Levi Perry
![](http://themusicemporium.com/cdn/shop/files/Screenshot_2024-08-31_at_12.20.37_PM_1d65bf32-ee51-4fa7-a366-29bcffa6dacf_{width}x.png?v=1725121715)
“For me what’s important is to always be learning and growing, and to remain a student of the craft,” Perry said. “Fender has such a deep and rich history to glean from, and when you allow that history to teach and guide you while continuing to be creative and push the boundaries, you’ll be amazed at what you can create.”
One of our favorite aspects of working with the Fender Custom Shop is having access to their stellar roster of Masterbuilders. Being big proponents of the boutique side of the guitar industry in general, the Masterbuilder department of the Custom Shop is essentially like the boutique world - there is one builder making the instrument from start to finish.
One of the rising stars of the Custom Shop is a young builder named Levi Perry. This 1960s Stratocaster is the first guitar we've received from Levi and it's made quite the impression on all of us here at the shop. From his choice of color and finish (think satin), fingerboard inlays, Josefina-wound pickups, to the headstock logo, it's clear Levi has a clear vision for each instrument he makes - but beyond simply having the vision, he knows how to execute it which is quite a bit harder to do than it might sound.
To get right into it - this 8lb 2oz Stratocaster is right there with any of the boutique builders we represent in terms of feel, quality, and tone. No surprises given Levi's credentials, it's more to help put this guitar in context for those familiar with a range of boutique builders - Lentz, D'pergo, Grosh, etc...
The neck is incredibly comfy and features a great taper, rolled edges, and fret work. We also love the barely there MoP dots that echo the silver / blue theme of the guitar - a nice, creative touch.
Plugged in, the Josefina pickups live up to the hype. This is a mismatched set of pickups - a '69 Strat (neck), a '60/'63 (middle - reverse wound), and a Fat '50s in the bridge position. Each position on the 5-way switch is remarkably musical and inspiring, and truthfully, exactly what you want in a great Strat (to our ears). We realize these are subjective waters, but we are looking at a best-of-the-best guitar in terms of what the Custom Shop offers.
We can't recommend this guitar enough, especially if Strats are your thing. Levi will definitely be on our radar as he starts what is sure to be a long, successful career.
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