Fender Custom Shop 35th Anniversary Stratocaster #098 of 500 – Mint – OHSC, COA

Description

For sale: A Fender Custom Shop 35th Anniversary Stratocaster, serial #098 of 500, in mint condition with its original tweed hard shell case and original Certificate of Authenticity. This is a beautifully preserved early Custom Shop instrument from Fender’s formative Custom Shop era and one of the more desirable commemorative Strats of the period.

The guitar shows no dings, dents, or scratches and has been maintained in a smoke-free, climate-controlled environment. The original case shows only minor storage marks and remains fully functional.

This is the kind of piece that appeals to both serious players and collectors: an early, numbered Custom Shop Strat with premium appointments, original documentation, and exceptional preservation.

Why This Model Matters

The 35th Anniversary Stratocaster was created around 1989–1990 to commemorate the Stratocaster’s 35th anniversary, and it represents a key chapter in Fender history. These guitars were part of an early Fender Custom Shop limited edition run, produced during the period when Fender was redefining its quality standards and establishing the Custom Shop as a premier destination for high-end instruments.

This model blends the innovation of the late-1980s Strat Plus era with more upscale Custom Shop construction and cosmetic detail. It was marketed as a limited edition of 500, with individually numbered certificates, and remains one of the most distinctive early Custom Shop Stratocasters.

So whether you are a collector, a fan of the Strat Plus, or simply want a extraordinatry Strat that that is loaded with uncommon features (boost, sperzel locking tuners,figured maple top, birdseye neck and headstock etc.), please read on!

Notable Features

• Serial #098 of 500 – a very early numbered example
• Original Fender Certificate of Authenticity included
• Original tweed hard shell case included
• Exceptionally well preserved mint condition example
• Body appears consistent with a figured maple top over an alder body
• Neck and headstock appear to show attractive birdseye figuring
• Signature on the COA appears consistent with early Fender Custom Shop documentation, likely from the John Page era

Specifications

• Model: Fender Custom Shop 35th Anniversary Stratocaster
• Year: circa 1989–1990
• Edition Number: 098 of 500
• Body: Appears to be alder with figured maple top
• Finish: Antique Sunburst / 3-tone style burst over figured top
• Neck: Figured maple with visible birdseye character
• Fingerboard: Ebony fingerboard with dot inlays
• Frets: 22 medium-jumbo
• Radius: 9.5”
• Pickups: 3 Fender Lace Sensor single coils
• Electronics: Master Volume, TBX Tone, second Tone / active mid-boost style
• Bridge: American Sthat Plus style 2-point tremolo
• Tuners: Sperzel Locking tuners
• Case: Original Fender tweed hard shell case
• COA: Original included

Tone & Playability

This is not only a collectible Strat — it is also a highly capable player. The Lace Sensor pickups provide the articulate, lower-noise response that made Fender’s premium models of this era so attractive, while the active electronics and upgraded hardware make the guitar unusually versatile. It has the clarity, balance, and precision expected from a top-tier late-’80s/early-’90s Fender.

Condition

• Guitar: Mint/Case: Original, fully functional, light storage marks only
• Originality: Includes original COA and original case
• Storage: Smoke-free, climate-controlled environment

Why Collectors Notice This One

Early Fender Custom Shop instruments continue to attract attention because they represent a pivotal transition period in Fender history. This example stands out even within that group because it checks so many important boxes:

• early numbered piece
• original documentation
• original case
• exceptional condition
• attractive figured top and birdseye neck character
  

Shipping & Seller Info

• Shipping: Free within the U.S. via FedEx Ground, fully insured
• Signature Required upon delivery
• Packaging: Professionally padded and packed to ensure safe delivery
• Seller Reputation: I maintain a 100% positive rating and will work hard to keep it that way! I usually ship same-day when orders are placed early.