Fender Custom Shop MOTO Strat & Blues Deluxe Set 1996

No sales tax for customers outside California.

This 1996 Fender Custom Shop MOTO Set pair a stunning Stratocaster with a matching Blues Deluxe amplifier—both finished in Mother of Toilet Seat (MOTO) pearloid, making it one of the most visually striking and collectible Fender sets ever produced. Released in extremely limited numbers to commemorate Fender’s 50th anniversary, this set showcases the Custom Shop’s artistry and attention to detail. 

The covering on the guitar is really cool - the ash grain of the wood body shows through the pattern of the pearloid, and the neck is made of the wildest birdseye maple grain.

This set was actually built after the initial run of MOTU Strats and amps.  We were told by the previous owner that his friend (the original owner) was made aware of the set by a friend at Fender and received it directly from that employee. 

The guitar is not numbered like the 250 of the original set, so we went deep as we do when authenticating items we sell.  The neck pocket and heel both date the guitar to early 1996, just a few months after the 1995 limited MOTO release.  Interestingly, the amp does not have the metal model plate on the back panel and it sports a cool, retro logo on the grille, differentiating it from the 1995 limited edition.  The tube chart label is located inside the cabinet.

The guitar includes its original case and the amp includes the original box. Both pieces are pretty much mint.  The amp shows some discoloration, which is caused by the wood that leeches sap from the pine as it slowly dries.  This happens with old tweed, blonde and brown Fender amps as well.

The guitar sets up perfectly and there are no changes or repairs.  The amp works perfectly as well and has barely been used and is similarly issue-free.  We tested all the tubes and cleaned the pots, which were a little scratchy from non-use. 

At Mahar’s Vintage Guitars, every instrument and amp is inspected, photographed accurately, and verified for authenticity. We buy, sell, and accept trades on rare and collectible Fender gear. Explore our Fender Guitars Collection, Fender Amplifiers Collection, or Sell or Trade Your Gear page.

Guitar Specs:

• Color: MOTO
• Weight: 7lbs 11oz
  
• Body: Ash
  
• Body Date/Code: See Pics
• Neck: Birdseye Maple
  
• Neck Profile: C
• Neck Date/Code: See Pics
• Fretboard: Maple
  
• Inlays: Black Dot
  
• Frets: Original
  
• Fret Count: 22
  
• Nut: Original
  
• Nut width: 1-5/8"
  
• Radius: 9.5"
  
• Scale: 25.5"
  
• Neck thickness at 1st Fret: .875"
• Neck thickness at 12th Fret: 1.72"
• Action 1st String at 12th Fret: 2/32"
  
• Action 6th String at 12th Fret: 2/32"
  
• Overall Length: 38-3/8"
  
• Lower bout: 12-5/8"
  
• Waist: 9-1/4"
  
• Upper bout: 11"
  
• Body depth/thickness outside edge: 1-3/4"
• String gauge: .009-.042"
  
• Hardware Color: Chrome
• Bridge Pickup/Brand: 
• Pickup Reading: 7.01k
• Original?: Yes
• Middle Pickup/Brand: 
• Pickup Reading: 6.02k
• Original?: Yes
• Neck Pickup/Brand: 
• Pickup Reading: 6.21k
• Original?: Yes
  
• Bridge: 2 Point Synchro Trem
• Tuners: Original
• Knobs: Original
  
• Switch: 5 Way
• Pots/Codes: Original
• Case: Molded Fender HSC

Amp specs:

• Case/Cover?: No cover, comes with original shipping box
• Color: MOTO
• Dimensions: 23.5" W x 18.75" H x 10.85" D 
• Weight: 40lbs
• Watts: 40 Watts
• Speaker 1 Brand: Original Special Design Eminence
• Speaker 1 Size: 12"
• Speaker Code: See Pics
• Speaker 1 Cone: Original
• Extension Speaker Out? 
  
• Reverb or other effects?: Reverb, Drive
• Power Tubes: 2 x 5881/6L6
• Power Tube Brand: Sovtek
• Preamp Tubes: 3 x 12AX7
• Preamp Tube Brand: Sovtek
• Filter Caps: Original
• Pedal: Included
• Pots/Codes: Original
  
• Grille: Original
• Knobs: Original
• Handle: Original
• Power Cord: Original
  

Shipping policy:

There are multiple shipping cost options for purchases made on our site.  Select Ground, 3 Day, 2 Day, or Next Day Air Saver.  For Reverb purchases, there is one cost option for these Eastern states and shipment will be made by UPS three-day-air.  Shipments will require signature on delivery, no exceptions.  If there is damage, the buyer must retain all packing materials intact and picture them immediately and send them to sales@maharsvintageguitars.com.  Less than 1% of our shipments are damaged in transit, and we are committed to making sure your item arrives safely, but we are taking these additional measures to make sure you are happy with your purchase.