Specs:
• Model: John Cruz Master Design 1963 Stratocaster Relic
• Model Number: 1551960803
• Finish: 2-Color Sunburst
• Ageing: Relic
• Body: Lightweight Alder with Off-Centre Seam
• Body Finish: Nitrocellulose Lacquer
• Neck: Quarter-Sawn Maple
• Neck Finish: Nitrocellulose Lacquer with No Back Finish
• Neck Profile: Large C
• Neck Depth: Approx. .890"–.950"
• Scale Length: 25.5"
• Fingerboard: Round-Laminated Rosewood with Rolled Edges
• Fingerboard Radius: 12"
• Frets: 21 Jumbo
• Nut Width: 1.650"
• Inlays: Clay-Style Dots
• Headstock: Small Vintage-Style
• Logo: Spaghetti Logo
• Pickup Configuration: SSS
• Pickups: 3 x Fender Master Design Single-Coil Strat Pickups
• Middle Pickup: Reverse-Wound / Reverse-Polarity
• Controls: Master Volume, Master Tone, Blend
• Switching: 5-Way Blade Pickup Selector
• Blend Function: Adds Neck + Bridge in Positions 1 & 5, and All Three Pickups in Positions 2 & 4
• Bridge: 6-Saddle Vintage-Style Synchronized Tremolo
• Tremolo Block: Brass
• Tremolo Arm: Heavy-Duty Larger-Diameter Arm
• Tuners: Vintage-Style Fender Logo
• Pickguard: 3-Ply Mint Green Nitrocellulose, 11-Hole
• Plastics: Aged White
• Hardware: Nickel / Chrome
• Neck Plate: Master Design Engraved
• Case: Special Master Design Black Centre-Pocket Case with Fender Amp Logo
• Certificate of Authenticity: Included
• CruzTools Tool Kit: Included
• Country: USA
• Year: 2013

The Master Design specification combined a lightweight off-centre-seam alder body with a quarter-sawn maple neck, large C profile, 12" radius rosewood board and jumbo frets, giving the guitar a noticeably more modern playing platform than a strict ’63 recreation.

Personal Thoughts:
This is a particularly interesting John Cruz-designed Strat because it sits somewhere between a vintage-inspired ’63 and a much more performance-focused Custom Shop build. Visually, the faded 2-Color Sunburst, mint-green guard and relic treatment keep everything rooted in the early ’60s, but the neck specification is much more contemporary. The substantial .890"–.950" Large C profile, 12" radius and jumbo frets should make it feel immediately more accommodating for bending and lead work than a traditional vintage-radius Strat.

The electronics are one of the biggest highlights. The three Master Design pickups were voiced for a little more output and midrange than a conventional vintage Strat set, while the RWRP middle pickup keeps positions two and four quieter. The third control functions as a blend rather than a second conventional tone control, allowing the neck and bridge pickups together in positions one and five, and all three pickups together in positions two and four. That gives it a much broader tonal range than the traditional Strat wiring while keeping the control layout visually familiar.

The brass tremolo block and oversized trem arm are also part of the Master Design specification, intended to give the bridge a slightly more solid and responsive feel. Combined with the lightweight alder body and stripped-back neck finish, it makes for a Strat that is clearly vintage-inspired but very deliberately optimised for modern playing.

Condition Report:
Excellent condition. The finish checking, edge wear, nicks, scratches, aged plastics and hardware patina are all part of Fender Custom Shop’s original Relic treatment rather than subsequent damage. Beyond the factory ageing, the guitar presents very cleanly overall with only light signs of careful use. Supplied with its special Master Design case, certificate of authenticity and associated accessories.

Part Exchange Welcome:
Part exchange welcome, video demos are available via our YouTube channel at Squealing Pig Guitars, personal consignment service available via our site at 10% rate.