Fender Custom Shop has recreated John Frusciante’s famed 1962 Stratocaster – but it will set you back $20k
Ever dreamed of having John Frusciante‘s iconic 1962 Stratocaster in your own hands? That’s about to become possible thanks to Fender Custom Shop, who have created a long-awaited replica of the Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist’s Sunburst Strat.
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The signature guitar was built by the brand’s senior masterbuilder Paul Waller, who meticulously replicated every feature of the famed Strat, even down to the dings, dents, chipped paint and aged lacquer.
“Frusciantes’ Strat is right up there with the most iconic Fenders of all time; being able to work on his first-ever Signature model was a true privilege,” Waller says in a press release. “Recreating this instrument’s many beautiful imperfections was no easy feat, but behind every ding and dent is a story and it’s our job to make sure that this guitar’s narrative is told in full, stunning detail. For an instrument this heavily relic’d, it still retains so much of its original beauty.
“A ton of work went into this one, and while much of that can be reflected in its visual components, the whole team is tremendously proud of how this thing plays. The neck has that singular worn in quality that is usually only attainable with a pre-owned vintage guitar and the Abby hand-wound pickups really speak to Frusciante’s expressive, crystalline tone.”
John Frusciante 1962 Fender Stratocaster replica. Credit: Press
Frusciante is a known Fender devotee, but of all the Fenders he’s played, the 1962 Sunburster Strat is the instrument he is most strongly associated with. It has been especially significant in shaping his sound and playing style, particularly given his habit of switching between all five pickup configurations.
Its renowned relic’d finish is cast onto a lightweight, resonant two-piece alder body. The early-60s style “C” shape rift sawn maple neck and slab rosewood fingerboard are a staple of Fender guitars of that era, while also offering increased comfort and playability.
The instrument also features a set of three ’60s-style Strat pickups handwound by Abigail Ybarra. Meanwhile, an Ilitch Electronics Hum-Canceling system allows players to experiment with gain effects pedals, Frusciante-style, without worrying about excessive noise.
Among the other premium features are 7.25” (184.1 mm) radius, 21 narrow tall (6105) frets, Vintage Strat wiring, 5-way switch, vintage-style synchronized tremolo, vintage-style tuners, bone nut, wing string tree with metal spacer and certificate of authenticity.
The John Frusciante 1962 Stratocaster retails at $20,000. Find out more on the Fender Custom Shop website.
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Source: www.guitar-bass.net
