Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 4 stores. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $5,995
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Fender Custom Shop Stratocaster 1969". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.
Description
Step back in time with the Fender Custom Shop 1969 Stratocaster, a masterpiece that captures the essence of a revolutionary era in music. Crafted by the skilled artisans at Fender’s Custom Shop, this Journeyman Relic edition beautifully replicates the vintage aesthetic and feel of the iconic late '60s Stratocaster. This guitar is more than just an instrument; it's a portal to the past, offering that classic, smooth sound that defined a generation of music.
The 1969 Stratocaster features a lightweight alder body that resonates with warmth and clarity, perfect for those soulful solos or crunchy rock riffs. Its maple neck with a comfortable "U" shape and a rosewood fingerboard promises playability that feels like an extension of your own hand. Equipped with three Custom Shop hand-wound '69 single-coil pickups, this Strat delivers that unmistakable, shimmering tone that can cut through any mix. Whether you're channeling your inner Hendrix or crafting your unique sound, this guitar responds with precision and dynamics.
The Journeyman Relic finish adds character, giving it the look and feel of a well-loved, road-worn instrument. Every ding and scratch tells a story, making it a cherished piece of art as much as a tool for creation.
Key Features:
- Lightweight alder body with a Journeyman Relic finish
- Maple neck with a comfortable "U" shape
- Rosewood fingerboard for smooth playability
- Three Custom Shop hand-wound '69 single-coil pickups
- Vintage-style hardware and tuners for classic aesthetics
Product specs
| Brand | Fender |
| Model | Custom Shop '69 Reissue Stratocaster Relic |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Solid Body Electric Guitars |
| Body Shape | S-Style |
| Body Type | Solid Body |
| Finish Features | Relic |
| Model Family | Fender Stratocaster |
| Neck Construction | Bolt-On |
| Number of Frets | 21 |
| Number of Strings | 6-String |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Series | Fender Custom Shop |
FAQs
-
What is the neck profile of the Fender Custom Shop 1969 Stratocaster?
-
The Fender Custom Shop 1969 Stratocaster typically features a "C" shape neck profile, providing a comfortable grip that suits a wide range of playing styles, from rhythm to lead.
-
What kind of pickups are used in the Fender Custom Shop 1969 Stratocaster?
-
This model is equipped with Fender Custom Shop single-coil pickups, designed to deliver the classic, bright, and bell-like tones associated with late '60s Stratocasters.
-
Is the Fender Custom Shop 1969 Stratocaster suitable for professional performances?
-
Yes, the Fender Custom Shop 1969 Stratocaster is crafted for professional use, offering high-quality craftsmanship and vintage-inspired tones that are ideal for stage and studio settings.
-
What finish does the Fender Custom Shop 1969 Stratocaster have?
-
The guitar features a relic finish, which gives it a vintage, worn-in look and feel, reminiscent of a well-played instrument from the late 1960s.
-
How does the bolt-on neck construction affect the sound of the Fender Custom Shop 1969 Stratocaster?
-
The bolt-on neck construction contributes to the guitar's bright and snappy tone, enhancing sustain and making it easier to perform neck adjustments.
Videos
The Trogly's Guitar Show
My First Custom Shop Stratocaster | 2018 Fender 1969 Strat Heavy Relic Olympic White | Review + Demo
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 1969.
Build quality
Features and functionality
-
Relic'd necks provide a slippery, non-sticky feel, enhancing playability, especially for bends.
Source -
The guitar features hand-wound Josefina Ancho Poblano pickups, noted for excellent tone both clean and distorted.
Source -
The thin top layer of the finish is specifically mentioned for its propensity to naturally wear, offering a dynamic aesthetic change over time.
Source -
CS69 pickups are noted for their excellent pedal compatibility, providing good bass and high-end tones without overwhelming brightness.
Source
User experience
-
Initially skeptical users often become fans after experiencing the craftsmanship and playability of relic'd guitars.
Source -
Owners highlight the seamless playability of masterbuilt models, describing them as conducive to effortless shredding.
Source -
One user swapped from Fat 50's to Fralin Vintage Hot Strats, noting improved tone and plans to integrate a Fat 50's pickup into the middle position.
Source
Value and pricing
-
Custom Shop relics cater to specific demand; non-relic Fenders are produced daily, indicating varied production focus.
Source
Comparisons
Use cases and applications
5.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 7 Ratings
180
Amazing guitar.
I have the heavy relic version. It has a U neck profile with 9.5" radius fretboard. It plays great and sounds amazing. I restrung it with Jimi's gauge strings. It takes a while to get used to the low E being so light. I own several guitars and still own a showcase edition les paul and several incarnations of the wolfgang along with a tele. This start is my favorite, period. There are certainly easier guitars to play, but none so rewarding.
Artist usage
Add artist
One with a Gold Sparkle finish was used on “Righteous” and “Super Funky Badass”, as taken from Satriani’s personal notebook.
“Righteous”
Melody Guitar: MCO#1, Marshall JVM410HJS Intro/Outro: MCO #1, Electro-Harmonix Microsynth, Strymon El Capistan, Marshall ’71 50-watt Rhythm Guitars: Fender Custom Shop ’69 Strat (gold sparkle), ’63 Fender Deluxe, MCO #1, Mezzabarba M Zero, Gibson Flying V, Vox Big Bad Wah
(...) “Super Funky Badass”
MCO #1, Re-amped with KSR Orthos Breakdown Rhythms: Fender Custom Shop ’69 Strat (gold sparkle), Electro-Harmonix Mel9, Electro-Harmonix Micro POG, Roger Mayer Voodoo Vibe, Strymon El Capistan
The Strat is also mentioned by Satriani in this Guitar World interview.
There were some bits where I used a Custom Shop ’69 Strat, and I paired that with a Custom Shop Flying V.
In this article companion to Neal Schon's Premier Guitar Rig Rundown, the article mentions Schon's "relic’d Fender Custom Shop Stratocaster." This is go-to guitar for the song "Lights," and it has a reversed bridge pickup and headstock.
In a video by Premier Guitar titled "Bryan Adams Rig Rundown with Keith Scott," Bryan Adams' guitar technician, Craig Pattison, is seen at 13:15 presenting a Fender Custom Shop Stratocaster 1969, identifying it as a key part of Bryan Adams' equipment setup.
In a video interview by GuitarThai on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-3wwQnkdBg, Pop The Sun stated: "It's a standard 1969 Fender Custom Shop, but I've had some modifications to suit my needs. I changed the bridge pickup from a single-coil to a humbucker, specifically a Seymour Duncan Pearly Gates. I also replaced the bolt-on struts on the back of the neck from three to four, because I feel it's stronger." This confirms his use of the Fender Custom Shop 1969 Stratocaster.
Album Usage
The Fender Custom Shop Stratocaster 1969 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 Stratocaster 1969, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
More Fender Custom Shop Solid Body Electric Guitars
Accessories & Related Items
Community setups
Similar
Gear Guides
Most Popular Solid Body Electric Guitars
Most Popular Brands
-
Added to Equipboard on by
jenkinGear IQ 44
-