Ever since we got the news that Ron Thorn was joining the Fender Custom Shop team as a Masterbuilder, we've been wanting to get our hands on one of his builds. We're familiar with, and fans of, the instruments he was making under his own name (Thorn Guitars). What would a more traditional guitar like a Fender be after passing through Ron's hands? His instruments exude top-level craftsmanship and attention to detail, they're refined, elegant, a blast to play...in short, they are modern-leaning instruments, unafraid to utilize modern build techniques. 

Suffice it to say, we were not disappointed when we finally got a chance to sit down with our first Thorn-built FCS guitar. This awesome looking Desert Sunset '61 Strat is exactly what we'd imagined - extremely resonant, lively, and fun to play; lightweight; better playability via impeccable fretwork; slightly hot Strat pickups / tones; an atypical finish that reminds us of Southern California car culture...just intoxicating stuff, folks. 

If you are in any way into more modern guitars - Grosh, Suhr, Anderson - but want to stick with a Fender, this is a no-brainer. Truly one of the best FCS guitars we've encountered - and we aren't the least bit surprised by that w/Ron Thorn behind the build.

Condition: Mint. Blemish free and all original (it is a relic, keep in mind). 

Priced with hardshell case, CoA, and case candy.  

• Builder: Ron Thorn, Fender Masterbuilder
  
• Model: '61 Stratocaster
• Serial Number: R101840
• Weight: 7lbs 5oz
• Materials: 2-Piece Alder, Roasted Maple, Rosewood
• Finish: Nitrocellulose, Desert Sunset, Relic
• Neck Shape: Modern C, .82-.87"
• Electronics: Hand-wound Tomatillo pickups (middle reverse wound), 250K pots, 5-way switch
• Hardware: Fender
  
• Measurements: 25 1/2" scale, 1.65" bone nut, 12" radius, 6105 frets
• Case/Papers: Fender hardshell, CoA, case candy