Across three decades and more than 10 albums, Mike McCready’s lead guitar work with Pearl Jam defined the instrument’s very role within the world of grunge and alternative rock. His 6-string of choice? A well-loved 1960 Stratocaster that’s served as a staple part of the band’s sound since 1992. The Fender Mike McCready Stratocaster is an exact replication of that very instrument, boasting all the bones of a true pre-CBS Fender, including a lightweight alder body, slim maple “C” neck, and a 9.5-inch-radius rosewood fingerboard. A trio of custom pickups directly modeled after the single-coils in Mike’s Strat instantly unlock the sound of legendary Pearl Jam leads and solo, with a remarkably dynamic feel and classic Strat sparkle. Finally, a Road Worn nitrocellulose lacquer finish sets this guitar apart from a sea of vintage-inspired Strats, with every nick, ding, and scratch mirroring the play wear from Mike’s beloved 1960 Stratocaster Power” Strat is a stellar tribute to his distinctive style that is certain to inspire your playing.

Fender Mike McCready Stratocaster at a Glance:

• Alder Body
• Road Worn® Lacquer Finish
• 9.5" Radius Slab Rosewood Fingerboard
• Slim "C" Neck
• Custom Mike McCready Vintage-Style Strat® Pickups
• Vintage-Style Synchronized Tremolo with Stainless Steel Block and Bent Steel Saddles

Expertly aged nitro lacquer finish

From the buckle-rashed back to the neck’s worn-away clearcoat, every scratch and ding found on the Mike McCready Stratocaster is an visual testament to 30-plus-years of hard playing in Mike’s hands. Every detail of Mike’s vintage 1960 Stratocaster was captured in full detail, right down to the mismatched knobs and switch tip. Finally, the Fender Mike McCready Stratocaster’s Road Worn finish was sprayed with authentic nitrocellulose lacquer — the same finish found on a true vintage Stratocaster that will continue to age and develop right along with you.

An even flow of ’60s-style tones

The Fender Mike McCready Stratocaster comes equipped with a trio of Custom Mike McCready ’60s single-coil Stratocaster pickups, exactly modeled after the vintage pickups found in Mike’s own Strat. What do they sound like? While they fit the legendary vintage-Strat formula to a T — bell-like highs, springy lows, and an unmatched level of note-to-note definition — all you need to do is throw on a few classic Pearl Jam tunes like “Daughter” or “Nothing As It Seems” to hear the Mike McCready Stratocaster’s ripping tone in action.

Mike’s #1 Strat since 1992

Originally acquired in 1992, Mike’s #1 Strat has played a pivotal role in Pearl Jam’s music — so much so that Mike has the number 59 tattooed on his wrist to honor the guitar's supposed year of birth. Funnily enough, when Mike sent his Strat in to Fender for the original Custom Shop run of Mike McCready Stratocasters, a rather startling discovery was made — Mike’s ’59 Strat was actually a 1960 model! Regardless of its year of birth, Mike’s Strat sports all the must-have hallmarks of a golden-era rosewood-fingerboard Stratocaster, including a slim “C” maple neck, slab rosewood fingerboard, and period-correct 9.5-inch fingerboard radius.

What Fender Says...

The Mike McCready Stratocaster® captures the unmistakable sound and timeless spirit of one of rock's most enduring and influential bands. Designed in collaboration with the Pearl Jam guitarist, the Mike McCready Stratocaster® is the ultimate Strat® for any guitarist seeking to channel the potent power and electrifying intensity of this grunge guitar icon. The Mike McCready Stratocaster® features a hand-crafted, heavily Road Worn® lacquer finish over an alder body, recreating the battle scars Mike's own Strat has earned over three decades of grueling, sold-out tours and legendary performances. The comfy 9.5" radius slab rosewood fingerboard on a slim "C" maple neck are shaped to match McCready's treasured 1960 Strat, while the custom Mike McCready Stratocaster pickups are voiced to replicate Mike's vintage single-coils for the same timeless tone, passion and energy that define his signature sound. The vintage-style synchronized tremolo, bent-steel saddles and cold-rolled steel block ensure the purest Fender tone and performance. With its well-worn finish and bold tones, the Mike McCready Stratocaster® resonates with the soulful essence of the iconic Strat that has powered Pearl Jam's chart-topping hits and transcendent live performances across countless studios and stages.

Alder Body

A classic Fender tonewood known for resonance, punch and clarity, alder has a balanced and lively tone with beefy mids and a robust low-end.

Road Worn® Lacquer Finish

Fender’s Road Worn® process recreates the vintage original look of McCready’s iconic Stratocaster® to provide the same well-loved look and feel.

9.5” Radius Slab Rosewood Fingerboard

The comfy 9.5” radius offers easy playability and smooth bending while the slab rosewood fingerboard adds warmth to the tone.

Slim "C" Neck

Shaped to match Mike’s treasured 1960 Strat, this early-‘60s oval “C”-shape neck offers comfort and easy playability.

Custom Mike McCready Vintage-style Strat® Pickups

Voiced to replicate the vintage single-coils in Mike’s original Stratocaster®, these custom Strat® pickups deliver the quack, chime and bell-like clarity needed to get Mike’s famous tones.

Vintage-style Synchronized Tremolo With Bent Steel Saddles

One of our most innovative designs, this six-point tremolo offers proper intonation, full adjustability and easy access to cool vibrato sounds. Bent-steel saddles and a cold rolled steel block ensure the purest Fender tone and performance.