Fender Custom Shop

Fender Masterbuilt 1960s Stratocaster Dennis Galuszka Midnight Blue

$8,950.00

Pickup available at 165 Showroom

Usually ready in 1 hour

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Product information

"It's all about the feel and sound of an instrument. Those things are number one with me, above everything else." ~ Dennis Galuszka

This particular 1960s Stratocaster is finished in Midnight Blue which is a color you simply don’t see every day. It’s not loud. It’s not flashy. It’s a deep gray-blue with a subtle metallic vibe that shifts beautifully in the light. Understated, but unmistakably cool. Exactly the kind of detail that makes you look twice.

For us, the neck is the immediate highlight.

Dennis spec’d this with a ’63 Strat C profile measuring .83"–1.0", paired with a 9 1/2" radius and a 1.65" bone nut. On paper, that tells part of the story. In hand? It’s moderately chunky in the best way. It fills the palm nicely but never drifts into “clubby” territory. There’s a confidence to it. You can tell it was shaped by someone who has handled, and built, a lot of Fender necks, and distilled that experience into something distinctly his own.

And here’s a detail we genuinely appreciate: the truss rod access is at the headstock. No neck removal, just quick, practical adjustability. It’s one of our longtime Fender pet peeves - thoughtfully solved. Thank you, Dennis.

The fingerboard carries 22 frets instead of the traditional 21, which gives you that extra bit of upper-register real estate without having to overbend to reach the pitch. It’s a subtle modern touch that expands the instrument without compromising its vintage DNA.

At 7 lbs 9 oz, the weight lands in the sweet spot. It balances beautifully on a strap and feels lively in your hands. The overall feel is slinky and responsive, with snappy, articulate tones that do exactly what you want a great Strat to do.

The Josefina hand-wound Tomatillo pickups bring a little extra heat to the equation - just enough added output to push an amp a bit harder while still retaining clarity and that unmistakable Strat sparkle.

All told, this is a vibey, easy-playing, great-sounding Stratocaster with a unique look / vibe. It has personality. It has feel. And it reflects exactly what we’re hoping for when we pick up a Masterbuilt: vintage soul, refined by experience, executed with total intention.

Body

Body
Roasted Alder
Finish
Nitro Lacquer
Color
Midnight Blue

Hardware

Pickups
Josefina Hand-Wound Tomatillo Strat
Electronics
Strat 1/2 Blender
Controls
Volume / Tone / Bender / 5-way
Bridge
RSD Strat Bridge
Pickguard
3-ply BWB
Tuners
Vintage Style Locking

Neck

Neck
Maple (quarter sawn)
Fingerboard
AAA Rosewood (round laminate)
Profile
'63 Strat C (.83"-1.0")
Radius
9 1/2"
Nut
Bone 1.65"
Inlays
Vintage Clay Dots

Other

Weight
7lb. 9oz.
Serial Number
R138989
Case
Hardshell w/CoA

New. Chosen. Cherished.

We hand-select each one for its tone, feel, and build quality - instruments that inspire and stand up to real-world playing. Whether you're chasing a lifelong companion or something that just clicks, our curated lineup reflects decades of experience matching players with the right guitar.

High Standards

We only stock new instruments from builders who meet our highest standards for tone, build quality, and consistency, each one carefully selected to reflect the level of craftsmanship our customers expect.

Accurate Representation

Every instrument is meticulously photographed and accurately described, so you can buy with confidence knowing exactly what to expect.

Inspection & Setup

Each instrument is thoroughly inspected by our staff for authenticity and condition, with any necessary work and a full setup completed before it’s listed for sale.

Have Questions?

If you have any questions about this instrument’s condition, feel free to give us a call or drop us an email - we are always happy to provide an in-hand description and make sure you’re confident in your purchase.

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