Fender Custom Shop 1959 Stratocaster HSS Journeyman Relic Charcoal Frost Metallic

The late 1950s saw some important changes to the Stratocaster, including the neck shape, woods used,, pickguard template, pickups and logo, 1959 in particular is seen as a transition year, and for many, "the year" for Fender.  For some, modifying this classic is another way to go.  That's what we've gone for here.
 
The Custom Shop 1959 Stratocaster HSS Journeyman Relic is a reflection of that.  It features a two-piece select Alder body, with a lacquer finish, in the ultra cool color of Charcoal Frost Metallic.  It may not be period correct, but it's one of our favorite colors here at Truetone, and we've done a variety of Custom Shop builds in it.  One look at the photos and you'll see why.  This is the first one we've done with Anodized Silver pickguard, and we love how it came out.  The Custom Shop absolutely nailed it!

The Journeyman Relic treatment isn't just about aesthetics - it's also about how it feels, which is "broken in".  We went with one of our favorite neck shapes - the 59 Esquire C, but with the twist of a compound radius (9.5 - 12.0”) and 22 frets.  This, in combination with the 6105 (Narrow Tall) frets, allows for steady play up into the higher register without fretting out.  This guitar was made to be played fast, with the ability to bend as much as you want.  As an added bonus, we specifically asked the Custom shop for rolled edges, to give the neck a vintage feel and comfort level.
 
Beyond the color, where this guitar will really grab your attention (and make or break whether it's right for you) is the pickup configuration as well as the wiring: we did this one as an HSS, with a special 2 knob layout, complete with a push-pull pot to split the humbcuker.   Yes, this is a Strat with just two knobs - your eyes do not deceive you.  

The humbucker is a Seymour Duncan SH-4, known as the JB Model.  This is their most popular pickup of all time, and for good reason.  It's a modern classic.  Whether it's for hard rock, country, blues or fusion, the JB has always sounded just right, even as new genres emerged around it. The low end is full and powerful, the highs are crisp and detailed and there’s an upper-midrange bump that adds crunch and chunk to heavy chords but translates to a singing, vocal-like quality when you play single notes or solos. Meanwhile the hot output pushes your amp just that little bit harder for more sustain and harmonics.