In the Fender Bible *The Galaxy of Strats*, it can be found on page 130 under "Super Rare"; on Denmark Street, an original recently was sold for €145,000. Developed by Fender in 1955, this prototype is truly a rare bird! In the early 2000s, John English built five reissues for Yamano Music in Japan. This particular one made its way to Europe a few years ago, while the other four remain in the hands of Japanese collectors.
The model shown here is in good and original condition and comes with all factory accessories and the certificate for Japan.

general

• Model Name: Prototype ''Thumbs Carllile'' Stratocaster 1955 
• Series: Masterbuilt by John English
• Color: Natural
• Weight: 3076 Gramm (6,78 lb)
• SNR: R16370
• Strings: .010-.046

body

• Body Material: 2-Piece Select Ash
• Body Finish: Nitrocellulose Lacquer

neck

• Neck Material: 1-Pc. Maple
• Neck Shape: 1954 "U"
• Scale Length: 25.5" (648 mm)
• Fingerboard Radius: 7.25"(184 mm)
• Number of Frets: 21
• Fret Size: 47095 Medium Vintage
• Nut Material: Bone
• Nut Width: 1.650" (42 mm)
• Neck Plate: 4-Bolt  Vintage-Style
• Neck Finish: Nitrocellulose Lacquer
• Position Inlays: Micarta Black

Electric

• Bridge Pickup: Custom Shop Hand-Wound Texas Special Single-Coil Strat®
• Neck Pickup: Custom Shop Hand-Wound Texas Special Single-Coil Strat®
• Controls: Master Volume, Tone 1, Tone 2
• Pickup Switching: 5-Position Blade

Hardware

• Bridge: 6-Saddle Hardtail with "Pat. Pend." Saddles
• Tuning Machines: Vintage Style
• Pickguard: 1-Ply Aluminum
• Control Knobs: Vintage White
• PU Covers: 55 Strat, Vintage White

Accessories

• Fender Custom Shop Hardshell Case
• Fender Accessory Kit