Here for sale we have an absolutely stunning Fender Custom Shop 1956 Stratocaster NOS in 2-Tone Sunburst finish. Made by Fender's finest luthiers in California in 2005, this guitar is based on the '56 Stratocaster spec, and carries many of the hallmarks of those early Stratocasters including the 8-hole single-ply pickguard, 10/56 'V' profile (considered a 'soft V'), one-piece neck & fingerboard, 5-point vintage Synchronized Tremolo bridge with Bent Steel saddles & Vintage-Style split-post tuning machines. As a NOS model, the guitar would have left the factory in pristine, gleaming condition. Now, at 20+ years old itself, the nitrocellulose finish has gathered some subtle checking- especially beautiful on the neck where it follows the curly grain of the 'AA' Flamed Maple. 

Of course featuring a bolt-on construction, this guitar comprises an Alder body & one-piece 'AA' Flamed Maple neck & 21 fret fingerboard. Chrome hardware is fitted including a 6-point vintage-style tremolo bridge & vintage-style split-post tuning machines. A trio of Fender Custom Shop single-coil pickups are installed, and are wired to a 5-way blade switch, master volume, neck tone & middle tone controls. 

The 'AA' Flamed Maple neck plays beautifully well, with the 10/56 'V' profile delivering a smooth & responsive playing experience across the register. Certainly on the thicker side but not at all cumbersome, the profile can be described as a soft 'V' shape which is very comfortable for a wide range of playing styles & techniques. With the vintage-accurate 7.25" radius & vintage-style frets, the neck feels authentic yet premium thanks to the use of 'AA' Flamed Maple. 

The trio of Fender Custom Shop '50s Single-Coil pickups installed in this guitar are nothing short of incredible. They deliver a crystal clarity that is unlike any other pickup. The warmth and roundness of the neck pickup retains its typical 'Strat' character whilst also offering a glass-like purity. The middle pickup is a similar story of the 'typical strat sound' that you might expect, but with a level of refinement that elevates it beyond what anyone could reasonably hope for. The bridge pickup is bright and twangy, with a higher output that drives the amp beautifully, whilst retaining clarity and control that is not so common with Strat bridge pickups. This is an absolutely stunning instrument that beautifully exemplifies why the Fender Custom Shop is the absolute pinnacle of electric guitar building.  

Brand- Fender

Model- Custom Shop 1956 Stratocaster NOS

Finish- 2-Tone Sunburst

Year- 2005

Made In- USA

Body- Alder

Neck- 'AA' Flamed Maple

Neck Profile- 10/56 'V'

Fingerboard- 'AA' Flamed Maple

Fingerboard Radius- 7.25"

Frets- 21 Vintage

Scale Length- 25.5"

Nut Width- 1.676"

Pickups- 3x Fender Custom Shop '50s Single-Coils: Neck: 5.86kΩ, Middle: 5.83kΩ, Bridge: 5.83kΩ

Controls- 5-Way Blade Switch, Master Volume, Neck Tone, Middle Tone

Luthier Report

Our ID: 1260926245170

Weight: 7.7lbs  

Serial: R19275

Aesthetic Condition:

Headstock: Overall very good condition. Light delamination is present to the rear of the headstock near the A tuning machine, this has not exposed the wood beneath. Light to mild nitro checking is present to all aspects of the headstock.

Neck: Overall very good condition. Light wear markings are present to the fingerboard across the register, these are consistent with past use and can be seen under direct light. Light nitro checking is present to the rear of the neck across the register, these can be seen under close scrutiny and cannot be felt in the playing position.

Body: Overall very good condition. A mild indentation which cracks the finish is present at the bass side edge of the lower bout at the side of the forearm contour. All aspects of the body display light to mild nitro checking. This is perhaps most notable to the rear face near the neckplate. Light indentation to all aspects of the body are visible under close scrutiny. The most apparent of these can be seen under direct light at the treble side lower bout of the front face. Very light scratching to all aspects of the body are visible under direct light, as is common with high gloss finishes. 

Condition of Frets:

The frets demonstrate light signs of use, not affecting playability. Light flattening of the frets is apparent to the early register. There is considerable material remaining for any fret work the new owner may wish to perform.

Current Set Up:

Truss Rod: Fully functional & adjustable. No truss rod tool included (flat head driver)

Hardware: Overall excellent condition. Tremolo arm and bridge cover included.

Structural: No concerns or issues to note.

Height of the string from the 12th Fret-1.75mm - Bass 2mm

Please be aware that the action on a guitar may move slightly in transit and this measurement is the current height.

Strings on Guitar - 10-46

Electrics: 

Fully functional. The pickup selector has been replaced with a 5-way. The original 3-way switch is included in the case. 

Case & Accessories:

Original Fender G&G hard case.

Excellent condition. Fender bag, COA, original paperwork, swing tags, tremolo arm and bridge cover all included. Truss rod tool not included. 

Please be aware that for international buyers import fees are not included in our postage and packaging cost, this only covers the cost of the guitar being sent to you. Import fees will be charged by Customs upon the guitar's arrival in the recipient country. Due to Brexit, this also applies to EU buyers. We advise checking the total import cost with Customs as this is not information we are able to accurately provide.