Skip to main content
MusicRadar MusicRadar The No.1 website for musicians
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
  • Artist news
  • Guitars
  • Guitar Pedals
  • Synths
  • Keyboards & Pianos
  • Controllers
  • Guitar Amps
  • Drums
  • Software & Apps
  • More
    • Recording
    • DJ Gear
    • Acoustic Guitars
    • Bass Guitars
    • Tech
    • Tutorials
    • Reviews
    • Buying Guides
    • About Us
More
  • Radiohead theory
  • Steely Dan's drum machine
  • Deep Purple in the dungeon
  • Prince's drummers
  • 95k+ free music samples
Don't miss these
Fender Custom Shop Ariel Posen Stratocaster: Posen's new signature model was inspired by the Jazzmaster and has custom-wound AP-90 pickups. Check out those cupcake-style control knobs.
Artists Ariel Posen’s new Custom Shop signature Strat is A) stunning and B) inspired by a… Jazzmaster?
The Fender Richie Kotzen Stratocaster is made in Japan and features a contoured ash body with a stunning figured maple top, and comes with DiMarzio pickups and Gotoh tuners.
Artists Fender gives Richie Kotzen’s figured-maple topped MIJ signature Strat a global release
“The most talked-about guitar of the summer is coming to the Gibson Garage London”: P-90s, Light Aging from the Murphy Lab, handwritten Oasis lyrics… The Gibson Custom Noel Gallagher Les Paul Standard has been unveiled and is here photographed in the Gibson Garage, with a variety of close-ups to show every detail.
Artists Gibson unveils Custom Noel Gallagher Les Paul: hand-signed, limited run – the ultimate Oasis guitar?
Kirk Hammett plays his Mummy ESP onstage with Metallica. In the middle of this comp'd image is the Thinline custom Triplecaster Hammett commissioned then gifted to White. On the right, White plays his Fender Triplecaster with the yellow pickguard.
Artists Kirk Hammett orders up custom version of Jack White’s Triplecaster – and gets one for White, too
Fender American Ultra Luxe Vintage Series
Guitars Fender mixes old-school mojo with 21st-century playability for the American Ultra Luxe Vintage range
Rick Graham is photographed in a dark setting with a warm stagelight in the background; he holds his new signature electric guitar, a shell-pink S-style with a reverse headstock
Artists Charvel and Rick Graham team up for Pro-Mod signature model with relic'd nitro cult colour finish
PRS Guitars' new limited edition Custom 24 Satin photographed at the brand's Maryland factory with wood blanks in the background.
Guitars PRS swaps maple for mango to give its “flagship” Custom 24 a 40th anniversary satin nitro makeover
A black-and-white image of Jimmy Page using a violin bow on his 1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard.
Guitars Bare Knuckle supremo Tim Mills reveals the tone secrets of Jimmy Page’s ‘Number One’ Les Paul
Fender American Ultra Luxe 60s Stratocaster
Electric Guitars Fender Ultra Luxe Vintage '60s Stratocaster review
The new Gibson Murphy Lab Light Aged Acoustics released on 9 September 2025, all lined up in a wood-panneled show room with round windows and a rural landscape outside.
Guitars Gibson expands acoustic Murphy Lab collection with five Light Aged classics – including a Nick Lucas 1929 reissue
PRS SE Silver Sky 2025: refreshed for the brand's 40th anniversary, the SE Silver Sky John Mayer signature model is pictured in its new Laurel Green, Derby Red, Dandy Lion and Trad Blue finishes. A PRS tube amp and speaker cabinet is in the background.
Guitars John Mayer’s PRS SE Silver Sky Rosewood is refreshed with 4 fashion-inspired solid-colour finishes
Noel Gallagher performs at an Oasis reunion show in Cardiff with his custom-built 1960 Les Paul Standard with P-90 pickups.
Artists Gibson teases release of the P-90 Les Paul Noel Gallagher has been playing at Oasis reunion shows
The newly refreshed Classic Series from Squier reworks vintage Fender-inspired electric and bass guitars for beginners and budget-conscious players.
Guitars Squier channels the Fender archive for 10 stunning yet affordable news Classic Vibe models
Dickey Betts [left] and Warren Haynes trade licks onstage with the Allman Brothers Band at the 1993 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. Haynes's Strat would soon be stolen in New York.
Artists How Warren Haynes turned to Les Pauls after his favourite Strat was stolen
PRS Herman Li Chloe: the new shred-ready signature model for the DragonForce guitarist comes in two finishes and features an all-new body design.
Artists PRS activates total shred mode for Herman Li of DragonForce’s feature-stacked Chloe signature guitar
  1. Guitars

Gallery: Fender Custom Shop day at Longleat House

News
By Matthew Parker published 22 October 2010

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

Longleat House

Longleat House

A little while ago the nice chaps at Fender asked if we'd fancy coming along to a day at Longleat House in Somerset to try out some new Custom Shop guitars. Playing it cool, but secretly thinking "this could potentially be the best day of our meagre lives" we graciously accepted. These are the pictures in which our hands were shaking the least…

Page 1 of 27
Page 1 of 27
The guitar room

The guitar room

A little while ago the nice chaps at Fender asked if we'd fancy coming along to a day at Longleat House in Somerset to try out some new Custom Shop guitars. Playing it cool, but secretly thinking "this could potentially be the best day of our meagre lives" we graciously accepted. These are the pictures in which our hands were shaking the least…

Page 2 of 27
Page 2 of 27
"The main event", as Fender described it

"The main event", as Fender described it

A little while ago the nice chaps at Fender asked if we'd fancy coming along to a day at Longleat House in Somerset to try out some new Custom Shop guitars. Playing it cool, but secretly thinking "this could potentially be the best day of our meagre lives" we graciously accepted. These are the pictures in which our hands were shaking the least…

Page 3 of 27
Page 3 of 27
A Strat for all occasions

A Strat for all occasions

A little while ago the nice chaps at Fender asked if we'd fancy coming along to a day at Longleat House in Somerset to try out some new Custom Shop guitars. Playing it cool, but secretly thinking "this could potentially be the best day of our meagre lives" we graciously accepted. These are the pictures in which our hands were shaking the least…

Page 4 of 27
Page 4 of 27
Various Stratocasters and Telecasters

Various Stratocasters and Telecasters

A little while ago the nice chaps at Fender asked if we'd fancy coming along to a day at Longleat House in Somerset to try out some new Custom Shop guitars. Playing it cool, but secretly thinking "this could potentially be the best day of our meagre lives" we graciously accepted. These are the pictures in which our hands were shaking the least…

Page 5 of 27
Page 5 of 27
Various Stratocasters and Telecasters

Various Stratocasters and Telecasters

A little while ago the nice chaps at Fender asked if we'd fancy coming along to a day at Longleat House in Somerset to try out some new Custom Shop guitars. Playing it cool, but secretly thinking "this could potentially be the best day of our meagre lives" we graciously accepted. These are the pictures in which our hands were shaking the least…

Page 6 of 27
Page 6 of 27
Crossing swords

Crossing swords

A little while ago the nice chaps at Fender asked if we'd fancy coming along to a day at Longleat House in Somerset to try out some new Custom Shop guitars. Playing it cool, but secretly thinking "this could potentially be the best day of our meagre lives" we graciously accepted. These are the pictures in which our hands were shaking the least…

Page 7 of 27
Page 7 of 27
1960 NOS Sunburst Stratocasters

1960 NOS Sunburst Stratocasters

A little while ago the nice chaps at Fender asked if we'd fancy coming along to a day at Longleat House in Somerset to try out some new Custom Shop guitars. Playing it cool, but secretly thinking "this could potentially be the best day of our meagre lives" we graciously accepted. These are the pictures in which our hands were shaking the least…

Page 8 of 27
Page 8 of 27
1960 NOS Sunburst Stratocaster

1960 NOS Sunburst Stratocaster

A little while ago the nice chaps at Fender asked if we'd fancy coming along to a day at Longleat House in Somerset to try out some new Custom Shop guitars. Playing it cool, but secretly thinking "this could potentially be the best day of our meagre lives" we graciously accepted. These are the pictures in which our hands were shaking the least…

Page 9 of 27
Page 9 of 27
1960 Heavy Relic Sunburst Strats

1960 Heavy Relic Sunburst Strats

A little while ago the nice chaps at Fender asked if we'd fancy coming along to a day at Longleat House in Somerset to try out some new Custom Shop guitars. Playing it cool, but secretly thinking "this could potentially be the best day of our meagre lives" we graciously accepted. These are the pictures in which our hands were shaking the least…

Page 10 of 27
Page 10 of 27
1960 Heavy Relic Sunburst Strat

1960 Heavy Relic Sunburst Strat

A little while ago the nice chaps at Fender asked if we'd fancy coming along to a day at Longleat House in Somerset to try out some new Custom Shop guitars. Playing it cool, but secretly thinking "this could potentially be the best day of our meagre lives" we graciously accepted. These are the pictures in which our hands were shaking the least…

Page 11 of 27
Page 11 of 27
Lefties need love too!

Lefties need love too!

A little while ago the nice chaps at Fender asked if we'd fancy coming along to a day at Longleat House in Somerset to try out some new Custom Shop guitars. Playing it cool, but secretly thinking "this could potentially be the best day of our meagre lives" we graciously accepted. These are the pictures in which our hands were shaking the least…

Page 12 of 27
Page 12 of 27
1960 Heavy Relic Sonic Blue/Candy Green Stratocaster

1960 Heavy Relic Sonic Blue/Candy Green Stratocaster

A little while ago the nice chaps at Fender asked if we'd fancy coming along to a day at Longleat House in Somerset to try out some new Custom Shop guitars. Playing it cool, but secretly thinking "this could potentially be the best day of our meagre lives" we graciously accepted. These are the pictures in which our hands were shaking the least…

Page 13 of 27
Page 13 of 27
1960 Heavy Relic Sonic Blue/Candy Green Stratocaster (detail)

1960 Heavy Relic Sonic Blue/Candy Green Stratocaster (detail)

A little while ago the nice chaps at Fender asked if we'd fancy coming along to a day at Longleat House in Somerset to try out some new Custom Shop guitars. Playing it cool, but secretly thinking "this could potentially be the best day of our meagre lives" we graciously accepted. These are the pictures in which our hands were shaking the least…

Page 14 of 27
Page 14 of 27
1963 Heavy Relic Lake Placid Blue/Sunburst Stratocaster

1963 Heavy Relic Lake Placid Blue/Sunburst Stratocaster

A little while ago the nice chaps at Fender asked if we'd fancy coming along to a day at Longleat House in Somerset to try out some new Custom Shop guitars. Playing it cool, but secretly thinking "this could potentially be the best day of our meagre lives" we graciously accepted. These are the pictures in which our hands were shaking the least…

Page 15 of 27
Page 15 of 27
Masterbuilt 1960 NOS Natural Telecaster

Masterbuilt 1960 NOS Natural Telecaster

A little while ago the nice chaps at Fender asked if we'd fancy coming along to a day at Longleat House in Somerset to try out some new Custom Shop guitars. Playing it cool, but secretly thinking "this could potentially be the best day of our meagre lives" we graciously accepted. These are the pictures in which our hands were shaking the least…

Page 16 of 27
Page 16 of 27
Masterbuilt Heavy Relic Olympic White Custom Telecaster

Masterbuilt Heavy Relic Olympic White Custom Telecaster

A little while ago the nice chaps at Fender asked if we'd fancy coming along to a day at Longleat House in Somerset to try out some new Custom Shop guitars. Playing it cool, but secretly thinking "this could potentially be the best day of our meagre lives" we graciously accepted. These are the pictures in which our hands were shaking the least…

Page 17 of 27
Page 17 of 27
Masterbuilt Heavy Relic Olympic White Custom Telecaster (headstock)

Masterbuilt Heavy Relic Olympic White Custom Telecaster (headstock)

A little while ago the nice chaps at Fender asked if we'd fancy coming along to a day at Longleat House in Somerset to try out some new Custom Shop guitars. Playing it cool, but secretly thinking "this could potentially be the best day of our meagre lives" we graciously accepted. These are the pictures in which our hands were shaking the least…

Page 18 of 27
Page 18 of 27
Stu tries the Masterbuilt Custom Telecaster

Stu tries the Masterbuilt Custom Telecaster

A little while ago the nice chaps at Fender asked if we'd fancy coming along to a day at Longleat House in Somerset to try out some new Custom Shop guitars. Playing it cool, but secretly thinking "this could potentially be the best day of our meagre lives" we graciously accepted. These are the pictures in which our hands were shaking the least…

Page 19 of 27
Page 19 of 27
Masterbuilt 1961 Extreme Relic Honey Blonde Stratocaster

Masterbuilt 1961 Extreme Relic Honey Blonde Stratocaster

A little while ago the nice chaps at Fender asked if we'd fancy coming along to a day at Longleat House in Somerset to try out some new Custom Shop guitars. Playing it cool, but secretly thinking "this could potentially be the best day of our meagre lives" we graciously accepted. These are the pictures in which our hands were shaking the least…

Page 20 of 27
Page 20 of 27
Masterbuilt 1961 Extreme Relic Honey Blonde Stratocaster (bridge)

Masterbuilt 1961 Extreme Relic Honey Blonde Stratocaster (bridge)

A little while ago the nice chaps at Fender asked if we'd fancy coming along to a day at Longleat House in Somerset to try out some new Custom Shop guitars. Playing it cool, but secretly thinking "this could potentially be the best day of our meagre lives" we graciously accepted. These are the pictures in which our hands were shaking the least…

Page 21 of 27
Page 21 of 27
Matt pulls out the big guns. And comes up short.

Matt pulls out the big guns. And comes up short.

A little while ago the nice chaps at Fender asked if we'd fancy coming along to a day at Longleat House in Somerset to try out some new Custom Shop guitars. Playing it cool, but secretly thinking "this could potentially be the best day of our meagre lives" we graciously accepted. These are the pictures in which our hands were shaking the least…

Page 22 of 27
Page 22 of 27
Guitarist Magazine shoot

Guitarist Magazine shoot

A little while ago the nice chaps at Fender asked if we'd fancy coming along to a day at Longleat House in Somerset to try out some new Custom Shop guitars. Playing it cool, but secretly thinking "this could potentially be the best day of our meagre lives" we graciously accepted. These are the pictures in which our hands were shaking the least…

Page 23 of 27
Page 23 of 27
Refreshments!

Refreshments!

A little while ago the nice chaps at Fender asked if we'd fancy coming along to a day at Longleat House in Somerset to try out some new Custom Shop guitars. Playing it cool, but secretly thinking "this could potentially be the best day of our meagre lives" we graciously accepted. These are the pictures in which our hands were shaking the least…

Page 24 of 27
Page 24 of 27
Stu examining a 1962 Heavy Relic Stratocaster

Stu examining a 1962 Heavy Relic Stratocaster

A little while ago the nice chaps at Fender asked if we'd fancy coming along to a day at Longleat House in Somerset to try out some new Custom Shop guitars. Playing it cool, but secretly thinking "this could potentially be the best day of our meagre lives" we graciously accepted. These are the pictures in which our hands were shaking the least…

Page 25 of 27
Page 25 of 27
Just in case...

Just in case...

A little while ago the nice chaps at Fender asked if we'd fancy coming along to a day at Longleat House in Somerset to try out some new Custom Shop guitars. Playing it cool, but secretly thinking "this could potentially be the best day of our meagre lives" we graciously accepted. These are the pictures in which our hands were shaking the least…

Page 26 of 27
Page 26 of 27
Longleat at night

Longleat at night

A little while ago the nice chaps at Fender asked if we'd fancy coming along to a day at Longleat House in Somerset to try out some new Custom Shop guitars. Playing it cool, but secretly thinking "this could potentially be the best day of our meagre lives" we graciously accepted. These are the pictures in which our hands were shaking the least…

Page 27 of 27
Page 27 of 27
Matthew Parker
Matthew Parker

Matt is a freelance journalist who has spent the last decade interviewing musicians for the likes of Total Guitar, Guitarist, Guitar World, MusicRadar, NME.com, DJ Mag and Electronic Sound. In 2020, he launched CreativeMoney.co.uk, which aims to share the ideas that make creative lifestyles more sustainable. He plays guitar, but should not be allowed near your delay pedals.

Read more
Fender Custom Shop Ariel Posen Stratocaster: Posen's new signature model was inspired by the Jazzmaster and has custom-wound AP-90 pickups. Check out those cupcake-style control knobs.
Ariel Posen’s new Custom Shop signature Strat is A) stunning and B) inspired by a… Jazzmaster?
 
 
The Fender Richie Kotzen Stratocaster is made in Japan and features a contoured ash body with a stunning figured maple top, and comes with DiMarzio pickups and Gotoh tuners.
Fender gives Richie Kotzen’s figured-maple topped MIJ signature Strat a global release
 
 
“The most talked-about guitar of the summer is coming to the Gibson Garage London”: P-90s, Light Aging from the Murphy Lab, handwritten Oasis lyrics… The Gibson Custom Noel Gallagher Les Paul Standard has been unveiled and is here photographed in the Gibson Garage, with a variety of close-ups to show every detail.
Gibson unveils Custom Noel Gallagher Les Paul: hand-signed, limited run – the ultimate Oasis guitar?
 
 
Kirk Hammett plays his Mummy ESP onstage with Metallica. In the middle of this comp'd image is the Thinline custom Triplecaster Hammett commissioned then gifted to White. On the right, White plays his Fender Triplecaster with the yellow pickguard.
Kirk Hammett orders up custom version of Jack White’s Triplecaster – and gets one for White, too
 
 
Fender American Ultra Luxe Vintage Series
Fender mixes old-school mojo with 21st-century playability for the American Ultra Luxe Vintage range
 
 
Rick Graham is photographed in a dark setting with a warm stagelight in the background; he holds his new signature electric guitar, a shell-pink S-style with a reverse headstock
Charvel and Rick Graham team up for Pro-Mod signature model with relic'd nitro cult colour finish
 
 
Latest in Guitars
SCM All Stars logo
“I’m so grateful that our music can be a vehicle for their spirits to fly”: Students at Flea’s music school pay tribute to Chili Peppers
 
 
Mk.pre
Audio Hertz's Mk.pre emulates the Tascam Portastudio preamp that colours Mk.gee's sought-after guitar tone
 
 
Jacob Collier
Using his signature ‘DAEAD’ tuning, Jacob Collier recorded a 5-string acoustic guitar album in just four days
 
 
Deals of the week
MusicRadar deals of the week: Score a mind-blowing $1,000 off the stunning D'Angelico Excel SS, $500 off the gorgeous Heritage Standard H-535, and so much more
 
 
Warren Haynes takes a solo live onstage with his Gibson Les Paul Standard. He wears a black shirt.
Warren Haynes on the Allman Brothers, Woodstock ’94, and finishing what Gregg Allman started with Derek Trucks’ help
 
 
JIMMY KIMMEL LIVE! "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" airs every weeknight at 11:35 p.m. ET and features a diverse lineup of guests that include celebrities, athletes, musical acts, comedians and human interest subjects, along with comedy bits and a house band. The guests for Monday, September 8 included Spinal Tap (Nigel Tufnel aka Christopher Guest, David St. Hubbins aka Michael McKean and Derek Smalls aka Harry Shearer) and Marty DiBergi (aka Rob Reiner) ("Spinal Tap II: The End Continues"), and musical guest Spinal Tap. (Disney/Randy Holmes) SPINAL TAP  (Photo by Randy Holmes/Disney via Getty Images)
Five basses! Spinal Tap recruit Tal Wilkenfeld and Thundercat for bottom-heavy Jimmy Kimmel performance
 
 
Latest in News
Musician Dave Grohl, founding member of Nirvana and The Foo Fighters
“Ladies and gentlemen, will you please welcome Ilan Rubin”: Dave Grohl introduces new drummer at Foos secret gig
 
 
Brian May
“I missed a couple of things": Brian May critiques his Last Night of the Proms performance
 
 
Ed Sheeran attends the European Premiere of F1 ® The Movie at Cineworld, Leicester Square on June 23, 2025
“It would be ‘Stop’ and then ‘Eject’”: Ed Sheeran reveals that plans for posthumous album are in his will
 
 
Zultan FX cymbals
“A versatile tool for sharp, modern accents and cutting effects”: Zultan add to their effects cymbal range
 
 
ELMONT, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 07: Sombr performs during the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards at UBS Arena on September 07, 2025 in Elmont, New York. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for MTV)
“In the actual song you hear today, the guitars, the riff, the bass, the drums and all the vocals are from those initial takes I did in my bedroom”: Sombr on the making of viral hit Undressed, and his formula for creating "a legendary indie rock song"
 
 
Adrian Sherwood
Dub pioneer Adrian Sherwood on embracing AI and playing the studio like an instrument
 
 

MusicRadar is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

  • About Us
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Terms and conditions
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Careers

© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait...