Fender Custom Shop Masterbuilt John Frusciante Stratocaster Overview
The Fender Custom Shop Masterbuilt John Frusciante Stratocaster is a meticulously crafted tribute to the legendary guitarist’s iconic 1962 Sunburst Strat. This limited-edition model was designed to replicate every detail of Frusciante’s cherished guitar, allowing players to experience the distinct feel and tone that defined his sound with the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Key Specifications:
Body:
- Wood: Select 2-piece Alder, chosen for its light weight and resonant qualities, contributing to the guitar’s bright, balanced tone.
- Finish: Nitrocellulose Lacquer, faded and heavily aged to authentically mirror Frusciante’s original, capturing every ding, dent, and worn contour.
Neck:
- Wood: Rift Sawn Maple for enhanced stability and resonance.
- Profile: Early-‘60s “C” shape, offering a comfortable grip suitable for varied playing styles, from intricate solos to rhythmic strumming.
- Radius: 7.25” (184.1 mm), a classic vintage specification that’s ideal for chording and smooth bends.
- Fingerboard: 3A Rosewood slab board, delivering warmth and smooth playability.
- Frets: 21 Narrow Tall (6105), which provide a balance between vintage feel and modern ease for bends and complex fingerwork.
Electronics:
- Pickups: Custom Shop Hand-Wound Abigail Ybarra ’60s Strat pickups (Bridge, Middle, and Neck), recreating the warm, articulate tones associated with Frusciante’s music.
- Wiring: Vintage Strat wiring with an Ilitch Electronics Hum-Canceling System, ensuring the guitar maintains its clarity and punch without unwanted hum.
- Controls: Master Volume, Tone 1 (Neck Pickup), and Tone 2 (Middle Pickup), along with a 5-way selector switch for versatile tonal options.
Hardware:
- Bridge: 6-Saddle Vintage-Style Synchronized Tremolo with Bent Steel Saddles, providing smooth vibrato and tuning stability.
- Tuners: Vintage-style, nickel/chrome tuners that are faithful to the original design.
- Nut: Bone nut, known for its superior tonal transfer and durability.
- String Tree: Wing-style with metal spacer, another vintage-correct feature.
Accessories:
- Deluxe Hardshell Case: Ensures maximum protection and is crafted with care for this premium instrument.
- Extras: Includes a strap and a Certificate of Authenticity.