After 70 years of nonstop production and massive popularity, the Fender Stratocaster is probably the world's most recognizable electric guitar. Although every “Strat” shares the same Fender DNA, there are a few production years that have become highly desirable by collectors and players. Without question, the 1957 model is among the most sought after-after electric guitars ever made. Unfortunately, obtaining your own vintage ’57 Start is a highly costly venture. Thankfully, the saying “they don’t make ‘em like they used to” doesn’t ring true at Fender.

Constructed by Fender's finest craftspeople, built to exacting specifications, and factory relic’d for the look, feel, and performance of a working player's prized instrument--the Fender Custom Shop ’57 Heavy Relic Stratocaster is the genuine article reborn.

Certainly, one of the defining “feel” characteristics of this ‘57 reissue is its player's favorite “Soft-V” neck carve on a one-piece riff-sawn maple neck and fingerboard. Just the original, the gentle .850” to .990” (at the 12th fret) taper has an incredibly authentic feel. Relic features such as the flatter 9.5” inch fingerboard radius, 6105 Dunlop frets, and a smooth “unfinished” neck add modern playability and the feel of a nicely broken-in old favorite.

The 1950s-style “original contour” 2-piece body is crafted from hand-selected alder, yielding a comfortable lightweight and resonant performance. Under the single-ply vintage white parchment guard, a matched trio of hand-wound Tomatillo pickups authentically reproduces the bold and bright tone that 50s Strats are loved for. Each pickup features Alnico II magnets that accurately simulate the time-affected tone of a 60-year-old pickup. Other “Relic” features that are heard but not seen are the hum-killing reverse wound middle coil (positions 2 and 4), 5-way toggle, and “Vintage Mod Strat #2” wiring for a broader range of tonal control.

For a striking look and another layer of authenticity, this 1957 Heavy Relic Strat is finished in aged Surf Green Nitrocellulose lacquer and fitted with aged hardware (including original synchronized tremolo). Maple ‘board era Tweed Custom Shop case, accessories, and Fender Custom Shop COA are included.