Fender Custom Shop Andy Hicks Masterbuilt '62 Ancho Poblano Stratocaster Relic

This master built guitar is equipped with Ancho Poblano pickups designed exclusively by the Custom Shop to produce a wide, open tone.

Andy Hicks

Andy spent his teenage years listening to Nirvana, Black Sabbath and Metallica, and in his early twenties he played in local rock bands before becoming interested in customising guitars by tinkering with pickups and wiring.

In 2009, Andy decided to pursue his passion for guitar making seriously and enrolled in the Guitar Craft Academy in Hollywood. One week after graduating, he started working at Jackson Custom Shop dressing frets. From 2013 to 2018, he worked as an assistant to Stephen Stern, former senior master builder at Gretsch Custom Shop, and developed his skills. During this time, Andy worked with various artists and was involved in the construction of Malcolm Young “Salute” Jet. In 2018, Andy was the lead builder and production manager for a high-end boutique guitar company, before being scouted by James Tyler to oversee production at his San Fernando Valley shop.

Regarding his return to Fender, Hicks said, "Returning to Fender and being part of one of the most prestigious custom shops in the industry and surrounded by talented builders is incredibly exciting and humbling. It also feels like coming home." When it comes to guitars, Andy is passionate about both playing and building guitars. He believes these two passions are inextricably linked to his approach to guitar building. "I love interacting with guitarists. There's nothing better than listening to what they want and translating it into a guitar," he says.

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SPECS

BODY

• Body Material: 2-Piece Select Alder

  
• Body Finish: Nitrocellulose Lacquer

  
• Body Shape: Stratocaster®

NECK

• Neck Material: Quartersawn 2A Flame Maple

  
• Neck Finish: Nitrocellulose Lacquer

  
• Neck Shape: '60s Oval "C"

  
• Scale Length: 25.5" (64.77 cm)

  
• Fingerboard Material: 2A Flame Maple

  
• Fingerboard Radius: 7.25" to 9.5" Vintage Compound Radius (184 mm to 241 mm)

  
• Number of Frets: 21

  
• Fret Size: Narrow Tall (6105)

  
• Nut Material: Bone

  
• Nut Width: 1.650" (42 mm)

  
• Position Inlays: Black Micarta Dot - 0.25"

  
• Truss Rod: Early '60s

ELECTRONICS

• Bridge Pickup: Custom Shop Hand-Wound Ancho Poblano Single-Coil Strat®

  
• Middle Pickup: Custom Shop Hand-Wound RWRP Ancho Poblano Single-Coil Strat®

  
• Neck Pickup: Custom Shop Hand-Wound Ancho Poblano Single-Coil Strat®

  Controls: Master Volume, Tone 1. (Neck/Middle Pickups), Tone 2. (Bridge Pickup)

  
• Switching: 5-Position Blade: Position 1. Bridge Pickup, Position 2. Bridge and Middle Pickup, Position 3. Middle Pickup, Position 4. Middle and Neck Pickup, Position 5. Neck Pickup

  
• Configuration: SSS

HARDWARE

• Bridge: Custom Shop Vintage Synchronized Tremolo

  
• Hardware Finish: Gold

  
• Tuning Machines: Vintage-Style with Fender® Logo

  
• Pickguard: 3-Ply Mint Green

  
• Control Knobs: Vintage White Plastic

  
• Neck Plate: 4-Bolt with Master Builder Signature

MISCELLANEOUS

• Strings: Fender® USA 250R Nickel Plated Steel (.010-.046 Gauges), PN 0730250406

  
• Other Features: FLAT LAM

ACCESSORIES

• Case/Gig Bag: Deluxe Hardshell

  
• Included AccessoriesL Deluxe Hardshell Case, Strap and Certificate of Authenticity.