Fender Custom Shop 1959 Stratocaster Journeyman Relic Sherwood Green Metallic

Ever since the Stratocaster debuted in 1954, it has evolved, even in the earliest days.  1959 saw some important changes to the Stratocaster, mainly in the addition of a rosewood fretboard.  It also brought a new neck shape, differently voiced pickups, and new color options.  As music progressed during this era, so did Leo Fender's finest creation.  The Strat has continued to change over the years, but for many, stepping back to how it was done in the last year of the 50's is the way to go.  

For Truetone's own Roberto, this was the choice for his custom creation.  Here at Truetone, we started a new "Staff Picks" program to expand our Fender Custom Shop selection.  Everyone - from sales to repairs to shipping - got to design their dream guitar.  This is the first to arrive, and it's a winner for sure!

 
This Custom Shop 1959 Stratocaster Journeyman Relic features a two-piece select alder body, a rift-sawn maple neck with a 60's style Oval "C" neck shape, and all of the correct vintage hardware.  The neck is topped with a AAA Rosewood (flat lam) fretboard.  Roberto went with a 9.5" radius and Jumbo (6100) frets for easy playing and bending - this is one of the most common and popular modifications to vintage-styled guitars out of the Custom Shop.  

 

He went for a muted color scheme for a mature, lightly weathered look; Sherwood Green Metallic gives a depth of mid-tone color that loves stage light.  The 3-ply black pickguard has off-white accents for a strikingly distinguished "face card".  The Journeyman Relic treatment makes the whole thing feel broken in and ready to use; an unapologetic tool for the studio or stage.

 

The neck is perfect for a variety of players, including those with medium to small hands.  Jumbo frets allow you to not think too hard about string pressure on stage; the result is an effortless feel that will keep you playing without fatigure for the entire set.  It's topped with a luscious rosewood fingerboard with classy clay dots, completing the vibe.

Custom Shop Fat 50's pickups were chosen by Roberto, who favors their rounded definition and smooth top end, and extra output to help cut throught the mix.  The middle pickup is Reverse Wound Reverse Polarity, so you get hum cancelling 2nd and 4th positions, making every sound usable with a distinct character.  He found that these pickups match perfectly with light gain and mild compression, with delightfully woody tones in clean settings.

He also chose the Vintage Modified # 2 wiring setup.  This features a master volume, tone # 1 (neck & middle pickups), and tone # 2 (bridge) with treble bleed for keeping mids and rolling off highs without adding bass.  This guitar sounds downright amazing.

Other features include an American Vintage synchronized tremolo, vintage-style tuning machines, bone nut and vintage white pickups covers/knobs to offset against the black pickguard.  It includes a period correct Custom Shop brown hardshell case, strap and certificate of authenticity.

Roberto designed an amazing Custom Shop Strat - come to Truetone Music to check it out, or order here right now for it to be sent straight to your home.