1998 Fender Custom Shop ’50s Cunetto Relic Stratocaster Vintage Blonde Electric Guitar, (Used)

The 1998 Fender Custom Shop ’50s Cunetto Relic Stratocaster in Vintage Blonde is a highly desirable Custom Shop Strat from one of the most collectable periods in Fender relic history. Built during the famous Cunetto Relic era, this guitar offers vintage-style Stratocaster character, early Custom Shop appeal and the worn-in look and feel that made these instruments so sought after among players and collectors.

This example has been modded with Ron Ellis pickups, giving it a premium boutique pickup upgrade known for exceptional vintage-style response, clarity and touch sensitivity. This makes the guitar especially appealing to serious Strat players who value expressive dynamics, detailed clean tones and authentic single-coil character.

Listed in Very Good condition, this guitar shows some signs of previous use consistent with careful ownership, alongside the intended factory relic ageing. Supplied with a hardcase, this is a standout piece for collectors, working players and Stratocaster enthusiasts looking for a late-1990s Fender Custom Shop relic with serious upgraded tone.

At A Glance

Key Detail	Information
Product	Fender Custom Shop ’50s Cunetto Relic Stratocaster
Brand	Fender
Series	Custom Shop
Year	1998
Era	Cunetto Relic Era
Model	’50s Relic Stratocaster
Finish	Vintage Blonde
Body Style	Stratocaster
Type	Solid Body Electric Guitar
Condition	Pre-Owned, Very Good Condition
Pickups	Ron Ellis Pickups
Modification	Pickup upgrade to Ron Ellis pickups
Main Appeal	Collectable Cunetto-era Custom Shop Strat with boutique pickup upgrade
Best For	Blues, rock, country, funk, soul, indie, studio work, live performance and collectors
Skill Level	Intermediate to professional, serious Fender collectors and experienced Strat players

Condition Overview

Very Good Condition

This 1998 Fender Custom Shop ’50s Cunetto Relic Stratocaster is in Very Good condition. This means it shows some cosmetic wear consistent with careful previous ownership, but remains fully functional and ready to play.

As a Relic model, the aged finish checking, wear, marks and vintage-style distressing are part of the guitar’s intended factory character. These relic details should be viewed as part of the instrument’s original design rather than standard cosmetic damage.

What’s Included?

✔ 1998 Fender Custom Shop ’50s Cunetto Relic Stratocaster Vintage Blonde
✔ Hardcase

✘ No Additional Accessories Included

Condition Notes

This guitar presents in Very Good condition with signs of use consistent with careful previous ownership, in addition to the intended factory relic finish treatment.

The guitar has been modded with Ron Ellis pickups. This pickup upgrade gives the guitar a premium boutique single-coil voice while retaining classic Stratocaster-style character.

No other faults, repairs or modifications have been supplied for this listing. The guitar has been checked for playability and functionality before sale.

Fair Deal Inspection & Assessment

This pre-owned 1998 Fender Custom Shop ’50s Cunetto Relic Stratocaster has been inspected and assessed by the Fair Deal Music team before being offered for sale.

Our checks include:

• Electronics tested
• Ron Ellis pickups checked
• Pickup selector tested
• Volume and tone controls checked
• Output jack tested
• Frets inspected
• Fingerboard checked
• Neck condition assessed
• Tuners checked
• Bridge checked
• Tremolo system checked
• Neck relief assessed
• General playability assessed
• Hardcase checked for basic usability

Service / Setup Work

All pre-owned guitars at Fair Deal Music are set up and checked before leaving the shop.

This Fender Custom Shop ’50s Cunetto Relic Stratocaster has been assessed for playability, with the following checked:

• Action checked
• Neck relief checked
• Frets inspected
• Tuning stability checked
• Electronics tested
• Hardware checked
• Bridge setup checked
• Intonation checked
• Tremolo operation checked

Please note that guitar setup can sometimes shift slightly during delivery due to changes in temperature and humidity. We take this into account during our checks, but wood can naturally move in transit.

Why Choose The 1998 Fender Custom Shop ’50s Cunetto Relic Stratocaster?

Highly Desirable Cunetto Relic Era

The Cunetto-era Fender Custom Shop relic guitars are especially sought after by collectors and serious players. Built before Fender brought relic ageing fully in-house, these instruments occupy an important place in Custom Shop history and remain highly desirable on the used market.

Fender Custom Shop Quality

As a Fender Custom Shop Stratocaster, this guitar was built to a higher standard than a standard production model. It is designed for players who want premium Fender feel, vintage-inspired character and a more individual instrument.

Vintage Blonde ’50s Stratocaster Style

The Vintage Blonde finish gives this Stratocaster a classic 1950s look, pairing beautifully with the relic ageing for an authentic worn-in appearance. It has the kind of stage and collector presence that immediately appeals to vintage Fender fans.

Ron Ellis Pickup Upgrade

The Ron Ellis pickups add a premium boutique voice to this already desirable Custom Shop Strat. They are ideal for players who want detailed single-coil clarity, expressive touch response and classic Stratocaster sparkle with a more refined feel.

Classic Stratocaster Versatility

The Stratocaster remains one of the most versatile electric guitars ever made. It works beautifully for blues, rock, country, funk, soul, indie, pop, worship, session work and studio recording.

Worn-In Relic Feel

Relic guitars are popular because they feel familiar from the first moment you pick them up. This guitar offers the look and tactile feel of a well-loved vintage instrument without the fragility or uncertainty of an original 1950s Stratocaster.

Comparison Against Popular Alternatives

Cunetto Relic Stratocaster vs Modern Fender Custom Shop Relic Stratocaster

A modern Fender Custom Shop Relic offers current production consistency and contemporary Custom Shop ageing techniques. A 1998 Cunetto-era relic has stronger historical interest and collector appeal thanks to its place in early Fender relic history.

Cunetto Relic Stratocaster vs Original 1950s Fender Stratocaster

An original 1950s Stratocaster offers ultimate vintage collectability, but sits at a much higher price point and may require more careful ownership. This Cunetto Relic offers vintage-inspired feel, collectable Custom Shop status and practical playability.

Cunetto Relic Stratocaster vs Fender American Vintage Stratocaster

An American Vintage Stratocaster offers excellent vintage-inspired Fender specification. This Custom Shop Cunetto Relic adds higher-end appeal, factory-aged character and boutique Ron Ellis pickup modification.

Cunetto Relic Stratocaster vs Fender American Professional Stratocaster

An American Professional Stratocaster is a modern working guitar with updated feel and contemporary specification. This 1998 Custom Shop Cunetto Relic is aimed at players who want vintage-style Strat character, collectability and a more specialist instrument.

Who Is It For?

Fender Custom Shop Collectors

This is ideal for collectors looking for a desirable late-1990s Custom Shop relic from the Cunetto era.

Serious Stratocaster Players

Players who value feel, response and classic Strat tones will appreciate the combination of Custom Shop build and Ron Ellis pickups.

Blues And Roots Guitarists

The vintage-style Strat format and upgraded single-coil voice make this an excellent choice for blues, roots, Americana and expressive clean-to-driven playing.

Studio Musicians

Recording players will appreciate the clarity, dynamics and mix-friendly voice of a great Stratocaster, especially with premium boutique pickups.

Live Performers

The relic feel, Custom Shop build and upgraded pickup set make this a strong stage guitar for players who want reliability, tone and visual character.

Suitable Genres And Uses

This 1998 Fender Custom Shop ’50s Cunetto Relic Stratocaster is well suited to:

• Blues
• Rock
• Country
• Funk
• Soul
• Americana
• Indie
• Alternative
• Pop
• Worship music
• Studio recording
• Session work
• Live performance
• Rehearsals
• Clean tones
• Edge-of-breakup amp sounds
• Pedalboard-based playing
• Collectors of Fender Custom Shop relic guitars
• Players wanting a premium vintage-style Stratocaster

Educational Section: Why Choose A Cunetto-Era Fender Custom Shop Relic?

A Cunetto-era Fender Custom Shop relic is a special category within Fender history. These guitars come from the early period of Fender’s relic programme, when ageing work was associated with Vince Cunetto before Fender brought the process fully in-house.

For many collectors and players, Cunetto relic guitars represent a particularly desirable moment in Fender Custom Shop development. They are valued not only for their look and feel, but also for their connection to the beginning of the relic guitar movement.

A 1998 ’50s Cunetto Relic Stratocaster offers the charm of a vintage-style Strat, the practicality of a Custom Shop instrument and the collectability of an important relic-era Fender. With the added Ron Ellis pickup upgrade, this example is especially appealing as a serious player’s guitar.

Looking for advice on choosing the right Fender Custom Shop Stratocaster, relic guitar or collectable pre-owned Fender? Our experienced team of musicians can help by phone, online or in-store.

Story & Context: Fender Custom Shop Cunetto Relic Stratocasters

The Fender Custom Shop helped redefine the high-end electric guitar market by offering instruments that captured the feel and look of vintage Fenders while remaining practical for modern players. The relic concept became one of the most influential developments in the Custom Shop world.

Cunetto-era relic guitars are particularly important because they belong to the early years of this movement. They have developed a strong reputation among collectors and players who value their feel, ageing style and historical place within Fender Custom Shop production.

This 1998 ’50s Cunetto Relic Stratocaster in Vintage Blonde captures that appeal beautifully. With its classic ’50s styling, Custom Shop pedigree, relic finish and Ron Ellis pickup upgrade, it is a highly compelling Strat for both serious players and collectors.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Product Type	Solid Body Electric Guitar
Brand	Fender
Series	Custom Shop
Year	1998
Model	’50s Cunetto Relic Stratocaster
Finish	Vintage Blonde
Body Style	Stratocaster
Pickup Configuration	SSS
Pickups	Ron Ellis Pickups
Modification	Pickup upgrade to Ron Ellis pickups
Bridge	Stratocaster Tremolo Bridge
String Configuration	6-String
Condition	Pre-Owned, Very Good Condition

Power Requirements

No power supply or battery is required. This is a passive electric guitar and only needs a standard 1/4" instrument cable and a suitable guitar amplifier, pedalboard or audio interface.

Fair Deal Music Verdict

★★★★★ 5/5

A highly desirable Fender Custom Shop Stratocaster from the collectable Cunetto Relic era, upgraded with premium Ron Ellis pickups for serious player appeal. The 1998 ’50s Cunetto Relic Stratocaster in Vintage Blonde offers vintage-inspired Fender looks, Custom Shop feel and the kind of history that makes these instruments especially sought after.

This Very Good condition example is a superb choice for collectors and working players alike, combining relic-era desirability, boutique pickup tone and practical Stratocaster versatility.

Why Buy From Fair Deal Music?

Choosing Fair Deal Music means buying from a passionate team of musicians who genuinely understand the products we sell. Whether you're purchasing your first instrument, upgrading your current setup or searching for something special, we're here to help you make the right choice with friendly advice and expert support.

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 and ex-display equipment
Competitive prices on leading music brands
Secure UK-wide delivery
Flexible finance options available (subject to status)
Friendly support before and after your purchase
A trusted independent UK music retailer with decades of experience

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, 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.

FAQ

Is this a Fender Custom Shop Cunetto Relic Stratocaster?

Yes. This listing is for a 1998 Fender Custom Shop ’50s Cunetto Relic Stratocaster in Vintage Blonde.

What does Cunetto Relic mean?

Cunetto Relic refers to early Fender Custom Shop relic guitars associated with the Vince Cunetto ageing era, before Fender brought the relic process fully in-house.

What pickups are fitted?

This guitar has been modded with Ron Ellis pickups.

Is the relic wear original?

This is listed as a Cunetto Relic model, so the aged finish character is part of the guitar’s intended relic styling. Any additional player wear is reflected in the Very Good condition grade.

What does Very Good condition mean on a relic guitar?

Very Good condition means the guitar shows some signs of previous use beyond the intended relic finish, while remaining fully functional and ready to play.

What styles does this guitar suit?

It suits blues, rock, country, funk, soul, Americana, indie, pop, worship music, studio recording and live performance.

Is this suitable for collectors?

Yes. The 1998 year, Custom Shop status, Cunetto-era relic appeal and Vintage Blonde finish make it highly appealing to Fender collectors.

Is this suitable as a working guitar?

Yes. The Custom Shop build, Stratocaster layout and Ron Ellis pickups make it a strong choice for live, studio and regular playing use.

Does this guitar need a battery?

No. This is a passive electric guitar and does not require a battery.

Can I try this guitar in-store?

Fair Deal Music has a large Birmingham showroom, and our team can offer advice on Fender Custom Shop Stratocasters, Cunetto Relic guitars and pre-owned collectable Fender instruments.