On the other hand, you can’t afford to stagnate. This 50th anniversary model features three new Custom Shop Vintage 1954 single-coil pickups, a special commemorative 50th anniversary neck plate, and “Parchment” knobs and pickup covers. The sainted grandfather of electric guitars, the Fender Stratocaster, famously cradled on stage by music legends from Buddy Holly to Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton, is turning 50. JOHNSON bass has a split-coil pickup which gives you the large bass sound. The thick, one-piece maple neck gives it a vintage bass feel. Introduced in 1954 and now recognized as the best electric guitar ever designed, Leo Fender's Stratocaster is one of the 20th century's most influential inventions. The change to the guitar form factor and the addition of frets made the instrument much easier to play. Fender's Precision Bass was first sold in 1951, with the single split pickup design that is still widely available (both Fender Precision basses and innumerable copies) being introduced in 1957. The Master Built Strats that we’ve had have been very popular and always sell well. I think these have a better chance of being future collectibles. As a range of guitars, they are not so limited in numbers and more people are aware of their build quality and pedigree. They are readily available to those prepared to wait for an order, and when used ones come onto the market they sell quickly - always a good sign. However, with prices on the increase, most sixties guitars are too expensive, leaving only Fender Duo Sonics, Mustangs or Gibson Melody Makers within their budget. I saw this guitar at my local music store. Asking the "manager" if I could look at it I already knew it would be mine. It was used, of course, so I only had to pay £250 for it. Amp.