Weight: 7.46 lbs

When it comes to golden-era Stratocasters, there’s no doubting the Fender Custom Shop’s expertise. Using their thorough knowledge of these sought after guitars, the Fender Custom Shop have made an instrument that’s virtually indistinguishable from Strat that was made in 1969. At the core of this '69 Strat’s rich, balanced tone is its Sort For Alder body, which has been specially selected for its lighter weight. Alder has been a go-to Fender tonewood since 1956, due to its sweet resonance, ample sustain and beautiful upper-midrange emphasis. The body is coated in a period-correct nitrocellulose finish, which promotes sustain by allowing the tonewood to “breathe” and develops an endearing visual character over time.

The quarter sawn 1-piece Maple neck caters for this 69 Strat’s comfortable playability, whilst adding presence and snap to the natural tone. The neck features a 9.5" radius and a 1969 “U” profile, which has a fuller, more rounded hand-feel than a traditional “C”. If you like the way old-school Telecasters play, you’ll be right at home on this neck. The buttery-smooth Maple fretboard is topped with 21 Jumbo 6100 frets, which enhance playability and sustain. The Jumbo frets give this '69 Stratocaster a slightly more modern playability and are perfect for players that like to really dig into their bends.

Stunning Worn-In Look

Giving this '69 Custom Shop Stratocaster its battle-hardened look is its Super Heavy Relic treatment. This is the most intense of all the Custom Shop relic'ing processes, with every single element of this guitar - from the tuning pegs to the bridge - undergoing extensive ageing. As you can see, the finish has been totally worn away in places, exposing the lovely wood grain of the Alder body.

The result is a guitar that has the authentic charm of a well-played workhorse that’s survived countless gigs. The SHR treatment doesn’t only impact this '69 Strat’s visuals, it affects the way it plays, too. The finish of the neck’s back has been completely removed, which gives it that gorgeous “played-in” satin feel.

Stunning Strat Tone

The Fender Custom Shop have outfitted this '63 Custom Shop Stratocaster with a trio of Handwound single-coil pickups, with a '69 Strat in the Neck & Middle and a Fat '60s in the bridge. The '69 Strat pickups deliver the articulation and delicate chime that vintage Fenders are known for, whilst the juicy Fat '60s has been overwound for a more aggressive, punchier tone.

Specifications:

Body Wood: Alder, Sort For

Base Model: '69 Strat

Body Spread: 2-piece

Body Finish: Nitrocellulose, Super Heavy Relic

Finish Colour: Aged Vintage White

Neck Wood: Quarter Sawn Maple

Neck Shape: 1969 "U"

Head Style: Large, Reverse Headstock, Reverse Peg Head, Matching Painted Peg Head

Truss Rod: Late '60s

Mounting Style: 4 Bolt

Fingerboard: 1-piece Maple

Radius: 9.50

Fret Size: Jumbo / 6100

Frets: 21

Face Dots: Black Micarta - 7mm Spacing

Nut: Blank Bone

Decal: '98 Malmsteen, 68-69 Strat

Tuners: Relic'd Schaller

Hardware: Chrome

Bridge: American Vintage Strat

Pickguard: 63-69 Strat

Selector Switch: 5-way

Controls: Strat Modern Wiring

Pickups: Handwound '69 Strat (Neck & Middle), Handwound Fat '60s Strat (Bridge)

Pots: 250K 10% Taper Split

Included: Fender Custom Shop Strat/Tele Tweed Case, Strap & Certificate of Authenticity