Fender Custom Shop LTD 70th Anniversary Fat '54 Stratocaster Dakota Red/Relic

In the spring of 1954, Fender changed music forever with the introduction of the Stratocaster. Its sleek, contoured double-cutaway body, three single-coil pickups, and revolutionary synchronized tremolo set a new standard for electric guitars. Over the next seven decades, the Strat cemented its place as a true icon, shaping the sound of countless genres.

To commemorate this milestone, the Fender Custom Shop has released a limited-edition 70th Anniversary collection, celebrating the Stratocaster’s remarkable legacy. This relic'd Dakota Red LTD '54 Strat captures the essence of the original with impeccable attention to detail. The chunky yet comfortable 70th Anniversary neck carve (.885-.980") transitions from a very soft V to a C, paired with period-correct features like skirted knobs, a 'football' 5-way switch tip, and a two-piece ash body. A trio of hand-wound '54 pickups delivers the unmistakable tones of the early Strat era.

Plugged into a vintage Princeton, this Strat produces the open, twangy tones of the 1950s, which to our ears have a touch of Tele-like character. While the bridge pickup lacks a tone control—a spec that divides opinions—it adds clarity and touch sensitivity, easily tamed with a quick roll-back of the volume knob.

These LTD 70th Anniversary models are among the finest electrics we’ve gotten from the Custom Shop, showcasing unparalleled quality, craftsmanship, and a deep respect for the Stratocaster’s storied history. A fitting tribute to one of the world’s most legendary instruments.