Fender Custom Shop LTD 70th Anniversary 1954 Stratocaster Torino Red/Journeyman

In the spring of 1954, Fender introduced the Stratocaster, an instrument that would forever transform the music landscape. With its sleek, contoured double-cutaway body, three single-coil pickups, and groundbreaking synchronized tremolo, the Strat quickly cemented its place as a true icon over the next seven decades.

To honor the Stratocaster’s 70th anniversary, the Fender Custom Shop is unveiling a limited-edition collection that celebrates the remarkable heritage and lasting legacy of this legendary guitar. This LTD '54 Strat beautifully captures the essence of a first-year Stratocaster, nailing all the subtle touches that make it special. From its chunky yet comfortable neck carve—dubbed the 70th Anniversary carve and feeling like a soft V transitioning to a C—to the period-correct skirted knobs, 'football' 5-way switch tip, and two-piece Ash body with an offset seam, every detail is thoughtfully executed. The guitar is equipped with a set of fantastic sounding '54 Hand-wound pickups that deliver classic '50s tones.

Plugged into a Victoria Victoriette, this Strat offers that distinctive open, twangy sound reminiscent of early '50s models, with a touch of Tele-like character. While the bridge pickup isn’t paired with a tone control—a spec that divides some players to be sure—we find this design enhances clarity, openness, and touch sensitivity. A small roll back of the volume knob effortlessly tempers the high end when needed. Overall, we've been blown away by these LTD 70th Anniversary models. They rank among the finest electrics we offer, demonstrating exceptional quality and craftsmanship.

• Body//Style--Solid Body, Body--2-Piece Ash (off-center seam), Color--Torino Red, Relic Level--Journeyman
• Hardware//Pickups--Custom Shop Hand-Wound Dual Mag, Controls--Master Volume / Tone 1 / Tone 2 / 5-Way Switch, Bridge--Custom Shop Vintage Synchronized Tremolo, Tuners--Vintage Style Fender, Pickguard--1-Ply White
• Neck//Neck--Maple, Carve--70th Anniversary (.885-.980"), Radius--7 1/4-9 1/2", Frets--Medium Vintage/47095 (21), Nut--1.625", Inlays--Dots, Scale Length--25 1/2", Finish--No wear on the back w/fret ghosting on the fingerboard
• Other//SN--5022, Weight--7lbs 13oz, Case--Hardshell Case

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The Music Emporium has been a fixture of the Boston music community since 1968. We're a shop built by musicians - players, luthiers, photographers, and gear obsessives - and that shapes everything about how we do business.

Every instrument we ship is inspected and set up by our in-house guitar techs before it leaves the shop.

We're a Fender Showcase Dealer, Collings' largest dealer worldwide, and a Martin Custom Shop Expert Dealer. Our showroom is at 165 Massachusetts Ave in Lexington, MA.

Questions about any instrument are always welcome. We're happy to talk gear.