collapse expand iconDescription

The Fender Custom Shop 1957 Stratocaster Super Heavy Relic limited-edition electric guitar honors one of the most celebrated years in Fender's early history. This model captures the feel of a true vintage instrument, down to its contoured two-piece alder body, roasted maple neck, and detailed relic treatment. The finish features deep lacquer checking, oxidized hardware, and natural wear patterns that mirror decades of heavy play. The one-piece maple fingerboard offers a smooth, fast surface, while three hand-wound '50s single-coil pickups recreate the iconic 1957 strat sound. This is for players who want an authentic vintage feel, striking looks, and the sonic character that defined classic rock recordings. Plug in for a detailed, expressive response that invites you to explore every nuance.

Super Heavy Relic Finish Recreates Vintage Wear

The super heavy relic process ages the nitrocellulose lacquer, producing authentic finish checking, exposed wood, and worn edges. Hardware receives oxidation and the forearm contour looks hand-worn, as if the guitar spent years on stage. This finish doesn't just look authentic—it feels broken-in from the first note, letting your hands move naturally across every surface. Each mark and scrape tells a story, making this stratocaster unique and familiar all at once.

Hand-Wound Pickups Deliver Vintage Strat Tone

Three Custom Shop hand-wound '50s strat single-coil pickups power this model's electronics. Each pickup is crafted to match original 1957 specs, capturing the glassy highs and snappy midrange that made the strat famous. The five-way switch and dedicated tone controls for neck and middle positions give you flexible control of your sound. Articulation and clarity stand out, with every chord and lead line cutting through the mix.

Comfortable Neck and Modern Playability

The 1957 soft V-shaped roasted maple neck feels sturdy and comfortable. Its 9.5" fingerboard radius and narrow tall frets make bends and fast runs feel easy. Black dot inlays keep your hand oriented while the bolt-on construction brings quick neck response. The bridge features a vintage-style synchronized tremolo, adding expressive pitch effects without sacrificing tuning stability. Setup and adjustment feel straightforward, with controls placed for quick access during live play or studio sessions.

Durable Materials Meet Classic Construction

The body uses two pieces of select alder for balanced resonance and solid construction. Nitrocellulose lacquer not only looks aged but also lets the wood breathe, encouraging better sustain over time. Roasted maple gives the neck increased stability and a smooth feel, while nickel/chrome hardware resists wear. This model comes in a hardshell case lined with red plush tweed to protect it between gigs and studio sessions.

Player Experience–Fender Custom Shop 1957 Stratocaster Super Heavy Relic

This strat delivers an authentic playing experience for musicians who want the look, feel, and sound of a road-worn vintage classic. Gigging players, collectors, and serious studio musicians will appreciate the attention to detail and the dynamic response of hand-wound pickups. Confidence comes from knowing every feature supports expressive playing, letting you focus on your performance and musical story.

Fender Custom Shop 1957 Stratocaster Super Heavy Relic Limited-Edition Electric Guitar 2-Color Sunburst
Fender Custom Shop 1957 Stratocaster Super Heavy Relic Limited-Edition Electric Guitar 2-Color Sunburst
Fender Custom Shop 1957 Stratocaster Super Heavy Relic Limited-Edition Electric Guitar 2-Color Sunburst

collapse expand iconFeatures

  • Super Heavy Relic finish offers vintage look with authentic playwear
  • Roasted maple neck adds stability and enhances tonal response
  • 1957 Soft V neck shape supports complex chord grips and fast leads
  • Custom Shop hand-wound pickups deliver authentic '50s Strat tones
  • RWRP middle pickup reduces hum for cleaner, balanced sound
  • 9.5" radius fingerboard allows smooth bends without fretting out
  • Vintage-style synchronized tremolo enables expressive pitch modulation
  • Nickel/chrome relic hardware ensures durability with aged aesthetic
  • Fender tweed case protects guitar during gigs and studio sessions
warning

WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

collapse expand iconSpecs

Body
  • Body shape: Stratocaster
  • Body wood: 2-piece select alder
  • Body finish: Nitrocellulose lacquer, Super Heavy Relic
Neck
  • Neck wood: Roasted maple
  • Neck shape: 1957 Soft V
  • Neck joint: Bolt-on
  • Neck finish: Tinted nitrocellulose lacquer
Fingerboard
  • Material: Maple
  • Radius: 9.5"
  • Fret size: Narrow tall
  • Number of frets: 21
  • Inlays: Black dot
Electronics
  • Configuration: SSS
  • Neck pickup: Custom Shop hand-wound '50s Strat single-coil
  • Middle pickup: Custom Shop hand-wound '50s Strat single-coil (RWRP)
  • Bridge pickup: Custom Shop hand-wound '50s Strat single-coil
  • Controls: Master volume, tone 1 (neck), tone 2 (middle)
  • Switching: 5-way blade
Hardware
  • Bridge: Vintage-style synchronized tremolo
  • Tuning machines: Vintage-style with Fender logo
  • Pickguard: 1-ply parchment
  • Control knobs: Aged white plastic
  • Hardware finish: Nickel/chrome relic
Other
  • Strings: .010–.046
  • Case: Fender electric guitar case with red plush tweed
  • Orientation: Right handed
  • Country of origin: United States

collapse expand iconReviews

4.33

3 Reviews

100%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend

Filters
Best Uses
  1. Jamming3
  2. Recording2
  3. Practicing1
  4. Rock Concerts1
  5. Small Venues1
Cons
  1. Fret Buzz1
Describe Yourself
  1. Experienced2
  2. Professional Musician1
Pros
  1. Good Tone3
  2. Good Feel2
  3. Good Pick Up2
  4. Fun To Play1
  5. Solid Electronics1
  • Plays well, neck like a baseball bat, no COA from luthier?

    3

    submitted8 months ago

    byAnthony

    fromPhiladelphia

    These custom shop guitars use to come with a COA inside that bore the signature of the actual luthier, but NO MORE. Very disappointing. Now they bear the manager's signature? What? Spending $5200+ after tax and what does guitar center throw in? A pack of Fender picks, but charged me for 2 other packs! Wow. As to playability, expect some handstrain with this massive neck. It takes some getting use to and the bridge cover looks cool but for today's players it just gets in the way. Overall the build is very good, but little effort at all is put into aging the plastic, knobs, screws, etc. If this was a 1957 and heavily relic'd - why is the plastic all new? There were aged pick guards back in the 1990's and now with all of the innovations of modern "relics" this was disappointing to see. The pick guard should be cracked a little bit, the screws worn, the pickup covers cracked or worn/aged, and same for the input jack. Overall, execution is a 6/10 and delivery was a 4/10 with the lack of signature from knowing who built it. I am not going to take the neck off to look for a signature, it should be on there already. SOMEONE made it, why not have them sign it.

  • Great Guitar at a great Price!

    5

    submitted10 months ago

    byNancy

    fromNashville, TN

    I could not find anything negative about this guitar. Fender Custom Shop did a great job on this 57 Strat that Guitar Center had ordered.

  • Incredible

    5

    submitted10 months ago

    byRon

    fromNashville, TN

    My first Fender custom shop and it does not disappoint. Plays like a dream and sounds incredible. Super versatile. Highly recommend.

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