What is the 'Lush Closet Classic' finish?

The Lush Closet Classic finish is a specific Fender Custom Shop treatment that replicates the look of a well-preserved vintage guitar. It features subtle finish checking and light oxidation on the hardware rather than the heavy chips or scratches found on Relic models.

What type of wood is used for the body of this 55 Stratocaster?

The body is crafted from select ash. This tonewood is chosen for its resonance and the distinctive grain patterns that are visible through the 2-tone sunburst nitrocellulose finish.

What are the characteristics of the 1954 'U' neck profile?

The 1954 'U' profile is a thicker, chunkier neck shape compared to modern 'C' profiles. It provides a more substantial feel in the hand, which many players find comfortable for thumb-over playing styles.

How does the fretboard radius differ from a standard vintage Stratocaster?

While original 1950s Stratocasters featured a 7.25-inch radius, this Custom Shop model uses a 9.50-inch radius. This slightly flatter surface allows for lower string action and prevents notes from 'choking out' during wide string bends.

What pickups are installed in this model?

The guitar is equipped with Custom 54 vintage pickups. These are specifically wound to recreate the bright, clean, and articulate tones characteristic of the mid-1950s Stratocasters.

What is the scale length and fret count?

The guitar features a traditional 25.5-inch scale length with 21 narrow tall frets. These frets offer a more precise feel and better intonation than the smaller vintage-style frets.

What kind of hardware is used on the #R134955?

The instrument uses chrome and nickel hardware. This includes a traditional synchronized tremolo bridge and vintage-style tuning machines to maintain a period-correct appearance.

Is the finish nitrocellulose or polyurethane?

The guitar is finished in nitrocellulose lacquer. This is a period-correct material that is thinner than modern polyurethane, allowing the wood to vibrate more freely and age naturally over time.

How does this compare to the Eric Clapton Stratocaster?

The Eric Clapton model is a signature guitar with active electronics and a soft 'V' neck, whereas the 55 Custom Shop model is a period-correct recreation with passive Custom 54 pickups and a thick 'U' neck.

What is the typical price for this Custom Shop model?

The typical price range for this specific Fender Custom Shop 55 Stratocaster is approximately GBP 2999. This reflects its status as a premium, hand-crafted instrument from the Corona, California facility.

Who is this guitar best suited for?

This guitar is ideal for collectors and professional players who seek the specific feel and sound of a 1950s Stratocaster but prefer modern playability features like the 9.50-inch radius and narrow tall frets.

Does the 2-tone sunburst finish show the wood grain?

Yes, the 2-tone sunburst finish is translucent, specifically designed to showcase the natural grain of the select ash body, which is a key aesthetic feature of mid-50s Fenders.

Gear article

Fender Custom Shop 55 Stratocaster Lush Closet Classic

The Fender Custom Shop 55 Stratocaster Lush Closet Classic #R134955 is a high-end electric guitar that meticulously recreates the aesthetics and specifications of the mid-1950s era. It features a select ash body, a 1954 'U' profile neck, and custom 54 vintage pickups, finished in a 2-tone sunburst with a light aged patina.

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Background and Design

The Fender Custom Shop 55 Stratocaster Lush Closet Classic represents a specific approach to historical recreation. Unlike 'Relic' models that simulate heavy road wear, the 'Lush Closet Classic' finish aims to replicate a guitar that was purchased in the 1950s but kept in its case for decades, showing only minor age-related checking and slight hardware oxidation. This particular instrument, identified by serial #R134955, utilizes a select ash body, a hallmark tonewood of the early 1950s known for its grain patterns and resonant qualities.

Construction and Playability

The guitar is built with a focus on period-correct ergonomics supplemented by subtle modern refinements. The neck features a substantial 1954 'U' profile, providing a thicker grip typical of the first-generation Stratocasters. However, playability is enhanced for the modern guitarist through the inclusion of a 9.50-inch fretboard radius and 21 narrow tall frets, which facilitate easier string bending and a more consistent action than the traditional 7.25-inch radius found on original 1955 models.

Electronics and Sound

Sound is delivered via a trio of Custom 54 vintage pickups. These are designed to replicate the clear, bell-like chime and articulate response that defined the early rock and roll and surf music era. The nitrocellulose lacquer finish on the ash body allows the wood to breathe and resonate freely, contributing to a rich harmonic profile. The hardware consists of traditional chrome and nickel components, ensuring both visual accuracy and tuning stability.

Comparison and Market Context

Positioned at a price point of approximately £2999, this model sits in the premium tier of Fender's offerings. It differs from the Fender American Professional II Stratocaster, which uses roasted pine and more contemporary hardware, by focusing strictly on vintage specifications. Compared to the Fender Custom Shop 61 Telecaster Relic, which features heavier 'Aged Aztec Gold' distressing, this 55 Stratocaster offers a cleaner, more preserved aesthetic. It serves a similar market to the Gibson Les Paul Standard 50s P90, targeting players who demand historical accuracy and high-grade tonewoods.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the 'Lush Closet Classic' finish?: The Lush Closet Classic finish is a specific Fender Custom Shop treatment that replicates the look of a well-preserved vintage guitar. It features subtle finish checking and light oxidation on the hardware rather than the heavy chips or scratches found on Relic models.
What type of wood is used for the body of this 55 Stratocaster?: The body is crafted from select ash. This tonewood is chosen for its resonance and the distinctive grain patterns that are visible through the 2-tone sunburst nitrocellulose finish.
What are the characteristics of the 1954 'U' neck profile?: The 1954 'U' profile is a thicker, chunkier neck shape compared to modern 'C' profiles. It provides a more substantial feel in the hand, which many players find comfortable for thumb-over playing styles.
How does the fretboard radius differ from a standard vintage Stratocaster?: While original 1950s Stratocasters featured a 7.25-inch radius, this Custom Shop model uses a 9.50-inch radius. This slightly flatter surface allows for lower string action and prevents notes from 'choking out' during wide string bends.
What pickups are installed in this model?: The guitar is equipped with Custom 54 vintage pickups. These are specifically wound to recreate the bright, clean, and articulate tones characteristic of the mid-1950s Stratocasters.
What is the scale length and fret count?: The guitar features a traditional 25.5-inch scale length with 21 narrow tall frets. These frets offer a more precise feel and better intonation than the smaller vintage-style frets.
What kind of hardware is used on the #R134955?: The instrument uses chrome and nickel hardware. This includes a traditional synchronized tremolo bridge and vintage-style tuning machines to maintain a period-correct appearance.
Is the finish nitrocellulose or polyurethane?: The guitar is finished in nitrocellulose lacquer. This is a period-correct material that is thinner than modern polyurethane, allowing the wood to vibrate more freely and age naturally over time.
How does this compare to the Eric Clapton Stratocaster?: The Eric Clapton model is a signature guitar with active electronics and a soft 'V' neck, whereas the 55 Custom Shop model is a period-correct recreation with passive Custom 54 pickups and a thick 'U' neck.
What is the typical price for this Custom Shop model?: The typical price range for this specific Fender Custom Shop 55 Stratocaster is approximately GBP 2999. This reflects its status as a premium, hand-crafted instrument from the Corona, California facility.
Who is this guitar best suited for?: This guitar is ideal for collectors and professional players who seek the specific feel and sound of a 1950s Stratocaster but prefer modern playability features like the 9.50-inch radius and narrow tall frets.
Does the 2-tone sunburst finish show the wood grain?: Yes, the 2-tone sunburst finish is translucent, specifically designed to showcase the natural grain of the select ash body, which is a key aesthetic feature of mid-50s Fenders.