Fender Custom Shop 1957 Stratocaster Reverse Headstock Relic Candy Apple Red

Ever since the Stratocaster debuted in 1954, it has evolved, even in the earliest days.  The Strat has continued to change over the years, but for many, stepping back to how it was done in the mid to late 50's is the way to go.  The Fender Custom Shop excels at recreating the look, feel and sound of these guitars, often with special tweaks.  That's where we decided to go with this one.
 
This Custom Shop 1957 Stratocaster is a testament to this, featuring a reverse headstock, a modern radius and fret size, and an otherwise all-tradition design.  This is combined with an ultra-cool aesthetic - the guitar is a Heavy Relic, in the classic Fender color of Candy Apple Red.  If you're wondering, you've never seen a Strat like this before, because it's the only one to ever exist exactly like this.

 

The guitar has a two-piece select alder body that is really resonant.  It has a rock solid quartersawn maple neck with a period correct 57 Soft "V" neck shape, and all of the correct vintage hardware.   We went with a 9.5 - 12.0" compound radius and Medium Jumbo (6150) frets for easy playing and bending - this is one of the most common and popular modifications to vintage-styled guitars out of the Custom Shop.  The compound radius makes it easy for both chording and shredding.  The finish has been removed from the back of the neck, giving it the really broken-in feel of a vintage instrument.  We do this on a lot of guitars and have found that not only do we love it, but so does nearly everyone that picks one up. 

Of course, the main calling card for this particular Strat is the reverse headstock.  Rarely seen, and often loved, it's a unique twist that we could resist on this one.

 

This Strat is loaded with a set of Custom Shop Fat 50's pickups.  They give you the classic 50's chime with a bit of extra bite to help cut through the mix.  Well-balanced, crystal clear and powerful enough to drive your amp without sounding harsh, the Fat 50's are some of the best pickups that Fender offers.  These are the most requested pickups on Custom Shop guitars, for good reason - they are the epitome of the classic Strat sound.  This guitar sounds downright amazing.