pickguard bearing the 50th Anniversary label, and it still has the original protective plastic film on it.

The tortoise-shell pickguard currently installed on the guitar is not original. It was installed when the guitar was new, specifically to protect the original anniversary pickguard from scratches, pick wear, and the general indignities inflicted upon pickguards by people who actually play guitars.

So the original anniversary pickguard has essentially spent the last 30 years in retirement.

It's included with the guitar.

And then somebody added a secret weapon...

The guitar has been professionally upgraded with an LR Baggs X-Bridge piezo system, giving it an additional acoustic-style voice.

The push-pull master volume engages the piezo system when pulled up, so you can go from:

“I'm playing a Strat.”

to

“Wait... where did that acoustic guitar come from?”

without putting down the pick.

The installation was professionally done, and the original Fender bridge and original OEM pots are included. So if you're a collector who eventually decides that 1996-you should meet completely stock 1996-Fender-you, the original parts are here.

Personally, I think the X-Bridge makes this guitar substantially more fun.

The guitar

• 1996 Fender 50th Anniversary American Standard Stratocaster
• #291 of 2,500
• Made in the USA
• Antique/Cherry Burst finish
• Highly figured maple top and back
• Alder body
• Maple neck
• Rosewood fingerboard
• Gold-plated hardware
• 22 frets
• American Standard 2-point tremolo
• Original Fender anniversary pickups
• 5-way switching
• Professionally installed LR Baggs X-Bridge piezo
• Push-pull volume control for piezo/acoustic-style output
• Original Fender bridge included
• Original OEM pots included
• Original white 50th Anniversary pickguard included
• Original pickguard still has its protective plastic film
• Tortoise-shell pickguard currently installed
• Original Fender black hardshell case with orange interior

Condition

The guitar is in excellent cosmetic condition and, more importantly, it plays beautifully. The setup is excellent, and it is ready to play rather than waiting for its new owner to spend three weekends adjusting it.

The tortoise-shell pickguard has protected the original anniversary pickguard since the guitar was new, so the original white guard remains remarkably well preserved.

There are no major condition issues to hide or apologize for. This has been a well-cared-for guitar.

The original 50th Anniversary strap and COA are not included. I'm mentioning that up front because I'd rather have a buyer know exactly what they're getting.

A little Fender history

Fender made only 2,500 of these 50th Anniversary American Standard Stratocasters in 1996. Each received a commemorative numbered neck plate. The model combined the American Standard Strat platform with figured maple, Antique Burst and gold hardware.

And this one is number 291.

That's early enough in the run that you can tell people you bought it because you are a discerning collector.

Or because you liked the pretty wood.

I promise not to tell.

What you get

The guitar + original Fender black/orange hardshell case + original anniversary pickguard with protective film + tortoise-shell pickguard currently installed + LR Baggs X-Bridge + original Fender bridge + original OEM pots.

Basically, you get a beautiful, limited-edition 1996 Strat that can sound like a Strat, sound like an acoustic-ish guitar, and comes with enough original parts to keep the originality police reasonably calm.

$2,295 — reasonable offers considered.

Ships securely and professionally packed.