Can anyone out there help me with details on the 40th Anniversary Stratocaster released in 1994 please? I understand Fender produced 1,954 examples of the 1954 model in sunburst in 1994. They also produced a 40th Anniversary Concert Edition (was this a Custom Shop model just in red and how many did they make?) I believe the Custom Shop also produced a 40th Anniversary Diamond Edition (but how many and in what colours)? Finally, I have seen some USA-made 40th Anniversary models with a blue and red 40th Anniversary logo on the headstock and I believe they were available in a number of colours. But how many of these were produced presumably by Fender and not the Custom shop. I am confused to say the least. Merry Christmas to all Fender fans.

Well, I don't know alot about ALL the 40th's, but here's what I DO know.... First, let me say 'sorry', for posting this a few year's after you asked, I just stumbled over your listing by sheer accident!
I happen to own #51 of 150, Fender Custom Shop 'Diamond Dealer' Edition Stratocaster. And let me say, it is a BEAUT!! It's basically a 1954 Strat, but with gold hardware, gold 40th Anniversary logo engraved pickgaurd, airline case, diamond in the headstock logo, abalone and mother'o'pearl 1954 - 1994 inlay in the 12th fret, etc... etc... I'm sure you know everything about it, so I won't go into all the details! As far as a 'Concert Edition' from the Custom Shop, this is the first I've heard of it, so can't help ya out on that one. Anyway, you are correct about the (standard, um, basic?), 40th made by Fender, Custom Shop having been 1,954 units to celebrate the year the Strat first hit the store's, and I believe they were all Sunburst. Then came the REAL BASIC, non-Custom Shop edition's with the red/white/blue logo on the headstock, and they were a full run, unknown how many were made and assorted colors. After that, I'm not sure if there were Mexican/Japanese issues made or not, probably were.... I hope this helps you out some....
Oh, and P.S., if the owner of Fender Custom Shop 'Diamond Dealer' Edition Stratocaster #121 of 150,re see's th, I have your ring, and so I'm guessing you have mine, (slip up at the Custom Shop, or the store?), and you want to exchange 'em, post to this, and let me know...

Actually Fender put that metal red/white/blue "40th Anniversary" emblem on all American Standards made during that calendar year - they weren't really a "limited edition" or anything like that, and that's why you see so many of them and they are in various colors.

Same deal in 2004; all American Series Strats had the "50th Anniversary" neck plate - although in 2004 there was also a limited run 50th Anniversary American Series Strat in 2-color burst with pickups to the same specs as the CS '54 pickups.

Don't forget the 50th Anniversary American Deluxe model of that year!



The Custom Shop and American Series 50th Anniversary models employed bodies made of solid ash. For the American Deluxe, Fender chose the most select solid alder for a more modern timbre. Additionally, the American Deluxe included gold-plated hardware, a set of SCN pickups with a special hot bridge pickup for sizzling leads and an S-1 switch for further tonal options.

There was also a 60th Anniversary American Series Stratocaster (released in 2006) with a solid alder body, 3-colour sunburst finish and a set of American Vintage Strat pickups paired with a DeltaTone system. This guitar had also a 2-piece maple neck with rosewood fretboard, 22 medium-jumbo frets and white pearloid dot inlays.

To Rockinrocky. I also stumbled upon this post. I believe that I have your ring (Serial #51). Long story but I got it thrown in when I purchased my Diamond Dealer strat. Purchased my guitar in the Maryland area. If you read this post, respond on the board and maybe we can figure out how to get the ring to you.

Wow what were the chances of that!

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