1959 was an important year for the Stratocaster. After people complaining about the finish on their maple fretboards wearing out quickly (imagine not liking natural wear) Leo Fender decided to start using rosewood instead. The pickguard changed from 1ply to 3 ply, to prevent warping and most interesting of all Fender were starting to experiment more with custom colours.

This drop-dead gorgeous '59 reissue from the Custom Shop pays homage to those guitars. It's striking Candy Apple Red finish, actually an automotive colour, is the exact same that Fender would use on many of it's custom colour guitars. Achieved by spraying transparent red over metallic gold, it's so deep and luscious you almost can't resist the urge to take a bite.

As always with Custom Shop Fenders, the finest tone woods have been used. It's light alder body and maple neck have been expertly paired to create a resonant and lively guitar. Its handwound fat 50's are tonally complex, punchy with a powerful mid range giving you a Strat with all the vintage chime when clean but enough beef to sing when over driven.

At 7.58 lbs, it's the perfect weight for a Strat. The 60 style oval C is a nice medium size, not to fat but not to skinny. It's a truly exceptional Stratocaster in every way.