Fender Custom Shop has released a limited edition run (150 models) of their 50th Anniversary 1957 Stratocaster as a tribute to design pioneer George Fullerton. Each of these master-crafted guitars bear his name and is sold together with a Relic Fender Pro Junior (Tweed) amp.

This unique project is a creative joint-venture between Fender Custom Shop and George Fullerton that pays tribute to the spirit of expert craftsmanship that the Fender Company was established on. Fullerton worked closely with Leo Fender in the early days at the Fender Electric Instrument company, and soon played a key role in the design and manufacturing of classic Fender guitars and amplifiers.

In an interview Fullerton recalled that he and Leo spent a good deal of time hanging in Juke Joints, and nightclubs trying to find out the types of things musicians were looking for in their instruments. He said that the information gained from these outings largely shaped the designs that were introduced into the market.

Arguably, the Fender Stratocaster is the most influential guitar of all time. First released in 1954, the early Stratocaster's classic featured single coil pickups which introduced guitarists to a range of new and unique sounding tones; add to that a new tremolo bar allowing them to mimic pedal steel sounds and you a had a force to be reckoned with. By 1957 the design of the Stratocaster had hit it's sweet spot and 57' models are still widely heralded as the zenith of Stratocaster perfection.

This 50th Anniversary George Fullerton Stratocaster showcases a 2 color sunburst finish on it's 3 piece body made of cut alder. With a maple neck made to '57 specs and handwound pickups made by Abigail Ybarra a member of the Fender organization since 1956 (still works with The Fender Custom Shop), this guitar is an ultimate relic. To get the classic 50's tone this model has been bundled with a 15-watt Relic Fender Pro Jr.