There's a lot to like about the Mike McCready signature Stratocaster - Custom Shop vibes without the Custom Shop price for starters.

Story has it that Pearl Jam's Mike McCready, being a huge SRV fan, wanted to acquire his own '59 Strat after seeing the blues legend in concert several times (and having his mind blown each time, as to be expected).

Around the time that Pearl Jam's debut album "Ten" began getting traction, Mike used some of the proceeds to buy his now iconic '59 Strat (funny enough - it turns out the guitar is a '59/'60 hybrid which he didn't find out until years later).

Fender has now brought this storied Stratocaster to the masses via the Mike McCready Signature model. Fender's Road Worn relic'ing treatment captures every little hard-earned ding, scratch, and finish wear - down to the chip on the headstock - of Mike's actual guitar.

Looks aside, we were immediately taken by the Slim C neck carve (with very nice aging, it should be noted), the resonance of the guitar, and the plugged in tones. If it's been a few years since you've tried a Fender at this price point, you're going to be really impressed with the guitars they're making these days.

This is a very solid, great playing, and great sounding Strat, period. Being a copy of a legend's guitar is just icing on the cake. Btw, we set up each of these guitars when they come in so they play great. Check it out!