Fender Custom Shop 50th Anniversary 1954 Stratocaster Master Built by John Cruz

$11,182.00

Description

Established in 1987 as the section at Fender responsible for manufacturing the company's finest instruments, the "Fender Custom Shop" brand represents the pinnacle that Fender enthusiasts aspire to. These guitars are meticulously crafted by master builders with exceptional technical skills and experienced craftsman teams, positioning the brand in the upper echelon of Fender's lineup. The absolute top tier within this line is the "Master Built Series (MBS)," where a highly skilled technician known as a "Master Builder" personally handles every step of the manufacturing process.

We are pleased to announce the arrival of a special Stratocaster, the "50th Anniversary - Limited Release - 1954 Stratocaster," built by legendary master builder "John Cruz." This model was sold exclusively during the limited release period from January 15, 2004 to December 31, 2004. The weight is 3.28kg.

In the spring of 1954, the first "Fender Stratocaster" was unveiled and shipped, marking a new chapter in music history.
The tremolo design, refined and distinctive body lines, and "offset contour" body were all revolutionary for their time.

From its earliest days, the Stratocaster has been used across all styles of music, and that remains true even today.

To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Stratocaster's birth, Fender Custom Shop faithfully recreated a limited edition reproduction model of the 1954 Stratocaster. Each guitar is master built at Fender's renowned "Dream Factory" in Corona, California, and features custom pickups that recreate 1954 specifications, an original thick and substantial "U" shaped maple neck, period-correct finishes, and body contours. The guitar also incorporates numerous other specifications faithfully reproduced from the original. For the first time since 1954, parts such as knobs, switch tips, pickguards, tremolo cover plates, and pickup covers were manufactured using new molds created with the same formulations and materials as the originals.

Additionally, the bridge saddle that was marked "Patent Pending" at the time has also been faithfully recreated (Fender now owns these patents, yet they chose to remain faithful to the original design).
Finally, a replica of the original hardcase that came with the 1954 original—faithfully reproduced down to its shape and including the 50th Anniversary model logo—is included with this guitar.

The thick neck contributes significantly to a full, strong high-end sound that is ideally suited for arpeggios and cutting. While I find that Master Built instruments often show considerable variation in sound due to the builder's individuality, this guitar represents the classical standard—one of the finest Strats ever made. The sunburst color may seem ordinary at first glance, but the substantial weatherchecking and exceptional wood grain of the body give it considerable presence. The maple neck and fingerboard are outstanding—displaying luxury despite the absence of bird's eye—and the understated approach to relic work is sophisticated. Given the truly exceptional sound this guitar produces, I can wholeheartedly recommend it not only to John Cruz fans, but to anyone who appreciates a thicker neck profile and indeed to all Strat players.

Spec
Body : Selected Light-Weight Ash
Body Finish : Nitrocellulose Lacquer , Closet Classic
Neck : Flat-Sawn Maple 1PC , 54 U-Shape
Neck Finish : Nitrocellulose Lacquer , Closet Classic
Fingerboard : 7.25" Radius , Vintage Style Frets , 21F
Pickups : Anniversary 1954 STRAT PU
Controls : Vol , Neck Tone , Middle Tone , 3way-SW
Weight : 3.28kg

【Accessories】Original hardcase, arm, back panel certificate (The reproduction model of the guitar strap that came with the original 1954 guitar is missing.)

【Appearance & Condition】Besides tarnishing of parts, there are scratches, rust, and overall signs of aging and use throughout. However, as this is a relic instrument, these are indistinguishable from the design.

【Truss Rod】Ample adjustment range

【Frets】Approximately 70%

【Neck】Straight

【Nut Width】Approximately 42mm

・If significant buzzing, dead spots, or other issues that impede playability are detected, they will always be noted in the description. In the absence of such notes, we determine that there are no issues with the play condition.
・Unless explicitly stated as "original" or "replacement," we make no definitive claims regarding specifications or condition.
・Regarding the truss rod, for purposes of product protection, we only check approximately 45 degrees in both the tightening and loosening directions. (When marked "ample adjustment range," this indicates 45 degrees of clearance in both directions.)
・The content listed is accurate as of the time of listing. Changes may occur due to seasonal factors or aging.
・Included accessories are limited to those shown in the posted photos and described on the listing page.
・As this item is also sold in-store simultaneously, it may be sold or under negotiation.
・We are unable to accommodate requests for specific delivery time windows.

・If you have any other questions or would like to request a trial play, please contact us via the inquiry form or our store email address (mion-gakki@mion.tokyo).
・Our store hours are Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (11:00–18:30).