Custom Deluxe and American Custom Series

In 2009, Fender unveiled the new Custom Deluxe Stratocaster, which was described as ‘designed for the working musician.’  
With the Custom Deluxe Series, Fender took the vintage blueprint of their flagship model and added some modern improvements to create an instrument that at first glance looked like regular a Stratocaster but which featured significant upgrades including premium tonewoods, figured top and necks, Custom Shop pickups, deluxe tuning machines, 22 frets, modern fret wire, and deluxe 2-point bridges with polished solid stainless-steel block and pop-in arm.  

At that time, Fender had got its manufacturing quality down to a fine art so it’s no surprise to find flawless construction, perfect fit and finish of all components, and a general feeling that care had gone into every last detail on Custom Deluxe Stratocasters.
Since 2011, Fender has been releasing a different version of the Custom Deluxe Stratocaster every year, featuring variations in specifications and available colors.  These variations may include different finishes, tops, contours, tuning machines, or pickups, all aimed at producing modern and high-performing guitars. 
The Custom Deluxe Strats remained in production until 2015 when they were replaced by the American Custom Series, which, though different in name, was conceptually similar. 
​

Artisan Series

In mid-2014 the Custom Shop announced the birth of the new team-built Artisan Series, which was first introduced in the 2015 Fender catalog. 
With the Artisan Series, the Fender Custom Shop spared no expense in crafting high-end instruments renowned for their remarkable tone, look, and feel.  Inspired by Master Built instruments created for the 2013 Tokyo Guitar Show, this series was built to spotlight fine exotic woods with distinctive figures, hand-rubbed stains, and gloss finishes.  Available  for a limited time only, Artisan series instruments were also outfitted with a wealth of special appointments and features that contribute to their style.

​Antonio Calvosa