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The 1956 Fender Custom Shop Heavy Relic Sherwood Green Stratocaster is a special, vintage-inspired model that brings together Fender's classic design elements with modern craftsmanship. The Sherwood Green finish is one of Fender's iconic colors from the mid-50s, known for its rich, deep green hue with a subtle metallic sheen. The color exudes a retro, classic vibe, which is highly sought after by vintage Fender enthusiasts.

• Aging Process (Relic): As part of the Heavy Relic treatment, the guitar will have a well-worn, "played-in" look. This includes distressed areas on the body and neck, such as faded paint, scratches, dings, and weathered hardware. The heavy relic process is designed to give the guitar the appearance of a decades-old instrument that's been on countless stages and in the hands of passionate musicians.

• Attention to Detail: The Fender Custom Shop is renowned for its meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail, and the 1956 Stratocaster Heavy Relic is no exception. The Custom Shop often uses top-tier woods, custom pickups, and vintage-correct hardware to recreate the feel and tone of the original 1956 Strats.

• Handcrafted Build: The guitars are hand-assembled by skilled luthiers, often using period-correct methods, which adds a certain authenticity and high-quality feel that mass-produced guitars can't replicate.

• Alder Body: The body is typically made of alder, a lightweight wood that has a balanced, resonant tone. Alder is the standard choice for many Fender Stratocasters and contributes to the bright, clear sound that defines the Strat.

• Maple Neck with V Profile: The maple neck typically features a V-shaped profile, which is characteristic of many 1950s Fender Strats. The V neck shape is slightly chunkier than the modern C or D shapes, offering a comfortable feel for players who like a little more wood in their hand.

• Maple or Rosewood Fretboard: Depending on the model, the fretboard may be maple (common on 50s-era Strats) or rosewood (used later in the decade), each contributing to the overall tonal characteristics of the guitar. Maple provides a bright, snappy attack, while rosewood has a smoother, warmer tone.

• Custom '56 Single-Coil Pickups: The Custom Shop often equips their '56 models with specially wound single-coil pickups designed to recreate the vintage tone of a 1956 Strat. These pickups deliver the characteristic chime, sparkle, and bell-like tone that Stratocasters are known for, with a bit of warmth and roundness due to their vintage construction.

• Five-Way Pickup Switch: Like other Stratocasters, the guitar will feature a 5-way selector switch that allows you to choose between different pickup combinations, offering a wide range of tones from sharp and cutting to warm and mellow.

• Vintage-Correct Hardware: The hardware on the 1956 Custom Shop Heavy Relic is typically in line with vintage standards. This means vintage-style tuners, a vintage tremolo bridge, and chrome or nickel-plated components. The tremolo system can be used for vibrato effects, which is part of what makes the Stratocaster so iconic.

• Aged Components: As part of the Heavy Relic treatment, the hardware will show signs of age, including tarnishing, oxidation, and wear, giving the guitar a more authentic vintage look.

• Bright, Responsive Tone: The combination of the alder body, single-coil pickups, and maple neck gives the guitar its bright, clear, and punchy tone with a noticeable midrange presence. It’s perfect for a wide range of genres, from blues and rock to country and pop.

• Vintage Feel: The V-shaped neck and slightly thicker profile give it a vintage playing feel, which some players find incredibly comfortable. The 25.5" scale length provides snappy string tension, which is great for lead playing and rhythm alike.

• Relic Wear: The Heavy Relic finish gives the guitar a smooth, broken-in feel, as if it's already been played for years. The worn finish also feels comfortable against the skin and helps players feel connected to the guitar, almost like an extension of themselves.

• Recreation of a Classic: While the 1956 Fender Custom Shop Heavy Relic Stratocaster is designed to look and feel like an original 1956 Strat, it has modern refinements that make it more playable, reliable, and accessible for today's players.

• Modern Comfort: The fretboard edges are typically rolled and smoother than older models, which makes the guitar feel more comfortable in the hands. The frets themselves are also likely to be slightly more durable and smooth for easier bends and finger movements.

• Investment Value: Fender Custom Shop models, especially ones with vintage-replica finishes and the Heavy Relic treatment, are often seen as investments. Over time, their value can appreciate, especially as they become more difficult to find or as the Custom Shop's reputation continues to grow.

• Player's Guitar: Beyond collectability, this guitar is meant to be played. Its combination of classic tone and modern craftsmanship makes it a top choice for serious players who want a vintage feel without the high-maintenance or fragile nature of actual vintage guitars.

Summary of Key Features:

• Finish: Heavy Relic Sherwood Green, vintage-style distressed look.

• Body: Alder, offering a balanced, resonant tone.

• Neck: Maple with a V-shaped profile, offering a vintage feel.

• Pickups: Custom-wound '56 single-coil pickups, designed to deliver classic Strat tones.

• Hardware: Vintage-style tremolo, tuners, and aged hardware for a true vintage aesthetic.

• Tone: Bright, clear, and bell-like with lots of chime and sustain.

• Playability: Comfortable neck profile, smooth fretboard edges, and the classic Stratocaster feel.

If you're looking for that classic 50s Strat sound and aesthetic, with the added bonus of modern build quality and reliability, the 1956 Fender Custom Shop Heavy Relic Sherwood Green Stratocaster is a top-tier choice. It combines vintage aesthetics, tone, and feel, making it perfect for players who want a guitar that not only looks the part but also delivers incredible performance.