Fender Custom Shop 1965 Stratocaster Journeyman Relic | 3-Color Sunburst

The Fender Custom Shop 1965 Stratocaster Journeyman Relic pays tribute to one of the most sought-after eras in Stratocaster history. Inspired by the golden-age pre-CBS instruments that helped define rock, blues, country, and countless recordings throughout the 1960s, this build captures the feel, tone, and aesthetic of a well-loved vintage Strat while incorporating subtle modern refinements that make it an exceptional player's guitar.

Finished in Aged 3-Color Sunburst, it delivers the classic look most players picture when they think of a vintage Fender Stratocaster. The Journeyman Relic treatment is tastefully executed, adding the appearance of decades of honest playwear without feeling excessive. Combined with the dark AAA rosewood fingerboard and aged hardware, it has the broken-in character of an instrument that's already lived a lifetime on stages and in studios.

In hand, the neck is where this guitar really shines. The quarter-sawn maple neck features a comfortable 1965 "C" profile measuring .820"-.974", striking an ideal balance between vintage substance and modern comfort. Paired with the compound 9.5"-12" radius and vintage upgrade fret wire, it feels immediately familiar while allowing for effortless bends and clean articulation all the way up the neck.

Tonally, the hand-wound '65 Stratocaster pickups deliver everything players chase in a great Strat. The neck pickup is warm and expressive, the bridge has the bite and snap needed to cut through a mix, and the RWRP middle pickup provides the unmistakable quack that made vintage Stratocasters famous. Fender's Vintage Modified Wiring #2 expands the versatility even further, making this a guitar equally at home covering blues, classic rock, country, pop, and modern session work.

For players searching for a Fender Custom Shop Stratocaster that captures the spirit of an original 1965 while offering enhanced playability and reliability, this is an exceptionally well-spec'd example.

Serial: CZ586179
Weight: 7lbs 10oz
Finish: Journeyman Relic Nitrocellulose Lacquer
Color: Aged 3-Color Sunburst
Body Wood: 2-Piece Selected Alder
Neck Wood: Quarter-Sawn Maple
Fingerboard: AAA Rosewood
Neck Shape: 1965 Strat "C"
Neck Thickness @ 1st Fret: .820"
Neck Thickness @ 12th Fret: .974"
Fingerboard Radius: 9.5"-12" Compound Radius
Frets: 21
Fret Wire: Vintage Upgrade 45085
Nut Width: 1.650"
Nut Material: Bone
Bridge: American Vintage Stratocaster Bridge
Tuners: Vintage Fender Logo Tuners
Neck Plate: Engraved Limited Edition Neck Plate
Neck Pickup: Hand-Wound '65 Stratocaster Single Coil
Middle Pickup: Hand-Wound '65 Stratocaster RWRP Single Coil
Bridge Pickup: Hand-Wound '65 Stratocaster Single Coil
Wiring: Vintage Modified Wiring #2
Switch: 5-Way CRL Blade Switch
Case: Fender Custom Shop Hardshell Case
Notes: Mint condition with COA and all case candy included