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When did Fender start making custom shop guitars?
1987
The Fender Custom Shop began in 1987, under the supervision of then-CEO Schultz. The initial staff comprised only two Master Builders (John Page, Michael Stevens) and a Haas VF4 CNC machine (modified for woodwork) that cuts three bodies or four necks at once.
How long does a Fender Custom Shop take?
The general build time for a Fender Custom Shop instrument varies from about 4 months up to 10 months. Availability of materials, complexity of build, and basic backlog of orders can all be contributing factors to how long a Custom Order will take.
How can you tell a Mexican Strat from an American?
The American strat gives a modified tone called as delta tone. The American Strat has 22 frets whereas the Mexican model comes with 21 frets. While the American strat has a width of 1.685 inches at the nut, the Mexican strat has a width of 1.650 inches at the nut.
Why are Fender custom shop guitars so expensive?
Labor costs involved in crafting one off instruments are the primary reason these guitars are so expensive. It takes time to make guitars, even with a CNC machine, it isn’t a matter of just pressing a button and boom… 15 minutes later a guitar comes out hot off the press & ready to play.
How much does a Fender custom shop cost?
How much does a Fender Custom Shop guitar cost? The price for a new or used Fender Custom Shop guitar can vary from around $2,000 to more than $10,000. Generally speaking, the more limited, ornate, or complicated the build, the more expensive the guitar will be.
Does CBS still own Fender?
CBS owned Fender for a total of 19 years, leading to the unofficial designation of Fender guitars built during that time as “CBS-era” instruments. In January 1985, Fender was purchased by an investor group led by William Schultz, president of Fender Musical Instruments.
Is a Mexican strat worth it?
That being said, Mexican Strats are still excellent sounding guitars. They deliver the same versatile range as the American Strats, with that same snappy tone quality. They just don’t have that extra oomph that makes an American Strat an American Strat.
What wood are Mexican Strats made of?
Wood. One of the significant differences between the Mexican and American Strat is the wood used for their bodies. The American one has a three-piece body made of ash while the Mexican is made with alder.