Fender Custom Shop 1961 Stratocaster Hardtail Journeyman Relic 3-Tone Sunburst

The early 1960s saw some important changes to the Stratocaster, including a new pickguard configuration, neck profile and rosewood fingerboard, all culminating in a compelling new contemporary look and sound.  The Strat has continued to change over the years, but for many, stepping back to how it was done in the '60's is the way to go.  And for some, one of the classic features of a Strat - the tremolo system - is not only unnecessary, it's a hindrance.  Fender made some Strats back in the day without the tremolo, known as a "hardtail".  They are hard to find.  For those players that prefer it this way, we have just the solution:  the Custom Shop 1961 Stratocaster Hardtail Journeyman Relic.

Featuring a two-piece select alder body that is very lightweight for excellent comfort, a AA Flame maple neck with a time-honored 60 Style Oval “C” profile, and a 9.5”-radius rosewood fingerboard with 21 Narrow Tall (6105) frets for steady play up and down the neck.  The guitar is a Journeyman Relic, with a nice "broken in" feel that players love.  The Flame Maple really stands out this one, but it's not overly done or distracting.  In our opinion, it's the perfect amount of flame.

Hand-wound 60/63 Strat pickups with reverse-wound/reverse-polarity middle pickup are given extra turns of wire to produce rich ’60s tone, sent to a five-way switch on a three-ply parchment pickguard.  We also chose the Vintage Modified # 2 wiring setup.  Over the years, this has become one of the most popular options for Custom Shop Strats.  This wiring features a master volume, tone #1 (neck and middle pickups), and tone #2 (bridge) with treble bleed (for keeping mids and rolling off highs without adding bass).

In a show of attention to detail, the "With Synchronized Tremolo" on the decal has been cut off - because, after all, a hardtail Strat doesn't have a synchronized tremolo!  It's yet another demonstration of how the Custom Shop goes to all lengths to get it right.  Over here, we geek out on the littlest things like that.

If you're on the lookout for a hardtail Strat that is also lightweight, this one is perfect - it comes in at only 7.1 lbs.  Other features include period correct vintage tuners, a hardtail bridge, and a limited edition neckplate.  It comes with a Custom Shop Brown case (period correct for a '61 Strat), strap, bridge cover and Certificate of Authenticity.

Come to Club Fender to check out this amazing Strat, or order here right now for it to be sent straight to your home.

• Serial # CZ579232
• Weight: 7.1 lbs
• Part # 9231013213
• Finish Package: Journeyman Relic
• Finish: Nitro Lacquer
• Color:  3-Tone Sunburst
• Pickguard: Parchment
• Body: 2 Piece Select Alder
• Note:  Sort for Lightweight
• Neck: AA Flame Maple
• Tint: Medium
• Note:  Remove "With Synchro Trem" from Headstock
• Fretboard: Slab AAA Rosewood
• Note: Sort for Dark Rosewood
• Dots: Micarta White
• Neck Shape: 60's Style Oval "C"
• Frets: 21
• Fretwire: 6105 Narrow Tall
• Radius: 9.5"
• Neck Nut Width: 1.650"
• Neck Thickness at 1st Fret:  .790"
• Neck Thickness at 12th Fret:  .930"
• Neck Butt Width: 2.200"
• Bone Nut
• Neck Pickup:  Custom Shop Hand-Wound 60/63 Strat
• Middle Pickup: Custom Shop Hand-Wound  60/63 Strat RWRP
• Bridge Pickup:  Custom Shop Hand-Wound  60/63 Strat
• Wiring:  Vintage Modified # 2
• Hardware: Chrome/Nickel
• Tuners: Vintage
• Bridge: American Vintage Hardtail
• Neck plate: Limited Edition Custom Shop
• Case:  Custom Shop Deluxe Brown