Fender Custom Shop Painter's Choice # 1 - 1959 Stratocaster NOS Cottage Red Transparent

Ever since the Stratocaster debuted in 1954, it has evolved, even in the earliest days.  1959 saw some important changes to the Stratocaster, with a new neck shape, differently voiced pickups, and new color options.  As music progressed 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 the last year of the 50's is the way to go.  

This Custom Shop 1959 Stratocaster is a fine testament to what Fender can do today, featuring a two-piece select ash body with deep contours, a sturdy maple neck, and pure vintage pickups.  This one is an NOS (New Old Stock), so there's no aging or wear whatsoever.  The Custom Shop is well-known for its Relics, but a lot of players want their guitar to be new & shiny - that's who this is for.  It looks like it just left the factory yesterday.  It's a lacquer finish, so of course it will age over time - but that's for the player to do naturally.

Now, about the Painter's Choice designation.  Here at Truetone, we're always trying to come up with something truly unique that you haven't seen before.  It's what we have the most fun with.  We have a very close partnership with the Fender Custom Shop, and presented an idea that hadn't been done before:  having the esteemed paint specialist Jay Nelson choose the color.  Our feeling is that he is super talented, creative and an unsung hero of the Custom Shop.  Thus, he should get the opportunity to do a guitar as he wished.  Our only instructions were that it had to be unique.  A run of guitars were put on order, and this is the first to arrive.  You can imagine our anticipation and excitement when it landed - and we were thrilled as soon as we saw it.  We're calling the color Cottage Red Transparent.  It shows the wood grain of the ash body in a beautiful way, and is quite stunning.

Now, back to the guitar itself - after all, aesthetics are important, but it's really about what the feel and sound is like.  We went with the most popular neck shape for Custom Shop guitars - the 60's Oval C (measuring .790 - .930").  It's slim, easy to grip, and allows for fast movement.  The more modern tweak is 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.  We also specified rolled fingerboard edges, and for the finish to be removed from the back of the neck - it's something we ask for often.  This is a nice addition to really make the guitar comfortable to play. 

Almost everything else on the guitar is period correct, from the American Vintage bridge, classic tuners, and the Custom '59 Strat pickups.  These are voiced to be vintage correct recreations of one of the most sought after sets. The vintage bobbin construction and real cloth wiring, as well the formvar-coated magnet wires ensures that you're getting as close as it gets to how it was done back in the day. The wax potting reduces microphonic issues. They are calibrated to be balanced, with Alnico V magnets for a focused, dynamic response. These pickups are bright (without sounding harsh) and provide a clear articulation - the quintessential Strat sound.

The guitar includes a special blonde Custom Shop hardshell case, strap and certificate of authenticity.  Come to Truetone Music to check out this one of a kind Strat, or order here right now for it to be sent straight to your home.