Fender Custom Shop Roasted 1960 Stratocaster Relic Birdseye Maple Aged Surf Green
Limited Edition Roasted Relic 1960 Stratocaster with Birdseye Maple Neck
The lightweight, roasted alder body was given a perfect Relic treatment over the Aged Surf Green nitro lacquer finish, providing a true vintage vibe. Where this guitar really really stands out is the neck - it's roasted AAA birdseye maple, topped with a slab AAA rosewood fretboard. A midas coat was added to make the grain really pop out. We haven't seen a birdseye neck like this in a long time - it's truly stunning. A heavy relic treatment was given to the back of the neck, to make it feel "worn in". The 60's Oval "C" neck shape is the most popular choice out of the Custom Shop, and is period correct, but with the modern preference of a 9.5" radius and 6105 frets making it easy to play, especially when bending in the higher register.
In terms of sound and functionality, this Strat has it all. Instead of the standard 60's pickups, we went with the Hand-wound Fat 60's. They provide mellow vintage tones but with enough bite to cut through the mix with crisp articulation, and are over-wound for a hefty low-end punch. Alnico 2 magnets, Formvar magnet wire, period-correct cloth wire, and a fiber bobbin keep it accurate to what you would expect in a vintage Strat, with a warm, sweet output. The reverse-wound, reverse-polarity middle pickup eliminates hum for whisper-quiet performance.
This Strat also features a special wiring setup, called the "Postmodern Fat ‘50s Strat Hookup". This is achieved by connecting the tone pot to the output of the volume pot (middle lug) instead of the input. Many late fifties guitars of all brands were wired this way, but it can be done with any guitar. On a Strat, the switch has to also be wired a little differently to make it work. This will have two major effects on the tone:
First, the overall tone gets stronger with more transparent bloom. Second, the typical treble loss that occurs when rolling back the volume is much less, and both the volume and tone controls react more smoothly and more evenly, without the typical hot spots. As a side effect, it’s easier to clean up an overdriven amp by simply rolling back the volume on the guitar a bit. Many of the Fender Master Builders prefer this hook up.
Though any tone control set up will work, for the Postmodern Fat ‘50s Hookup, Fender added a modified Greasebucket tone control for the bridge pickup. This allows for gain and mid-range preservation when rolling off the highs. This results in a very versatile Strat.
Other features include an anodized gold pickguard, period correct vintage tuners and bridge, and a limited edition neckplate. It comes with a Custom Shop Deluxe Black case, strap, and Certificate of Authenticity.
We've done a run of these "Roasted Relic" Strats, and this is one of the best to come in yet. Come to Club Fender at Truetone Music to experience this amazing guitar today, or make it yours by ordering right here.
- Serial # CZ563721
- Part # 9231009145
- Weight: 7.1 lbs
- Finish Package: Relic
- Finish: Nitro Lacquer
- Color: Aged Surf Green
- Pickguard: Anodized Gold
- Neck Pickup: Handwound Fat 60's
- Middle Pickup: Handwound Fat 60's (RWRP)
- Bridge Pickup: Handwound Fat 60's
- Body: Alder (Roasted), Sorted for Lightweight
- Neck: AAA Birdseye Maple (Roasted)
- Tint: Light
- Neck Note: Midas coat to enhance grain
- Neck Note: Heavy Relic back of neck
- Neck Shape: 60 Oval "C"
- Frets: 21
- Fretwire: 6105
- Fretboard: AAA Rosewood - Slab
- Dots: Micarta White
- 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
- Tuners: Vintage
- String Guide: Vintage
- Bridge: Vintage Synchronized Tremolo
- Neck Plate: Engraved Limited Edition
- Back Plate: Anodized Gold
- Switch: 5 Way
- Wiring: Postmodern Fat 50's Hookup
- Case: Custom Shop Black