This is an incredible piece of Fender history. In 1988, Fender formally launched the Fender Custom Shop by releasing the very first Custom Shop Limited Edition guitar, the 40th Anniversary Telecaster. This guitar is #1 of 300, making it the first official Fender Custom Shop guitar ever produced. Builders John Page and Michael Stevens presented this guitar to Fender CEO Bill Schultz, who in turn gifted it to Bill Carson out of appreciation for his contributions to Fender. Bill Carson was a western swing guitarist for whom Leo Fender originally designed the Stratocaster in the early 1950's. We received this guitar from Bill Carson's wife, who included a letter detailing the guitar's history. Also included is a signed COA, a copy of the memo announcing the guitar, a signed business card from VP of Marketing Bruce Bolen, and a photo of Bill Schultz receiving the guitar. This guitar is in mint condition, has only been touhced much less strummed a handfulof times, and even still has the original strings from the factory! It's incredibly rare to come across a guitar as storied as this, especially one that is perfectly preserved. This would be a jewel in anyone's Fender collection – don't miss this opportunity to add it to yours!