Fender Custom Shop 1969 Stratocaster Time Machine Series Faded Daphne Blue/Journeyman

When it comes to vintage Fender lore, the pre-CBS era tends to get all the attention, and rightfully so. But let’s not forget, some truly great guitars came out of the CBS years too. Leave it to the Fender Custom Shop to channel that era with style and substance, as seen in this beautifully executed 1969 Daphne Blue Stratocaster.

From the first strum, this guitar just feels right. The "1969 U" neck profile (.82-.90") strikes a great balance between feeling substantial, but incredibly comfortable. It's not the U neck you'd find on an early-'50s Tele, but something smaller and more approachable. Modern touches like "vintage upgrade" frets (45085) and a 9.5" radius bring added playability.

You’ll find a set of Custom Shop hand-wound '69 pickups that capture all the sounds of the late-'60s. The middle and neck positions round things out with chime, warmth, and just the right amount of compression while the bridge pickup has that great Strat bite - though not ice-picky or shrill.

This is a Strat that feels dynamic, alive, and ready for whatever you throw at it. Add in the realistic and very well done Journeyman relic finish, and you’ve got a guitar that looks, feels, and sounds the part.