In 2023, Fender Custom Shop launched the amazing '56 Stratocaster Journeyman Relic. Over 65 years after its original version, this guitar perfectly captures the look, sound, and vibe of the Stratocaster's golden era. The two - piece select ash body offers balanced highs, sweet midrange, and lively resonance. It has an off - centre seam and comes in elegant Journeyman Relic flash coat lacquer finishes like Aged White Blonde, Wide Fade Two - Color Sunburst, Aged Black, and Aged Sherwood Metallic. This special finish gives it the look of a well - loved guitar passed down through the years, with light finish checking, small nicks and dings, dulled hardware, and moderate playing wear. The one - piece flat - sawn maple neck has a chunky '54 - style Soft 'V' profile. Its comfortable vintage compound - radius (7.25' - 9.5') maple fingerboard flattens near the nut for easy bending. It has 21 medium vintage frets and a bone nut. All three Custom Shop hand - wound '55 Strat® pickups, with a reverse - wound/reverse - polarity middle pickup for hum cancellation in positions 2 and 4, deliver clear highs and balanced midrange. It features '54 - '58 vintage Strat wiring and five - way switching. Other great features include a single - ply parchment pickguard, Custom Shop vintage synchronized tremolo bridge, vintage - style tuners, wing string tree with nylon spacer, deluxe hardshell case, strap, and certificate of authenticity. Specifications: Body Shape: Stratocaster®; Body Material: 2 - Piece Offset Seam Ash; Body Finish: Flash Coat Lacquer; Neck Profile: 1954 'Soft V'; Fretboard Material: 1 - Piece Maple Neck; Fretboard Radius: 7.25' to 9.5' Vintage Compound Radius (184 mm to 241 mm); Scale Length: 25.5' (64.77 cm); No. of Frets: 21 Jescar Medium Vintage (47095); Fretboard Inlays: Black Micarta Dot, 0.25' (6.35 mm); Pickups: Custom Shop Hand - Wound '55 Single - Coil Strat® (Bridge), Custom Shop Hand - Wound RWRP '55 Single - Coil Strat® (Middle), Custom Shop Hand - Wound '55 Single - Coil Strat® (Neck); Bridge: Custom Shop Vintage Synchronized Tremolo; Pickguard: 1 - Ply Parchment; Strings: Fender® USA 250R Nickel Plated Steel (.010 -.046 Gauges), PN 0730250406; Tuning Machines: Vintage - Style with Fender® Logo; Hardware Finish: Nickel/Chrome; Case: Deluxe Hardshell Case; Included Accessories: Strap, Certificate of Authenticity.
Using your Fender Custom Shop 1956 Stratocaster Journeyman Relic Guitar is a breeze. First, take it out of the deluxe hardshell case. Attach the strap using the strap buttons on the guitar. Then, use the vintage - style tuners to tune your guitar to the desired pitch. You can use the five - way switch to select different pickup combinations for various sounds. The Custom Shop vintage synchronized tremolo bridge allows you to add vibrato effects to your playing. When you're done playing, put the guitar back in the case to protect it. For maintenance, keep your guitar in a dry and stable environment. Wipe it down with a soft cloth after each use to remove fingerprints and dust. Check the strings regularly and replace them when they start to sound dull or show signs of wear. You can also lubricate the tuning machines and the tremolo bridge occasionally to keep them working smoothly. And always handle your guitar with care to avoid any scratches or dings.
