Since 1954, the Fender Stratocaster has set the bar for the electric guitar. Versatile and expressive—but originally conceived as an affordable, workingman's instrument—the Stratocaster has become ubiquitous across all genres of music as a Swiss-army-knife guitar.
In mid-'59, Fender introduced a solid rosewood fingerboard on all models, and while that change may seem minor, it's amazing how much of a difference it makes. On the Telecaster, a slab rosewood fingerboard softens the attack and smooths the edges. It gives the guitar a warmer sound relative maple, but it also subtly changes the feel. By 1960, the Stratocaster also sported the more durable three-ply pickguard, and that year Fender introduced a whole host of new custom colors for the Strat.
In the Fender Custom Shop, the '60 Stratocaster Relic is one of the most popular models of the Time Machine series. It offers the worn-in feel of a treasured vintage instrument and a glimpse into the evolution of the pre-CBS Stratocaster, but with the effortless playability you can only get from modern precision. Like every instrument produced by the Custom Shop, the '60 Stratocaster Relic is built with unmatched attention to detail.
This 2022 Fender Custom Shop 1960 Stratocaster sports a handsome black finish that looks killer with the Heavy Relic treatment. It is in mint, unplayed condition. It includes its original Certificate of Authenticity (dated 01/18/22), all of its original paperwork/hang tags, and original case.
- Body: Alder
- Finish: Black
- Finish Type: Heavy Relic Nitrocellulose Lacquer
- Pickups: Hand-wired '60s Stratocaster w/ Relic covers
- Neck: Quarter-Sawn Maple with Slab Rosewood Fingerboard
- Neck Shape: '60-style Oval "C"
- Nut Material: Bone
- Nut Width: 1.650"
- Fingerboard Radius: 9.5"
- Fret Wire: Narrow Tall 6105