This is a unique Fender Custom Shop ’56 Stratocaster that captures the look, sound, and feel of David Gilmour’s legendary Red Strat—without claiming to be an exact replica. Built in 2021 as part of a limited Custom Shop production, it features a beautifully aged Super Faded Candy Apple Red finish over 2-Tone Sunburst, complete with a factory heavy relic treatment.
It shares the key elements of Gilmour’s Red Strat: the same body style, neck shape, color tone, and most importantly—the sound. Outfitted with a professionally installed EMG DG-20 system on a relic’d anodized gold aluminum pickguard, this guitar delivers 100% accurate Gilmour tones straight into your rig. It’s a Custom Shop Strat that looks authentically worn-in and vintage, and sounds spot-on for Gilmour’s classic tones from Pulse, Delicate Sound of Thunder, and The Division Bell.
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BODY
• Model: 2021 LTD ’56 Stratocaster Heavy Relic
• Finish: Super Faded Candy Apple Red over 2-Tone Sunburst (nitrocellulose lacquer, heavy relic)
• Body Wood: 2-piece sorted lightweight alder (GTR & Bass Alder)
• Pickguard: Custom STRAT ALUMINUM GOLD COLOR ANODIZED RELIC plate, loaded with EMG DG-20 system
• Finish Aging: Worn-through areas and checking reveal the burst underlayer—visually similar to Gilmour’s Strat, but with a more intense relic treatment from the factory
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Feel: The neck is not thick—it’s incredibly smooth, comfortable, and effortless to play. With its satin-feel relic finish, rolled fretboard edges, and perfect taper, it’s ideal for chords, expressive lead work, and especially easy bending. It strikes the perfect balance between vintage character and modern comfort.
HARDWARE
• Bridge: Custom Shop Vintage Stratocaster Relic with engraved saddles
• Trem Arm: Upgraded to Aged shortened 4.25-inch version, like Gilmour’s, for improved control and comfort
• Tuners: Vintage-style Kluson
• Strap Pins: Traditional vintage-style (no strap locks)
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ELECTRONICS
• EMG DG-20 Active Pickup System (as used by David Gilmour):
• 3 × EMG SA noiseless pickups
• Master Volume
• EXG Expander (boosts lows and highs)
• SPC Mid Boost (adds sustain and thickness for leads)
• Solderless 5-way switch
• 9V battery housed under pickguard
How to Change the Battery:
The battery is located under the tone control area. Just remove three screws around the tone knobs and gently lift the pickguard. The process takes 3–5 minutes. Soft foam pads have been added to keep the battery secure and prevent noise or movement during play.
Note: Original Fender Fat ’50s pickups and pickguard are not included—this guitar is fully built around the EMG system.
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SETUP & CONDITION
• Professionally set up with clean intonation and low action
• Fresh Gilmour Signature GHS Boomers installed
• Frets are in excellent shape, electronics are quiet and reliable
• The relic wear is 100% factory-authentic and consistent with Fender Custom Shop’s aging specs
• Smoke-free environment
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INCLUDED ACCESSORIES
• Black Fender Custom Shop LTD hard case
• Certificate of Authenticity
• Custom Shop Catalog
• DG Vintage Strap (2.5” Wide)
• Additional Set of David Gilmour Signature GHS Boomers strings
• David Gilmour Style Shortened (4.25”) Trem Arm
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TONE & FEEL
This guitar doesn’t just look cool—it sounds exactly right. Thanks to the EMG DG-20 pickups and Custom Shop craftsmanship, it delivers the unmistakable clean modulation tones, punchy mids, and singing lead sounds that define Gilmour’s playing. Whether you’re going for atmospheric textures or soaring solos, it’s all there—quiet, powerful, and dynamic.
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SHIPPING & TERMS
Ships fully insured and professionally packed in the original black Fender Custom Shop case.
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If you’re looking for a Stratocaster that looks old, feels incredible, and captures the sound of David Gilmour’s iconic Red Strat—this is it. A serious instrument for players and collectors alike.
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