All the Spirit of a True ’59
Straight out of 1959, this Fender Limited-edition ’59 Hardtail Stratocaster Journeyman Relic offers a period-correct alder body with a gorgeous AA flame maple neck and rosewood fingerboard. This axe’s on-point wood combo has Fender fanatics here at Sweetwater drooling! To match the classic visual vibe, a trio of Custom Shop Hand-wound ’59 Strat single coils delivers the warm and edgy vintage tones that enthusiasts crave with the gumption to steal any show, from blues and psych-rock spotlights to rockabilly and surf setlists. And with a stunning Journeyman Relic job and gorgeous Closet Classic hardware, including the hardtail bridge and vintage-style tuners, this 6-string is the definition of a head-turner. Looking like it was born into the Everly Brothers, put through its paces by Hendrix, and preserved with time capsule character and tenacious triple-coil spirit, this Limited-edition ’59 Hardtail Stratocaster Journeyman Relic is an absolute stunner in both style and sound.
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Wood-spec’d like the real deal
Fender worked hard to ensure the Limited-edition ’59 Hardtail Stratocaster Journeyman Relic exhibits all the traits of an actual ’59, and first on the checklist was a proper wood combo. An alder body offers a superbly comfortable and classic weight for all players, coming speared with a stunning ’59-style “D”-shaped, quarter-sawn AA flame maple neck. In the late ’50s, flame maple necks were a rare sight, but by no means unheard of, which gives this 6-string an added degree of historic excellence. Topping the neck is a 7.25- to 9.5-inch Vintage Compound Radius rosewood fingerboard with 21 medium vintage nickel frets, offering a gorgeous dark wood complement with plenty of space for riffing and soloing to your heart’s content. And thanks to Fender’s meticulous Journeyman relicing process, this Strat showcases a charming helping of age and impact for that battle-scar aesthetic.
Nailing that old-school tone
This axe sure looks pretty — but can it sing? The answer is found in its Custom Shop Hand-wound ’59 Strat single-coil pickups (and the answer is a resounding yes, by the way). These single-coils are vintage Fender through and through, serving up a tonal palate that’s both bright and glassy when you want, with a sizzling bite that roars with some volume and distortion. In the eyes of many guitarists here at Sweetwater, 1959 was the Stratocaster’s sweet spot, and this guitar’s pickups bring unbeatable energy and appeal that’ll melt faces onstage and liven up any track in the studio with a classic charisma. Boasting vintage modified wiring, you can effortlessly shape your vintage tone to taste using a Strat-standard 5-way pickup selector and tone controls.
Closet Classic hardware abounds
On top of being spec’d with a fitting wood combo and pickup set, this Limited-edition ’59 Hardtail Stratocaster Journeyman Relic offers up even more bygone elegance: Closet Classic hardware. Fender’s Closet Classic process mimics that of their esteemed relicing department, supplying a moderately oxidized appearance that beautifully complements the gigged and aged appearance of the Journeyman Relic. You’ll find such intriguing adornments all over this Strat, from the hardtail bridge and vintage-style tuners right down to the instrument jack plate and pickguard screws. Fender didn’t miss a beat!
Fender Limited-edition ’59 Hardtail Stratocaster Journeyman Relic Electric Guitar Features:
- Alder body provides a comfortable feel with a classic weight that all guitarists can appreciate
- ’59-style “D”-shaped, quarter-sawn AA flame maple neck looks stunning and offers an old-school grip
- 21 medium vintage nickel frets on a 7.25–9.5-inch Vintage Compound Radius rosewood fingerboard provides period-correct playability
- Journeyman relicing process adds a stunning aged appearance
- Custom Shop Hand-wound ’59 Strat single-coil pickups are bright, glassy, and offer an old-school growl
- 5-way pickup selector with master volume, 2x tone controls, and vintage modified wiring provides exceptional tone shaping
- Closet classic hardware, including a hardtail bridge and vintage-style tuning machine set, adds to the historic appeal
- Limited-edition model only available for a short time!
