For sale is a 2006 Fender Custom Shop ‘56 re-issue Stratocaster from the “Time Machine”series. This guitar is old enough to vote, and has been taken care of and played well during its lifetime. It started its life as an NOS, but the previous (original) owner played it around the Pacific Northwest, where it accumulated some lovely natural finish checking and general patina.

This weather checking is the real deal, made by the subtle movements of the body as it adjusts to new climates, and you can feel as well as see the difference, as a distinct edge from fake checking can be felt as the checking lines originate from outside of the guitar, not within the wood itself. This means that the natural finish checking running the length of the neck cannot be felt, and does not interfere with playability (this is why so many ‘relic’ guitars have the finish stripped from their necks entirely).

There are some small nicks and scratches dotting the outside of the body, but there are none that detract from the main portion of the sunburst finish on the front and back. The frets are in very good condition with some play wear, but full step bends are a breeze all the way up the soft-V profile neck.

The guitar is an authentic recreation of an ‘50s Strat, with authentic stagger-pole pickups and 3-way blade switch. The original tremolo bar, case candy, and COA have since parted ways with this guitar, but included is a high quality black leather strap, from the original owner, and the original Fender-branded G&G hardshell Tweed case, which is in great condition, with some stains on the outside.

A full inspection, authentication, set-up, and polish have been performed on this instrument by a professional luthier, and Fender records have dated this serial number to October 2006. This guitar was loved, played well, and taken care of for a good reason, and is in a beautifully lightly-aged condition that draws you in and makes you comfortable playing it. Feel free to message for additional high-res pictures, or any other specific inquiries you might have. I respond quickly! Thanks for stopping by this listing! Cheers!