The 2014 Fender Custom Shop LTD ’69 Stratocaster Relic (Black Over Three-Tone Sunburst) is a truly unconventional Stratocaster, blending the aesthetic and charm of late-1960s Fender models with a configuration designed for greater power, stability, and versatility.
The alder body features a nitrocellulose finish in a spectacular "Black Over Three-Tone Sunburst" Relic style. The aging process allows the underlying Three-Tone Sunburst to peek through the black top coat, creating a striking, character-filled look that perfectly embodies the spirit of the Custom Shop’s most unique offerings.
The maple neck features a nitro finish and a "60s Style Oval C" profile—comfortable and familiar, yet substantial enough to feel solid in the hand. The AAA rosewood fretboard boasts a 9.5" radius, a 25.5" scale length, and 21 "6000 Jumbo" frets; this combination makes the instrument particularly responsive for string bending and modern playing styles. It has a nut width of 42.8 mm, and the locking nut works in tandem with the Floyd Rose system to ensure superior tuning stability, even with aggressive use of the tremolo arm.
The electronics follow an HSS configuration. A Seymour Duncan Trembucker sits at the bridge, offering more body, compression, and output than a traditional Stratocaster single-coil, while the middle and neck positions are handled by two Fender Strat Tex pickups, preserving the classic Stratocaster brightness, openness, and dynamic response. A five-way selector switch allows for quick transitions between classic, crystalline tones and more aggressive sounds suited for heavy distortion.
The Floyd Rose tremolo bridge, paired with the locking nut, makes this Strat ideal for players who make heavy use of the vibrato arm without wanting to sacrifice tuning stability. The hardware is chrome-plated, and "White Relic" knobs perfectly complement the instrument's "played-in" aesthetic. Weighing in at 3.545 kg, this Custom Shop model retains a solid, substantial feel without sacrificing the immediate response expected of a fine Stratocaster.
It is a guitar with a distinct dual personality: aesthetically, it instantly evokes the Fender era of the late 1960s, yet it offers decidedly modern features under the fingers. Jumbo frets, a 9.5" radius, a bridge humbucker, and a Floyd Rose tremolo make it a true player's instrument, designed for those seeking a Strat capable of venturing far beyond traditional territory.
A unique, striking, and extremely versatile Fender Custom Shop model—ideal both for musicians seeking a professional instrument with modern specs and for those desiring a collectible Custom Shop piece with a configuration far less common than standard vintage reissues.
Comes complete with case, certificate, and original tags. Available at Guitar Sauce in Italy, with worldwide shipping options.