5 Steps To Complete A Fender Custom Shop Order Form

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Fender Custom Shop Order Form: Unlocking Your Dream Guitar

Fender's Custom Shop is renowned for crafting unique, high-quality instruments that cater to the specific needs and desires of discerning musicians. Completing a Fender Custom Shop order form is the first step towards creating your dream guitar. However, the process can be overwhelming, especially for those new to custom ordering. In this article, we'll break down the process into manageable steps, ensuring you're well-equipped to navigate the Fender Custom Shop order form and bring your ideal guitar to life.

The Fender Custom Shop offers an unparalleled level of customization, allowing you to select from a wide range of options, including body shapes, neck profiles, pickups, and finishes. With so many choices available, it's essential to approach the ordering process with a clear understanding of what you want and need. In the following sections, we'll guide you through the five key steps to complete a Fender Custom Shop order form.

Step 1: Determine Your Budget and Requirements

Before diving into the specifics of your custom guitar, it's crucial to establish a budget and define your requirements. Consider the following factors:

• Budget: Fender Custom Shop guitars can range from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars. Set a realistic budget to help guide your decisions.
• Playing style: Think about your playing technique, genre, and the tone you're aiming to achieve. This will help you choose the right components for your guitar.
• Musical goals: Are you looking for a guitar to tackle specific musical challenges or to complement your existing sound? Knowing your goals will help you make informed decisions.

Body Shape and Size

When selecting a body shape, consider factors like comfort, tone, and aesthetics. Fender offers a range of body shapes, including the iconic Stratocaster, Telecaster, and Precision Bass.

Neck Profile and Scale Length

Choose a neck profile that suits your playing style, from the sleek, fast feel of a modern "C" shape to the vintage vibe of a '50s "V" shape. Scale length is also an essential consideration, with options including 24.75", 25.5", and 34" scales.

Step 2: Select Your Body Wood and Neck Configuration

With your budget and requirements in mind, it's time to choose the core components of your guitar.

• Body wood: Fender offers a range of tonewoods, including alder, ash, mahogany, and rosewood. Each wood type produces a unique tone and aesthetic.
• Neck configuration: Select from various neck configurations, such as a bolt-on, set-in, or thru-body design. Each configuration affects the guitar's tone, sustain, and playability.

Exotic and Figured Woods

For an added touch of luxury, consider using exotic or figured woods for your body or neck. Options like quilted maple, flamed koa, or bird's eye maple add a unique visual element to your guitar.

Step 3: Choose Your Pickups and Electronics

Your pickups and electronics play a crucial role in shaping your guitar's tone. Fender's Custom Shop offers a wide range of pickup options, from vintage-style single-coils to high-output humbuckers.

• Pickup configuration: Choose from various pickup configurations, such as single-coil, humbucker, or a combination of both.
• Wiring and electronics: Select from a range of wiring options, including standard 3-way or 5-way switching, and consider adding active or passive electronics.

Active and Passive Electronics

Active electronics offer increased headroom and a wider range of tonal options, while passive electronics provide a more traditional, organic sound. Consider your playing style and musical goals when deciding between active and passive electronics.

Step 4: Finishing Touches – Hardware, Finish, and Accessories

With your guitar's core components selected, it's time to focus on the finishing touches.

• Hardware: Choose from a range of hardware options, including bridges, tuners, and strap pins.
• Finish: Select from various finish options, such as polyurethane, nitrocellulose, or a relic'd finish.
• Accessories: Consider adding accessories like a hardcase, gig bag, or strap.

Relic'd and Aged Finishes

Fender's Custom Shop offers a range of relic'd and aged finishes, which add a touch of vintage character to your guitar. These finishes can range from subtle wear to heavily aged, depending on your desired level of distressing.

Step 5: Finalize Your Order and Wait for Your Dream Guitar

Once you've completed your Fender Custom Shop order form, it's time to finalize your order and wait for your dream guitar to be crafted.

• Review your order: Double-check your selections to ensure everything meets your expectations.
• Submit your order: Send your completed order form to Fender's Custom Shop, and their team will begin crafting your guitar.
• Wait for your guitar: Depending on the complexity of your order, it may take several weeks or months for your guitar to be completed.

The Waiting Game

The wait for your custom guitar can be exciting and anxious. Stay in touch with Fender's Custom Shop team to receive updates on your guitar's progress, and be patient – the end result will be worth the wait.

By following these five steps, you'll be well on your way to creating your ideal Fender Custom Shop guitar. Remember to take your time, do your research, and don't hesitate to reach out to Fender's Custom Shop team if you have any questions or concerns.

We'd love to hear about your experiences with the Fender Custom Shop order form. Share your stories, tips, and recommendations in the comments below!