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The Music Gallery is a one of the top independent Fender® Custom Shop dealers in the world. Since 1987, the Fender® Custom Shop has been a "dream factory" producing guitars that are to playing what Ferraris are to driving. The skilled craftsmen in Fender's® Corona, Calif., Custom Shop are known worldwide for their artistry in making guitars that range from the fine to the fantastic. Whether it's building a new custom instrument from the ground up or modifying an existing one, their best is the best. Fender® Custom Shop instruments have been crafted for and with the input of the world's finest players; names like Clapton, Beck, Burton, Cray, Gilmour, Townshend and Vaughan, to name just a few. One could be yours.

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Fender Custom Shop Dennis Galuszka Masterbuilt 50's Stratocaster NOS Spruce Body | The Music Gallery

Fender Custom Shop Dennis Galuszka Masterbuilt 50's Stratocaster NOS Spruce Body

Our Price: $5,550.00

This Guitar Ships FREE to the lower 48 states!

I know what you’re thinking, “Spruce? On an electric solid body? Isn’t than an acoustic guitar wood?” While most people are accustomed to seeing spruce only on an acoustic, Fender Custom Shop guru Dennis Galuszka decided to prove just how awesome a tone wood spruce can be for an electric guitar as well. And this ’56 NOS Master Built Strat does NOT disappoint! The spruce body imparts a lighter weight, a subtly beautiful wood grain and, not surprisingly, a more “acoustic” resonance to the guitar with excellent sustain. And the addition of a soft “V” all-maple neck makes this guitar easy to handle (even for smaller hands) while playing fairly fast and smooth.

While my initial thought regarding pairing a spruce top with a maple neck / fretboard was that this was going to be one bright sounding guitar, I was very surprised at the warmth and richness of the tone she puts out. The use of Fat 50’s pickups adds a nice depth and fullness to the tone that really works. The neck position was very full and warm with excellent clarity, and position 4 put out a nice jazzy clean with awesome blues tone when driven. The middle position proved very clear and vocal on clean settings with a powerful overdriven voice. Position 2 gave up a tele-like spank with a Steely Dan sounding overdriven tone, while the bridge position was where the spruce / maple combination really kicked in with bright, stinging tones.

So there you have it, another guitar stereotype broken down by the masters of lutherie at the Fender Custom Shop. Spruce – the other tone wood.

Our price includes personalized set up, hardshell case, and free shipping to the continental United States.

Have this guitar Plek'ed for an additional $125

Questions? Please call 847-432-6350 or E-Mail Us

Fender Custom Shop John Cruz Masterbuilt Relic Jaguar w/ Bigsby | The Music Gallery

Fender Custom Shop John Cruz Masterbuilt Relic Jaguar w/ Bigsby

List Price: $7,720.00
Our Price: $5,790.00
You Save $1,930.00

This guitar ships FREE in the USA!!
What if the surf music craze had kicked off in the early 50's rather than a decade later? If it had, a lot of folks might have been playing something like this John Cruz Masterbuilt Relic Jaguar.

This guitar is really cool and unique and combines the early 50's Black Guard/Butterscotch vibe with the swoopy lines of a 60's Jaguar, all tied together with a Bigsby trem. The worn oval “C” neck feels fantastic and plays like a dream, and the offset Jag-style body sits well on your lap. Hanging from a strap, the weight of the guitar is very nice despite the added Bigsby hardware so you can rock those extra long sets with no problem. The neck, switches, knobs and pickups will feel immediately familiar to Tele players, but the Jag body and added Bigsby create a new dimension and tonal capabilities. With unfettered access all the way up the neck, fast runs and bends flow smoothly and the Bigsby adds flavor and a cool factor that’ll bend that twang to Texas and back!

The Twisted Tele and Hand Wound Broadcaster pickups cut just like your favorite Tele, but the added S-1 switching option provides subtle differences which really shine on overdriven tones. This axe screams “Retro Cool” with a Tele’s sound, a Jag’s good looks and Bigsby attitude. The heavily worn body and tinted neck add to the well used feel and look of this guitar. If you like Teles and are looking for a high-end Fender that packs some vintage mojo but is also not just another guitar, this one is worth checking out. This Custom Jag gets attention because it commands it. Are you on your way in to play it yet?

Our price includes a personalized set up, hardshell case, and free shipping in the continental USA.

Questions? Please call 847-432-6350 or E-Mail Us

Fender Custom Shop Todd Krause Masterbuilt Clapton Stratocaster Candy Green | The Music Gallery

Fender Custom Shop Todd Krause Masterbuilt Clapton Stratocaster Candy Green

List Price: $7,000.00
Our Price: $5,600.00
You Save $1,400.00

This guitar ships FREE in the USA!!

I remember popping a green apple Jolly Rancher candy in my mouth as a kid and my dad looking around horrified asking, “Do you smell baby poop?” Well, those green apple candies are still one of my favorites despite their “odd” smell, though to this day my dad still refuses to try one. But this Candy Green Strat just might become one of your favorites if you’re willing to give it a shot.

Part of a special run of Clapton Strats that are Masterbuilt by Todd Krause, Eric Clapton's personal builder at Fender, these are done up just like the guitars Eric currently plays. However, these are a bit different than the normal Clapton Strats as Mr. Krause conveniently 'forgot' a few of the normal features - like the Clapton signature on the headstock, the TBX tone circuit and the normal neck profile, as these are a little slimmer. In their place, this guitar features Vintage Noiseless pickups and a Mid Boost control that lives on the tone knob closest to the floor.

The soft “V” compound radius neck (7.25” to 12”) plays loose and easy and is great for chording in the low register and solo bends up high. Notes sustain very well and the smoothness of the neck makes sliding up and down a breeze.

And the Vintage Noiseless pickups are a perfect match for this axe, providing excellent clarity in both clean and overdriven modes. Though a bit more modern and bright sounding than vintage pickups, you can coax everything from gritty Blues to smooth Jazz to spanky Country licks. But the Mid Boost circuit is the real secret to this guitar’s tonal mojo! Twist the Mid Boost from zero to ten and see how ferocious this little green monster can get – we’re talking all out Rock mayhem if you want it!

So don’t be afraid to try something just because it’s a little different. It may wind up becoming your favorite candy after all.

Our price includes a personalized set up, hardshell case, and free shipping in the continental USA.

Fender Custom Shop Todd Krause Masterbuilt Clapton Stratocaster Torino Red | The Music Gallery

Fender Custom Shop Todd Krause Masterbuilt Clapton Stratocaster Torino Red

List Price: $7,000.00
Our Price: $5,600.00
You Save $1,400.00

This guitar ships FREE in the USA!!

Did you catch that Clint Eastwood movie a few years back called ‘Gran Torino’? Pretty good flick. Teaches us all a little lesson in humility. Just like you’ll teach those around you to be humble when you strap on this Todd Krause Master Built Strat in, what else, “Torino Red” and proceed to tear the house down with your fiery licks!

And oh what licks you will conjure on the smooth as silk soft “V” all Maple neck with compound radius that was made for huge bends and long, sustained notes. Unlike the Clapton Strats you’re used to, Mr. Krause made this batch a bit different to mirror those Eric is currently using on stage. Electing to go with a slightly slimmer neck profile and removing E.C.’s signature from the headstock, this model also replaces the TBX tone circuit with a 20 db Mid Boost in place of the lower tone knob.

Using the Mid Boost in conjunction with the Vintage Noiseless pickups allows you to take this guitar from a modern-vintage Strat tone all the way to a fire breathing, fuel injected V8 roar that’ll blow your hair back! Although a bit brighter and more modern sounding than most guitars, this Clapton axe works well for Blues, Rock, Alt-Rock and even Country. And the Mid Boost control allows for a wide variety of tones by pushing each pickup from clean and bright to downright mean and nasty!

So why not take a tip from Clint and teach those punks a lesson – just point this guitar at ‘em and say, “Get off of my stage!”

Our price includes a personalized set up, hardshell case, and free shipping in the continental USA.

Fender Custom Shop Todd Krause Masterbuilt Eric Clapton Stratocaster Mercedes Blue | The Music Gallery

Fender Custom Shop Todd Krause Masterbuilt Eric Clapton Stratocaster Mercedes Blue

List Price: $7,000.00
Our Price: $5,600.00
You Save $1,400.00

This guitar ships FREE to the lower 48!!!

Classy. Elegant in its refinement. And ready to rock your world! This guitar is part of a special run of Clapton Strats that are Masterbuilt by Todd Krause, Eric Clapton's personal builder at Fender. Crafted to mirror the guitars Eric currently plays, these are slightly different than the standard Clapton Strats. Mr. Krause conveniently 'forgot' a few of the normal features, like the Clapton signature on the headstock, the TBX tone circuit, and the normal neck profile, as these are a little slimmer. However, what they did not leave out is incredible tone, versatility and style.

The Mercedes Blue finish lives up to its automotive namesake with a flawless look and feel. And the “V” neck is soft and supple – allowing for effortless wrap-arounds and easy access to the upper frets. The action on this guitar is simply fantastic! Utilizing a mid boost via the bottom tone knob that works in each pickup position, you’re able to dial in a 20dB bump that turns this into two Strats for the price of one. At zero it is a normal-sounding Stratocaster, but by the time the mids are all the way up it becomes a hotter-than-a-humbucker rock machine that truly shows its split personality. The Vintage Noiseless pickups are a perfect match for this guitar and provide a thicker, deeper tone that is perfect for the blues rocker.

Ranging from hollow and full in the neck to biting but not overly bright in the bridge, you can nail all your favorite Clapton licks and then some. Isn’t it time you stepped up to a Mercedes … blue?

Our price includes personalized set up, hardshell case, and free shipping to the continental United States.

Have this guitar Plek'ed for an additional $125

Questions? Please call 847-432-6350 or E-Mail Us

Fender Custom Shop Yuri Shishkov Masterbuilt FMT Stratocaster | The Music Gallery

Fender Custom Shop Yuri Shishkov Masterbuilt FMT Stratocaster

List Price: $7,070.00
Our Price: $5,302.00
You Save $1,768.00

This guitar ships FREE in the USA!!
This Fender Custom Shop Yuri Shishkov Masterbuilt FMT (Flame Maple Top) Stratocaster in stunning Blood Orange is the Jessica Rabbit of guitars – sexy, voluptuous and gorgeous to look at. But don’t let the good looks fool you, she’s a real player too! We have a lot of Strats on the wall, but this is truly a cut above many of them and you can tell the moment you plug it in.

You’ll feel like you’re flying when you cruise up and down the lightly flamed mid-60’s oval “C” neck. Bends, slurs and arpeggios all flow with ease over the vintage frets. The large headstock gives this one both a cool look and a little added heft. And the sustain - oh my! This guitar is INSANELY resonant unplugged and sustains like crazy when you hold a note.

Employing Texas Special pickups, this guitar gives off a warm, soulful tone in the neck position that turns deep and throaty when pushed. Position 4 yields a thicker twang with a meaty growl on overdrive while the middle slot is more subdued but singing with a gritty driven tone. Position 2 is warm with an emphasis on the mids – perfect for overdriven blues, and the bridge position is smokin’ hot! Pushed thru the amp with a little wah put me right into Hendrix land.

There’s no doubt this one’s a real looker - one of those 'no excuses' guitars that delivers the goods, the mojo, the vibe, and everything else from the first note you play on it. It is lively and responsive in the hands, and the chunky headstock and hexagon tuning knobs (yep, hexagon) add some funk to the mix. But the real beauty of this guitar lies in the tone, and I do mean TONE! This ain’t no cartoon rendering of the perfect axe, she’s the real deal and is waiting for you right here in the store.

Our price includes personalized set up, hardshell case, and free shipping to the continental United States.

Have this guitar Plek'ed for an additional $125

Questions? Please call 847-432-6350 or E-Mail Us

Fender® Custom Shop 2011 Roadshow Limited Dennis Galuzska Master Built 60 Stratocaster Closet Classic in Trans Light Brown | The Music Gallery

Fender® Custom Shop 2011 Roadshow Limited Dennis Galuzska Master Built 60 Stratocaster CC in Trans Light Brown

List Price: $7,800.00
Our Price: $5,460.00
You Save $2,340.00

This Guitar Ships FREE in the USA
Style. Grace. Beauty. Three words that barely do justice to describing the quality, tone and stunning appearance of this Limited Dennis Galuzska Master Built ‘60 Stratocaster Closet Classic. The checking and crazing in the finish coupled with the light trans-brown color exudes warmth and reminds you of a stained glass etching.

The ’65 quarter sawn maple “C” neck is thick and very comfortable, making it feel like you can bend and sustain a note forever. Top it off with aged gold hardware that complements the guitar’s color spectacularly and you have one of the finest guitars you’ll likely ever play.

Tonally, this guitar sounds almost as good unplugged as it does plugged in! In fact, I was having so much fun unplugged that I almost never turned on the amp. The 100 year old pine body resonates on every note and the Fat 50’s pickups are just that – FAT!! Offering up a superb range of tones, you can dial in anything from Blues to Rock to Country, Jazz, Funk and even Reggae. This guitar really nails all of those great classic Strat tones. Combining stunning good looks with a beautiful aged patina, fat sounding pickups, a smooth neck that is easily traversed from body to neck and a lighter weight, resonant pine body yields one of my favorite guitars in the shop. Once you pick this guitar up you won’t ever want to put it down. So do yourself a favor and check this one out – you’ll be glad you did.

Our price includes personalized set up, original hardshell case, case candy, certificate of authenticity and free shipping to the continental United States.

Have this guitar Plek'ed for an additional $125.

Questions? Please call 847-432-6350 or E-Mail Us

Fender® Custom Shop Dale Wilson Master Built 58 Stratocaster Hard Tail Heavy Relic in 3 Tone Sunburst | The Music Gallery

Fender® Custom Shop Dale Wilson Master Built 58 Stratocaster Hard Tail Heavy Relic in 3 Tone Sunburst

List Price: $7,050.00
Our Price: $4,935.00
You Save $2,115.00

This Guitar Ships FREE in the USA

This Fender® Custom Shop Dale Wilson Master Built 58 Stratocaster Hard Tail Heavy Relic in 3 Tone Sunburst is loaded with a set of Hand Wound Fat 50's wound by Josie. Very evenly balanced and probably the best sounding pickups I have heard in a while and combined with the hard tail give you plenty of sustain. Any classic strat tone you are looking for this guitar has. The mid 60's oval C is fast and very easy to play. Stop in and try out this great guitar.

Fender® Custom Shop Dale Wilson Master Built 65 Stratocaster® Relic in Candy Apple Red | The Music Gallery

Fender® Custom Shop Dale Wilson Master Built 65 Stratocaster® Relic in Candy Apple Red

List Price: $7,230.00
Our Price: $5,060.00
You Save $2,170.00

This Guitar Ships FREE in the USA

In one word … Superb! This Fender Custom Shop Dale Wilson Master Built 65 Stratocaster Relic in Candy Apple Red is an excellent example of luthiery at its finest.

The ’65 “C” shape neck is one of the nicest I’ve played and the Josie Hand Wound 69 Grey Bottom pickups lend a new, yet familiar tonal palette to the mix.

With a layer of gold subtly underlying the aged, red nitro finish, you get a sense this guitar was once a beautiful shoreline gold that was later dressed up in candy apple by a subsequent owner. And having seen its share of pubs, clubs and stages, the finish was worn away nicely and the neck feels as though it has only improved with all those years of heavy playing.

As for tone, the neck pickup offers up a woody, darker sound that still retains a vibrancy and snap that may favor Jazzers, but reacts well with overdrive for Roots Rockers. Position 4 is full and rich, allowing for very hot blues tones when pushed. The middle pickup is jangly and bright with mid tendencies that really help it cut through when driven. Position 2 is quacky with pronounced high mids that lean toward a late 60’s / early 70’s rock vibe on overdrive. The bridge pickup is bright and somewhat thin, lending itself to Country picking with a clear tone when driving the amp. I found the tone knobs interact very well in all positions and make a huge difference. You’d be hard pressed to tell this guitar from a real ’65 that has seen its share of action over the years. An excellent relic job by one of today’s masters of guitar building.

If you’re looking for something special, look no further.

Our price includes personalized set up, hardshell case, case candy, certificate of authenticity and free shipping to the continental United States.

Have this guitar Plek'ed for an additional $125.

Questions? Please call 847-432-6350 or E-Mail Us

Fender® Custom Shop Jason Smith Master Built 62 Stratocaster® Relic in Shell Pink | The Music Gallery

Fender® Custom Shop Jason Smith Master Built 62 Stratocaster® Relic in Shell Pink

List Price: $6,520.00
Our Price: $5,216.00
You Save $1,304.00

This Guitar Ships FREE in the USA

"Seeing pink elephants" is a euphemism for drunken hallucination, caused by alcoholic hallucinosis or delirium tremens. Seeing pink guitars, on the other hand, is perfectly normal – especially if said guitar is this Fender® Custom Shop Jason Smith Master Built ‘62 Stratocaster® Relic in Shell Pink.

Reeking of early 60’s class with a superior relic job to match, this guitar will make you as giddy as a drunken monkey once you get your hands on it. The light sort Alder body exhibits a nice full acoustic tone when strummed unplugged, with excellent sustain and note separation. In fact, notes and chords seemingly hang forever when plucked. And the mid-60’s “C” Maple neck fits your hand like a glove with a nicely worn-in feel allowing for super fast runs and easy movement all along the board.

The Abby Hand Wound pickups are a real treat and provide an SRV bell-like warmth in the neck that overdrives smooth and full. Position 4 is fat ‘n spanky and gets extra growly with a dark side when pushed. The middle pickup yields round and rich cleans that slide into old school Blues tones with a little dirt. And Position 2 is as funky as that drunken monkey for when you want to add a little groove to the mix. The bridge pickup is full of twang and bite with no harshness – perfect for Country pickin’ or early Rock styles.

So don’t freak out when you catch a glimpse of this shell pink masterpiece on our wall. It’s no hallucination, this one’s very real and very cool.

Our price includes personalized set up, hardshell case, case candy, certificate of authenticity and free shipping to the continental United States.

Have this guitar Plek'ed for an additional $125.

Questions? Please call 847-432-6350 or E-Mail Us

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