Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 4 stores. Prices updated .

Average Price: $4,935

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Fender Custom Shop Stratocaster - Heavy Relic". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The Fender Custom Shop Stratocaster - Heavy Relic is a masterful homage to the legendary 1959 Strat, capturing the essence of a pivotal year in guitar history with authentic, hand-wound Texas Special pickups. This instrument is more than just a guitar; it's a storyteller, boasting a two-piece select alder body cloaked in a Heavy Relic nitrocellulose lacquer finish that exudes a vintage, well-loved appearance. The rift-sawn maple neck, featuring an "oval C" profile, is complemented by a 9.5"-radius flat-lam rosewood fingerboard, offering a smooth and comfortable playing experience, perfect for deep bends and expressive solos.

True to its heritage, this Stratocaster comes equipped with a vintage-style synchronized tremolo and an 11-hole single-ply parchment pickguard, nodding to the transitional quirks of its era. The meticulous craftsmanship is evident in every detail, from the vintage-style tuning machines to the bone nut, ensuring that each note resonates with clarity and precision. Whether you're a purist seeking the nostalgic tones of yesteryears or a modern player yearning for timeless style and sound, this guitar is a bridge between the past and the present.

Key Features:

  • Two-piece select alder body with Heavy Relic nitrocellulose lacquer finish
  • Rift-sawn maple neck with "oval C" profile
  • 9.5"-radius flat-lam rosewood fingerboard with 21 jumbo frets
  • Hand-wound Texas Special single-coil pickups
  • 5-way pickup switch with vintage modified #2 wiring
  • Custom Shop vintage-style synchronized tremolo
  • Vintage-style tuning machines
  • Includes 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 is the neck profile of the Fender Custom Shop Stratocaster - Heavy Relic?

The neck profile of this Stratocaster is a '60s Oval C shape, offering a comfortable and familiar feel for players who appreciate vintage-style necks.

What kind of tone can I expect from the Custom Shop Hand-Wound Texas Special pickups?

The Custom Shop Hand-Wound Texas Special pickups deliver a powerful, midrange-heavy tone with a touch of vintage warmth, ideal for blues and rock styles.

Is the Fender Custom Shop Stratocaster - Heavy Relic suitable for advanced players?

Yes, this guitar is well-suited for advanced players due to its high-quality craftsmanship, vintage-inspired features, and versatile tone options.

What does the "Heavy Relic" finish mean on this Stratocaster?

The "Heavy Relic" finish means the guitar has been intentionally aged to replicate the look and feel of a well-worn, vintage instrument, with significant wear and tear for an authentic, broken-in appearance.

Is the Fender Custom Shop Stratocaster - Heavy Relic easy to play?

With its 9.5" radius and jumbo frets, this guitar offers smooth playability and easy bending, making it comfortable for various playing styles.

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

Yes, this guitar comes with a hardshell case for protection and easy transport.

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Build quality

  • The neck is highly praised for its feel, featuring a smooth, non-sticky finish and nicely rolled edges, making it comfortable for thumb-over playing.

    Source
  • The pickguard and knobs have more domed, rounded edges, which are reminiscent of specific vintage eras, enhancing the relic authenticity.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The guitar's relic finish includes a unique color scheme where a blue layer is sprayed over a sunburst, which is a nod to Fender's historical custom color practices.

    Source
  • The guitar features a dark rosewood fretboard that is so deep in color it could be mistaken for ebony, adding to its vintage aesthetic.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Some users suggest removing the backplate to improve the aesthetic, as it appears too pristine compared to the rest of the heavily relic'd guitar.

    Source
  • For relic hardware, strip chrome and use acid to lightly rust surfaces, adding authenticity to the aged look.

    Source

User experience

  • The relic finish provides a relaxed playing experience, as players feel less worried about damaging the guitar, encouraging a more aggressive playing style.

    Source
  • Some users enjoy the storytelling aspect, imagining a "50-year backstory" for their relic’d guitars, which adds a personal touch to the relic process.

    Source
  • The guitar's "worn out" feel eliminates neck friction, enhancing playability and inspiring creativity.

    Source
  • Some players report their Custom Shop Strats retaining value, motivating them to consider selling lesser-used gear.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The relic finish is reminiscent of iconic worn guitars like those of Rory Gallagher and Stevie Ray Vaughan, appealing to fans of vintage aesthetics.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Pickup heights are recommended at 3/32" on the bass side and 2/32" on the treble side for optimal sound balance.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Owners compare Texas Special pickups favorably over other models like Fat '50s, noting a preference for their tonal characteristics.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Used Fender Custom Shop Heavy Relic Strats are rarely below $4,000, making a $3,450 purchase notable for its value.

    Source
  • In certain locations like Perth, these guitars are particularly hard to find below $4,000, emphasizing regional price variations.

    Source
Add

5.0 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 5 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
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1 star
cjshredder

Best Guitar I have owned

Mine is a '56 HR, and absolutely is the best guitar I have owned. Lot's of tonal options and fits in perfectly with my tonal needs.

manolarra

the best guitar ever

Que decir de la strato que no se sepa ya. Y encima esta es una custom

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Avril Lavigne uses Fender Custom Shop Stratocaster - Heavy Relic

Avril Lavigne

Singer, Guitarist

Avril Lavigne (Band)

...
Verified via Photo

In this picture, Avril is using a Fender Custom Shop Heavy Relic Stratocaster electric guitar in sonic blue

See how Mauricio Durán uses Fender Custom Shop Stratocaster - Heavy Relic

Mauricio Durán

Singer, Guitarist

Los Bunkers

...
Verified via Photo

Mauricio debuted this guitar in the concerts that Los Bunkers held within the framework of the social outbreak in Chile, in December 2019, then it was used for the concerts for the return of Los Bunkers in March 2023

See how Ángel Parra uses Fender Custom Shop Stratocaster - Heavy Relic

Ángel Parra

Guitarist, Composer

Los Tres

...
Verified via Photo

Ángel Parra used the Fender Custom Shop Stratocaster - Heavy Relic during his solo carreer and some concerts with Los Tres from 2006 to 2013 when he left the band. and was used again at the widely attended concert of Los Tres at the Estadio Ester Roa on April 6, 2024, in Concepción.

See how Jae Park uses Fender Custom Shop Stratocaster - Heavy Relic

Jae Park

Guitarist

Day6

...
Verified via Photo

In this shot we can see Jae using a Fender Heavy Relic Strat

See how Mark Agnesi uses Fender Custom Shop Stratocaster - Heavy Relic

Mark Agnesi

Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

Mark has a heavy relliced fender strat in his guitar collection

See how Kim Woosung uses Fender Custom Shop Stratocaster - Heavy Relic

Kim Woosung

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

In this YouTube video at 0:13, you can see Woosung with his Fender Custom Shop Heavy Relic Strat.

It can also be seen in the M/V version of this song at 0:04 -https://youtu.be/fuzLp9gDcwY?feature=shared&t=4

See how James McGaw uses Fender Custom Shop Stratocaster - Heavy Relic

James McGaw

Guitarist

Magma

...
Verified via Photo

http://robert.guillerault.free.fr/magma/textes/2010/xtreme.htm (2010):

Sinon, avec Magma, depuis 99, je joue essentiellement avec une Gibson Les Paul custom, une Strat custom shop relic, la Frankenbanez éventuellement, et une Telecaster modifiée.

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 Stratocaster - Heavy Relic, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Community setups

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rene_rothmann

rene_rothmann

Gear IQ 93

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