Stratocaster Masterbuilt Greg Fessler 69 Relic Firemist Gold #R82630

2015 Fender Custom Shop 69 Relic Stratocaster Masterbuilt by Greg Fessler finished in Firemist Gold Metallic. A fabulous playing and sounding Strat from the 'Builder Select' run of only 50 guitars Masterbuilt by Greg. It captures the spirit, sound and handling of an original '69 Strat and adapted it to modern playing conditions with modern aspects we have become used to like 9.5" radius and 6105 frets. The pickups are the superb combo of a '69 in the neck position, Fat 50's in the middle and a Texas Special in the bridge position, all handwound by Josaphina Campos. We love this combo and it works so well, covering a few classic Strat tones. The smooth Quatersawn Maple neck neck feels great with the 69'U' profile and features a period correct Round Lam Maple fingerboard adding extra stability. The classic colour of Firemist Gold is super cool and the fairly light Relicing looks very authentic with loads of checking and is not over done. Part of a collection and in unplayed condition with original hard case and all the candy. Cert, Tags, Strap, Lead, Cloth and Cruz tool kit etc.

BODY
Colour: Firemist Gold Metallic Relic
Body: Select Alder 

NECK
Number Of Frets: 21 x 6105
Scale Length: 25.5
Fretboard Wood: Round Lam Maple
Fretboard Inlays: Dot
Radius: 9.5"
Neck Wood: Quatersawn Maple 
Neck Shape: 1969 "U"

HARDWARE
Bridge Hardware: Vintage Tremolo 
Pickguard: 3-Ply

ELECTRONICS
Bass Pickup: Handwound '69
Middle Pickup: Handwound Fat 50's
Treble Pickup: Handwound Texas Special
Pickup Switching: 5- Way, Master Volume with Treble-Bleed, Tone 1. (Neck/Middle Pickups), Tone 2. (Bridge Pickup)
Weight: 7lb 7oz, Original Hard Case, Cert and tags etc.

See Greg Fessler talking about the building of these guitars below.

Please note... The UK's 20% VAT CANNOT be deducted for customers outside the UK or VAT registered musical related companies on this item.

Fender say;

Greg Fessler Builder Select 1969 Stratocaster

Every masterbuilt Fender Custom Shop guitar is a labour of love—premium craftsmanship is united with a deep, abiding passion for the instruments and respect for those who play them. Inspired by the Strat® guitars wielded by the giants of classic rock, the Greg Fessler Builder Select ’69 Stratocaster is a perfect example of the skill and commitment possessed by the Custom Shop luthiers.

Cosmetically this guitar is identical to the models that came off the line in 1969, played by renowned guitarists such as Gilmour, Blackmore and Hendrix. “I really like the look of the ‘69s, with the big headstock and everything,” Fessler said. When asked why he chose Firemist Gold Metallic for the finish he replied with a grin in his voice, “Well, it’s a vintage-era finish that could be found at the time, and people really like gold.” This thin nitrocellulose lacquer finish not only looks great, it allows the guitar’s body to breathe with extra resonance, sustain and a more natural sound.

This sterling instrument bears a few Fessler-designed custom modifications, otherwise remaining as period-accurate as possible—from the F-style tuning machines and 6-point tremolo to the mid-60s Oval “C”-shaped maple neck and narrow jumbo frets. The Custom Shop pickup complement is the well-known “Fessler Set” originally developed in 2006—three hand-wound single-coil pickups carefully selected by Fessler for their classic, highly dynamic and reactive tone when used together: a singing Custom ‘69 neck pickup, thick Fat ‘50s middle pickup and hot, high output Texas Special bridge pickup. The wiring is the special sauce that completes this tonal recipe— a treble bleed circuit maintains clarity while adjusting the guitar’s volume knob, retaining crisp clear high end and creating consistent tone while “cleaning up” nicely. The traditional control scheme is also slightly altered—one tone control affects the neck and middle pickups while the second tone control adjusts the bridge pickup for even more tonal variety.