Fender Custom Shop ’59 Stratocaster Heavy Relic (2020) (on consignment)

In the mid-1990s, customer interest grew in instruments that, through artificial aging processes, were meant to visually resemble the classic models of the ’50s and ’60s. At first, this demanding task was entrusted to a certain Vince Cunetto, but since the late ’90s the Custom Shop has developed true mastery in this craft. To the delight of musicians, these historically styled instruments have increasingly been equipped with modern features to improve playability.

This instrument from 2020 includes the now-standard 5-way switch for selecting the pickups, and the fingerboard with a modern 9.5" radius and medium frets naturally does not correspond to the specifications of that era — but the player will certainly appreciate it.

This beautiful ’59 Relic Strat comes in a simply stunning Aged Olympic White, built with a selected alder body. The maple neck is topped with a rosewood fretboard typical of the 1960s, which contributes to a balanced, warm fundamental tone. In this case, the aging has been executed wonderfully and authentically. Thanks to the thin nitrocellulose finish, the Fender’s look and feel perfectly capture that of an old, heavily played guitar.

With its three hand-wound Custom Shop Fat ’50s single-coils, this guitar sounds absolutely fantastic. The very well-proportioned maple neck with a ’63 “C” profile adds greatly to the playing comfort. The aging of the other components is also, in our opinion, very well done and authentic, and the overall craftsmanship is of the highest level.

As mentioned, this ’59 Stratocaster was made in 2020 in the Fender Custom Shop and, thanks to careful handling, remains in excellent overall condition. Included in the delivery are the Fender case, the Custom Shop certificate, the tremolo arm, and the accessories shown.

Serial: CZ543949, Made in USA, 2020 Custom Shop
Aged Olympic White Finish, Heavy Relic
Selected Alder Body
Maple Riftsawn Neck
Selected Rosewood Fretboard, 9.5" Radius
’63s “C” Neck Profile
25.5" Scale
Dot Inlays
Nut Width: 41.9 mm
21 Medium Frets
3 Fender Custom Shop HW Fat ’50s Single-Coils
Fender Vintage-Style Tremolo Bridge
5-Way Blade Switch
1x Volume, 2x Tone Controls
Kluson-Style Tuners
Weight: 3.51 kg
Original Fender Custom Shop G&G Case