Fender Custom Shop Custom Deluxe Stratocaster

The 2011 Fender Custom Shop Custom Deluxe Stratocaster in Candy Blue is genuinely one of the most beautiful Strats I’ve owned. Between the transparent blue finish showing off the natural ash grain and the incredible AA birdseye maple neck, this guitar is something special. The figuring runs throughout the neck, fingerboard, and even the headstock, giving it a look you don't come across every day.

That Candy Blue finish is absolutely gorgeous. It's a rich, vibrant blue that still allows all the character of the ash body to show through. Paired with the highly figured maple and pearloid dot inlays, it's an incredible combination. Even the back of the guitar shows off some beautiful wood grain.

Playability is fantastic. The large C-shaped neck has some nice depth to it, measuring 22.5mm at the first fret and 24.6mm at the twelfth. It's substantial without feeling cumbersome, and the 9.5" radius with 6105 frets makes for a really comfortable playing experience. It has had a recent setup, with effortless low action, excellent frets, and spot-on intonation.

The original John Cruz-designed Master Design single-coil pickups sound exceptionally clean, with all three pickups properly adjusted for height. Everything functions correctly, including the five-way selector and modern tone controls that allow adjustment of both the middle and bridge pickups.

What makes the Custom Deluxe especially appealing is how Fender combined traditional Strat styling with some genuinely useful modern upgrades. The contoured neck heel improves upper-fret access, while the two-point synchronized tremolo with stainless steel saddles and block, along with Fender/Gotoh locking tuners, make this a particularly well-equipped Strat. Weighs 8.2 lbs on my scale.

Condition is Excellent, and this guitar has been exceptionally well cared for. There's some very faint hanger-related discoloration near the headstock, but it's difficult to notice. Otherwise, the body, neck, and hardware are remarkably clean, with no breaks, repairs, checking, or cracks. The protective plastic film is even still on the rear tremolo cover.

Includes the original Fender Custom Shop hard case, COA, and complete case candy, including the pictured strap and accessories.

A few highlights:

• Gorgeous transparent Candy Blue finish with visible ash grain.

• Highly figured AA birdseye maple neck, fingerboard, and headstock.

• Original John Cruz-designed Master Design single-coil pickups.

• Comfortable large C neck profile, 9.5" radius, and 6105 frets.

• Deluxe two-point tremolo with stainless steel saddles and block.

• Fender/Gotoh locking tuners and contoured neck heel.

• Recent setup with excellent frets and effortless low action.

• 8.2 lbs on my scale, with original hard case, COA, and complete case candy.

The photos shown are real photographs of this exact guitar. I do not use AI-generated imagery, replacement backgrounds, or image manipulation to misrepresent the condition of my guitars. What you see is the instrument you’ll receive.

Like all my guitars, this one’s been cared for and dialed in—no guesswork, no surprises, just a great instrument that’s ready to play. I personally inspect and test every guitar before it ships, making sure it’s in the exact condition I’d want to receive myself. These guitars come from me, not a shop—each one gets the kind of attention and care only a real guitar lover gives. Ships fast and fully insured via Reverb Safe Shipping.

⏳ Quick note: These guitars don’t usually sit. Most are purchased within 3–7 days, and I regularly hear from watchers after the listing has already sold. If this one’s on your radar, now’s the window!