What is the specific price of the Fender Custom Shop 62 Stratocaster #R133544?

The guitar is typically priced at GBP 3699. This reflects its status as a premium product from Fender's Custom Shop division.

What kind of pickups are used in this model?

It is equipped with a trio of Custom Shop Hand-Wound Fat 60s Single-Coil Strat pickups. These are designed for a snappy, punchy, and highly detailed vintage tone.

What does 'Heavy Relic' mean in the context of this guitar?

Heavy Relic refers to a specific finish treatment where the guitar is intentionally aged at the factory. It simulates decades of heavy use, featuring worn paint, tarnished hardware, and a 'road-worn' feel.

What is the neck shape of the 62 Stratocaster Heavy Relic?

The guitar features a 60s Oval C shaped Maple neck. This profile is designed to be satisfyingly substantial yet smooth for a versatile playing experience.

What quality of rosewood is used on the fingerboard?

The guitar uses a AAA-quality Rosewood fingerboard. This high-grade material is chosen for its superior resonance, sustain, and smooth texture.

How does this guitar compare to a standard American Professional II Stratocaster?

The Custom Shop model features hand-wound pickups, a relic finish, and higher-grade materials like AAA rosewood. The American Professional II is a modern production-line guitar with a cleaner, more contemporary feel.

Is the finish on this guitar Vintage White?

Yes, this specific model (#R133544) features a Vintage White finish that has undergone the Heavy Relic aging process.

Who is this guitar best suited for?

It is best suited for professional musicians and collectors who desire the sound and feel of a 1962 Stratocaster. The Fat 60s pickups make it ideal for players who need clarity for both lead and rhythm parts.

What kind of tone can I expect from the Fat 60s pickups?

Expect a snappy and punchy tone with plenty of definition. These pickups are voiced to capture the iconic 'vintage' Strat sound while providing enough body for modern applications.

Does the neck finish affect playability?

Yes, the relic treatment on the neck typically removes some of the finish, providing a smoother, less sticky feel. The 60s Oval C shape further enhances the comfort for the player.

How does it differ from a Gibson Les Paul Standard 50s P90?

The Stratocaster uses single-coil pickups and a bolt-on maple neck, offering a brighter, snappier sound. The Gibson Les Paul Standard 50s P90 has a mahogany construction and different pickup voicing, resulting in a warmer, thicker tone.

Are the electronics in this guitar hand-wound?

Yes, all three pickups are Custom Shop Hand-Wound. Hand-winding is a more labor-intensive process that many players believe results in a more dynamic and responsive tone.

Gear article

Fender Custom Shop 62 Stratocaster Heavy Relic RW Vintage White #R133544

The Fender Custom Shop 62 Stratocaster Heavy Relic is a high-end electric guitar designed to replicate the aesthetics, feel, and tonal characteristics of a vintage 1962 instrument. Featuring a Vintage White finish with a heavy relic treatment and hand-wound electronics, it represents the pinnacle of Fender's modern craftsmanship.

See live prices

Overview

The Fender Custom Shop 62 Stratocaster Relic serves as a flagship model within the Fender Custom Shop catalogue. Serial number #R133544 exemplifies the series' dedication to historical accuracy and artisanal aging processes. It is constructed to provide the 'untouched' feel of a vintage instrument that has seen decades of heavy use on the road, balancing a worn aesthetic with modern structural reliability.

Materials and Construction

This guitar features a Maple neck carved into a custom-shaped 60s Oval C profile, designed to provide a comfortable and smooth playing experience for a variety of hand sizes. The fingerboard is made from AAA-quality Rosewood, a premium selection known for its dense grain and dark appearance. This combination contributes to a balanced resonance across the frequency spectrum and provides significant sustain for both lead and rhythm playing.

Electronics and Sound

The core of this instrument's sonic identity lies in its trio of Custom Shop Hand-Wound Fat 60s Single-Coil Strat pickups. These electronics are engineered to deliver a snappy, punchy tone that is characteristic of original 1960s Stratocasters. The 'Fat 60s' voicing ensures that notes remain detailed and defined, allowing riffs to stand out in a mix with clarity and vintage-inspired warmth.

Aesthetics and Playability

The 'Heavy Relic' finish in Vintage White is the most striking visual feature of this specific model. The process involves distressing the nitrocellulose lacquer to simulate the wear patterns, nicks, and hardware oxidation of a hard-working vintage guitar. Beyond looks, the relic process provides a broken-in feel, particularly on the back of the neck, which facilitates faster movement across the frets compared to a high-gloss modern finish.

Market Position and Comparison

Occupying a premium price point of approximately GBP 3699, the 62 Stratocaster Heavy Relic is positioned as a professional-grade instrument. Compared to modern alternatives like the Fender American Professional II Stratocaster, it offers a more traditional 'vintage' specification and hand-wound electronics. While models like the Eric Clapton Stratocaster or Jim Root Telecaster cater to specific artist preferences, the 62 Heavy Relic is designed for players seeking the ultimate expression of the original 1962 design.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What is the specific price of the Fender Custom Shop 62 Stratocaster #R133544?: The guitar is typically priced at GBP 3699. This reflects its status as a premium product from Fender's Custom Shop division.
What kind of pickups are used in this model?: It is equipped with a trio of Custom Shop Hand-Wound Fat 60s Single-Coil Strat pickups. These are designed for a snappy, punchy, and highly detailed vintage tone.
What does 'Heavy Relic' mean in the context of this guitar?: Heavy Relic refers to a specific finish treatment where the guitar is intentionally aged at the factory. It simulates decades of heavy use, featuring worn paint, tarnished hardware, and a 'road-worn' feel.
What is the neck shape of the 62 Stratocaster Heavy Relic?: The guitar features a 60s Oval C shaped Maple neck. This profile is designed to be satisfyingly substantial yet smooth for a versatile playing experience.
What quality of rosewood is used on the fingerboard?: The guitar uses a AAA-quality Rosewood fingerboard. This high-grade material is chosen for its superior resonance, sustain, and smooth texture.
How does this guitar compare to a standard American Professional II Stratocaster?: The Custom Shop model features hand-wound pickups, a relic finish, and higher-grade materials like AAA rosewood. The American Professional II is a modern production-line guitar with a cleaner, more contemporary feel.
Is the finish on this guitar Vintage White?: Yes, this specific model (#R133544) features a Vintage White finish that has undergone the Heavy Relic aging process.
Who is this guitar best suited for?: It is best suited for professional musicians and collectors who desire the sound and feel of a 1962 Stratocaster. The Fat 60s pickups make it ideal for players who need clarity for both lead and rhythm parts.
What kind of tone can I expect from the Fat 60s pickups?: Expect a snappy and punchy tone with plenty of definition. These pickups are voiced to capture the iconic 'vintage' Strat sound while providing enough body for modern applications.
Does the neck finish affect playability?: Yes, the relic treatment on the neck typically removes some of the finish, providing a smoother, less sticky feel. The 60s Oval C shape further enhances the comfort for the player.
How does it differ from a Gibson Les Paul Standard 50s P90?: The Stratocaster uses single-coil pickups and a bolt-on maple neck, offering a brighter, snappier sound. The Gibson Les Paul Standard 50s P90 has a mahogany construction and different pickup voicing, resulting in a warmer, thicker tone.
Are the electronics in this guitar hand-wound?: Yes, all three pickups are Custom Shop Hand-Wound. Hand-winding is a more labor-intensive process that many players believe results in a more dynamic and responsive tone.