Fender Custom Shop 1955 Relic Stratocaster Loaded Pickguard - USA 2020

Here is an authentic Fender Custom Shop ’55 Relic Stratocaster loaded pickguard assembly, complete with all original electronics and hardware. This premium assembly includes Josefina Hand-Wound pickups, a 5-way selector switch, CTS-style pots, Fat ’50s Strat wiring, and aged control knobs, all pre-mounted on an eggshell pickguard with original mounting screws.

Built by the Fender Custom Shop, this loaded pickguard is designed to deliver authentic vintage Strat tone with modern Custom Shop craftsmanship. The Josefina hand-wound pickups are highly regarded for their expressive, dynamic response, offering clear articulation, rich harmonic content, and the characteristic bell-like chime associated with mid-1950s Stratocasters.

The Fat ’50s wiring configuration enhances tonal depth and clarity, providing a fuller low end and smooth, rounded highs while maintaining classic Strat snap and definition. The 5-way switching allows for a full range of traditional Strat pickup combinations, making it highly versatile across clean, blues, rock, and vintage-style tones.

Aesthetically, the unit is finished in a meticulously aged Custom Shop relic treatment, designed to replicate the natural wear and patina of a well-preserved mid-1950s instrument. This gives it an authentic vintage appearance while maintaining full modern functionality.

Condition is overall pristine and fully functional, with one noted cosmetic flaw where one “horn” of the pickguard has snapped at the screw hole, as shown in photos. Despite this, the assembly remains structurally usable and complete.

Specifications: 

Year: 2020
Country: USA
Model: Fender Custom Shop 1955 Relic Stratocaster Loaded Pickguard
Type: Loaded Stratocaster pickguard assembly
Pickups: ‘Josefina’ Hand-Wound pickups (Fender Custom Shop)
Wiring: Strat Fat ’50s hookup wiring
Controls: Complete electronics set including pots, 5-way switch, and knobs
Pickguard: Eggshell finish, Custom Shop relic-aged
Hardware: Original mounting screws included
Tone: Authentic vintage Strat character with Custom Shop clarity, articulation, and dynamic response
Condition: Pristine mint condition overall, with one flaw (pickguard horn snapped at screw hole as shown)
Extras: Includes additional non-relic Fender pickguard