Electric Guitar Review

Fender continues to expand its popular (and somewhat controversial) line of “Relic” guitars with the recently announced 2007 Custom Shop Limited Release ‘62 Heavy Relic Stratocaster (quick, say that ten times fast.)

This latest model was apparently built to exude the seriously worn-in vibe of a vintage ‘62 Strat that’s seen a few too many nights on stage, while still offering some of the more modern conveniences, like a flatter-than-vintage 9.5” fretboard radius, 5-way pickup switching, Dunlop’s narrow jumbo 6105 frets (my personal favorites,) and a set of Fender’s Custom Shop 1969 singlecoils (I love these things.)

Other features include a premium light-weight ash body, quarter-sawn maple neck (‘65 “C” shape) with finish removed from the back, round laminate rosewood fretboard with dot inlays, 3-ply mint pickguard, and aged plastic knobs & pickup switch tip.

Hardware––which comes prematurely rusted––includes Fender’s American Vintage Synchronized Tremolo, complete with the requisite “ash tray” bridge cover, and a set of Fender/Gotoh Vintage Style tuners.

Of course, the guitar will also sport the highly sought after “thin skin” nitrocellulose finish (which tends to age quickly but beautifully,) and will be available in the following colors: 3-Color Sunburst, Lake Placid Blue, Daphne Blue, Black, Candy Apple Red, Violin Burst, Dakota Red, Vintage White, Shell Pink, and Candy Tangerine.