Since 1954, the Fender Stratocaster has set the bar for the electric guitar. Versatile and expressive—but originally conceived as an affordable, workingman's instrument—the Stratocaster has become ubiquitous across all genres of music as a Swiss-army-knife guitar.
In the lore of pre-CBS Fender classics, the 1957 Stratocaster is particularly revered. That year was the first year of Alder bodies instead of Ash, which many Strat fans argue is critical to its tone. In 1957, Fender also transitioned away from chunky boat profiles to a more refined V all-maple neck. At the same time, Fender switched to plastic knobs and pickup covers, instead of the earlier more brittle bakelite. A more minor change, but still significant.
In the Fender Custom Shop, the '57 Stratocaster Relic is one of the most popular models of the Time Machine series. It offers the worn-in feel of a treasured vintage instrument and a recreation of one of the classic year's of the pre-CBS Stratocaster, but with the effortless playability you can only get from modern precision. Like every instrument produced by the Custom Shop, the '57 Stratocaster Relic is built with unmatched attention to detail.
This 2021 Fender Custom Shop 1957 Stratocaster Relic sports a gorgeous Ocean Turquoise finish with the Heavy Relic treatment. It is in mint, unplayed condition. It includes its original Certificate of Authenticity, all of its original paperwork/hang tags, and original case.
- Body: Alder
- Finish: Ocean Turquoise
- Finish Type: Heavy Relic Lacquer
- Pickups: Hand-Wired CustomS hop '50s Strat
- Neck: Maple
- Neck Shape: '57-style Soft "V"
- Nut Material: Bone
- Nut Width: 1.650"
- Fingerboard Radius: 9.5"
- Fret Wire: Narrow Tall 6105
- Bridge: American Vintage Strat Relic
- Tuners: Vintage Kluson Relic w/ Fender Logo
- Pickguard: '54-58 Strat .060 Parchment