Fender Custom Shop 1969 Stratocaster Relic, Aged Black w/ Matching Headstock Overview
The Fender Custom Shop 1969 Stratocaster Relic in Aged Black with a Matching Headstock is a stunning recreation of the classic late-60s Stratocaster, embodying both vintage aesthetics and modern functionality. This instrument combines the vibe of the late '60s Strat with custom shop features, premium materials, and aged hardware for a truly special playing experience.
Body:
- Body Wood: Alder (Guitar and Bass grade)
- Body Spread: 2-piece construction for enhanced resonance and stability
- Body Style: 1969 Stratocaster design
- Finish: Nitrocellulose Lacquer (NCL) for a thin and resonant coating
- Top Color: Aged Black with relic treatment for a worn-in look
- Hardware:
- Bridge: Vintage-style hardtail Strat bridge, Relic’d for authentic aging
- Output Jack: Vintage-style Strat jack, Relic’d
- Neck Plate: “R” series F logo, Relic’d
- Strings: Standard 10-46 gauge
- Pickguard: 63-76 Black/White/Black Relic’d pickguard for that authentic look and feel
Electronics:
- Controls: Modern Stratocaster control layout, Relic’d
- Switch: 5-way lever switch for a wide variety of tones
- Knobs: Small font black volume and tone knobs, Relic’d
- Pots: 250k pots with 10% taper for smoother transitions
- Pickups:
- Neck Pickup: Hand-wound “El Diablo” Strat neck pickup, Relic’d for vintage tones with more power
- Middle Pickup: Hand-wound “El Diablo” middle pickup, reverse wound/reverse polarity (RWRP) for hum-canceling in positions 2 and 4
- Bridge Pickup: Hand-wound “El Diablo” Strat bridge pickup, Relic’d for hot vintage output
Neck:
- Neck Finish: Nitrocellulose lacquer with a matching black headstock, Relic’d for a vintage feel
- Neck Wood: Quarter-sawn Maple (5/4 thickness for added stability)
- Fretboard Wood: African Blackwood for a rich, smooth playing surface
- Neck Shape: 1969 “U” profile for a comfortable, slightly chunky grip
- 1st Fret: .850" thickness
- 12th Fret: .910" thickness
- Fretboard Radius: 9.5" modern radius for easy bending and smooth playability
- Frets: 21 Jumbo 6100 frets for durability and comfort
- Nut Width: 1.650" for standard spacing
- Butt Width: 2.200" at the heel
- Truss Rod: Late '60s style for stability and easy adjustment
- Tuning Keys: Schaller F-style tuners, Relic’d
- Headstock: Large '60s-style headstock with a matching Aged Black finish and a 68-69 Stratocaster decal (inspired by Malmsteen’s 1968/69 Strats)
- Face Dots: 7mm Mother of Pearl face dots for classic aesthetics
- Side Dots: 3/32" Mother of Pearl side dots for easy navigation
