Fender Custom Shop 1969 Stratocaster Closet Classic Maple Neck Fade 3-Tone Sunburst 9231721897
Fender Custom Shop 1969 Stratocaster Closet Classic Maple Neck Fade 3-Tone Sunburst 9231721897
Here’s something by definition unusual – a Fender 1969 Stratocaster Rev Headstock Closet Classic, Custom Team built and dated to July 12, 2013. This guitar comes with the original Fender custom order documents – the Dealer Spec Sheet, Shop Floor Traveler sheet, the Certificate of Authenticity and a Limited Edition #107 certificate.
The Fender Closet Classic line is part of the ‘Time Machine’ series, offering instruments that show signs of age but not of use. This is quite different from the ‘Relic’ concept, where wear from hard use is simulated. Instead, oxidation effects and patina are generated.
Based on a 1969 Stratocaster, the Fender 1969 Stratocaster Rev Headstock Closet Classic uses an Alder body mated with a 1968-1968 style Maple neck with Indian Rosewood board and what’s called the ‘Malmsteen 68-69 Strat’ decal. The finish is nitrocellulose lacquer, as a faded chocolate three-tone sunburst. The neck carries Jim Dunlop 6105 high and narrow frets, and has a 1969 U profile and 9.5 inch fingerboard radius.
Hardware is what would have been found on a 1969 Stratocaster. The tuners are F-stamped and made by Schaller for Fender, a Vintage style trem with bent steel saddles, and a four-bolt F-stamped neck plate. The pickguard has a slight ‘mint green’ tint, and uses standard Strat wiring with a 5-way switch. The pickups are single coil 69 Strat Closet Classic, the center pickup being RW/RP for hum cancellation in positions 2 and 4.
This Fender 1969 Stratocaster Rev Headstock is in good condition and plays well. I must admit to being thrown off by the reverse headstock, and it took me a moment to realize that I shouldn’t be making chord forms as if I was holding a left-handed guitar.
The original rectangular hard shell case by G&G is included, and contains the spec and build sheets, Certificate of Authenticity and Limited Edition card.