1956 Fender Stringmaster

The 1956 Fender Stringmaster is a defining instrument from the "Golden Era" of steel guitars. Unlike student models like the Champ or Studio Deluxe, the Stringmaster was designed as a professional console instrument, capable of holding multiple tunings.

Key Specifications & Design

Scale Length: Most 1956 models feature a 22.5-inch scale (short scale). While 24.5-inch versions exist, the shorter scale was favored for its "fat" tone and easier slanting of the bar.

Pickups: Each neck is equipped with two single-coil pickups housed under a large chrome bridge cover (often called the "ash tray").

The "Hidden" Blend Control: Under the chrome wrist rest of each neck is a small "balance" or "blend" pot. This allows you to mix the output of the neck and bridge pickups. When set to the middle, they function effectively as a humbucker to cancel noise.

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Switching: 1956 was a transition period. Early '56 models often feature push-button switches for neck selection, while later versions moved toward the more familiar lever-style toggle switches.

Finish: The classic finish for this era is Blonde (often aged to a butterscotch or cream color), though Sunburst examples are also seen.

Configurations

Tone and Legacy

The Stringmaster is famous for its "clean but growly" Fender tone. Because the pickups are mounted directly to a heavy ash body and covered by substantial chrome plating, it has immense sustain. It was a staple in Western Swing and early Country music, famously used by players like Leon McAuliffe and Alvino Rey.

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