• Model: 1968 Stratocaster Relic
• Finish: Aged Black Nitrocellulose Lacquer, Relic
• Body: Alder
• Neck: Maple
• Neck Profile: Late-'60s “U” Style
• Fingerboard: Maple Cap
• Radius: 9.5"
• Frets: 21 Narrow Tall / 6105 Style
• Nut Width: 1.650"
• Inlays: Black Dots
• Scale Length: 25.5"
• Pickups: Hand-Wound '69 Strat Neck, Hand-Wound Fat '50s RWRP Middle, Hand-Wound Texas Special Bridge
• Controls: Master Volume, Tone 1, Tone 2, 5-Way Selector
• Bridge: American Vintage Synchronized Tremolo
• Tuners: Vintage-Style Fender / Gotoh
• Pickguard: 3-Ply Mint Green
• Neck Plate: 4-Bolt Serial Plate
• Hardware: Nickel / Chrome Relic
• Case: Original Fender Custom Shop Hardshell Case
• COA: Included
• Country: USA

This is a really cool Custom Shop Strat and exactly the sort of late-'60s-inspired build that tends to appeal to players who want the Hendrix / Blackmore visual vibe, but with a more usable modern feel. The big headstock, maple cap board and Aged Black finish give it loads of that late-'60s attitude, while the 9.5" radius and 6105-style fretwire make it much easier to get on with than a stricter vintage-spec piece. I also really like the pickup mix on these. The hand-wound '69 neck and Fat '50s RWRP middle should keep the cleaner sounds open and glassy, while the Texas Special in the bridge adds a bit more push and bite where it actually helps. It is a very smart recipe overall and one that makes a lot of sense as a real player’s Strat rather than just a period-correct reissue. Comparable Custom Shop '68 Strat Relic specs from this era consistently show alder bodies, late-'60s styling, 9.5" boards, 6105-style frets, and this same mixed pickup set.

Excellent condition. The relic wear is factory correct as part of the original Custom Shop spec. Aside from the intentional ageing, it presents very cleanly overall with only light signs of use.

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