Fender Limited Edition Cory Wong Stratocaster in Surf Green, Open Box Electric Guitar

Quick Product Summary

The Fender Limited Edition Cory Wong Stratocaster in Surf Green is a highly specialised Artist Signature Strat designed around Cory Wong's precise, rhythm-focused playing style while remaining versatile enough for lead work, studio sessions and a wide range of contemporary guitar sounds.

Finished in limited-edition Surf Green satin lacquer, this model uses a slightly reduced-size alder Stratocaster body with sculpted contours for an exceptionally comfortable playing experience. The maple Modern “D” neck is paired with a rosewood fingerboard, rolled edges and a 10"–14" compound radius, giving you comfortable chord work lower down the neck and a flatter surface for faster playing and bends higher up.

The signature Seymour Duncan Cory Wong Clean Machine pickup set combines two single-coils with a Custom Stack Plus bridge pickup, delivering the clarity, attack and definition that suit funk and clean rhythm work while retaining enough body for driven and lead sounds.

A clever push/push switch on Tone 2 instantly bypasses the five-way selector and recalls Position 4 – middle and neck pickups together, giving you immediate access to one of the most useful Strat sounds.

Offered here as an Open Box example, this limited Surf Green Cory Wong Stratocaster is a compelling choice for funk, pop, soul, R&B, fusion, indie, session work and players looking for a premium Stratocaster built around precision, clarity and modern playability.

At A Glance

Feature	Details
Brand	Fender
Series	Artist Signature
Model	Limited Edition Cory Wong Stratocaster
Finish	Surf Green
Condition	Open Box
Body	Alder, Slightly Reduced Stratocaster Shape
Fingerboard	Rosewood
Neck Profile	Modern “D”
Fingerboard Radius	10"–14" Compound
Frets	22 Medium Jumbo
Pickups	Seymour Duncan Cory Wong Clean Machine Set
Special Switching	Push/Push Instant Position-4 Bypass
Bridge	6-Saddle Vintage-Style Synchronized Tremolo
Tuners	Deluxe Locking
Main Appeal	Exceptional clean definition, fast playability and instant rhythm-tone switching
Best For	Funk, pop, soul, R&B, fusion, recording and professional session work

Open Box Condition Report

Condition: Open Box

This Fender Limited Edition Cory Wong Stratocaster is offered as an Open Box instrument.

No specific cosmetic marks, faults, repairs or modifications have been supplied for this individual example, so none have been assumed or invented.

Please refer closely to the product photography when assessing the exact cosmetic presentation of this guitar.

For additional reassurance on this premium limited-edition instrument, you are also welcome to request a video demofrom our team.

What's Included?

• Fender Limited Edition Cory Wong Stratocaster in Surf Green

Factory Package Note

Fender's standard factory package for this model includes:

• Deluxe Molded Case

• Cory Wong hair tie for tremolo-spring muting

• Rubber strap-lock washer set

The exact retained accessory package for this individual Open Box example has not been supplied, so these factory accessories have not been assumed as confirmed individual contents.

Condition Notes

No specific cosmetic defects, repairs or modifications have been supplied for this individual Open Box guitar.

Please use the detailed product photographs to assess the exact cosmetic presentation of the instrument available.

Fair Deal Quality Control Assessment

Before leaving Fair Deal Music, this Cory Wong Stratocaster will be checked by our team for correct mechanical and electronic operation.

Our electric guitar assessment includes:

• Neck and fret condition

• Tuning machine operation

• Nut and string path

• Tremolo and saddle operation

• Pickup output

• Five-position selector operation

• Push/push Position-4 bypass

• Master volume and treble-bleed operation

• Tone controls

• Output socket

• General setup and playability

This is a sophisticated professional Stratocaster, so particular attention will be paid to the signature switching and pickup system as part of our checks.

Service / Setup Work

This Fender Cory Wong Stratocaster will be checked and set up before leaving the shop.

Neck relief, action, intonation and general playability will be assessed as part of our preparation process.

As with any electric guitar, setup can shift slightly during transportation because of changes in temperature and humidity. Allowing the guitar to acclimatise after delivery before making additional adjustments is recommended.

Why Choose The Fender Limited Edition Cory Wong Stratocaster?

Seymour Duncan Cory Wong Clean Machine Pickups

The signature pickup set was developed specifically around Wong's demand for clarity, articulation and fast transient response.

The neck and middle positions use Clean Machine single-coils, while the bridge uses a Clean Machine Custom Stack Plus design, giving the bridge position additional flexibility while retaining the crisp response expected from this guitar.

Instant Access To Position 4

Press the push/push control on Tone 2 and the guitar bypasses the five-way selector, immediately selecting the middle and neck pickups together.

For a player such as Cory Wong, who frequently relies on tight, articulate rhythm sounds, this makes perfect sense. It is equally useful for any guitarist who wants to jump instantly from another pickup position into a classic Strat-style blended sound.

Modern “D” Neck With Compound Radius

The neck borrows heavily from Fender's high-performance American Ultra philosophy.

Its 10"–14" compound-radius rosewood fingerboard remains comfortably curved around the lower frets but gradually becomes flatter as you move higher up the neck, making upper-register bends and technical lead playing easier.

Slightly Smaller Stratocaster Body

The alder body is subtly reduced in size compared with a conventional Stratocaster and uses sculpted comfort contours.

That makes the instrument particularly comfortable for longer sessions, seated recording work and energetic stage performance.

Locking Tuners

Deluxe locking tuning machines make string changes faster while reducing the number of string wraps required around each post.

Combined with a correctly set-up tremolo, they form part of a practical professional hardware package designed for regular use.

Comparison Against Popular Alternatives

Cory Wong Stratocaster vs American Ultra II Stratocaster

The American Ultra II Stratocaster is Fender's broader modern-performance option, with noiseless pickups, advanced neck ergonomics and expanded switching.

The Cory Wong model is much more specialised. Its Seymour Duncan pickups, reduced body dimensions and instant Position-4 switching are designed specifically around clarity and rhythm performance. Choose Ultra II for maximum general-purpose flexibility; choose the Cory Wong when its unique pickup and switching system directly suits your playing.

Cory Wong Stratocaster vs American Professional II Stratocaster

The American Professional II Stratocaster provides a more traditional premium Fender experience with modern refinements and conventional pickup operation.

The Cory Wong moves further towards specialist performance with its compound-radius Modern “D” neck, locking tuners, reduced body, signature Seymour Duncan pickups and dedicated Position-4 bypass.

Cory Wong Stratocaster vs Nile Rodgers Hitmaker Stratocaster

Both signature models make obvious sense for rhythm-focused players, but they approach the Stratocaster from different directions.

The Nile Rodgers Hitmaker is rooted in the characteristics of Rodgers' famous vintage instrument, while the Cory Wong Strat combines vintage-inspired sounds with much more contemporary neck geometry and switching. Choose according to whether classic vintage feel or modern performance is the bigger priority.

Cory Wong Stratocaster vs Player II Stratocaster

The Player II Stratocaster offers excellent everyday Strat versatility at a substantially more accessible level.

The Cory Wong is aimed at a different buyer, adding premium construction, a compound-radius neck, signature pickups, locking tuners, specialised switching and a modified body. It makes sense when those performance upgrades are features you will genuinely use.

Who Is The Fender Cory Wong Stratocaster For?

This guitar is particularly well suited to:

• Funk guitarists

• Cory Wong and Vulfpeck fans

• Soul and R&B players

• Pop guitarists

• Session musicians

• Studio players

• Rhythm specialists

• Fusion guitarists

• Players who need exceptional note definition

• Musicians using complex pedalboards

• Guitarists who prefer modern neck geometry

• Players who regularly move between rhythm and lead duties

• Experienced Stratocaster players looking for something more specialised

You certainly do not need to play funk to appreciate it. The broader appeal is its combination of excellent clarity, comfortable modern neck geometry and extremely practical switching.

Suitable Genres And Uses

The Cory Wong Stratocaster is naturally suited to funk, soul, pop, R&B, fusion, disco, contemporary worship, indie, jazz-influenced music and professional session work.

Its clean articulation makes complex chords and fast rhythm patterns easy to distinguish, while the compound-radius neck and bridge pickup provide plenty of scope for lead work.

It is also an excellent guitar for recording. Clean guitar parts often need to occupy a precise space in a mix, and the ability to move quickly between defined pickup combinations makes the Cory Wong Strat particularly effective when layering multiple parts.

Why Is Position 4 So Important On The Cory Wong Stratocaster?

Position 4 combines the middle and neck pickups, producing one of the classic blended Stratocaster sounds.

It has a naturally clear, slightly hollow character that works exceptionally well for funk rhythm, clean chord work and percussive playing.

Because this sound is such an important part of Cory Wong's approach, Fender provides a dedicated push/push shortcut. No matter where the five-way selector is currently positioned, pressing the switch takes you directly to Position 4.

That means you can use another pickup setting for a lead or alternative rhythm sound and instantly return to your core clean tone without accurately locating the selector position during a performance.

Compatibility And Practical Pairing Advice

Guitar Amplifiers

The Cory Wong Stratocaster is particularly rewarding through clean, high-headroom amplifiers where its pickup clarity and playing dynamics remain easy to hear.

Fender-style clean amplifiers are an obvious match, while high-quality modelling systems and direct rigs work exceptionally well for professional live and studio environments.

Effects Pedals

This guitar makes an outstanding pedal platform, particularly with:

• Compressor

• Clean boost

• Overdrive

• Wah

• Chorus

• Phaser

• Envelope filter

• Delay

• Reverb

Compression is particularly relevant for tight funk rhythm playing, while overdrive and boost can turn the articulate core pickup response into highly defined lead tones.

Strings

The factory specification uses Fender USA 250R nickel-plated steel .010-.046 strings.

This slightly firmer gauge works particularly well for precise rhythm playing and dynamic picking.

A major change in string gauge can affect the neck, intonation and tremolo balance, so a setup may be worthwhile afterwards.

Tremolo Spring Muting

Fender's factory package includes Cory Wong's distinctive hair tie, which can be used to damp unwanted resonance from the tremolo springs.

This is a simple but clever studio-focused detail for players who want particularly tight and controlled rhythm sounds.

Looking for advice on choosing the right premium Stratocaster, compressor, clean amplifier or professional pedalboard setup? Our experienced team of musicians can help by phone, online or in-store.

Story & Context

Cory Wong has become one of the most recognisable modern exponents of clean, rhythm-focused electric guitar playing through his solo work and his playing with Vulfpeck.

Rather than simply creating a cosmetic signature Stratocaster, Fender developed this model around the practical demands of his technique. The slightly reduced body dimensions improve comfort, while the Modern “D” compound-radius neck gives the guitar a much more contemporary feel than a traditional vintage Strat.

The Seymour Duncan Clean Machine pickup set focuses on the articulation required for Wong's tightly controlled rhythm work, while the push/push Position-4 shortcut addresses a very specific real-world performance need.

The limited Surf Green finish gives this version its own identity alongside the other Cory Wong Stratocaster finishes while retaining the same highly specialised playing platform.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Brand	Fender
Series	Artist Signature
Model	Limited Edition Cory Wong Stratocaster
Orientation	Right-Handed
Colour	Surf Green
Body Material	Alder
Body Shape	Modified / Slightly Reduced Stratocaster
Body Finish	Satin Lacquer
Body Contours	American Ultra-Style Comfort Contours
Neck Material	Maple
Neck Shape	Modern “D”
Neck Finish	Satin Urethane
Fingerboard Material	Rosewood
Fingerboard Radius	10"–14" Compound Radius
Fingerboard Edges	Rolled
Scale Length	25.5" / 648 mm
Number Of Frets	22
Fret Size	Medium Jumbo
Position Inlays	White Dot
Side Dots	White
Nut Material	Bone
Nut Width	1.6875" / 42.86 mm
Bridge Pickup	Seymour Duncan Cory Wong Clean Machine Custom Stack Plus
Middle Pickup	Seymour Duncan Cory Wong Clean Machine Single-Coil
Neck Pickup	Seymour Duncan Cory Wong Clean Machine Single-Coil
Pickup Configuration	SSS
Controls	Master Volume with Treble-Bleed, Tone 1 Neck, Tone 2 Bridge
Pickup Selector	5-Position Blade
Position 1	Bridge Pickup
Position 2	Bridge And Middle Pickups
Position 3	Middle Pickup
Position 4	Middle And Neck Pickups
Position 5	Neck Pickup
Auxiliary Switching	Push/Push Tone 2 Bypasses Selector And Activates Position 4
Bridge	6-Saddle Vintage-Style Synchronized Tremolo
Tuning Machines	Deluxe Cast/Sealed Locking, Short Posts
Hardware Finish	Nickel / Chrome
Pickguard	4-Ply White Pearloid
Pickup Covers	White
Control Knobs	White Plastic
Switch Tip	White
Neck Plate	Custom 4-Bolt
Strap Buttons	Vintage-Style
Strings	Fender USA 250R Nickel-Plated Steel .010-.046
Factory Case Specification	Deluxe Molded Case
Factory Accessories	Cory Wong Hair Tie, Rubber Strap-Lock Washer Set

Specification Note

Individual instrument weight, serial number and exact retained factory accessory package for this Open Box example have not been supplied and have therefore not been guessed.

Power Requirements

The Fender Limited Edition Cory Wong Stratocaster uses passive guitar electronics and does not require a battery.

The push/push Position-4 switching and volume treble-bleed circuit operate as part of the passive electronics.

Connect the guitar to a suitable guitar amplifier, effects system, modeller or audio interface using a standard instrument cable.

Fair Deal Music Verdict 🎵

★★★★★ 5/5

The Fender Limited Edition Cory Wong Stratocaster is one of those artist models where the signature features make sense even if you are not trying to reproduce the artist's exact sound.

The Clean Machine pickups, instant Position-4 switching, reduced alder body and compound-radius Modern “D” neck all provide practical advantages for a player who values accuracy, clarity and comfort.

It is particularly impressive as a professional rhythm and session instrument, but the flatter upper fingerboard and bridge pickup make it much more versatile than describing it simply as a “funk Strat” would suggest.

Best suited for: Funk, soul, pop, R&B, fusion and professional session players who prioritise articulation, comfort and fast tonal switching.

Customers usually upgrade from: Fender Player, Player II, American Performer, American Professional and conventional production Stratocasters.

Most commonly paired with: Clean amplifiers, compressor, boost, overdrive, wah, modulation, delay and professional pedalboard systems.

Our tip: Use the Position-4 push/push function as a genuine performance tool. Set up your alternative pickup sound on the five-way selector, then use the button to jump instantly between that and your core rhythm tone.

Showroom feedback: The slightly smaller body and Modern “D” neck make this guitar feel noticeably different from a conventional vintage-style Strat. Players who spend long periods standing, recording or playing intricate rhythm parts should particularly appreciate the ergonomic design.

Why Buy Open Box From Fair Deal Music?

Open Box equipment can be an excellent way to access premium instruments while making your budget work harder.

Every Open Box instrument we sell is individually handled and checked by our team before leaving the shop, giving you the reassurance of buying from an established independent music retailer.

Detailed photography helps you assess the exact individual instrument before purchase, and for higher-value guitars such as this limited Cory Wong Stratocaster you can also request a video demo.

Why Buy From Fair Deal Music?

When you buy from Fair Deal Music, you're choosing one of the UK's most established, independent family run music retailers since 1987.

From our Birmingham showroom, our knowledgeable musician-led team helps customers choose guitars, basses, amplifiers, keyboards, drums, studio equipment and much more.

When you shop with Fair Deal Music, you can buy with confidence thanks to:

• Expert advice from knowledgeable musicians

• Carefully checked new, used, pre-owned, Open Box and ex-display equipment

• Competitive prices on leading music brands

• Secure UK-wide delivery

• Friendly support before and after your purchase

• Secure online ordering

• A large Birmingham showroom

• Decades of experience with new and pre-owned musical instruments and equipment

Considering a premium Stratocaster and want to compare the Cory Wong model with another Fender before buying? Speak to our team by phone, online or in-store for friendly, practical musician-to-musician advice.

Trade In. Trade Up. Save More.

Thinking about upgrading? Your next piece of gear could cost less than you think.

We're always happy to consider part exchanges and trade-ins on a wide range of musical instruments and equipment. Whether you're looking to upgrade your guitar, bass, keyboard, amplifier, drum kit or studio gear, your existing equipment could help reduce the cost of your next purchase.

Simply get in touch with our team for a no-obligation valuation, and we'll be happy to discuss the options available.

It's an easy way to unlock the value of the gear you no longer use while making your next instrument even more affordable.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is different about the Cory Wong Stratocaster body?

The alder body is slightly smaller than a conventional Stratocaster and features performance-focused comfort contours. The reduced dimensions are designed to make the guitar especially comfortable during extended playing sessions.

Are the Cory Wong Clean Machine pickups noiseless?

The bridge pickup uses a Custom Stack Plus design, while the neck and middle pickups are Clean Machine single-coils. The set is primarily designed around clarity, chime and Cory Wong's preferred response rather than simply being a conventional noiseless Strat pickup set.

What does the push/push switch do?

Pressing Tone 2 bypasses the current five-way selector position and immediately activates Position 4 – the neck and middle pickups together.

Is the compound-radius neck suitable for lead guitar?

Yes. The fingerboard gradually becomes flatter as you move towards the higher frets, making bends and faster upper-register work particularly comfortable while retaining a more rounded feel near the nut.

Why does the volume control have a treble-bleed circuit?

A treble-bleed circuit helps retain high-frequency clarity as the guitar's volume is reduced. This is useful when cleaning up an amplifier from the guitar without making the sound excessively dark.

Is the Cory Wong Strat only suitable for funk?

No. Its clarity makes it especially strong for funk, but the guitar is equally useful for pop, R&B, soul, fusion, indie, session playing and lead work. The bridge pickup and modern neck geometry significantly broaden its range.

Why are locking tuners useful?

Locking tuners make restringing quicker and minimise the amount of string wrapped around each post. They also form part of a stable, performance-focused tuning system when the tremolo is correctly set up.

Should I choose this or an American Ultra II Stratocaster?

Choose the American Ultra II if you want Fender's broader flagship modern Strat specification and noiseless pickup platform. Choose the Cory Wong Stratocaster if the reduced body, Seymour Duncan Clean Machine pickups and instant Position-4 switching specifically suit the way you play.