✨UPGRADED✨ 2014 Fender Standard Stratocaster~ Arctic White~ Custom Shop Pickups

✨ 2014 Fender Standard Stratocaster Arctic White | Custom Shop Pickups & Upgrades ✨

 

This is a seriously upgraded Mexican Standard Strat and, for us, exactly the sort of used Fender that makes a lot of sense.

 

Originally finished in Arctic White, the colour has aged beautifully over the years and now sits somewhere much closer to a vintage white or lightly yellowed Olympic White look. It suits the maple board perfectly and gives the guitar a much more characterful appearance than when it left the factory.

 

Underneath, this is a 2014 Mexican Standard Stratocaster, so you get the familiar alder body, maple neck, 9.5” radius and comfortable Modern “C” profile that made these such consistently good working guitars.

 

Where this one becomes much more interesting is the upgrades.

 

It has been fitted with a set of Fender Custom Shop pickups, along with CTS pots, and there is also an additional phase switch fitted to the scratchplate. The switch is fully functioning and opens up extra tonal options beyond the standard 5-way Strat layout.

 

So although the guitar still feels and plays like a classic Mexican Standard, the electronics have been taken well beyond standard specification.

 

It sounds excellent.

 

There is plenty of classic Strat clarity and snap, but the upgraded pickup set gives it a more refined, lively response than the original Mexican Standard pickups. The additional phase switching also gives you access to some thinner, more hollow and unusual textures that can be genuinely useful rather than just being a novelty.

 

It plays very well too and is currently set up nicely.

 

Condition

 

For a 2014 guitar, this one is in good honest used condition.

 

There are general light marks, scratches and signs of play throughout, but nothing we would consider concerning.

 

The Arctic White finish has aged and mellowed noticeably, which we actually think really suits it. The finish has also gone a little flatter in places, particularly around the horns and edges, giving it a naturally played-in appearance rather than the bright gloss it would originally have had.

 

There are small surface marks and general cosmetic wear consistent with an 12-year-old guitar that has actually been used.

 

The maple fingerboard and frets show normal signs of play but remain in good usable condition.

 

Overall, it has the look of a Strat that has aged naturally rather than one that has been deliberately relic’d, and the creamy finish against the maple board looks fantastic.

 

Please study the photographs carefully as they form part of the description.

 

Upgrades

 

This guitar has had significant electronic upgrades from its original Standard specification:

 

• Fender Custom Shop pickup set

• CTS pots

• Additional phase switch

• Upgraded wiring/electronics associated with the above modifications

 

The phase switch is working correctly.

 

Original Specification

 

Model: Fender Standard Stratocaster

Year: 2014

Country of Origin: Mexico

Original Finish: Arctic White

Body: Alder

Body Finish: Gloss Polyester

Neck: Maple

Neck Profile: Modern “C”

Fingerboard: Maple

Fingerboard Radius: 9.5”

Scale Length: 25.5”

Frets: 21 Medium Jumbo

Nut Width: 1.650”

Bridge: 6-Saddle Vintage-Style Synchronized Tremolo

Pickup Configuration: SSS

Controls: Master Volume, Tone 1, Tone 2

Selector: 5-Way Blade

Hardware: Chrome

Pickguard: Parchment-style 3-ply

Tuners: Fender Standard-style sealed tuners

 

Why This One?

 

Mexican Standard Strats from this era have become increasingly popular because they are simple, solid, very usable Fender instruments without the price of an American model.

 

This one takes that formula and improves the part most players are likely to upgrade anyway.

 

With the Custom Shop pickups, CTS electronics and extra phase switching, you’re getting a much more interesting guitar than a stock example, while still retaining the familiar feel of a 2010s Mexican Fender Standard.

 

Add in the naturally aged Arctic White finish and maple board and it has a cracking vintage-inspired look as well.

 

What’s Included

 

This guitar is supplied exactly as pictured and does not include a case or gig bag.

 

Cases and gig bags are only included where clearly shown in the photographs or specifically mentioned within the listing description.

 

If you require a case or gig bag, we stock a wide range of quality options to suit most electric, acoustic and bass guitars, with prices starting from just £20. Simply message us before purchasing and we’ll be happy to recommend the best option.

 

Why Buy From Chordplay Guitars?

 

• Independent UK guitar specialist based in Darwen, Lancashire

• Over 200 new and used guitars in stock

• Open 7 days a week, including Bank Holidays

• Free next working day UK delivery on orders over £470

• Part exchange and trade-ins always welcome

• £50 deposit secures any guitar

• International shipping available

• First guitar? Ask about our starter packs from just £99

• Visit our website to browse our full range and view additional photographs

 

International Buyers

 

We are happy to ship internationally.

 

Please note that any import duties, taxes, customs charges or other fees applied by your country are the responsibility of the buyer and are not included in the purchase price or shipping cost.

 

Please check with your local customs office before purchasing if you are unsure of any charges that may apply.