Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 5 stores. Prices updated .

Average Price: $4,920

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Fender Custom Shop 1960 Stratocaster Heavy Relic". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Step back in time with the Fender Custom Shop 1960 Stratocaster Heavy Relic, a masterpiece that channels the soul of the '60s with modern craftsmanship. This electric guitar is an emblem of classic design, meticulously handcrafted using the same techniques that defined the original era. The Custom Shop hand-wound Texas Special single-coil pickups are the heart of this instrument, delivering the iconic Stratocaster sound that is both powerful and nuanced. The pickups, combined with modern 5-way switching, allow for a versatile tonal palette, from tight lows to glassy highs, ensuring your sound is always as vintage or contemporary as you desire.

The guitar's body is crafted from a select 2-piece alder slab, lightweight and comfortably contoured, making it a joy to play whether jamming at home or performing on stage. Its ultra-stable quarter-sawn maple neck with an Oval "C" back shape provides a familiar yet refreshing grip, while the 9.5-inch-radius rosewood fingerboard ensures that playability is effortless and fast. The vintage-style Synchronized Tremolo and tuning machines add to the authenticity, offering reliable performance and stability.

Aesthetically, the Heavy Relic nitrocellulose lacquer finish gives this Stratocaster a road-worn look and feel, capturing the essence of decades of musical history. With a 3-ply mint green pickguard and period-correct small headstock, this guitar is a visual and auditory homage to a legendary era.

Key Features:

  • 2-piece select alder body with Heavy Relic nitrocellulose lacquer finish
  • Quarter-sawn maple neck with '60s-style Oval "C" shape
  • 9.5-inch-radius rosewood fingerboard with 21 jumbo frets
  • Custom Shop hand-wound Texas Special single-coil pickups
  • Vintage-style Synchronized Tremolo and tuning machines
  • 3-ply mint green pickguard and period-correct small headstock
  • Comes with a deluxe hardshell case, strap, and certificate of authenticity

Product specs

Number of Strings 6
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Type Solidbody
Body Shape Stratocaster
Body Material Alder
Body Finish Nitrocellulose Lacquer
Neck Material Quartersawn Maple
Neck Shape '60s Oval C
Neck Joint Bolt-on
Radius 9.5"
Fingerboard Material Flat-Laminated Rosewood
Fingerboard Inlay Vintage Clay Dot
Number of Frets 21, Jumbo
Scale Length 25.5"
Nut Width 1.650"
Nut Material Bone
Bridge/Tailpiece Fender Custom Shop Vintage Synchronized Tremolo
Tuners Fender Vintage-Style
Neck Pickup Custom Shop Hand-Wound Texas Special Single-Coil
Middle Pickup Custom Shop Hand-Wound Texas Special Single-Coil
Bridge Pickup Custom Shop Hand-Wound Texas Special Single-Coil
Controls 1 x volume, 2 x tone
Switching 5-way blade pickup switch
Strings Fender 250R, .010-.046
Case/Gig Bag Hardshell Case

FAQs

What makes the Fender Custom Shop 1960 Stratocaster Heavy Relic unique compared to other Stratocasters?

This model features a heavy relic finish that mimics decades of wear and tear, giving it a vintage look and feel. It also includes hand-wound Texas Special single-coil pickups for authentic '60s Strat tones.

Is the Fender Custom Shop 1960 Stratocaster Heavy Relic suitable for blues and rock music?

Yes, the hand-wound Texas Special pickups provide a warm, punchy tone ideal for blues and rock, while the '60s Oval C neck shape offers comfortable playability for intricate solos and riffs.

What is the neck profile of the Fender Custom Shop 1960 Stratocaster Heavy Relic?

This guitar features a '60s Oval C neck profile, offering a comfortable grip that is well-suited for both rhythm and lead guitar playing.

Does the Fender Custom Shop 1960 Stratocaster Heavy Relic come with a case?

Yes, this guitar comes with a hardshell case, providing excellent protection for the instrument during transport and storage.

How does the nitrocellulose lacquer finish affect the sound of the Fender Custom Shop 1960 Stratocaster Heavy Relic?

The nitrocellulose lacquer finish allows the alder body to resonate more freely, enhancing the guitar's natural tone and sustain, which is a hallmark of vintage instruments.

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2010 Fender Stratocaster 1960 Relic Custom Shop taos turquoise

Video thumbnail for 2010 Fender Stratocaster 1960 Relic Custom Shop taos turquoise by GregsGuitars

2010 Fender Stratocaster 1960 Relic Custom Shop taos turquoise

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Video thumbnail for Fender 1960 Heavy Relic Custom Shop Strat by Replay Guitar Exchange

Fender 1960 Heavy Relic Custom Shop Strat

Replay Guitar Exchange

Replay Guitar Exchange

Reviews

PROS

  • Stunning visual appeal with an authentic relic finish

  • Unique and bold sound that adapts to different amps

  • High-quality pickups offering a versatile range of tones

  • Smooth, silk-like neck for effortless playability

  • Accurate recreation of the 1960 Stratocaster model

  • Medium-jumbo frets enhance responsiveness and speed

  • Relic finish offers a stress-free experience regarding cosmetic damage

  • Beautiful color options like Sonic Blue and Fiesta Red

  • Offers a classic look at a fraction of the original's price

CONS

  • Jumbo frets require adjustment to a lighter playing touch

  • Some may prefer a non-relic finish for a pristine look

  • Gold pickguard may not appeal to all tastes, limited options for replacements

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Custom Shop 1960 Stratocaster Heavy Relic.

Features and functionality

  • Custom Shop hand-wound 60/30 pickups, with RWRP middle pickup, are noted for their unique output, described as grunty yet bright.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Custom Shop Strat captures a vintage grunt missing in American Vintage II models, noticeable if familiar with 1959-1963 originals.

    Source
  • A Vox with EL84 power tubes offers a distinctive British voicing compared to the American voicing of Fender Princetons with 6V6 tubes.

    Source

User experience

  • Some owners prefer the heavier relic over subtle aging like Journeyman relics, noting enhanced color subtleness.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Vox AC15C1 is praised for its chimey cleans and ability to handle pedals well, making it versatile for various tones.

    Source

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Elijah Hewson uses Fender Custom Shop 1960 Stratocaster Heavy Relic

Elijah Hewson

Singer, Guitarist

Inhaler

...
Verified via Photo

Elijah Hewson is confirmed to use the Fender Custom Shop 1960 Stratocaster Heavy Relic, as evidenced by an image showing him playing the guitar during Inhaler's 2025 festival run performance of "Love Will Get You There." Source Image

See how Yūya Komoguchi uses Fender Custom Shop 1960 Stratocaster Heavy Relic

Yūya Komoguchi

Guitarist, Music Producer

...
Verified via 菰口雄矢 | YUYA KOMOGUCHI Official Website

According to Yūya Komoguchi's official website, he uses the Fender Custom Shop 1960 Stratocaster.

Album Usage

The Fender Custom Shop 1960 Stratocaster Heavy Relic has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Fender Custom Shop 1960 Stratocaster Heavy Relic, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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