A relic Strat with smooth playability and iconic '60s tones.
The Fender Custom Shop '69 Stratocaster Journeyman Relic electric guitar is a masterfully crafted instrument that pays homage to the golden era of Fender design while incorporating modern refinements for today's discerning players. Featuring a nitrocellulose lacquer finish in faded vintage blonde, this guitar exudes a vintage aesthetic with the soft wear and patina of the Journeyman Relic treatment. Constructed with a 2-piece select alder body and a one-piece maple neck, this model delivers the unmistakable Stratocaster tone—bright, articulate, and balanced. Hand-wound Custom Shop '69 pickups bring the iconic sound of late-'60s rock and blues to life, while the vintage synchronized tremolo and bone nut ensure precise tuning and smooth vibrato. Every detail of this instrument reflects Fender's commitment to craftsmanship and tonal excellence.
Fender Custom Shop Hand-Wound Pickups for Iconic Tone
The heart of this Stratocaster lies in its Custom Shop hand-wound '69 single-coil pickups, which faithfully capture the essence of the late-'60s Strat sound. These pickups deliver a clear, glassy high end, punchy mids, and tight bass response, making every note stand out with exceptional clarity. The reverse-wound/reverse-polarity middle pickup eliminates hum in positions 2 and 4, ensuring a clean, articulate tone in live or studio settings. Combined with a 5-position blade switch and a master tone control with a blend option, this guitar offers a wide tonal palette for precise sound sculpting.
One-Piece Maple Neck for Enhanced Playability
The one-piece maple neck, finished in nitrocellulose lacquer, provides a smooth, fast playing surface that feels like an aged favorite. Its late-'60s profile offers a comfortable grip, while the 21 Jescar vintage frets and 25.5" scale length ensure accurate intonation and effortless bending across the fretboard. Mother-of-pearl dot inlays add a touch of elegance to the understated design. This neck construction enhances resonance and sustain, allowing your playing dynamics to shine through with clarity and depth.
Custom Shop Vintage Tremolo for Smooth Performance
This guitar is equipped with a Custom Shop vintage synchronized tremolo bridge, ensuring smooth operation and precise pitch control. The bridge design maintains the authentic feel and look of classic Fender hardware while offering modern reliability. Nickel/chrome hardware and vintage-style Fender/Schaller "F" tuning machines complement the aesthetic, while the bone nut ensures stable tuning and consistent performance. Whether adding subtle vibrato or diving into expressive tremolo effects, this setup guarantees effortless control and tuning stability.
Premium Relic Finish for Timeless Appeal
The Journeyman Relic finish on this model adds a lightly worn appearance, simulating years of natural play and aging. The nitrocellulose lacquer finish allows the wood to breathe, enhancing resonance and tonal response. The offset seam alder body ensures structural integrity while maintaining a lightweight feel for comfort during long performances. This meticulous aging process not only gives the guitar a distinctive vintage character but also contributes to its exceptional tonal resonance and dynamic response.
Built for Players Seeking Vintage Fender Vibe
The Fender Custom Shop '69 Stratocaster Journeyman Relic electric guitar is ideal for players who demand vintage tone, timeless style, and modern playability. Its lightweight alder body and balanced neck make it comfortable for gigging musicians, while its hand-wound pickups deliver the authentic Strat tone that defined an era. Paired with a deluxe hardshell case and Certificate of Authenticity, this guitar is a true collector's piece designed to inspire on stage or in the studio.