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Fender Custom Shop Big Head Stratocaster Journeyman Relic

Fender Custom Shop Big Head Stratocaster Journeyman Relic

$4,704.71 Price Tier: High-end

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Page last updated Jun 26, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated June 26, 2026.

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Price

$4,704.71 4 available New

$3,495.00 5 available Used

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Average Price: $4,100

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Solid Body Electric Guitars category, Fender Custom Shop Big Head Stratocaster Journeyman Relic is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

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Standard

High-end

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Description

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Step into the world of vintage-inspired sound and modern craftsmanship with the Fender Custom Shop Big Head Stratocaster Journeyman Relic. This exquisite instrument pays homage to the iconic mid-'60s Strats, featuring a distinctive large headstock and a golden logo that immediately catches the eye. The guitar is equipped with a trio of Fat ’60s single-coil pickups that deliver a spectrum of tones, from bell-like clarity to bluesy bite, making it a versatile choice for any musical genre.

The quartersawn maple neck ensures exceptional stability and playability, with a 9.5"-radius fingerboard that supports effortless fretwork. This Stratocaster doesn’t just sound great; it feels lived-in thanks to the Journeyman Relic finish. It gives the appearance of a well-loved instrument without the heavy wear, offering both modern flair and vintage charm.

Whether you're a collector or a performing artist, the Big Head Stratocaster is a testament to Fender’s commitment to quality and innovation. Its reverse-wound/reverse-polarity middle pickup and modern 5-way blade switch allow for an array of tonal possibilities, ensuring you can find the perfect sound for any setting. With this guitar, you're not just playing music; you're experiencing a piece of history reimagined for today’s musician community.

Key Features:

Journeyman Relic finish with post-’65 large headstock
Fender's classic '63 "C" neck profile for outstanding feel
9.5"-radius fingerboard with 21 jumbo frets
Fat ’60s Stratocaster single-coil pickups
Reverse-wound/reverse-polarity middle pickup with modern 5-way switch
Includes hardshell case, strap, and certificate of authenticity

Product specs

Brand	Fender
Model	Custom Shop Big Head Stratocaster Journeyman Relic
Made In	United States
Categories	Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Shape	S-Style
Body Type	Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type	Tremolo Bridge
Finish Features	Relic
Model Family	Fender Stratocaster
Neck Construction	Bolt-On
Number of Frets	21
Number of Strings	6-String
Pickup Configuration	SSS
Right / Left Handed	Right Handed
Series	Fender Custom Shop

FAQs

What is the neck profile of the Fender Custom Shop Big Head Stratocaster Journeyman Relic?: The Fender Custom Shop Big Head Stratocaster Journeyman Relic typically features a comfortable "C" shape neck profile, which is well-suited for a variety of playing styles and offers a vintage feel.
What kind of tones can I expect from the pickups on this Stratocaster?: The Stratocaster's SSS (single-coil) pickup configuration delivers classic Fender tones, characterized by bright, clear highs and a punchy midrange, making it ideal for rock, blues, and funk.
Is the Fender Custom Shop Big Head Stratocaster Journeyman Relic suitable for advanced players?: Yes, this Stratocaster is designed with high-quality craftsmanship and vintage appeal, making it suitable for advanced players seeking both playability and tonal versatility.
How does the relic finish affect the guitar's appearance?: The Journeyman Relic finish gives the guitar a well-worn, vintage look with subtle aging, simulating years of natural wear and tear for a unique aesthetic.
Does the tremolo bridge on this Stratocaster stay in tune well?: The tremolo bridge on the Fender Custom Shop Big Head Stratocaster is designed to maintain tuning stability while allowing for expressive pitch modulation. Proper setup and maintenance can enhance tuning performance.

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Fender Custom Shop 2019 Limited Big Head Strat Journeyman Relic Aged Candy Apple Red😍😍

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Owner Insights

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

Build quality

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Cunetto Relics have minimal custom shop denotations, with a subtle stamp indentation on the headstock and a vintage-style backplate bearing only the serial number.
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The Custom Shop uses alcohol-based black and brown stains to darken the back of reliced necks, with each worker mixing their own formula.
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Value and pricing

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Nash guitars offer a more affordable alternative to Custom Shop models, maintaining a vintage aesthetic and quality build.
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Cunetto Relics are currently priced between $4-6k but are projected to reach near $10k within five years due to their rising desirability.
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User experience

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Owners of Custom Shop models often prefer them for their non-sticky nitro necks, especially in the Journeyman Relic finish.
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Owners appreciate the tasteful aging of the Olympic White finish, which adds character without excessive relic treatment.
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The thick poly finish on MIM guitars can be challenging to relic, as it tends to come off in large, plasticky sections rather than wearing gradually.
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Some Custom Shop guitars have sticky tuners that make fine-tuning difficult, similar to vintage guitars, and are not covered under a lifetime warranty if bought used.
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Features and functionality

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The Mod Shop offers customization options like paint jobs and woods, providing flexibility for those seeking tailored features.
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Abigail Ybarra hand-wound pickups are noted to provide a vintage tone, comparable to the sound of a '59 Jazzmaster.
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The bridge plate cover can resolve hand placement issues for players who often hit the volume knob during play.
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Custom Shop guitars can have specific wear patterns requested, such as heavy arm wear, super heavy checking, or light dings, each with varying intensities.
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Comparisons

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Suhr Classic S Antique is noted for its nitro finish, stainless steel frets, and various relic options, making it a favored alternative to American Fenders.
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The flamed maple neck on the Cunetto Relic is likened to a '59 Jazzmaster, offering a slim, comfortable carve with an accurately vintage shape.
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Setup and maintenance

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A simple method to reduce neck stickiness involves using Scotch-Brite pads and blue painter's tape to create a matte finish without damaging the fretboard.
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Acetone is used to remove nitro finishes from necks quickly, with commercial-grade acetone recommended for wiping off lacquer without gumming up edges.
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Mods and upgrades

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For a vintage-style build, using a MIM Road Worn body in Olympic White provides a nitro finish and vintage specs, making it a cost-effective starting point.
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