Fender Special Edition '60s Strat RW Daphne Blue

General

Strats from the sixties are like the holy grail to many guitarists. Unfortunately, this popularity has made most of the original '60s models pretty unaffordable. Luckily there's the affordable Classic '60s Stratocaster to bring us the stellar sound, looks and feel of a sixties Strat at a price that isn't nearly as astronomical. Both its specs and its finish strongly resemble those of the original model from over half a century ago. For instance, this tasteful Special Edition has a Daphne Blue nitrocellulose high-gloss lacquer finish.

Construction

The lightweight alder body is partly responsible for this Strat's nicely balanced sound. The 21-fret rosewood fretboard on the bolt-on maple neck sounds a little warmer than a maple version would. This guitar's hardware consists of Fender Vintage Style tuners and a 6-point vintage-style tremolo unit. In true '60s style, the headstock has the same colour as the body, and all the plastic parts have an aged look. Three Fender vintage-style single-coil Strat pickups complete the picture.

Special Edition Strat

According to many, the nitrocellulose lacquer that was used in the '60s is part of the period's Strats' unparalleled sound. Nitrocellulose lacquer was applied in a much thinner layer than the later-used polyurethane, and really allows the character of the wood to come forth. Combined with the traditional construction method and vintage hardware, this Stratocaster is as much like the original as possible. Fortunately, its price is a lot friendlier. Don't wait too long, however, as this beauty is only available in a limited number.

Please note:

• The 60s-style headstock has the same finish as the body.
• The guitar has artificially aged plastic parts.