Fender Custom Shop 1959 Stratocaster Relic Guitar, 2-Color Sunburst, Masterbuilt by Paul Waller

Player's Perspective

We're honored to present another outstanding Stratocaster for your consideration: this incredible Fender Custom Shop 1959 Stratocaster in a gorgeous 2-Color Sunburst finish, masterbuilt by renowned Fender Custom Shop Master Builder Paul Waller! Paul has become renowned in the guitar and music worlds for his precise build techniques, impeccable material selection, tasteful relic work, and being a builder to the stars for years.

This Strat oozes '50s class - the 2-Color Sunburst custom color finish and maple fretboard is the quintessential stock '50s Stratocaster look, and the tasteful aging gives it the vibe of a battle-worn road warrior from that era. The mint green pickguard, which is a feature usually found on rosewood-boarded Strats from the same era, is an intentional anomaly that references the fact that Fender would sometimes mix and match parts in those days based on what they had or what they felt like using. 1959 was the first year they used rosewood on Strats, and a mint green guard from one of those ending up on a maple board one like this guitar would not be unheard of whatsoever. In this case, it gives the guitar a very visually distinct look that adds to its uniqueness.

The hand-wound Custom Shop Fat 50s pickups in the neck and middle have all the signature bell tone and chime of 50s Strat pickups with an extra punch. We find that they're pretty on point for Strat tones like Eric Clapton, Eric Johnson, and other known players of 1950s Stratocaster guitars who tend to use a bit more gain. Still, they're only the slightest touch hotter, and still easily achieve the ideal vintage Strat tones effortlessly. The Texas Special in the bridge complements them well as an overwould bridge pickup that screams without sounding plinky.

Another thing you'll quickly notice is going to be the way the rock-solid 1-piece quartersawn maple neck feels. Perceptible both visually and in hand, Waller carefully sanded down the back at the finishing stage for a silky smooth finish that doesn't have any of that stickiness that glossy necks can have. Paul's fretwork and overall fit and finish make playing this guitar effortless and a truly incredible experience.

Given Waller's unparalleled level of quality in his builds, this 1959 Stratocaster will stand out from the rest. When you pick this guitar up, you immediately know it's a once-in-a-lifetime instrument that is to be both treasured and played hard.

Item Specifics

With a 7.25"-radius fingerboard for an iconic vintage-accurate playing feel and hand-wound Fat 50s Custom Shop pickups and vintage appointments that call back to the golden era of the Stratocaster, this Paul Waller Masterbuilt Strat® combines the best of the past and present and presents a truly special guitar-playing experience. Includes deluxe hardshell case, FCS Design Guide, strap, FCS picks, and Certificate of Authenticity.

Fender®, Squier®, Stratocaster®, Telecaster®, Precision Bass®, Jazz Bass® and the distinctive headstock designs commonly found on the Strat®, Tele® & P Bass® guitars are registered trademarks of Fender Musical Instruments Corporation