In the late-'60s, Fender experimented with constructing their iconic models entirely out of rosewood. George Harrison's all-rosewood telecaster has become iconic, and there's also the legendary story of the all-rosewood Stratocaster prototype built for Hendrix that—because of his untimely death—he never received. Though rare, all-rosewood Fender components hold a fascination among players and collectors alike.
This Limited Edition '57 Stratocaster was made in the Fender Custom Shop in 2022. Its classic contour body is solid Ash, and it features a unique all-rosewood neck. Because it is just the neck that is rosewood, it's not a heavy guitar—7 lbs 14.7 oz without the tremolo arm. The all-rosewood design introduces a different feel. The neck profile is a very comfortable '57 Style Soft "V," and the back of neck was given a light Scotch bright polish at the Custom Shop. It's hard to say exactly how the rosewood impacts the sound of the guitar, but the most discernible difference is how it feels compared to a maple Strat neck. Beyond that, the 9.5"-radius fingerboard is lacquered, which makes it feel and behave very differently from other rosewood fingerboards, too.
For pickups, this Limited Edition '57 Stratocaster is rigged with a set of hand-wound Texas Specials. Plugged in, it captures every bit of the classic Strat sound, and it sounds great through all 5 positions. There is a smoother character to the trebles, and the guitar is very quiet for single coils with minimal 60 cycle hum. This is a balanced, clear sounding Stratocaster that remains warmer and not as harsh as others.
The Custom Shop gave this Limited Edition '57 Stratocaster the Closet Classic aging treatment, which is more subtle and understated compared to the aggressive Relic approach. The Desert Sand body finish beautifully contrasts the dark color of the rosewood, and the Anodized Gold pickguard absolutely pops.
This Custom Shop '57 Strat has been played, but it shows minimal signs of play and use (see photos). It is set up with low action, and the all-rosewood neck feels smooth and approachable. This guitar is everything you could want from a good strat, and the all-rosewood neck gives it a slightly different edge. Just enough character to set it a few notches above the ordinary. The Custom Shop designed this Limited Edition Stratocaster to inspire you differently and push you in different directions.
2022 Fender Custom Shop Limited Edition '57 Stratocaster includes its original tweed case, shop traveler, paperwork, and accessories.