The Fender Custom Shop Special Run 1969 Stratocaster Heavy Relic – Aged Target 3-Tone Sunburst (Model #9231016792) is a masterfully crafted tribute to the late-’60s Strat era, blending vintage authenticity with modern Custom Shop refinement. Designed to look, feel, and sound like a well-loved instrument that has seen decades of stage time, this Heavy Relic finish delivers striking visual character while allowing the guitar to resonate freely and respond effortlessly to the player’s touch.

At its core is a lightweight, 2-piece select alder body, chosen for its balanced tonal response, clear mids, and classic Strat chime. The Aged Target 3-Tone Sunburst finish showcases deep, transitional color layers with convincing wear patterns that expose the wood beneath, evoking the unmistakable vibe of a road-worn 1969 original. A 3-ply aged white pickguard completes the vintage aesthetic, reinforcing the guitar’s authentic late-’60s appearance.

The neck is a standout feature, built from one-piece quartersawn maple for enhanced stability and clarity. Fender’s 1969 “U” back-shape provides a substantial yet comfortable grip, ideal for players who appreciate a fuller neck profile. The vintage compound radius, transitioning from 7.25" at the nut to 9.5" higher up the neck, offers the best of both worlds—classic feel for chord work and smoother playability for bends and lead lines. 21 narrow tall (6105) frets add precision and control, while the bone nut ensures excellent tuning stability and tonal transfer.

Electronics are carefully curated to deliver a wide, expressive tonal range that honors Stratocaster history. The bridge position features a Custom Shop hand-wound Texas Special™ single-coil, offering bold output, pronounced midrange, and a gritty edge perfect for blues and rock. The middle position uses a Custom Shop hand-wound Fat ’50s single-coil, providing warm lows and sparkling highs, while the neck is equipped with a Custom Shop hand-wound ’69 single-coil for bell-like clarity and airy top end. These pickups are paired with Vintage Modified Strat® #2 wiring and a 5-way switch, delivering versatile tonal options with enhanced usability for modern players.

Hardware appointments stay true to vintage specs, including a Custom Shop vintage synchronized tremolo for smooth, expressive vibrato and classic sustain. Vintage “F”-style tuning machines ensure reliable tuning while reinforcing the authentic late-’60s look. Every detail works together to create an instrument that feels broken-in, responsive, and inspiring from the first note.

The guitar ships in a Deluxe Hardshell case and includes a strap and Certificate of Authenticity, underscoring its status as a genuine Fender Custom Shop creation. The Fender Custom Shop Special Run 1969 Stratocaster Heavy Relic is more than a reissue—it’s a deeply expressive, player-focused instrument that captures the soul of a legendary era while meeting the demands of today’s discerning guitarist.