Electric Guitar Review

Apparently not content with what is already an extremely popular series of vintage reissue Strats (Mexis, Americans and the like,) Fender has continued to expand the line with new and unusual varieties of the instrument, including last year’s Hot Rod ‘57 & ‘62 models, the Mexican-made/Custom Shop designed Classic Players models, and of course a plethora of Relics and Closet Classics.

The latest incarnation is this newly released ‘60s Closet Classic Stratocaster with Competition Stripe––basically a semi-modernized amalgamation of vintage Strat attributes tied together with a big, fat racing stripe.

While the guitar is expected to feature plenty of vintage specs, including a 1960s oval C-shaped neck, a trio of Custom ‘60s Single-Coil Strat Pickups, and Fender’s American Vintage Synchronized Tremolo (including the traditionally tossed aside “Ash Tray” cover,) the instrument will also sport a few contemporary twists, like a flatter 9.5″ fretboard radius, 21 Medium Jumbo frets (forget those skinny vintage wires,) and 5-way pickup switching.

But beyond those strangely alluring competition stripes, perhaps the most unique feature of this instrument is the sheer number of old-school colors that it’s available in––15 in all, and all in vintage Nitrocellulose Lacquer Finish.

Colors will include Lake Placid Blue, Daphne Blue, Olympic White, Black, Fiesta Red, Shoreline Gold, Teal Green Transparent, Sherwood Green Metallic, Seafoam Green, Dakota Red, Shell Pink, Surf Green, Burgundy Mist Metallic, Sonic Blue, and Ice Blue Metallic.

The ‘60s Closet Classic Stratocaster With Competition Stripe will ship with a limited edition black hard case with crushed black velvet interior & embroidered “Limited Edition” logo. No word on pricing.