Fender Custom Shop 1960 Stratocaster “Chicago Special” Relic Aged Black Fender

If a more modern spin on a classic Strat is something that interests you, the 1960 “Chicago Special” Stratocaster is for you. The 1960’s were a period of innovation, so we honored the spirit of the time by including a 9’5” radius (a modern upgrade) and a the Fender ½ blender which allows you to blend in the neck pickup in the 1st and 2nd position by way of the first tone knob. The slab rosewood fretboard is joined to a rift sawn maple neck to enhance the resonance of the neck. Finally, the Chicago Special pickups we’re created with Mike Lewis to ensure a balanced output across every pole piece. The Alnico 5 magnets are wrapped in 42 gauge enamel wire, and potted in shellac to recreate the round highs, and wide open frequency range of a vintage pickup.

“Chicago Special” Strat® pickups

• Calibrated set – bridge to neck – for balanced output
• Each pickup as custom AlNiCo 5 magnet stagger for optimum output balance string-to-string
• 42 gauge enamel wire for round highs
• Potted in shellac for open wide range frequency response

Model Number: 9237100823
Serial Number: R122550
Finish Package: Relic
Case: Fender Custom Shop Brown
Weight: 7lbs 11oz

Body Wood: Alder
Body Color: Aged Black
Body Finish: Lacquer

Hardware Plating: Chrome/Nickel
Bridge Assembly: American Vintage
Output Assembly: Vintage
Control Assembly: 1/2 Blender
Neck Plate: R Serial Vintage
Back Plate & Trem Cover: Parchment
Tremolo Arm: Vintage Upgraded 60s
Tremolo Arm Tip: Aged White
Tuner Keys: Vintage w/Fender Logo
String Guide: American Vintage
String Gauge: .010-.046

Neck Finish: Medium Tint Nitro Lacquer
Neck Blank: Rift Sawn Maple
Fingerboard: AAA Rosewood
Sort for Dark Rosewood: Yes
Truss Rod: Early 60s
Head Style: Small
Neck Head Thickness: 0.575″
Neck Scoop: 60
Dot Spacing: Wide
Face Dot: Micarta White
Side Dot: Micarta White
Fret Wire: Narrow Tall Sanko 6105
Number of Frets: 21
Fingerboard Radius: 9.50″
Neck Back Shape: 59 “C”
Neck Nut Width: 1.650″
Neck Thickness at 1st Fret: .860″
Neck Thickness at 12th Fret: .980″
Neck Butt Width: 2.200″
Nut Material: Bone
Number of Bolts: 4
Head Cap Decal: 54-60 Strat

Pickguard: 3-Ply Mint Green
Pickup Neck: Hand-Wound “Chicago Special”
Pickup Middle: Hand-Wound “Chicago Special” RWRP
Pickup Bridge: Hand-Wound “Chicago Special”
Control Knobs: Vintage White
Selector Switch Tip: Vintage White
Pots: 250K 10% Taper Split
Switch: 5-Way Lever