Fender 56 Strat FRD Relic
The Fender 56 Strat FRD Relic pairs a period-inspired specification with a Custom Shop build, handwound single-coil pickups, and a vintage-style tremolo. Its distinctive V-shaped neck and high price make it a more focused choice than a general-purpose Strat-style guitar.
★★★★★ 4.5/5 · 2 buyer reviews · 5 min read · updated 2026-10-07 · Tested by Cal Whitaker
Fender 56 Strat FRD Relic review
The Fender 56 Strat FRD Relic is a USA-made Custom Shop guitar based on the 1956 Stratocaster. Its listed specifications point to a traditional single-coil layout and vintage-style hardware, paired with a maple neck and fingerboard. The Fiesta Red finish is described as Relic, and the body is alder. The listed price is 4,333, though the supplied information does not state a currency.
There are no customer reviews available for this product. This assessment therefore focuses on the specifications provided, rather than claiming anything about how the guitar sounds or feels in use. The model has been available since September 2024, and its item number is 598806.
Body, finish, and neck
The body is made from alder, with no separate top listed. The finish is nitrocellulose lacquer in Fiesta Red, with a Relic treatment. That describes the finish and its stated appearance category, but the available details do not specify the extent or pattern of the wear. Buyers should consult product photos or the seller for a precise view of the finish on the individual instrument.
The bolt-on neck is quartersawn maple, and the fingerboard is maple with black dot inlays. Its 10/56 V profile measures 22 mm thick at the first fret and 25 mm at the twelfth. Those dimensions give a more useful description of the neck than the profile name alone, although they do not establish how it will suit a particular player. The fingerboard radius is 241 mm, or 9.5 inches, and the nut width is 42.9 mm, or 1.6875 inches.
The guitar has 21 vintage frets and a 648 mm scale, also listed as 25.51 inches. These are concrete points for comparing it with other guitars, but the supplied data does not give fret dimensions, neck relief, or setup measurements. Those details can affect playability and may vary by instrument.
Pickups and controls
The pickup layout is three single-coil pickups. Fender specifies two handwound 60/63 Strat pickups in the bridge and neck positions, plus a handwound 60/63 Strat RWRP pickup in the middle position. RWRP indicates a reverse-wound, reverse-polarity middle pickup. The listing does not provide output measurements or frequency-response data, so it cannot support a more exact prediction of the guitar's tone.
Controls consist of one volume knob, two tone knobs, and a three-way switch. The supplied information identifies the switch as three-way, so it should not be confused with a five-way selector. The pickguard is described as a 56 Strat Relic pickguard. No additional switching options are listed.
Tremolo and hardware
The guitar uses an American Vintage Strat tremolo and Fender Vintage tuning machines. The hardware is nickel, and the specified strings are.010 to.046. These details establish the intended vintage-style specification, but the listing does not state how the tremolo is set up, how many springs are installed, or whether the bridge is floating or decked. Those setup choices matter to players who use the arm frequently or want a fixed-feeling bridge.
The overall specification stays close to the model's 1956 reference: maple neck and fingerboard, a three-single-coil arrangement, a three-way switch, and a vintage-style tremolo. The Relic finish and Custom Shop designation distinguish this version in the listing, but the supplied data does not describe the relic work process or provide further information about production details beyond its USA origin.
What comes with it
The detailed product information says a vintage-tweed case is included. A separate summary field says "Including Case: No," which conflicts with that more specific statement. The summary also indicates a bag is included. Because the packaging information is inconsistent, confirm with the seller whether the purchase includes the tweed case, a bag, or both before ordering.
Technical verdict
The Fender 56 Strat FRD Relic is a well-specified vintage-style Stratocaster, with useful measurements for its neck, fingerboard, nut, and scale. Its listed construction combines an alder body, quartersawn maple neck, maple fingerboard, handwound pickups, and vintage-style tremolo and tuning machines. The listing is detailed enough to identify the main components, but it leaves open practical questions about setup, finish wear, and the conflicting case information.
With no customer feedback available, there is no basis here for claims about reliability, sound quality, or real-world comfort. Buyers considering it at the listed price should verify the included case and inspect the specific instrument's finish and setup details with the seller.
Shipping and duties
The retailer ships from its warehouse in Germany. Prices are shown in US dollars and do not include import duties. Orders under roughly $800 usually clear US customs without duty; above that, a duty of a few percent may be collected on delivery. 30-day money-back and a 3-year warranty apply.
Scores by area
Where it shines, where it stumbles
What convinced me
- Handwound single-coil pickups in a classic three-pickup layout, with a reverse-wound, reverse-polarity middle pickup.
- Quartersawn maple neck, maple fingerboard, and a vintage-style tremolo.
- Nitrocellulose finish, Relic treatment, and a vintage-tweed case are included.
What bugged me
- The 10/56 V-shaped neck may not suit players who prefer a slimmer neck profile.
- The three-way pickup switch offers fewer preset combinations than a five-way switch.
Is it the right one for you?
Good pick if
A good fit for players seeking a Custom Shop, 1956-inspired Strat-style guitar with handwound single-coil pickups. Also suited to musicians who like a pronounced V-shaped neck and vintage-style specifications.Look elsewhere if
Not the best fit for players who prefer a slim neck or a five-way pickup switch. Buyers focused on maximizing value should weigh the listed price against the specialized features.Suggested level: Intermediate
Specifications
- Color
- Fiesta Red
- Body
- Alder
- Top
- None
- Neck
- Maple
- Fretboard
- Maple
- Frets
- 21
- Scale
- 648 mm
- Pickups
- SSS
- Tremolo
- Vintage
- Incl. bag
- Yes
- Including case
- No
- Model
- 1956 Stratocaster
- Shape
- ST-Style
- Pickup system
- SSS
Up close
Watch and listen
Before you decide
Questions players ask
What kind of pickups does this guitar have?
It has two handwound 60/63 Strat single-coil pickups at the bridge and neck, plus a reverse-wound, reverse-polarity version in the middle position.
What is the neck profile like?
The neck has a 10/56 V profile, measuring 22 mm thick at the first fret and 25 mm at the twelfth fret.
Does it include a case?
Yes. The specifications list a vintage-tweed case. They also indicate an included bag, so confirm the supplied accessories with the seller.
How many pickup positions can I select?
The guitar has a three-way pickup switch, providing three selector positions.
Is it suited to a player looking for broad tonal flexibility?
It offers three single-coil pickups and separate tone controls, but its three-way switch provides fewer preset combinations than a five-way switch.
The last word from the bench
This model brings together an alder body, quartersawn maple neck, maple fingerboard, and three handwound pickups in a 1956-inspired configuration. The 10/56 V profile, 21 vintage frets, and three-way switch are defining features that buyers should try or consider carefully. A vintage-tweed case is included, while the listed specifications also mention an included bag. With no customer reviews available, this assessment is based on the supplied specifications rather than owner feedback.
Hanging next to it
Fender 56 Strat FRD Relic
Today's price and delivery time are shown at the retailer.
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