A stunning Stratocaster has landed at Truetone Music.   We are fortunate enough to have sold some of the coolest Fender Custom Shop guitars out there - as a Showcase level dealer, we really enjoy working with the Masterbuilders to create unique pieces.  Yet, sometimes a used one come in that really stands out and we think "we should have done one like that!".  This is one of those.

Here we have a Masterbuilt Paul Waller 1956 Stratocaster, given an Ultra Heavy Relic treatment, with an array of specs that result in a unique, one-of-a-kind guitar.  There are a lot of stand out features, but before diving, we'll pause here so you can view the photos.  

You're notice the the aesthetic right away - this one is a "color over color", with heavily worn Blue Ice Metallic over Silver Primer.  The chrome metal pickguard, together with black pickups covers and knobs, makes this look like no other Strat out there.  It's a roasted ash body, so it's light (the whole guitar weighs 7.4 lbs).   Waller absolutely nailed this one.

But what it really stands stands out is the neck: that's roasted AAAA flame maple, and it's unbelievable.  This is one of the nice flame necks we've had here.  The roasting process darkens the wood and really enhances the grain.  The neck carve is a period correct 10/56 "V", which has become a favorite for a lot of players that love a true vintage feel.  An added tweak to this guitar is the ebony fretboard - that's something you really don't see very often.  So while this is a '56 Strat model in a lot of ways, the fretboard makes it something entirely different.  This does have the modern preference of a 9.5" radius and 6150 medium jumbo frets for easier playability, especially when bending in the higher register.  

For tone, Waller went with a Handwound 50's Strat, to give it THE iconic tone of the era.  Leo Fender perfected the sound back in the day, and for anyone that wants a classic Strat sound, this is it.  Crystal clear, bright and with a nice warm bottom end, these pickups sound amazing.  The modern tweak is that the guitar has a 5-way switch.

Other features includes vintage tuners and bridge, and a bone nut.  

The original owner is a long-time client and local collector - he played it a few times but for the most part it was kept safely locked away, so it's essentially in new condition. It comes with the original hardshell case, Certificate of Authenticity and other paperwork.  The guitar has been setup to play perfectly by the techs in our shop.

If you're looking for something that is both classic and unique, and that is rarely found, this is it.  Come to Truetone Music to try it out, or make it yours right here now!