Played a Fender Custom Shop '56 Stratocaster Relic

[rabbuhl]

One word came to mind which was "wow". It was really lightweight, great tone, and the Cruz pickups sounded great in all positions. It has a special boost which required a battery on the back. That is something I would not want. If it was more affordable I might have seriously considered buying it.

 

[budglo58]

I just bought my first Custom Shop Fender ( a 59 CS Journeyman Relic and feel the same way. Before no way am I spending that kind of dough on a guitar. Worth it to me . Amazing guitars.

 

[guitarnut_1]

these have been my experiences from the CS relic strats as well. I have not played a bad one. All have been very resonant, light and just amazing guitars.

 

[rabbuhl]

these have been my experiences from the CS relic strats as well. I have not played a bad one. All have been very resonant, light and just amazing guitars.

I have not played many of them but this one was really nice except for the boost. It made the Blues Junior I was trying always sound too dirty. I could not get a sparkling clean sound. I should add that it was a lovely sound and great for lead tones. However, I could not turn it off.

 

[rabbuhl]

I played the '56 Stratocaster Relic again. I changed my mind about the boost. It is wired to the second tone knob. If you turn all the way counter-clockwise the boost is off. As you turn it clockwise it increases the volume. It seems would be really useful for lead boosts and to control the volume without requiring a boost pedal. I almost wish I could have it on my Strat except without a hole in the body for a battery pack. Anyway, it is a light, resonant, and amazing guitar. The price is only 3295 euros

 

[teleman1]

The lighter the 56 ri is, the higher the price tag. things to think about. 7 & 1/2 radius vs 9 & 1/2 radius and soft v or large v. I love mine.

 

[rabbuhl]

This one has 22 frets, a 9.5" radius, a boost, 6105 frets, and custom wound John Cruz pickups. I am curious about the 22 frets. Could it be this was a custom order for someone?

 

[rabbuhl]

It was a custom order for Fender Europe. It is a Clapton model with some customizations. It has the boost.