In 1964 many of the most popular guitarists played the Stratocaster® on some of the most popular recordings ever. Leo Fender was constantly adapting his instruments to meet their needs, and ’64 saw the culmination of this as the final year of what was later called the “pre-CBS” Fender era. New features that year included the thicker gold “transition” logo headstock decal, pearl fingerboard dots instead of clay, a white plastic pickguard instead of mint-green, and “gray bottom” pickups (instead of black).
Our custom configuration of that year’s model, the Time Machine 1964 Stratocaster Journeyman Relic, has been modified slightly for greater tonal capabilities and a more comfortable playing experience. The Journeyman Relic lacquer finish on the two-piece select alder body comes in four custom colors. The tinted AA flame quartersawn neck has a “C” back-shape and modern 9.5” radius for more comfortable bending, topped by a round-lam rosewood fingerboard with 21 narrow tall frets. The Vintage Modified #2 control assembly with Greasebucket™ tone circuit delivers dedicated bridge pickup tone, keeping mids and highs without adding bass when rolling off the tone control. Other features include hand-wound ’64 Strat® pickups with a reverse-wound/reverse-polarity middle pickup, vintage style tuning machines and a Custom Shop vintage-style synchronized tremolo. Includes deluxe hardshell case, strap and certificate of authenticity.
