FENDER USA Custom Shop Dale Wilson Masterbuilt '55 Stratocaster Relic – Candy Apple Red + Maple (2021)
 
Specifications:
Model: Fender Custom Shop Masterbuilt '55 Stratocaster Relic
Master Builder: Dale Wilson
Year: 2021
Finish: Candy Apple Red Relic (Nitrocellulose Lacquer)
Body: Lightweight Ash
Neck: One-Piece Maple (Soft V Profile)
Fingerboard: Maple with Black Dot Inlays
Frets: 21 Vintage Tall (Jescar 6105)
Radius: 9.5”
Scale Length: 25.5”
Nut Width: 1.650” (Bone Nut)
Pickups:
Neck: Fender Custom Shop '55 Hand-Wound Strat Pickup
Middle: Fender Custom Shop '55 Hand-Wound Strat Pickup
Bridge: Fender Custom Shop '55 Hand-Wound Strat Pickup
Electronics:
Master Volume, 2 x Tone Controls
5-Way Blade Switch (Vintage-Wired for Classic Strat Tones)
Bridge: Vintage-Style Synchronized Tremolo (Relic Aged)
Tuners: Kluson Vintage-Style (Relic Aged)
Hardware: Nickel/Chrome (Relic Aged)
 
Personal Thoughts:
Dale Wilson is arguably the most revered Master Builder at Fender’s Custom Shop, and his work speaks for itself—this 2021 Masterbuilt '55 Stratocaster Relic in Candy Apple Red is an absolute stunner, blending period-correct vintage feel with custom shop precision.
 
The Candy Apple Red relic job is breathtaking, giving this Strat a naturally worn-in look, with subtle lacquer checking, tasteful wear marks, and a beautifully aged patina that makes it feel like a well-loved and played original '50s Strat. Dale Wilson’s relic work is next-level, with incredible attention to detail that no factory relic can match.
 
The lightweight ash body gives this guitar fantastic resonance and snap, keeping it light and airy while still delivering that unmistakable vintage Strat sustain. The Soft V maple neck is one of the most comfortable neck profiles Fender has ever designed—it’s substantial without being too chunky, giving you a smooth, fast-playing feel while still providing enough grip for big bluesy bends and chord work.
 
Now, let’s talk tone—this thing is pure vintage Strat heaven. The Fender Custom Shop '55 Hand-Wound pickups are incredibly dynamic, chimey, and full of character.
The neck pickup delivers warm, bell-like cleans, perfect for soulful blues or rich jazz tones.
The middle pickup brings that classic Strat quack, ideal for funk, country, and clean rhythm work.
The bridge pickup has just the right amount of bite and clarity, with plenty of spank for rock, blues, or surf tones.
 
The hand-wired electronics with vintage-style wiring ensure smooth volume and tone roll-off, giving you that beautifully organic vintage response where every note blooms and rings out. The vintage-style synchronized tremolo is set up perfectly, allowing for smooth, controlled vibrato without losing tuning stability.
 
If you’re after one of the finest Strats Fender’s Custom Shop has ever produced, this Dale Wilson Masterbuilt '55 Stratocaster is an absolute dream guitar—a player's Strat, a collector's piece, and a work of art all in one.
 
Condition Report:
This Dale Wilson Masterbuilt '55 Stratocaster Relic is in excellent condition, with no additional wear beyond the factory-applied relic treatment. The Candy Apple Red finish looks stunning, with period-correct relic aging that makes it feel like a true vintage instrument.
 
The frets are in perfect shape, the Soft V maple neck is smooth and comfortable, and the hardware has been expertly aged to match the relic aesthetic. All electronics function flawlessly, with zero static, a crisp 5-way switch, and beautifully responsive volume and tone controls.
 
This guitar comes complete with its original Fender Custom Shop tweed hardshell case, COA, trem arm, backplate, and all case candy, making it a serious collector’s item while still being an absolutely killer player’s guitar.
 
If you’re looking for a Dale Wilson Masterbuilt Strat with true vintage soul, world-class craftsmanship, and top-tier tone, this '55 Relic in Candy Apple Red is one of the finest you’ll find.