Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $3,800
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
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Description
Experience the timeless allure of the early '60s with the Fender Custom Shop 1961 Relic Stratocaster. This meticulously crafted electric guitar is a testament to Fender's rich heritage and commitment to quality. Featuring a lightweight, contoured alder body, it offers a comfortable playing experience that any guitarist will appreciate. The quartersawn maple neck, with its oval "C" profile, provides exceptional stability and playability, making it ideal for both rhythm and lead guitarists.
At the heart of this instrument are the Texas Special single-coil pickups, designed to deliver the quintessential Texas blues sound. Expect rich mids, sparkling highs, and tight lows that capture the essence of classic rock and blues genres. The reverse-wound/reverse-polarity middle pickup ensures reduced noise, giving you access to a vintage tone without the infamous hum.
The Relic finish and aged hardware add a touch of vintage authenticity, making it seem as if this guitar has been lovingly played for decades. Whether you're a collector or a performer, the Fender Custom Shop 1961 Relic Stratocaster is a piece of musical history that's ready to inspire your next performance.
Key Features:
- Lightweight alder body with deep contours
- Quartersawn maple neck with oval "C" profile
- Indian rosewood fingerboard with 21 frets
- Three Texas Special single-coil pickups
- Reverse-wound/reverse-polarity middle pickup for noise reduction
- Vintage-style tremolo bridge
- Relic finish for an authentic vintage look
FAQs
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What is the neck profile of the Fender Custom Shop 1961 Relic Stratocaster?
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The Fender Custom Shop 1961 Relic Stratocaster features a '54 Maple neck with a "U" back shape, providing a comfortable and vintage feel ideal for players who appreciate a classic neck profile.
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What kind of pickups are in the Fender Custom Shop 1961 Relic Stratocaster?
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This model is equipped with handwound '60s Strat pickups, delivering authentic vintage tones that are characteristic of early '60s Fender Stratocasters.
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How does the relic treatment affect the Fender Custom Shop 1961 Relic Stratocaster?
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The relic treatment gives the guitar a worn, vintage appearance, mimicking the look and feel of a well-played, decades-old instrument without compromising its new-build quality.
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Is the Fender Custom Shop 1961 Relic Stratocaster suitable for blues and rock music?
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Yes, the handwound '60s Strat pickups and vintage design make it well-suited for blues and rock, offering the classic Stratocaster tones favored by many legendary guitarists in these genres.
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What is the fingerboard material on the Fender Custom Shop 1961 Relic Stratocaster?
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The guitar features an Indian rosewood fingerboard, known for its warm tonal qualities and smooth playability.
Videos
N Stuff Music
Fender 1961 Relic Stratocaster - Fiesta Red
Fender 1961 Relic Stratocaster - Fiesta Red
N Stuff Music
Fender Custom Shop 1961 Stratocaster Relic Ash Masterbuilt by John Cruz
Musician's Friend
Fender Custom Shop 1961 Stratocaster Relic Electric Guitar Masterbuilt by Dale Wilson
Musician's Friend
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Custom Shop 1961 Relic Stratocaster.
Value and pricing
User experience
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Owners describe the neck as having no friction, enhancing playability and offering a worn-in feel that is highly appealing.
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The guitar's pickups are noted for their inspiring sound, contributing to a magical and smooth playing experience.
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Users note that the high E and B strings have weak output, especially higher up the neck, affecting lead tones.
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Build quality
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The nitro finish is extremely thin, allowing for easy denting with a fingernail and quick relicing through regular play.
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Some owners mention that the first tone knob can sit tightly, making adjustments more challenging, suggesting a potential area for improvement in manufacturing consistency.
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Features and functionality
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The guitar features hand-wound Josefina Campos pickups, which are highly praised for their unique tonal qualities and heritage.
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The neck is quarter-sawn maple with a 10” radius, offering a distinct feel compared to more common 9.5” radius models.
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The 1961 Relic Stratocaster model in question is a hardtail, which owners note results in a 'purer tone' but lacks the characteristic hollow sound of a tremolo-equipped Strat.
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Comparisons
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Owners compare Josefina's pickups to Abigail Ybarra’s, noting slight differences in tonal signatures despite shared heritage.
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The hardtail Stratocaster retains its distinct Strat sound, differing from a 1956 Les Paul with P90s, despite initial concerns about tonal similarity due to the hardtail design.
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The neck's Oval C shape is notably slimmer compared to a 1956 Les Paul, providing a different playing experience and comfort level for users accustomed to chunkier necks.
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Mods and upgrades
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Some owners consider swapping the stock WW10 pickups for models like Seymour Duncan SSL1 or Custom Shop '60s for varied tone.
Source
5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating
Artist usage
Add artist
The guitar is a custom shop Fender Stratocaster which has been reliced. He has named it "Thorn". It looks similar to the product linked but since it is a custom shop it is unique.
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
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