Fender Custom Shop USED Custom Shop Master Grade Series 1957 Stratocaster (2-Tone Sunburst/M) 1996 [SN. CN908559]

Recommended second-hand item!
The legendary Master Grade Series!
This pre-owned Fender Custom Shop Master Grade Series 1957 Stratocaster features a subtle yet beautiful alder grain and is highly recommended! It was manufactured in 1996 and is an early CN serial number. The stunning 2-Tone Sunburst finish makes it a truly eye-catching instrument!

This masterpiece from the Master Grade Series, which once amazed guitar fans with its incredible quality and faithful reproduction, and remains extremely popular even after production has ended, has arrived in recommended condition!
Aimed at Japan, where users have the most discerning eyes and ears in the world, this series was created through a collaboration between the Fender Custom Shop and Yamano Music, the importer at the time. Fender fans know the quality and fidelity of this series, and it continues to boast a high level of perfection and popularity worthy of the Master Grade name.

The Master Grade Series, which was produced for only about three years from 1996 to 1999, was an evolution of the Retro Spective Gear Series, a custom shop vintage reissue model released the previous year in response to requests from Japan. It faithfully reproduced even the smallest details, such as parts, and became a popular model by improving the instrument's perfection. It continues to receive high praise even now, 27 years after production ended.

As an aside, there is a story that the series name "Master Grade" was actually borrowed from the name of a Gundam plastic model series, but it's unclear whether it's true or not!

Since 1997, the serial number "MG~" has been reserved for Master Grade models, but this guitar was manufactured in 1996 and has the serial number CN908559. This guitar does not come with a certificate or the warranty issued by Yamano Music at the time, but the neck and body are marked YAM RELIC and have a YM stamp.

Although it does not yet have the Yamano Mastergrade marking, the early Master Grade models were made using wood from the Relic series, which also began being produced in 1995. Therefore, based on the CN serial number, the YAM RELIC markings and YM engraving on the neck and body, the overall appearance, and the tone and sound, we believe this guitar is from the Master Grade Series made in 1996. The neck pocket also has the date SEP 23 1996.

A serial check on the Fender dealer website also confirms that the date is 10-10-1996, indicating that it was made in 1996. The model name on the website is listed as "CUSTOM INSTRUMENT," just like other 1999 Master Grade Series guitars with MG serial numbers, so we have concluded that this guitar is a 1996 Master Grade Series guitar.

This '57 model features a carefully selected alder body and a beautiful maple neck with a subtle flame detail and a maple fingerboard. Enjoy the deep, playable tone and midrange that only alder wood can offer!
The neck has a comfortable, soft V-shape, a 7.25R fingerboard radius, and vintage frets for a traditional feel.
The neck joint plate and the custom shop logo on the headstock proudly shine.

The pickups are three highly acclaimed Master Grade Pickups, which deliver a rich, expressive sound with high resolution and just the right amount of mellowness, allowing the player to fully express their emotions.

Current Custom Shop products are also beautifully made, but this Master Grade Series also has a look and finish that fully reflects the spirit and passion that the Japanese distributor at the time had in recreating vintage guitars, as well as a deep resonance and tone!

"We have some recommended second-hand items in stock! It's from 1996.
There is some discoloration of the pickguard and parts, as well as some cloudy and worn paint, which is common with aging, but this is an guitar with outstanding style!
There are some minor scratches, pickguard scratches, small dents in the paint, paint wear, some paint peeling on the fingerboard, a scratch on the paint on the first fret, scratches on the side of the body, and some tarnish on some parts, but none of these affect playability or cause any problems. Overall, the guitar is in fair condition. We've given it a full maintenance and cleaning at our shop, so it's in recommended condition and ready to play right away.

The frets have been filed and are ready to use. Approximately 85% of the frets remain.
The nut is in good condition and can be used as is. There is no problem with normal truss rod adjustment.

The electrical system has been fully checked and there are no problems with operation.

It weighs approximately 3.41 kg, a balance that makes it easy to use yet produces a solid sound.

Accessories include an original tweed hard case and arm.
The case key, certificate, and original warranty issued by Yamano Music at the time are not included.

The legendary Master Grade Series!

Don't miss this opportunity!

SN. CN908559
Weight≒3.41kg
Made in 1996.

Accessories: Original tweed hard case, arm.
*The case key, certificate, and warranty issued by Yamano Music at the time are not included.



Body: Alder
Neck: Maple
Fingerboard: Maple
Scale/Frets: 34 inches / 21 frets
Finish: 2-Tone Sunburst(Lacquer for Body & Neck)
Pickups: Master Grade Single coil Pickups
Controls: 2 Vol, Tone

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