John Frusciante, celebrated for his innovative and soulful guitar work with the Red Hot Chili Peppers, quickly became a guitar hero after joining the band at just 18 in 1988. His distinctive blend of funk-infused rhythms, melodic leads, and deeply expressive tone captivated audiences worldwide. Throughout his influential career, one guitar became synonymous with Frusciante’s signature sound: his cherished 1962 Sunburst Fender Stratocaster Guitar.
Now, for a limited time, the Fender Custom Shop has released the Limited Edition Masterbuilt John Frusciante Stratocaster®, a painstaking recreation of this legendary instrument. Crafted by Senior Masterbuilder Paul Waller, this guitar is more than just a replica; it’s a tribute to a true icon and a chance for players to own a piece of rock history. Every detail, from the subtly faded and aged nitrocellulose lacquer finish to the extensive wear marks mirroring Frusciante’s own instrument, has been meticulously replicated to provide players with an authentic experience. Holding this Fender Stratocaster guitar is like holding a tangible piece of rock and roll legacy.
The foundation of this exceptional Fender Stratocaster guitar lies in its premium tonewoods and classic construction. The resonant two-piece select alder body, a hallmark of vintage Stratocasters, provides a balanced and articulate tone. Paired with an early ‘60s “C” profile rift-sawn maple neck, known for its stability and comfortable feel, and a slab rosewood fingerboard, this guitar embodies the sought-after specifications of golden-era Stratocasters. The 7.25″ radius fingerboard and narrow tall (6105) frets further contribute to the vintage feel, allowing for comfortable chording and expressive bending.
Crucial to capturing Frusciante’s iconic tone are the pickups. This Masterbuilt Stratocaster features a trio of Abigail Ybarra Hand-Wound ’60s Strat® pickups. Abigail Ybarra’s pickups are legendary for their warmth, clarity, and dynamic response, and these hand-wound recreations perfectly capture the magic of the originals. To further enhance the versatility and usability for modern players, an Ilitch Electronics Hum-Canceling system is discreetly incorporated. This system reduces unwanted noise without compromising the pure, vintage Stratocaster tone, ensuring that the Abigail Ybarra pickups can sing without hum, whether in the studio or on stage. This combination delivers the warm, articulate, and expressive tones that are the cornerstone of Frusciante’s signature Fender Stratocaster guitar sound.
Beyond the core features, the Limited Edition Masterbuilt John Frusciante Stratocaster® is equipped with premium, vintage-accurate hardware. The vintage-style synchronized tremolo bridge allows for classic Strat vibrato effects, while the vintage-style tuners with the Fender® logo maintain tuning stability and contribute to the guitar’s overall vintage aesthetic. A bone nut and wing string tree with a metal spacer further enhance sustain and tuning consistency. The guitar also features vintage Strat® wiring and a 5-way switch, providing access to the classic Stratocaster pickup combinations.
Each Limited Edition Masterbuilt John Frusciante Stratocaster guitar comes complete with a deluxe hardshell case, a strap, and a certificate of authenticity, affirming its status as a genuine piece of Fender Custom Shop artistry. This meticulously crafted instrument is not just a guitar; it’s an homage to a legendary player and his iconic Fender Stratocaster guitar, offering discerning players the chance to experience the sound and feel of a true rock and roll icon.
Specs
General
| Model Name: | Limited Edition Masterbuilt John Frusciante Stratocaster® |
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| Model Number: | 9215700032 |
| Series: | Limited Edition |
| Color: | 3-Color Sunburst |
Body
| Body Shape: | Stratocaster® |
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| Body Material: | 2-Piece Select Alder |
| Body Finish: | Nitrocellulose Lacquer |
Neck
| Neck Material: | Rift Sawn Maple |
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| Neck Shape: | ’60s Oval “C” |
| Scale Length: | 25.5″ (64.77 cm) |
| Fingerboard Radius: | 7.25″ (184.1 mm) |
| Number of Frets: | 21 |
| Fret Size: | Narrow Tall (6105) |
| String Nut: | Bone |
| Nut Width: | 1.6420″ |
| Headstock: | Stratocaster® Small |
| Neck Plate: | 4-Bolt Serialized |
| Neck Finish: | Nitrocellulose Lacquer |
| Fingerboard: | 3A Rosewood |
| Position Inlays: | White Dot |
Electronics
| Bridge Pickup: | Custom Shop Hand-Wound Abigail Ybarra ’60s Strat® |
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| Middle Pickup: | Custom Shop Hand-Wound Abigail Ybarra ’60s Strat® |
| Neck Pickup: | Custom Shop Hand-Wound Abigail Ybarra ’60s Strat® |
| Controls: | Master Volume, Tone 1. (Neck Pickup), Tone 2. (Middle Pickup) |
| Pickup Switching: | 5-Position Blade: Position 1. Bridge Pickup, Position 2. Bridge and Middle Pickup, Position 3. Middle Pickup, Position 4. Middle and Neck Pickup, Position 5. Neck Pickup |
| Pickup Configuration: | SSS |
Hardware
| Bridge: | 6-Saddle Vintage-Style Synchronized Tremolo with Bent Steel Saddles |
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| Tuning Machines: | Vintage-Style with Fender® Logo |
| Orientation: | Right-Hand |
| Hardware Finish: | Nickel/Chrome |
| Pickguard: | 3-Ply Mint Green |
| Control Knobs: | Aged White Plastic |
| Switch Tips: | Aged White |
Miscellaneous
| Strings: | Nickel Plated Steel (.010-.046 Gauges) |
|---|---|
| Included Accessories: | Deluxe Hardshell Case, Strap and Certificate of Authenticity. |
Features and Specifications Subject to Change Without Notice
