John Frusciante’s distinctive guitar playing became a defining element of the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ sound after he joined the band at just 18 in 1988. His blend of funk, soul, and intricate technique, combined with his unique tone, quickly resonated with fans. For decades, his iconic 1962 Sunburst Stratocaster® was central to crafting that signature sound.
Now, the Fender Custom Shop offers players a chance to own a piece of that history with the Limited Edition Masterbuilt John Frusciante Stratocaster®. Senior Masterbuilder Paul Waller has meticulously recreated Frusciante’s cherished instrument, capturing every detail from the faded nitrocellulose lacquer finish to the wear marks that tell the guitar’s story. Holding this Stratocaster® is like holding a tangible piece of rock and roll legacy.
The guitar’s construction mirrors the prized specifications of golden-era Stratocasters. It features a resonant two-piece select alder body, an early ‘60s “C” profile rift-sawn maple neck, and a slab rosewood fingerboard. These classic appointments are paired with a trio of Abigail Ybarra Hand-Wound Stratocaster® pickups, enhanced with an Ilitch Electronics Hum-Canceling system. This combination delivers the warm, articulate, and expressive tones that are fundamental to John Frusciante’s signature guitar sound.
Further enhancing the playing experience are vintage-accurate features including a 7.25″ radius fingerboard, 21 narrow tall (6105) frets, vintage Strat® wiring, a 5-way switch, and a vintage-style synchronized tremolo. Vintage-style tuners, a bone nut, and a wing string tree with a metal spacer complete the authentic feel. Each guitar includes a certificate of authenticity, ensuring its status as a genuine piece of Fender Custom Shop artistry.
John Frusciante Stratocaster®: Detailed Specifications
For guitarists seeking the exact specifications of this exceptional instrument, here is a breakdown:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model Name | Limited Edition Masterbuilt John Frusciante Stratocaster® |
| Model Number | 9215700032 |
| Series | Limited Edition |
| Color | 3-Color Sunburst |
Body Details
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Body Shape | Stratocaster® |
| Body Material | 2-Piece Select Alder |
| Body Finish | Nitrocellulose Lacquer |
Neck Profile and Fingerboard
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Neck Material | Rift Sawn Maple |
| 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 |
Pickups and Electronics Configuration
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Bridge Pickup | Custom Shop Hand-Wound Abigail Ybarra ’60s Strat® |
| 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 |
| Pickup Configuration | SSS |
Hardware Components
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Bridge | 6-Saddle Vintage-Style Synchronized Tremolo |
| 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 |
Additional Information
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Strings | Nickel Plated Steel (.010-.046 Gauges) |
| Included Accessories | Deluxe Hardshell Case, Strap, Certificate of Authenticity |
Note: Features and Specifications Subject to Change Without Notice.
