Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) today – alongside the revered Fender Custom Shop – unveils the highly anticipated annual 2024  Custom Collection. Renowned for  the world’s premier and most-innovative custom guitars for artists, players and collectors alike, FMIC’s esteemed Custom Shop unparalleled quality and craftsmanship through an elite team of gifted master builders.

Built by the industry’s leading craftsmen, today’s announcement includes a myriad of compelling models from the Fender Custom Shop including a Limited Edition Collection, a Time Machine Collection that features models that pay homage to iconic guitars from the ‘50s and ‘60s,  a Postmodern collection featuring models that represent seven decades of “Fender firsts,” an American Custom Collection that boasts striking finishes combined with contemporary features and meticulous craftsmanship, an Artisan Collection showcasing bespoke custom-built masterpieces, adorned with unique appointments and features unlike any other Custom Shop instruments, and lastly a Vintage Custom collection that represents early, almost prototypical, transitional and “first rev” versions of a classic Fender model before its evolution into its present-day form.

“We are proud to present this extraordinary collection from the Fender Custom Shop,” said Mike Lewis, Vice President Product Development – Fender Custom Shop. “Crafted by the industry’s most skilled artisans, these guitars represent the pinnacle of excellence, blending innovation with the rich heritage of Fender. Each collection tells a unique story, from the timeless elegance of the Limited Edition and Time Machine models to the groundbreaking features of the Postmodern and American Custom collections to the nostalgic journey of the Vintage Custom designs. We’re confident that this year’s collection will captivate artists, players, and collectors alike, setting a new standard for excellence in the world of custom guitars. Many models in this collection are available for customization through our network of Custom Shop Showcase dealers, allowing players to tailor their specifications to individual preferences.”

TIME MACHINE^TM

The Fender Custom Shop reaches new heights of craftsmanship with its acclaimed Time Machine series—artfully “relic-ed” guitars and basses that revolutionized the entire concept of “reissue” instruments. The master builders continue to venture even higher by crafting meticulous replicas using the same techniques and tooling used to create the originals all those years ago.

1954 Precision Bass® – Journeyman Relic® ($5,025.00 USD, £4,799.00 GBP, €5,549.00 EUR, $7,999.00 AUD, ¥814,000 JPY) New for 2024, the Fender Custom Shop introduces the 1954 Precision Bass® Journeyman Relic®. 70 years after its initial release, this bass is loaded with the looks, sound and feel of one of the most sought after mid-‘50s P-Bass® models. With a Journeyman Relic® lacquer finish over a two-piece select ash body (available in Aged Two-Color Sunburst, Aged Vintage Blonde and Aged Black) and a one-piece quartersawn maple neck with ’55 Soft “V” back-shape, the 1954 Precision Bass® looks like an instrument that has been well-cared-for over the last seven decades, with minimal use outside studio sessions and some playing around the house. Equipped with a Custom Shop hand-wound ’55 P-Bass® pickup, there’s no shortage of full, warm lows, focused mids and crisp highs. Other premium features include 7.25″ radius, 20 medium vintage (47095) frets, vintage wiring, single-ply parchment pickguard, 2-saddle vintage-style bridge, vintage-style tuning machines, bone nut, disc string tree, deluxe hardshell case, strap and certificate of authenticity.

1958 Precision Bass® – Relic® ($4,550.00 – $4,675.00 USD, £4,399.00 – £4,499.00 GBP, €5,049.00 – €5,149.00 EUR, $7,199.00 – $7,699.00 AUD, ¥792,000 JPY) New for 2024, the Fender Custom Shop is introducing the 1958 Precision Bass® Relic®. After nearly seven decades since its original release, this pivotal transition model is widely celebrated. With all the classic specifications from a mid-to-late-‘50s P-Bass®, this instrument feels like it was played at countless gigs—marred with spidery finish checking, oxidized hardware and dings, dents and scars. The two-piece select alder body (ash on Sunburst) and one-piece quartersawn maple neck are dressed in a Relic® lacquer finish—available in three period-correct colors: Aged Desert Sand, Aged Sonic Blue and Super Faded Aged Chocolate Three-Color Sunburst. To round out the iconic, golden era features, the gold anodized pickguard is loaded with a Custom Shop hand-wound ’57 P-Bass® pickup and vintage wiring. Other premium features include ’57-style Soft “V” back-shape, 7.25″ radius, 20 medium jumbo (6150) frets, vintage-style 4-saddle bridge with threaded steel saddles, vintage-style tuning machines, bone nut, disc string tree, deluxe hardshell case, strap and certificate of authenticity.

1966 Precision Bass® – Journeyman Relic® ($4,675.00 – $4,700.00 USD, £4,499.00 GBP, €5,149.00 – €5,199.00 EUR, $7,399.00 – $7,499.00 AUD, ¥797,500 JPY) New for 2024, the Fender Custom Shop introduces the 1966 Precision Bass® Journeyman Relic®. Few instruments are as iconic as a 1960s rosewood fingerboard-equipped P-Bass®–and this bass stands out from the crowd. Its two-piece select alder body wears a Journeyman Relic® lacquer finish in Super Faded Aged Lake Placid Blue, Aged Natural and Three-Color Sunburst, while the quartersawn maple neck features a 1960 Oval “C” back-shape and round-laminated rosewood fingerboard for perfect mid-‘60s looks and feel. The Custom Shop hand-wound ‘65/’70 P-Bass® pickup and vintage wiring provide all the thump and warmth you would expect from a 1966 Precision Bass®. Other premium features include 7.25″ radius, 20 medium jumbo (6150) frets, 4-ply brown shell pickguard (3-ply parchment on Lake Placid Blue), vintage-style 4-saddle bridge with threaded steel saddles, vintage-style tuning machines, bone nut, disc string tree, deluxe hardshell case, strap and certificate of authenticity.

1961 Jazz Bass® – Heavy Relic® ($5,200.00 – $5,350.00 USD, £5,099.00 GBP, €5,899.00 EUR, $8,299.00-$8,499.00 AUD, ¥858,000 – ¥880,000 JPY) New for 2024, the Fender Custom Shop introduces the 1961 Jazz Bass® Heavy Relic®. Over six decades after its initial release, this bass is loaded with appointments and vibe that transports players back to the early-‘60s. The elegantly contoured two-piece select alder body wears a Heavy Relic® lacquer finish in Three-Color Sunburst, Super Faded Aged Shell Pink and Faded Aged Daphne Blue. This expertly aged treatment is designed to evoke decades of the most punishing play and touring—from serious dings and tents to discolored hardware, these Heavy Relic® basses look like true, battle-tested workhorses. The quartersawn maple neck has a ’60-style “U” back-shape, flat-laminated rosewood fingerboard and period-correct matching painted headstocks (Shell Pink and Daphne Blue only) for iconic golden era looks and feel. Other premium features include 7.25″ radius, 20 medium vintage (47095) frets, Custom Shop hand-wound vintage Jazz Bass® pickups, vintage wiring with concentric volume and tone controls, 4-ply brown shell pickguard, vintage-style 4-saddle bridge with threaded steel saddles, vintage-style tuning machines, bone nut, disc string tree, deluxe hardshell case, strap and certificate of authenticity.

ARTISAN

Pushing the envelope in the name of art, the Fender Custom Shop Artisan series remains true to its roots. Built on tried-and-true vintage platforms, these custom-built masterpieces are crafted from select exotic tone woods and then outfitted with special appointments and features that subtly enhance playability. Every Artisan series instrument is a beauty to behold-the culmination of sonic perfection, passion and purity of design-with authentic Fender spirit at the core.

Artisan Maple Burl Jazz Bass® – NOS ($5,100.00 USD, £4,899.00 GBP, €5,649.00 EUR, $8,199.00 AUD, ¥858,000 JPY) Combining beautify and exotic tone woods, the Artisan Maple Burl Jazz Bass® NOS showcases the high-level craftsmanship of the Fender Custom Shop—seamlessly merging Fender heritage with showstopping appointments. Finished in Aged Natural NOS lacquer, the two-piece select ash body (with offset seam) is paired with an incredible 4A maple burl top, and to round out this perfect union of woods, a 3A roasted flame maple neck is topped with a round-laminated rosewood fingerboard. Loaded with a pair of Custom Shop hand-wound vintage Jazz Bass® pickups and vintage wiring, the bass’ warm, well-balanced tone is familiar, but with added punch and snap from the unique combination of woods. An RSD HiMass™ bridge and a set of vintage-style oval paddle tuning machines add high performance functionality with timeless visual cues. Other premium features include ’60-style “U” back-shape, 9.5″ radius, 20 medium jumbo (6150) frets, 4-ply brown shell pickguard, bone nut, disc string tree, deluxe hardshell case, strap and certificate of authenticity.

ABOUT FENDER MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS CORPORATION: 

Since 1946, Fender has revolutionized music and culture as one of the world’s leading musical instrument manufacturers, marketers and distributors. Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC)–whose portfolio of owned and licensed brands includes Fender®, Squier®, Gretsch® guitars, Jackson®, EVH®, Charvel®, Bigsby® and PreSonus® – follows a player-centric approach to crafting the highest-quality instruments and digital experiences across genres. Since 2015, Fender’s digital arm has introduced a new ecosystem of products and interactive experiences to accompany players at every stage of their musical journey. This includes innovative apps and learning platforms designed to complement Fender guitars, amplifiers, effects pedals, accessories and pro-audio gear, and inspire players through an immersive musical experience. FMIC is dedicated to unlocking the power of musical expression for all players, from beginners to history-making legends. In 2021, Fender celebrated 75 years of giving artists “wings to fly,” carrying on the vision of its founder, Leo Fender, and connecting players through a shared love of music.

ABOUT FENDER CUSTOM SHOP™:

Since 1987, the Fender Custom Shop and its esteemed builders have astounded players and collectors worldwide with marvels of creativity, ingenuity and artistry. From its humble Southern California beginnings, the Fender Custom Shop has grown to become the world’s preeminent maker of highly collectible, custom instruments operating in Corona, Calif. Known as the “Dream Factory,” the Fender Custom Shop is also home to an honored group known as the Master Builders – some of the most-skilled luthiers in the world – who craft Fender’s legendary instruments and push the boundaries of possibility. The distinguished Master Builders make dream guitars a reality for players – from Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, H.E.R. and Jimmy Page to collectors, working professionals and guitar enthusiasts. As the epicenter of innovation at Fender and the pinnacle of the brand, ideas and production techniques devised in the Fender Custom Shop for both Masterbuilt and Teambuilt guitars go on to inspire and influence Fender’s other production line models.