Fender Custom Shop 1959 Stratocaster Deluxe Closet Classic Faded Fiesta Red Master Built by Dale Wilson w/Gold Hardware & AA Flame Neck

Fender Custom Shop
Since 1987, the Fender Custom Shop—affectionately known at CME as “The Dream Factory”—has grown to a band of over 50 veteran guitar artisans who take Leo Fender’s legacy to its utmost heights by bringing dream guitars and basses to life.

Taking an amp builder’s sensibility to instrument design, Leo Fender’s modular approach emphasized swappable components. This foundational design philosophy portended a future that we now inhabit, in which it’s not only easy to replace individual parts and maintain the longevity of each instrument—but, players also have the ability to customize every component of an instrument, giving them innumerable options when dreaming up their ideal guitar.

Stratocaster

The Fender Stratocaster, introduced in 1954, is one of the most iconic electric guitars of all time, known for its sleek design, exceptional comfort, and versatile tone. With its revolutionary three-pickup configuration and innovative vibrato bridge, the Stratocaster set the stage for future generations of musicians. The Strat's comfortable contours, which include deep body and forearm contours, make it an ideal instrument for long playing sessions. A true pioneer, the Stratocaster's design was ahead of its time, incorporating features like single-coil alnico 3 pickups and a slanting output jack for improved sound. Over the years, the Stratocaster has seen various refinements, such as the introduction of different neck profiles and the addition of a three-color sunburst finish. Whether you're considering a vintage Stratocaster for its value or a custom Stratocaster build for a unique feel, Chicago Music Exchange offers a range of options, from used Stratocasters for sale to expertly crafted models with the best Stratocaster pickups and setups.

Master Builder: Dale Wilson
Dale Wilson arrived at Fender in 2003, joined the Custom Shop in 2005 and became a Master Builder in 2011. Building guitars has been a driving passion for the California native since childhood. “Ever since I can remember, I’ve always loved guitars,” he said. “I didn’t dream of being a rock star; I dreamed of building the ultimate guitar. I was equally enthralled with the guitars just as much as I was with the players.”

Woodworking runs in the Wilson family, and the requisite Custom Shop zeal for outstanding craftsmanship has long been part of Dale’s DNA. He did repair work and mods in a small guitar shop right out of high school in the late 1980s; subsequently moving on to stints at Dobro and Rickenbacker before arriving at Fender, where he worked on Guild, Gretsch and Benedetto guitars before beginning his apprenticeship with various Custom Shop Master Builders.

General

Body

Neck

Electronics

Hardware