Pricing and availability

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

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.

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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.

The Trogly's Guitar Show

The Trogly's Guitar Show

My First Custom Shop Stratocaster | 2018 Fender 1969 Strat Heavy Relic Olympic White | Review + Demo

Video thumbnail for My First Custom Shop Stratocaster | 2018 Fender 1969 Strat Heavy Relic Olympic White | Review + Demo by The Trogly's Guitar Show

My First Custom Shop Stratocaster | 2018 Fender 1969 Strat Heavy Relic Olympic White | Review + Demo

The Trogly's Guitar Show

The Trogly's Guitar Show

Video thumbnail for Fender Custom Shop 1969 Strat Journeyman Relic Demo-'날아라 슈퍼까치(2020)' by Guitarist 'Junhak Lee'(이준학) by Music Force Official

Fender Custom Shop 1969 Strat Journeyman Relic Demo-'날아라 슈퍼까치(2020)' by Guitarist 'Junhak Lee'(이준학)

Music Force Official

Music Force Official

Video thumbnail for Fender Custom Shop 1969 Stratocaster Heavy Relic - Aged Vintage White | Mike Zito by Midwood Guitar Studio

Fender Custom Shop 1969 Stratocaster Heavy Relic - Aged Vintage White | Mike Zito

Midwood Guitar Studio

Midwood Guitar Studio

Video thumbnail for TONE CHECK: Fender Custom Shop 1969 Stratocaster Journeyman Relic Demo | Cream City Music by Cream City Music

TONE CHECK: Fender Custom Shop 1969 Stratocaster Journeyman Relic Demo | Cream City Music

Cream City Music

Cream City Music

Video thumbnail for Fender Custom Shop 1969 Stratocaster Tone Test - Sherwood Music by Sherwood Music

Fender Custom Shop 1969 Stratocaster Tone Test - Sherwood Music

Sherwood Music

Sherwood Music

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

  • Nitro finishes are standard, but some artist models use poly; nitro allows continued relicing over time.

    Source
  • The unique Candy Apple Red over Gold Sparkle finish is designed to wear over time, revealing more of the underlying gold layer.

    Source

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

  • Squier Classic Vibe models are noted for their thin necks, similar to certain vintage styles.

    Source
  • The Fender 57/62 pickup set is favored by some over the Custom '69s for a balanced tone, while Tonerider pickups are also recommended as high-quality alternatives.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Many Custom Shop orders are bespoke, matching vintage aesthetics with modern specs, tailored to personal preferences.

    Source
  • CS69 pickups are praised for replicating the iconic woody sound of Hendrix's "Wind Cries Mary," offering an authentic vintage Strat tone.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners often pair CS69 pickups with hotter bridge pickups, like Tex Mex or Seymour Duncan, to enhance the overall tonal range of a Strat.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 7 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
michael_carter

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
See how Joe Satriani uses Fender Custom Shop Stratocaster 1969

Joe Satriani

Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via GuitarPlayer.com

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.

See how Neal Schon uses Fender Custom Shop Stratocaster 1969

Neal Schon

Singer, Guitarist

Journey

...
Verified via Premierguitar

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.

See how Bryan Adams uses Fender Custom Shop Stratocaster 1969

Bryan Adams

Singer, Guitarist

Bryan Adams's Band

...
Verified via YouTube
Year: 1969

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.

See how POP THE SUN uses Fender Custom Shop Stratocaster 1969

POP THE SUN

Guitarist, Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo
Color/Finish: 3 Tone Sunburst Year: 1969

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.

See how Yūya Komoguchi uses Fender Custom Shop Stratocaster 1969

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 Stratocaster 1969.

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.

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