Fender Custom Shop Masterbuilt Private Collection Dennis Galuszka HAR Stratocaster 2010s - Black

Fender Custom Shop Masterbuilt Private Collection “H.A.R.” Stratocaster (by Dennis Galuszka)

Overview
For the discerning player-collector, the Fender Custom Shop Private Collection “H.A.R.” Stratocaster—Masterbuilt by Dennis Galuszka—represents the apex of Stratocaster heritage. Inspired by Howard Reed Jr.’s original 1955 black Strat (the first known black Stratocaster), this rare Masterbuilt model recreates every contour, tone, and relic detail of that historic instrument. Only sixty guitars were produced worldwide, each hand-built and aged by Galuszka with uncompromising authenticity.

Description
This Private Collection “H.A.R.” Stratocaster is a museum-grade example of Fender’s most exclusive craftsmanship. Every surface was shaped, finished, and aged by hand in Fender’s Corona Custom Shop. It has been played only once to confirm performance and remains in pristine collector condition.

Specifications
• Model: Fender Custom Shop Private Collection “H.A.R.” Stratocaster
• Builder: Dennis Galuszka, Master Builder (Fender Custom Shop)
• Total Production: 60 worldwide
• Body: One-piece select ash
• Finish: Nitrocellulose lacquer, black, heavy relic aging
• Neck: Flat-sawn maple, 1954 “U” profile
• Fingerboard: Maple, 7.25" radius, 21 vintage frets
• Scale Length: 25.5" (648 mm)
• Nut Width: 1.650" (42 mm)
• Pickups: Custom Shop hand-wound ’55 single coils (SSS configuration)
• Controls: Volume, Tone 1 (Neck/Mid), Tone 2 (Bridge), 5-way switch
• Hardware: Nickel/chrome, hand-aged
• Bridge: American Vintage synchronized tremolo
• Tuners: Vintage-style Fender logo tuners
• Weight: Approx. 7.3 lbs (varies slightly per build)
• Serial Number: [Enter Serial Number]
• Certificate of Authenticity: Signed by Dennis Galuszka

Craftsmanship & Tone
Dennis Galuszka’s Masterbuilt instruments are celebrated for their tactile resonance and expressive clarity. The “H.A.R.” relic work mirrors the precise finish checking, nicks, and patina of Howard Reed’s 1955 original, balancing vintage realism with modern playability. The single-piece ash body produces an airy, articulate resonance with the unmistakable chime of a true 1950s Stratocaster.

Tone Profile:
• Bright, harmonically rich highs with glassy clarity
• Dynamic, balanced mids suited for blues, rock, and surf tones
• Tight low end that responds effortlessly to pick attack
• Excellent sustain and note bloom from the hand-fitted neck joint and leveled frets

Includes
• Original Fender Custom Shop hardshell case
• Certificate of Authenticity signed by Dennis Galuszka
• Original build sheet and hang tags
• Fender Custom Shop strap and case candy
• Factory inspection card (played once to verify functionality)

Collector Significance
Only sixty examples of this “H.A.R.” Stratocaster were ever built, making it one of the most exclusive Fender Custom Shop instruments of the modern era. It is a true centerpiece for collectors who value historical fidelity, tonal precision, and master-level craftsmanship.