2021 FENDER ’56 TROPO STRATOCASTER RELIC

A stunning piece from the Fender Custom Shop, this Stratocaster takes up the aesthetic and construction characteristics of a 1956 model.

Let’s first note two particularities concerning this guitar: first of all, it is a Non-Trem model without the vibrato bridge, as was offered in the catalog since the introduction of the Stratocaster (allowing the buyer to save 20 dollars all the same!). The strings thus pass through the body as is the case on the Telecaster. The other notable point is the set of pickups that equips this instrument: designated Troposphere, they are specially designed by the Masterbuilder Paul Waller with a reduced number of windings in order to attenuate the output level, and thus emulate the response of the set of authentic 50s Strat pickups. The neck pickup is reverse-wound and reverse-polarity relatively to the other two, allowing a humbucking effect when it is used in conjunction with either the neck or the bridge pickup. The guitar also features an alder body with a beautiful 2-tone relic Sunburst finish, a one-piece maple neck, and hybrid wiring with a modern 5-way pickup selector switch combined with traditional volume and tone controls. The instrument is extremely light and pleasant to play, with a slightly V-shaped neck that fits just right in the hand. We have optimized the setup elements of this guitar to make it perfect to play, with low action and accurate intonation.

Near mint condition, sold in its original tweed case with its COA, tags, and the Fender factory Shop Floor Traveler.