Name: Fender Custom Shop 1959 Stratocaster HSS Heavy Relic Oxblood
Brand: Truetone Music
SKU: fender-custom-shop-1959-stratocaster-hss-heavy-relic-oxblood
Availability: InStock

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Fender Custom Shop 1959 Stratocaster HSS Heavy Relic Oxblood

Fender Custom Shop

A Hot Rodded Classic

The late 1950s saw some important changes to the Stratocaster, including the neck shape, woods used,, pickguard template, pickups and logo, 1959 in particular is seen as a transition year, and for many, "the year" for Fender. As music evolved during this era, so did Leo Fender's finest creation. The Strat has continued to change over the years, but for many, stepping back to how it was done in 1959 is the way to go. And for some, modifying this classic is another way to go. That's what we've gone for here.

The Custom Shop 1959 Stratocaster HSS Heavy Relic is a reflection of that. It features a two-piece select Alder body, with a lacquer finish, in the ultra cool color of Oxblood. No, that's not a "period correct" color. Not at all. But, it's one of our favorite colors here at Truetone, and we've done a variety of Custom Shop builds in Oxblood. One look at the photos and you'll see why. This is the first one we've done as a Heavy Relic, and we love how the different shades come through. The Custom Shop absolutely nailed it!

The Heavy Relic treatment isn't just about aesthetics - it's also about how it plays. The neck on this one is spectacular, and has the perfect "broken in" feel. We went with one of our favorite neck shapes - the 59 Esquire C, but with the twist of a compound radius (9.5 - 12.0”) and 22 frets. This, in combination with the 6105 (Narrow Tall) frets, allows for steady play up into the higher register without fretting out. This guitar was made to be played fast, with the ability to bend as much as you want. As an added bonus, we specifically asked the Custom shop for rolled edges, to give the neck a vintage feel and comfort level.

Beyond the color, where this guitar will really grab your attention (and make or break whether it's right for you) is the pickup configuration: we did this one as an HSS. The humbucker is a Lollar High Wind Imperial. We originally heard this pickup in a different guitar, fell in love with the tone, and chose it for this guitar. It creates a thicker, fuller sound that will push your amp harder and faster than the standard Imperial, while still delivering a smooth tone and softer attack. The low end is full and powerful, the highs are crisp and detailed, and there’s an upper-midrange bump that adds crunch and chunk to heavy chords but translates to a singing, vocal-like quality when you play single notes or solos. Meanwhile the hot output pushes your amp just that little bit harder for more sustain and harmonics. This guitar has 250k pots to sweeten and soften the tone just a bit. That matches it up nicely with the Custom Shop Fat 50's pickups in the neck & middle positions. These are some of our favorite Strat pickups here, and are very versatile. They deliver sweet 1950s single-coil Stratocaster sound with plenty of crisp articulation. The overwound design gives these pickups added low-end punch for an extra shot of modern attitude. The middle pickup is reverse-wound, reverse polarity, to eliminate hum. And, lastly, we asked for the Custom Shop to add in a push/pull pot to coil tapping, making the guitar even more versatile.

Other features include a Custom Shop vintage-style synchronized tremolo, vintage-style tuning machines, a bone nut. It includes a Deluxe Blonde Custom Shop case, strap and certificate of authenticity.

This is undoubtedly one of the coolest Custom Shop guitars we've had here, and that's saying a lot, as we get a lot! Come to Truetone Music to check out this amazing Strat, or order here right now for it to be sent straight to your home.