Fender Custom Shop Limited Edition 1956 Stratocaster Journeyman Relic - Desert Tan/Custom Shop NAMM Event Instrument #188 #CZ589378

A refined blend of mid-’50s character and Custom Shop precision, the Fender Custom Shop Limited Edition 1956 Stratocaster Journeyman Relic in Desert Tan delivers authentic vintage tone and feel with tasteful, lightly aged elegance.

Crafted from a resonant 2-piece ash body and finished in thin lacquer, this Stratocaster resonates with clarity, snap, and dynamic responsiveness. The Journeyman Relic treatment adds subtle checking and gentle wear—evoking a well-cared-for original that has seen years of respectful use without heavy distressing. At 7 lbs 13 oz, it offers a substantial yet comfortable playing experience with excellent balance.

The 1-piece tinted quartersawn maple neck provides enhanced stability and a lively attack, carved to a robust 10/56 “V” profile that measures .880" at the 1st fret and .980" at the 12th. This substantial carve fills the hand beautifully while maintaining comfort for extended sessions. A modern 9.5" radius and 6105 narrow tall frets offer smooth bending and precise articulation, blending vintage-inspired feel with contemporary playability. The 1.65" nut width strikes a perfect balance for both chord work and lead lines.

Equipped with a trio of Custom Shop Handwound 1956 single-coil pickups, this Strat delivers shimmering highs, woody mids, and tight, piano-like lows. The reverse-wound/reverse-polarity middle pickup provides hum-canceling performance in positions two and four, while the Vintage Modified #2 wiring and 5-way switch unlock a wide range of expressive tones—from glassy cleans to punchy, driven textures.

Nickel hardware, a single-ply eggshell pickguard, and an American Vintage synchronized tremolo complete the period-correct aesthetic, offering smooth, musical vibrato and classic styling.

Housed in a traditional tweed case and accompanied by its Certificate of Authenticity, this Limited Edition 1956 Stratocaster Journeyman Relic embodies the soul of a golden-era instrument—crafted for players who demand vintage vibe, exceptional tone, and Custom Shop refinement.

Othe specifications include:

• Body: Ash 2-piece
• Finish: Lacquer
• Neck:  1-Piece Tinted Quartersawn Maple
• 10/56 "v" Neck shape
• 1.65" Nut Width
• 9.5" Radius
• Frets: 6105
• .880" @ 1st Fret and .980" @ 12th fret
• Hardware: nickel
• Bridge: american vintage synvchronized tremolo
• Single Ply Eggshell Pickguard
• Pickups: Handwound 1956 Pickups, Reverse wound/Reverse Polarity Mid Pickup
• Controls: volume/tone/tone, 5-way switch, Vintage Modified #2 Wiring
• included: tweed case, certificate
• 7 lbs 13 oz
• #CZ589378

For more information on the Fender Custom Shop '56 Strat, please contact us.