Fender Custom Shop 35th Anniversary Stratocaster #180/500 - USA 1989

In 1989, Fender's Custom Shop, just two years into its operation in Corona, California, produced one of its earliest landmark limited editions to mark a genuinely historic occasion: the 35th anniversary of the Stratocaster. Introduced in 1954 and destined to become the most recognisable electric guitar ever made, the Stratocaster was honoured with a hand-crafted run of just 500 instruments, each one representing the Custom Shop's emerging reputation for quality and craftsmanship. At a time when the Custom Shop was still establishing itself, these Anniversary models were a clear statement of intent from a team that would go on to define what hand-built American guitars could be.

This example, number 180 of the 500 produced, is finished in a spectacular Figured Sunburst that reveals the quality of the tonewoods selected for the run. The figuring catches light in a way that immediately sets it apart, and the Sunburst gradation is applied with the depth and care you would expect of a hand-finished instrument. After more than 35 years this guitar presents beautifully, a testament to how well it has been maintained by its previous keepers.

Built around premium tonewoods with a figured body that gives the Sunburst its character, the guitar is equipped with Silver Lace Sensor pickups, which in 1989 represented the cutting edge of pickup technology. Fender had only just introduced the Lace Sensor design, and fitting them to this Anniversary model was a deliberate choice to pair the heritage of the Stratocaster with the most advanced pickup available at the time. The result is a clean, articulate voice with exceptional clarity and virtually zero hum, a combination that holds up just as well today. The neck profile reflects the considered preferences of the late 1980s, comfortable and responsive, while the hardware and electronics remain original throughout.

Complete with its original hard shell case and Certificate of Authenticity, this is a rare opportunity to acquire one of the earliest Custom Shop commemorative Stratocasters ever produced.

Specifications

Action at 1st Fret: 0.25mm

Action at 12th Fret: 1.5mm

Neck Depth at 1st Fret: 21.61mm

Neck Depth at 12th Fret: 23.39mm

Nut Width: 43.02mm

Width at 12th Fret: 52.56mm

Weight: 4.11kg / 9.07lb

Year: 1989

Serial Number: #180/500

Model: Fender Custom Shop 35th Anniversary Stratocaster

Crafted in: Fender Custom Shop, Corona, California, USA

Finish: Figured Sunburst

Body: Alder

Neck: Maple

Neck Profile: C Shape

Fingerboard: Rosewood

Scale Length: 25.5"

Frets: 21

Pickups: Silver Lace Sensors

Controls: Master Volume, 2 x Tone, 5-Way Selector

Bridge: Vintage Style Synchronized Tremolo

Tuners: Vintage Style

Hardware: Chrome

Case: Original Fender Custom Shop Hard Shell Case

Paperwork: Certificate of Authenticity