A very clean Fender Master Built 1954 50th Anniversary Strat, built by Mark Kendrick currently resides in our showroom with a view to finding a more permanent home - Let me quote you some info from the supplied certificate of authenticity - In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Fender Strat, the Fender Custom Shop has faithfully recreated a limited release 1954 Stratocaster. Each guitar is Master Built at Fender's world renowned "dream factory" in Corona, California and features custom reproduction original 1954 pick-ups, original "u" shape maple neck, original finish and body contours plus an accurate reproduction of the original guitar strap as shipped in 1954. True to the original instruments are several other features. Here for the first time since 1954 are the unique knobs, switch tip, pickguard, tremelo cover plate and pick-up covers, that have been retooled and manufactured using the exact formulas and materials. Also included are the original then "patented pending" bridge saddles, which have been replicated even though Fender has long since owned the patents for these parts. Finally rounding out the package is a replica of the form fit case as shipped with the original guitar in 1954

Now let me add some further info - This Strat was Master Built by Mark Kendrick, a luthier who's work is greatly admired amongst afficionados and notable players alike, including Keith Richards - As such the guitar is signed on the back of the headstock, initialled within the pick-up cavity as well as on the certificate of authenticity - As with any of the Relic or Closet finished Fenders it is very hard, or even impossible to tell if there are any additional blemishes on the 2 tone sunburst finish, or if it is as per the day it left the Fender factory - I suppose any additional scars will only add to the overall mojo - We have re-strung it with a set of 10's and checked the set-up - No fret wear/issues, so all okay on that score - According to our scales it weighs 7lbs and 9oz - To get all the period details nice and correct, Fender even went as far as having pre-CBS employee Roger Centeno stamp each tremelo cover plate with the die, so yes each guitar has the small round holes for string replacement, plus a 4 digit stamp serial number

A set of special Custom Shop pick-ups with around a 5.8K output, feature the correct oversized alnico 3 pole piece magnets, along with the correct styrene blend used for the 'rounded' pick-up covers - The guitar is still fitted with the original 3 way blade switch - The original vintage form fit case has a '50th anniversary 1954/2004' decal embroidered into the crushed velvet material inside the case lid - The guitar will have undoubted appeal amongst collectors and enthusiasts for obvious reasons, but let me tell you that it is one hell of a delightful guitar to play with an exceptional warm vintage tone that brings sheer pleasure to your ears

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Guitars4You Offers Reliability, Integrity and Expertise

Every guitar in stock at Guitars4You has been personally selected, inspected and approved by me, with particular attention paid to the set-up and playing performance - Every sale, phone call, mail order transaction or e-mail is handled my me - Mark Hopkin, the owner, Managing Director, cleaner and coffee maker (Jo, my wife helps with the coffee) - A 35 year journey has fuelled my knowledge, experience, love, devotion and passion for exceptionally fine guitars - This reflects in every aspect of our business

I have no desire to run an Amazon style 'click to buy' guitar shop, that lacks any soul or passion, or indeed to fill a showroom with a selection of dirty, shop soiled or dusty guitars that are in need of a set-up