In the spring of 1954, in a small shop in Southern California, musical history was made with the introduction and shipment of the first Fender® Stratocaster guitar. Everything about the guitar was new and innovative. The tremolo design, the sleek and distinctive bodylines, the "Offset Contour" body, and not two - but THREE pickups! Instantly, guitar players from every genre of musical tastes sought out and purchased one of these "futuristic" designed instruments. The first Fender Stratocaster guitars were used for western swing, jazz, blues, country, and any other style of music guitarists could dream up. You could not contain this design. The Fender Stratocaster was not only ahead of its time; it defined electric guitar design. Now, 50 years later - it still does!

In celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Fender Stratocaster, the Fender Custom Shop has faithfully recreated a Limited Release 1954 Stratocaster guitar. Each guitar is Master Built at Fender's world renowned "Dream Factory" in Corona, California and features custom reproduction original 1954 pickups, original "U"-shape maple neck, original finish and body contours, and an accurate reproduction of the original guitar strap shipped in 1954.

True to the original instruments are several other features. Here for the first time since 1954, are the unique knobs, switch tip, pickguard, tremolo cover plate, and pickup covers that have been retooled and manufactured using the exact formulas and materials.Also included are the original, then "Patent Pending" bridge saddles, which have been replicated even though Fender has long owned the patents for these parts. Finally rounding out the package is a replica of the form-fit case shipped with the originals in 1954.