Fender Custom Shop 61 Stratocaster Relic Model Solid Body Electric Guitar (2014), made in Corona, CA, serial # R78076, Fiesta Red finish, ash body, maple neck with rosewood fingerboard, original brown tolex hard shell case.

This Stratocaster is a 2014 re-creation of a custom color 1961 model, with the slightly odd variation of a single-layer tortoise plastic pickguard, something Fender never used. The guard actually looks like a good re-creation of typical Gibson material from the era! At any rate the guitar is nicely done and generally quite authentic feeling. The neck is fairly chunky (rather more so than actual '61s we have played) with a medium-deep "C" profile and slab rosewood fingerboard.

The Fiesta Red finish on the alder body is a correct thin period-style lacquer, quite an accurate color match to the pinkish Fiesta of the period with factory worn away spots, dings, scrapes and dents. Based on the look of the wear-away spot on the top the body appears to be ash rather than the alder one would expect in 1961. The neck finish is pre-sanded on the back and there is some ersatz ageing rust on the bridge saddles and pickup polepieces. The wiring is set up with a 5-way switch and a modernized tone circuit with the lowest tone knob working on the bridge pickup as well as the traditional middle.

The guitar is delightfully light at just 7.5 Lbs. and handles beautifully. This is a superb and sweet-sounding Strat; even with the odd pickguard choice we find this a fine example of the better work the recent Fender operation has turned out.

Overall length is 39 in. (99.1 cm.), 13 in. (33 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 1 5/8 in. (4.1 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 25 1/2 in. (648 mm.). Width of nut is 1 5/8 in. (41 mm.)., 7.49 lbs.

This guitar appears to be in lightly played condition, looking not too much used over the last 10 years. Of course it looks like it's been rode hard for 60+ years, but of course that's the idea. It performs exactly as it should and includes the original brown Tolex early-60s style case, hangtag and the Fender Custom Shop COA dated 05-22-14 signed by Tom Montgomery. The frets show hardly any wear, this is a sweet sounding and ready to gig modern "Old" Strat. Overall Excellent Condition.