A Holy Grail for Rare Fender Collectors:
The 1992 "Hippocaster" #17/20 Up for sale is an exceptionally rare artifact from the early golden era of the Fender Custom Shop: the 1992 Bob Hipp "Hippocaster" Stratocaster, numbered #17 out of only 20 production models ever built (21 total including the prototype).
Designed by legendary Fender regional sales representative Bob Hipp, these highly limited guitars were exclusively distributed within the southeastern United States (Georgia, Florida, and South Carolina), making them incredibly difficult to find on the open market today.
This specific instrument (#17) weighs in at 8 lbs 3.2 oz and stands out with its gorgeous, highly figured Swamp Ash body finished in a stunning Vintage Natural finish. The signature visual highlight is the distinctive Fender "F" logo permanently burned into the forearm contour (a true branding mark, not an inlay).
Plugging it in reveals the classic early Custom Shop chime, driven by three Texas Special single-coil pickups, a Jeff Beck-style roller nut, and premium gold Schaller locking tuners. It comes complete with its original Fender hardshell case and case documentation.
Technical Specifications:
- Brand / Model: Fender Custom Shop Bob Hipp "Hippocaster" Stratocaster
- Year / Origin: 1992 • Made in the United States
- Limited Run: No. 17 of 20 Numbered Units (Very Limited Regional Release)
- Weight: 8 lbs 3.2 oz
- Body Wood: Highly figured Swamp Ash
- Finish: Vintage Natural with burned-in "F" forearm logo
- Neck Profile: Maple neck, large headstock, classic "C" shape
- Fingerboard: Rosewood, 21 medium-jumbo frets
- Nut Component Jeff Beck-style roller nut
- Pickups 3 x early Texas Special single-coils
- Hardware Gold-plated hardware & Gold Schaller locking tuners
- Pickguard Genuine vintage tortoise shell (with matching back tremolo plate)
- Inclusions Fender hardshell case & paperwork / COA4. Includes the original strap, trem arm, extra springs, booklet, and certificate of authenticity. Basically everything it was sold with.
- Cosmetic Assessment: Excellent condition. This guitar has very little wear. It has some oxidation and wear on the hardware.
This is a used guitar and therefore may have cosmetic imperfections and blemishes such as swirls not visible in photos. If you are concerned about cosmetic issues please call our shop or come by during normal business hours and we will further describe the guitar.
Big House Guitars is a brick and mortar store in Atlanta GA open 7 days a week. All items are available for viewing and playing in the shop during regular hours. All guitars are inspected and set up by our in house luthier. Buyers are encouraged to call the shop and ask any questions before placing an order. Please do not hesitate to contact the store directly at 404-254-0190.