Fender Custom Shop 1963 Stratocaster Heavy Relic Dark Night - Truetone Color Set

Truetone Color Set - Dark Night

Ever since the Stratocaster debuted in 1954, it has evolved, even in the earliest days.  The Strat has continued to change over the years, but for many, stepping back to how it was done in the 60's is the way to go.  The Fender Custom Shop excels at recreating the look, feel and sound of these guitars, often with special tweaks.  That's where we decided to go with this one.  

As part of a close partnership with the Fender Custom Shop, Truetone Music cooked up an exclusive run of guitars, known as "Truetone Color Sets".  It's where we do a quartet of instruments - Strat, Tele, Jazzmaster and Jazz bass - all in the same color, as a matching set.  For the colors, we picked unique ones that are rarely ever seen.  In this case, it's Dark Night, one of the coolest and most vibrant colors that Fender has come out with in recent years.  Previously only seen on the American Professional II series, this is the first run of this color that the Custom Shop has done.  We believe that this is the first Heavy Relic done in Dark Night.  

This Custom Shop '63 Stratocaster is a testament to their ability to pull off vintage recreations with modern playability.  It features a period correct 63 "C" neck shape (a bit thicker than the more commonly seen 60's Oval "C" neck), a flatter radius and bigger fret size, and a mostly otherwise traditional design.  We went with a 9.5" radius and Narrow Tall (6105) frets for easy playing and bending - this is one of the most common and popular modifications to vintage-styled guitars out of the Custom Shop.  The rock solid quartersawn maple neck is perfectly worn in as well, making this a very comfortable guitar to play.  We love how the Custom nailed the back of the neck.  It has a great feel, and the look matches the body.

The two-piece alder body sports THE iconic shape and wears a Heavy Relic nitrocellulose lacquer finish.  This gives it the look and feel of a guitar that’s endured serious use over decades, but stood the test of time and only got cooler with age.   The Custom Shop really went to town on this one, creating a great example of what a Heavy Relic should be.  We were honestly blown away when we opened the case for the first time. The guitar has the appearance of a vintage Strat that was played heavily over the years, worn in, and looking better than ever, in a color that you'll never otherwise see.  

For the pickups, we kept it real, going with the base model Custom Shop '60's Strat pickup set.  These recreate the sound of a classic mid-60's Strat, using Alnico 5 magnets and a vintage stagger, with strong output and a nice, even response across the tonal spectrum.  You get glistening, glass-like highs, and warm, punchy lows.  It's the classic sound, known and loved for decades.

Other features include an RSD Strat bridge (with trem arm tension adjustment), vintage tuning machines, bone nut and 3-ply Black pickguard. Also includes a period correct Custom Shop brown hardshell case, strap and certificate of authenticity.

This is a special Stratocaster, as part of a Truetone-exclusive color set in Dark Night.  Come to Truetone Music to check it out, or order right here to have it shipped to your home.