A masterfully crafted '66 Strat by David Brown, this Masterbuilt model blends the soul of a single-luthier instrument with the pedigree and precision of the Fender Custom Shop.

This '66 Stratocaster is the work of David Brown, and it’s a perfect example of what makes a Masterbuilt guitar special. The first thing you notice is feel - specifically, a neck that’s shaped just right, with rolled edges and flawless fretwork. It has the perfect mid-’60s taper, and like others we’ve seen from Dave, there’s a Lentz-like refinement in the way it plays and resonates (which, if you know us, is high praise as we're huge Lentz fans).

Unplugged, it’s snappy, loud, and impressively resonant. Plugged in, the Josefina-wound pickups deliver exactly what you want from a great Strat: clear, chimey highs, rich sparkle, and slightly compressed, clucky 2 & 4 positions that make rhythm work addictive. If you're the type who lives on the neck pickup, you're in for a treat. This position sounds phenomenal and delivers that classic glassy, slightly hollow, SRV-like tone with ease.

If you’ve ever been curious about single-luthier guitars but hesitant to step outside a big-name brand, this is the best of both worlds - custom-craftsmanship under the Fender banner. A lifetime-level Strat that delivers both pedigree and soul, and one we'd be more than happy to have in our personal collection.