For guitar aficionados and fans of the Grateful Dead, the name Jerry Garcia conjures images of improvisational brilliance and a unique, soulful sound. Central to his iconic tone for a significant period was his heavily modified 1955 Stratocaster®, affectionately known as “Alligator.” This wasn’t just any Strat Fender Guitar; it was a canvas for Garcia’s evolving musical journey and a testament to his adventurous spirit. Now, the Fender Custom Shop has meticulously recreated this legendary instrument, offering players a chance to own a piece of guitar history.
The story of the Alligator Strat begins with a generous gift from singer-songwriter Graham Nash. Impressed by Garcia’s contributions to his 1971 album Songs for Beginners, Nash gifted Garcia a 1955 Stratocaster® he’d acquired for a mere $250. This strat fender guitar quickly became Garcia’s main axe for the next two years, a period of intense experimentation and sonic exploration. It was during this time that the Strat underwent its transformation, becoming the “Alligator” – a nickname earned from the cartoon alligator sticker Garcia playfully added to the pickguard in 1972. This marked the beginning of Garcia’s and the Grateful Dead’s renowned practice of extensively modifying their gear, a practice that would later become synonymous with their sound through their own company, Alembic. The Alligator Strat was the original workbench project, the first strat fender guitar to receive the extensive modifications that defined the Grateful Dead’s sonic innovation.
Image depicting general specifications icon, representing the overall features of the Jerry Garcia Alligator Strat Fender Guitar.
The Fender Custom Shop’s Jerry Garcia Alligator Stratocaster Relic is more than just a tribute; it’s a painstaking recreation. Masterbuilt by Austin MacNutt, this limited edition strat fender guitar (only 100 built-to-order instruments) captures every nuance of the original. From the precise contours of the one-piece ash body to the hammered brass control plate and the replica “Blaster” clean-boost output jack, no detail has been overlooked. Even the whimsical stickers that adorned Garcia’s original are faithfully reproduced, ensuring an authentic visual and sonic experience. This commitment to detail makes this strat fender guitar a truly exceptional instrument.
The sonic heart of this strat fender guitar lies in its pickups. Equipped with Josefina hand-wound ’55-style single-coil Stratocaster pickups – replicated directly from the original Alligator – this guitar delivers the vintage warmth and clarity that defined Garcia’s tone. The standard five-way switching and vintage Strat wiring provide classic tonal versatility, while the replica “hat” control knobs on the parchment pickguard add to the guitar’s vintage aesthetic.
Icon representing the body specifications of the Alligator Strat Fender Guitar, highlighting its Stratocaster shape and ash body material.
Beyond the electronics, the Jerry Garcia Alligator Stratocaster boasts premium features that enhance playability and collectibility. The Relic lacquer finish gives the guitar the look and feel of a well-loved vintage instrument. The one-piece rift-sawn maple neck, with its profile meticulously scanned from the original guitar, provides an authentic vintage playing experience, complemented by a 7.25″ fingerboard radius and vintage-style frets. The custom brass bridge and tailpiece with a rosewood base plate, along with Schaller® M6 tuners, ensure tuning stability and contribute to the guitar’s unique resonance. Even the small details, like the custom birdseye maple back plate and disc string tree, are faithful to the original.
Neck specification icon for the Strat Fender Guitar, pointing to the rift sawn maple neck and soft “V” shape for comfortable playing.
This strat fender guitar isn’t just for collectors; it’s for players who appreciate the legacy of Jerry Garcia and seek a unique, high-quality instrument. It’s a guitar that embodies the spirit of innovation and individuality that Garcia represented. The Jerry Garcia Alligator Stratocaster comes complete with a custom hardshell case, strap, and a certificate of authenticity, making it a truly special and valuable addition to any serious guitarist’s collection. For those seeking a strat fender guitar with a story and a soul, the Alligator Stratocaster is an unparalleled choice.
Electronics icon detailing the custom shop hand-wound pickups and special ‘Blaster’ electronics of the Strat Fender Guitar.
Hardware icon outlining the bridge, tuning machines, and custom pickguard of this signature Strat Fender Guitar model.
Miscellaneous specifications icon, indicating included accessories such as hardshell case and certificate of authenticity for the Alligator Strat Fender Guitar.
