What is the primary difference between a hardtail and a standard Stratocaster?

A hardtail Stratocaster lacks a tremolo system and uses a fixed bridge where strings are anchored through the body. This typically results in improved tuning stability and a slightly different sustain profile compared to floating bridge models.

What does the 'Relic' finish signify on this model?

The Relic finish indicates that the guitar has been intentionally aged by Custom Shop builders. This includes simulated wear and tear, such as paint checking and worn hardware, to mimic the look of a vintage 1955 instrument.

Which pickups are installed in the #R132811 model?

This model is equipped with a trio of Fender Custom Shop '55 pickups. These are designed to replicate the dynamic and defined tones of the original 1955 single-coil units.

What is the neck material for this 1955 reissue?

The guitar features a maple neck and a maple fingerboard. This combination is period-accurate for 1955 and provides a smooth, fast playing surface.

Is this guitar suitable for professional studio work?

Yes, its high-quality Custom Shop construction and '55 pickups offer the clarity and dynamic range required for professional recording environments. The hardtail bridge also provides reliable tuning for long sessions.

How does the price of this model compare to a standard Fender Stratocaster?

With a price point around £3,499, it is significantly more expensive than standard models like the American Professional II. The higher cost reflects the hand-crafted nature and premium materials used by the Fender Custom Shop.

What is the specific finish colour of this model?

The guitar features a 2-Tone Sunburst finish. This is a classic Fender aesthetic consisting of a dark outer burst transitioning into a yellow-toned centre.

Does a hardtail bridge affect the guitar's sustain?

Many players believe the hardtail bridge increases sustain because the strings are anchored directly into the wood of the body. Without the tremolo springs and cavity, there is more direct vibrational transfer.

Who is the ideal player for the Custom Shop '55 Hardtail?

This guitar suits players who appreciate vintage aesthetics and '50s Stratocaster tones but prefer the stability and feel of a fixed bridge. It is often favoured by blues and rock guitarists.

How does the sound of the '55 pickups differ from modern pickups?

The '55 pickups are voiced for 'crystal-clarity' and a well-rounded dynamic range. They tend to be less compressed than modern high-output pickups, allowing for more nuanced playing.

Is the Fender Custom Shop '55 Relic mass-produced?

No, Custom Shop instruments are produced in limited quantities by skilled luthiers. Each piece, such as serial #R132811, is treated with individual attention to detail.

How does this model compare to a Gibson Les Paul Standard 50s?

While both are vintage-inspired, the '55 Stratocaster has a longer scale length and single-coil pickups, offering a brighter and thinner sound compared to the humbucker or P90-equipped Les Paul.

Gear article

Fender Custom Shop '55 Stratocaster Relic Hardtail

The Fender Custom Shop '55 Stratocaster Relic Hardtail is a high-end electric guitar that replicates the specifications and aesthetic of a mid-1950s instrument. Notable for its fixed bridge design and aged 2-Tone Sunburst finish, it is hand-crafted by master builders to provide a vintage playing experience with modern reliability.

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Overview and Design

The Fender Custom Shop '55 Stratocaster Relic Hardtail represents a premium recreation of the Stratocaster as it appeared during its second year of production. Unlike the more common tremolo-equipped models, this specific iteration features a hardtail bridge. This design choice often results in increased tuning stability and a different resonant character due to the strings passing through the body rather than a spring-tensioned block.

The guitar is finished in a traditional 2-Tone Sunburst, treated with Fender's 'Relic' process. This treatment simulates decades of stage wear, including checking, dings, and hardware oxidation, giving the instrument the appearance of an original 1950s vintage piece that has been played extensively.

Construction and Materials

This model is constructed using selected materials curated by the Fender Custom Shop. It features a maple neck and fingerboard, providing a smooth surface for articulate and fast-paced playing. The neck profile is designed to offer a natural, period-correct feel that mirrors the ergonomics of mid-50s instruments.

The hardtail configuration eliminates the need for a rear spring cavity, which contributes to a more solid body mass. This construction detail is frequently cited by players as a factor in the instrument's sustain and note definition.

Electronics and Sound

Equipped with a trio of Custom Shop '55 pickups, the guitar is voiced to deliver a well-rounded and dynamic tone. The pickups are wound to provide crystal-clear definition, capturing the bright, bell-like highs and punchy lows characteristic of early Stratocasters.

The sonic character is described as highly responsive to player dynamics. The clarity of the '55 pickups ensures that chords ring out with individual note separation, while lead lines remain articulate even through various amplification stages.

Market Position and Comparisons

Priced at approximately £3,499, this instrument occupies the premium tier of the electric guitar market. It is positioned above standard production models like the Fender American Professional II Stratocaster or artist-specific models like the Eric Clapton Stratocaster.

Compared to other Custom Shop offerings, such as the '61 Telecaster Relic, the '55 Stratocaster Hardtail offers a unique middle ground for players who want the ergonomics of a Stratocaster but the bridge stability typically associated with a Telecaster or a Gibson Les Paul Standard. It serves a different niche than modern-oriented guitars like the Jim Root Telecaster or entry-level options like the Squier Mini Stratocaster.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary difference between a hardtail and a standard Stratocaster?: A hardtail Stratocaster lacks a tremolo system and uses a fixed bridge where strings are anchored through the body. This typically results in improved tuning stability and a slightly different sustain profile compared to floating bridge models.
What does the 'Relic' finish signify on this model?: The Relic finish indicates that the guitar has been intentionally aged by Custom Shop builders. This includes simulated wear and tear, such as paint checking and worn hardware, to mimic the look of a vintage 1955 instrument.
Which pickups are installed in the #R132811 model?: This model is equipped with a trio of Fender Custom Shop '55 pickups. These are designed to replicate the dynamic and defined tones of the original 1955 single-coil units.
What is the neck material for this 1955 reissue?: The guitar features a maple neck and a maple fingerboard. This combination is period-accurate for 1955 and provides a smooth, fast playing surface.
Is this guitar suitable for professional studio work?: Yes, its high-quality Custom Shop construction and '55 pickups offer the clarity and dynamic range required for professional recording environments. The hardtail bridge also provides reliable tuning for long sessions.
How does the price of this model compare to a standard Fender Stratocaster?: With a price point around £3,499, it is significantly more expensive than standard models like the American Professional II. The higher cost reflects the hand-crafted nature and premium materials used by the Fender Custom Shop.
What is the specific finish colour of this model?: The guitar features a 2-Tone Sunburst finish. This is a classic Fender aesthetic consisting of a dark outer burst transitioning into a yellow-toned centre.
Does a hardtail bridge affect the guitar's sustain?: Many players believe the hardtail bridge increases sustain because the strings are anchored directly into the wood of the body. Without the tremolo springs and cavity, there is more direct vibrational transfer.
Who is the ideal player for the Custom Shop '55 Hardtail?: This guitar suits players who appreciate vintage aesthetics and '50s Stratocaster tones but prefer the stability and feel of a fixed bridge. It is often favoured by blues and rock guitarists.
How does the sound of the '55 pickups differ from modern pickups?: The '55 pickups are voiced for 'crystal-clarity' and a well-rounded dynamic range. They tend to be less compressed than modern high-output pickups, allowing for more nuanced playing.
Is the Fender Custom Shop '55 Relic mass-produced?: No, Custom Shop instruments are produced in limited quantities by skilled luthiers. Each piece, such as serial #R132811, is treated with individual attention to detail.
How does this model compare to a Gibson Les Paul Standard 50s?: While both are vintage-inspired, the '55 Stratocaster has a longer scale length and single-coil pickups, offering a brighter and thinner sound compared to the humbucker or P90-equipped Les Paul.