2004 Fender 50th Anniversary Stratocaster
Maker
Fender
(American, founded 1946)
Date2004
ClassificationsMusic
Description2004 Fender Custom Shop 50th Anniversary Stratocaster, serial number 5954, in two tone Sunburst closet classic relic finish. In its original hardshell case.Fender introduced the Stratocaster model of guitars in 1954 after two years of design work by founder Leo Fender. The Stratocaster introduced several new design elements that have now become standard on electric guitars. Its double-cutaway body style was considered futuristic for the time, with an almost horn-like appearance. The guitar’s neck was more contoured than previous electric guitars, which provided better playability. Its use of three pickups also allowed for more tonal versatility compared to previous electric guitars that utilized one or two pickups. Lastly, its vibrato system – with integrated “tremolo bridge” – provided a simplified method for pitch changing.
This guitar was built by Fender Custom Shop master luthier Yuriy Shishkov. The 50th Anniversary Stratocaster features three Custom Shop Vintage 1954 single-coil pickups, a special commemorative 50th anniversary neck plate, and came in a vintage tweed case with commemorative patch sewn in to the interior liner.
Stratocasters paved the way for the use of the electric guitar in popular music. Numerous famous guitarists have used Stratocasters, but the most notable among them are Buddy Guy, Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Jeff Beck, and John Mayer.
