New for 2023, the Fender Custom Shop introduces the 68 Stratocaster Deluxe Closet Classic Maple. 55 years after its namesake predecessor, the instrument is loaded with lightly aged looks, sound and vibe that expertly evoke the Stratocaster in the late 1960s.
Its two-piece select alder body wears Deluxe Closet Classic lacquer finishes in Three-Color Sunburst, Aged Vintage White, Aged Blue Ice Metallic and Aged Teal Green Metallic. This finely aged finish treatment imparts the look of a guitar owned with pride, well cared for and religiously polished over many years. Moderate finish checking and hardware oxidization, along with mild parts discoloration, combine into the distinct look and feel of an instrument that has evolved into something complex and refined, like a fine wine.
The flat-sawn maple neck has a 68-69-style U profile with a slightly thicker in-hand feel, topped by a round-lam maple fingerboard with a 9.5 radius, 21 narrow tall (6105) frets, bone nut and a period-correct polyurethane finish. Three Custom Shop hand-wound 69 Underwound Stratocaster pickups deliver clear, airy tone with expressively sensitive dynamics, along with 68-69 vintage Stratwiring and five-way switching.
Other premium features include a three-ply parchment pickguard, Custom Shop vintage synchronized tremolo bridge, SchallerF tuners, wing string tree with nylon spacer, deluxe hardshell case, strap and certificate of authenticity.
| Body Shape: | Stratocaster |
| Body Material: | 2-Piece Select Alder |
| Body Finish: | Nitrocellulose Lacquer |
| Neck Material: | Plain-Grain Maple |
| Neck Shape: | 1969 "U" |
| Scale Length: | 25.5" (64.77 cm) |
| Fingerboard Radius: | 9.5" (241 mm) |
| Number of Frets: | 21 |
| Fret Size: | Narrow Tall (6105) |
| String Nut: | Bone |
| Nut Width: | 1.650" (42 mm) |
| Headstock: | Stratocaster Large |
| Neck Plate: | 4-Bolt with Custom Shop "V" Logo |
| Neck Finish: | Polyurethane |
| Fingerboard: | Round-Lam Maple |
| Position Inlays: | Black Micarta, 0.28" (7 mm) |
| Bridge Pickup: | Custom Shop Hand-Wound Under-Wound '69 Single-Coil Strat |
| Middle Pickup: | Custom Shop Hand-Wound Under-Wound '69 Single-Coil Strat |
| Neck Pickup: | Custom Shop Hand-Wound Under-Wound '69 Single-Coil Strat |
| Controls: | Master Volume, Tone 1. (Neck Pickup), Tone 2. (Middle Pickup) |
| Pickup Switching: | 5-Position Blade: Position 1. Bridge Pickup, Position 2. Bridge and Middle Pickup, Position 3. Middle Pickup, Position 4. Middle and Neck Pickup, Position 5. Neck Pickup |
| Pickup Configuration: | SSS |
| Bridge: | Custom Shop Vintage Synchronized Tremolo |
| Tuning Machines: | Schaller "F" |
| Orientation: | Right-Hand |
| Hardware Finish: | Nickel/Chrome |
| Pickguard: | 3-Ply Parchment |
| Control Knobs: | Vintage White Plastic |
| Switch Tips: | Vintage White |
| Strings: | Fender USA 250R Nickel Plated Steel (.010-.046 Gauges), PN 0730250406 |
| Included Accessories: | Deluxe Hardshell Case, Strap and Certificate of Authenticity. |
