Founded in 1946, Fender began as a small Southern California workshop focused on practical, forward-thinking electric instruments. In 1996, Fender commemorated its 50th Anniversary with a limited edition American Stratocaster. A run of 2500 guitars, the 50th Anniversary American Stratocaster features a Flame Maple body and gold hardware on the iconic Stratocaster template.
In many ways, the 50th Anniversary model delivered the best of the 1996 American Stratocaster. In addition to the cool Flame Maple body, it has a Maple neck with a Modern C profile and a Rosewood fingerboard with a 9.5" profile. The bone nut measures 1.685" (1-11/16"). A five-way switch lets you navigate the Fender Vintage staggered-pole pickups, and it has a refined two-point tremolo system.
This 1996 Fender 50th Anniversary American Stratocaster is #S2460 of the 2500, and it appears to still have all of its original parts and components. With a fresh setup, it is playing to its full potential. The pots date to the middle of '95. There are a few cosmetic scuffs and signs of use. The worst is a bump on the bass side of the waist (see photos)—it looks like someone touched it up with a black paint pen. There is also a scratch on the treble edge of the lower bout and a small ding worth mentioning.
This 1996 Fender 50th Anniversary American Stratocaster includes its original hardshell case. Both of the spring-loaded latches are broken, but the center buckle seems to keep everything secure. Inside the case, you'll find the original tremolo arm, hang tag, anniversary stickers, paperwork, Fender strap, and other case candy—completing the package! Interestingly, it has some pickup covers and an old blade-style tele pickup in the case—these look to have come from a different guitar, and they're included in the sale.
While this Strat is a collectible piece of Fender history, it's also a fantastic player, and the Maple body sets it apart from more common stratocasters.