We just took in an amazing guitar - a previously owned but never really used Fender Custom Shop 70th Anniversary 1954 Stratocaster.  Simply put, it's amazing.

In the spring of 1954, Fender launched the Stratocaster, a development that would transform the music industry forever. With its contoured, double-cutaway body, three single-coil pickups, and innovative synchronized tremolo, the Strat has established itself as an unmatched icon over the course of the next seventy years of music. To commemorate its 70th anniversary, in 2024 the Fender Custom Shop is unveiled a limited-edition collection that highlights the rich heritage and legacy of this remarkable instrument.

While most were in the classic 2-Tone Sunburst finish, some where made in various colors - including this one in in Sapphire Blue Transparent.  It's stunning.  Does it look what one thinks of when they hear 1954 Strat?  No.  But it does have the feel and sound of a '54 Strat, with an aesthetic that is sure to stand out.

What you're seeing here is a lightweight ash body with a grain that that is sure to capture your eye.  It looks great under the translucent finish.  Paired with a one-piece quartersawn maple neck, the package stays true to a vintage style '54 Strat.  Where it differs is the Sapphire Blue Transparent color, single ply black pickguard, and black pickups covers and knobs.  This is what gives this guitar such a distinctive aesthetic.

The neck has a 70th Anniversary Strat profile, developed specifically for this run of guitars. You get a 07/54 Soft "V" shape (based precisely on a July 1954 Strat).  It measures .885" at the 1st fret and tapers up to .980" at the 12th fret, giving it a substantial, chunky vintage grip.  This, along with a vintage compound radius (7.25" to 9.5") and medium vintage frets, results in an easy to play, vintage feeling neck.

Of course, what is really important is how it sounds, and of course it sounds amazing.  This is thanks to handwoun Custom Shop '54 Strat pickups.  They authentically recreate the clear tones and heightened sustain that made the Stratocaster the most revered electric guitar in history.  Crafted to faithfully replicate the cutting tones reminiscent of the original Strat, the Custom Shop went to great lengths to get it right.   You get formvar magnet wire for brightness and glassiness, staggered hand-beveled polepieces for balance output, Alnico 5 magnets add more focus and enhanced dynamics, and period-correct cloth wire and fiber bobbin.  They nailed it, and you can hear it.

Other features include period correct hardware, a bone nut and a special 70th Anniversary neck place.  Additionally this guitar comes with the original commemorative tweed case.

Setup to play perfectly by the techs in our shop, this Strat is ready to go.  It's in excellent condition, as the previously owner barely ever played it.  Altogether, it's an amazing example of the great work coming from the Fender Custom Shop.  Come to Truetone Music to experience it in person, or order right here for it to be shipped to you home.

• Serial # LXX0730
• Part # 9232002314
• Model: Fender Custom Shop 70th Anniversary 1954 Stratocaster
• Finish Package: NOS
• Color: Sapphire Blue Transparent
• Finish: Nitro Lacquer
• Body: Ash
• Neck: Quartersawn Maple
• Neck Profile: 70th Anniversary Strat (.885" - .980")
• Radius: 7.25" - 9.50" Compound
• Frets: Medium Vintage
• Nut Width: 1.625"
• Nut Material: Bone
• Micarta Black Dots 
• Pickups: Handwound Custom Shop '54 Strat
• Pickguard: Single Ply Black
• Hardware: Chrome/Nickel
• Bridge: Vintage 
• Tuners: Vintage
• Special 70th Anniversary Stratocaster® Neck Plate
• Fender Custom Shop Embroidered 70th Anniversary Strat Hardshell Case