This is a 50th Anniversary Stratocaster, Masterbuilt by Yuriy Shishkov - a Fender Custom Shop builder who's work garners considerable attention among Custom Shop aficionados. These Limited Edition 1954 Strats were built from January 15th to December 31st of 2004 in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Stratocaster guitar. They are faithful replications made with the same exacting detail as the original instruments, using many of the same machines and manufacturing methods used 50 years ago. Every deep body contour, pickup magnet and screw is a replica of a 1954 Strat. Fender even went as far as to have pre-CBS Fender employee, Roger Centeno, stamp each tremolo cover plate with the original die.

This guitar features a nitro-cellulose lacquered, two-piece ash body with offset glue seam, and one-piece “U”-shape maple neck. This limited release guitar also includes three new Custom Shop Vintage 1954 Stratocaster pickups - custom reproductions of the original 1954 pickups. The finish and body contours also match the original exactly. There are also features and details that have yet to be seen on a reproduction, including the unique knobs, switch tip, pickguard, tremolo cover plate and pickup covers that have been retooled and manufactured using the exact formulas and materials that were used on the original parts. Also included are the original (at that time "Patent Pending") bridge saddles, which have been replicated. The guitar is fitted with an original synchronized tremolo with “Ash Tray” bridge cover, bone nut, special documentation and an original form-fit Brown case. All case candy is included and the bag with all the goodies is still factory-sealed and has never been opened.

Of all the Fender reproductions we have seen, this is the coolest of them all. There's really no more practical way than this to discover what it might have felt like to open the lid on a real 1954 stratocaster for the first time. It is clear that Fender has spent a lot of time getting this one right, and Yuriy's work on this guitar is astounding.

This guitar is in mint condition. It is very lightly reliced - very cool finish checking on the top and back of the body. All extras are included in a factory sealed bag (never been opened), along with the Fender repro strap and Certificate of Authenticity. The guitar weighs a light  7.8 lbs on my shipping scale. The case is an original design 'Poodle' in mint condition. Fender Custom Shop guitars are the best the company makes - Masterbuilt Custom Shop instruments are at the top of that heap. Add to that the profound importance of the 50th anniversary of the 1954 Strat and you have a Fender that is rare and instantly collectable.