Fender Custom Shop '60 Stratocaster Journeyman Relic, Aztec Gold

Fender Custom Shop '60 Stratocaster Journeyman Relic, Aztec Gold Overview

This Stratocaster has been masterfully crafted by the world-class luthiers at Fender’s Custom Shop. Only the finest tonewoods and components have been used to create this awe inspiring instrument. Featuring a luxurious Aztec Gold finish and an impressive spec, this tantailising Strat offers something truly special.

Classic Feel & Sound

This Fender CS Strat is based on a classic 60’s model, which gives it a distinct “golden era” foundation. The Quarter Sawn Maple neck features a '60s style Oval C profile, which provides a smooth, comfortable playing experience that suits a wide range of playing styles. The gorgeous AAA Dark Rosewood fretboard is adorned with jumbo 6100 frets, which make expressive bending and vibrato a breeze.

The beautifully resonant tone is derived from its robust Alder body, which was selected for its lighter weight. It’s coated in a nitrocellulose lacquer, which enhances sustain and makes the guitar look fantastic as it ages.

Gorgeous Worn-In Look

This Stratocaster features the Journeyman Relic treatment. This process gives the guitar subtle checks such as nicks, dents, aged hardware and playing wear. It’s essentially a vintage instrument that’s mostly been enjoyed at home and looked after.

Where this particular Strat stands out is the neck, which has had its finish removed from the 1st to the 12th fret like a worn-in Heavy Relic guitar. This provides a satin-smooth playing experience that you’d usually only find on a guitar that’s been used for decades.

Incredible Strat Tone

Equipped with a trio of Texas Special single-coils, this Custom Shop Strat has a punchy and powerful tone that can nail that iconic SRV sound. Whilst these pickups have a boosted bass and mid-range response, they also retain a sparkling high-end so you can pull off those quintessential Strat tones as well.

Another tonal advantage this Stratocaster has is the 1/2 Blender control. Firstly, it preserves note clarity when you roll down the volume control. Secondly, it allows you to access two additional pickup configurations (bridge & neck, all three at once) that you wouldn’t be able to achieve with a standard Strat. Using the lower “tone” knob in Positions 1 & 2, you can blend in the neck pickup for a huge range of sounds.

Modern Reliability

Whilst this Custom Shop Stratocaster could easily be mistaken for a vintage instrument, it’s a lot more affordable and reliable than one that was made in the “golden era”. This is thanks to the Custom Shop’s premium build-quality and their use of top-notch components. This gives you an instrument that is as timeless as a vintage guitar and as rock-solid as a modern one.

If you’re in the market for a special Strat that has a distinct character, this stellar Custom Shop model should be at the top of your list of ones to try. With its seriously versatile electronics, great-feeling neck and potent sound - even the most discerning Strat fans will love it!