Fender Custom Shop Exotic 1954 Stratocaster Quilt Maple NOS Natural With Case

We at Truetone Music are always looking to come up with something you haven't seen before, especially when in partnership with Fender.  For this take on the original Stratocaster, we went a step further - going to the Custom Shop in Corona, CA to hand select the wood for an exclusive run of guitars.  We were escorted into the wood vault, to go through their finest collection of wood spreads.  From that, we designed a batch of 15 guitars that are all one of a kind.  Within that, there is only one Stratocaster in Quilted Maple, and this is it.  We chose to do it as part of the 70th Anniversary celebration with the correct specs, commemorate neck plate and exclusive case, so this truly a one of a kind guitar.

We are excited to present this instrument - and before we say anything else, we'll pause here so that you can check out the photos.  There's even a shot of the raw wood, to add to the story.

The Ash body was made the same way it was done back in 1954, with the off-center seam.  It's topped with a gorgeous AAAAA Quilted Maple top - that's the main calling card of this guitar.  Yes, that's 5A, a grade of Quilted Maple that is generally reserved only for Masterbuilt guitars.  We feel lucky to be able to get this.  The NOS lacquer finish in Natural allows the wood grain to really show. The final result blew us away when it landed.  Hand-picked for the grain, it's truly stunning.

The rock solid Quartersawn Maple neck has the '54 Strat profile, which is thick but not too beefy, and still easy to play.  It's a great vintage feeling Strat neck.  To add a touch of modern preference, we did it with a compound radius (7.25 - 9.50") and narrow tall (6105) frets, making it easy to play.  You can bend in the upper register without worrying about fretting out.

It's not just about the looks - this is an amazing sounding guitar.  Loaded with handwound Custom Shop '54 Strat pickups, which keeps it period correct and full of classic Fender tone.  They are voiced to authentically recreate the clear tones and heightened sustain that made the Stratocaster the most revered guitar in rock history. These single-coil pickups are crafted to faithfully replicate the cutting tones reminiscent of the original Strat.  They include formvar magnet wire for brightness and glassiness, staggered hand-beveled pole pieces for balance output, Alnico 5 magnets add more focus and enhanced dynamics, and period-correct cloth wire and fiber bobbin.

Other features include a period correct bridge, vintage tuners, and a bone nut.  The guitar comes with a Custom Shop 70th Anniversary tweed case, strap and Certificate of Authenticity. 

We haven't seen a Strat quite like this before - it's beautiful.  We picked the best piece of AAAAA Quilted Maple that Fender had at the time, which was earmarked specifically for this guitar.  Come to Truetone Music to experience it today, or make it yours right here.  Remember, only one was made, and once it's gone, it's gone for good.

• Serial # XN5381
• Model# 9231015919
• Weight: 7.2 lbs
• Finish Package: NOS
• Finish: Nitro Lacquer
• Color: Natural
• Sort for Lightweight
• Body: Ash - '54 Style Off-Center
• Body Top: AAAAA Quilt Maple
• Neck: Quartersawn Maple - 1 piece
• Tint: Medium
• Neck Shape: 70th Anniversary '54 Strat
• Neck Nut Width: 1.625"
• Neck Butt Width: 2.190"
• Neck Thickness at 1st Fret:  .885"
• Neck Thickness at 12th Fret:  .980"
• Dots: Micarta Black ('54 Spacing)
• Frets: 21
• Fretwire: 6105 Narrow Tall
• Radius: 7.25 - 9.50" Compound
• Bone Nut
• Tuners: Vintage
• String Guide: Vintage
• Pickups: Fender Custom Shop Handwound '54 Strat Set
• Pickguard: Single Ply White
• Bridge: Custom Shop Vintage Strat
• Neck Plate: 70th Anniversary '54 Strat
• Knobs: White
• Switch: 5 way
• Wiring: Modern
  
• Case: Custom Shop Deluxe Tweed