1956 was a transitional year for the Strat, with the introduction of alder bodies rather than ash on Sunburst and custom-color models. In November of that year, a soft V neck back shape appeared that was sometimes slightly off center, and the rectangular wing string tree replaced the disc type. Overall, the 1956 Strat became a highly sought-after classic, and now Fender has given it several updated player-friendly appointments for comfort and improved tonal capabilities.

The all-American and utterly powerful Custom Shop Limited Fender 1956 Stratocaster Heavy Relic sports a stunning two piece alder solidbody with a heavy relic lacquer finish that gives it the look and feel of an instrument that has spent years hitting the road and the stage regularly — all colored in a unique Faded Aged Tahitian Coral. The rift-sawn maple neck plays fast, with a comfortable 9.5"-radius fingerboard and twenty-one narrow tall frets. The excellent playability matches the amazing visual style — a feat that Fender accomplishes with ease.

The trio of hand-wound Fat '50s single-coil pickups includes a reverse-wound/reverse-polarity middle pickup to reduce hum. Fat '50s wiring creates stronger tone with more transparent bloom, reducing treble loss when rolling back volume — achieved in part by wiring the tone pot to the output of the volume pot. Other features include deep body contours, five-way switching, a Custom Shop vintage synchronized tremolo, vintage-style tuning machines, a bone nut and a wing string tree. Shop at Replay Guitar Exchange to check out the stunning recreation of the classic — the Fender Custom Shop Limited 1956 Stratocaster Heavy Relic is ready for you today!

As always, feel free to contact our store for more details, or with any questions.