Fender Stratocaster 40th Anniversary 1994

The Fender Stratocaster first appeared in 1954 and quickly set the template for what a modern solidbody electric could be. Compared with the earlier Telecaster, it introduced deeper body contours, a three-pickup layout, a vibrato bridge and a more refined feel in the hands. The original 1954 Strat also established many of the details players still associate with the model: ash body, one-piece maple neck, small headstock, single-ply white pickguard and 2-Color Sunburst finish.

This 1994 Fender 40th Anniversary Stratocaster was produced to mark that original launch with a limited US-made edition of 1954 guitars. This one is number 1475. Unlike the standard 1994 anniversary Strats, this model was conceived as a dedicated first-year style recreation, built around 1954-spec features and period-correct presentation. It has the exact right overall look and feel, from the ash body and lacquered one-piece maple neck to the small frets, soft V profile and vintage-style hardware.

This example is in nearly like new condition with only very minor playwear. Weight is 3500g. A 5-way switch has been installed, which makes it more practical in use while keeping the rest of the guitar very much in line with the original concept. It plays exactly as this type of Strat should, with the heavily lacquered maple board and small frets giving it that distinctly early Strat feel.

It includes most of the original case candy – a copy of original 1954 catalog, Fender t-shirt in size L, strap and whammy bar. It also includes an original G&G Fender tweed case in almost like new condition. It should be noted that this is not the correct original case for the model, since it was originally supplied with two cases – a black molded Fender hardshell case with 40th Anniversary plaque and a separate brown 1954-style poodle case. The tweed case is the real deal though, and also fits the vibe of the guitar perfectly.

As a collectible model, this is one of the most accurate and best-known Fender anniversary recreations of the Strat that started it all.

SPECIFICATIONS

Model: Fender 40th Anniversary Stratocaster
Year: 1994
Made in: USA
Limited edition: 1475 of 1954 produced
Finish: 2-Color Sunburst
Body: Ash
Construction: Bolt-on
Neck: One-piece maple
Neck profile: Soft V
Fingerboard: Maple, heavily lacquered
Scale length: 648 mm
Fingerboard radius: 184 mm
Frets: 21 vintage-style small frets
Nut width: 42 mm
Inlays: Black dot
Headstock: Small 1954-style Stratocaster headstock
Logo: Spaghetti Fender logo
Truss rod: Vintage-style rear-adjust with walnut plug
Pickguard: Single-ply white, 8-hole
Pickups: 3 vintage-style 1954-spec Strat single-coils
Controls: Master Volume, Tone 1, Tone 2
Switching: 5-way blade switch installed
Original switching specification: 3-way blade switch
Bridge: Vintage-style synchronized tremolo
Saddles: Vintage-style stamped steel
Tuners: Vintage-style Kluson-style machines
Hardware: Chrome
Neck plate: Engraved 40th Anniversary Stratocaster neck plate
Weight: 3500g
Condition: Nearly like new with only very minor playwear