New for 2023, the Fender Custom Shop introduces the Late ’62 Stratocaster Relic with Closet Classic Hardware. Just over 60 years after its namesake predecessor, the instrument is loaded with aged looks, sound and vibe that expertly evoke the Stratocaster in the early 1960s.

Its two-piece select alder body wears Relic lacquer finishes in Three-Color Sunburst, Faded Aged Daphne Blue, Aged Aztec Gold and Super Faded Aged Shell Pink. From the finish checking that covers the body to every last ding, dent and scar from bridge to headstock—plus Closet Classic hardware with showing moderate oxidization—this treatment imparts authentically worn-in look and feel and tells a story of a guitar that has experienced many years of regular use in clubs and bars.

In a distinctive combination of appointments for a transitional Stratocaster from late 1962, the rift-sawn maple neck has a classic ’60-style Oval “C” profile and is topped by a 9.5”-radius round-lam rosewood fingerboard with clay-dot inlays (with wide 12-fret spacing), 21 narrow tall (6105) frets and a bone nut. Three Custom Shop hand-wound ’60-’63 Stratocaster Pickups (reverse-wound/reverse-polarity middle pickup for hum cancellation in switch positions 2 and 4) deliver sought-after and dynamically expressive early-’60s Strat® tone, with glassy highs, slight midrange scoop and focused lows.

Other premium features include Vintage Modified #2 wiring with Tone-Saver bleed circuit (eliminates tone loss when volume is turned down), five-way pickup switch, three-ply mint green pickguard, Custom Shop vintage synchronized tremolo bridge, vintage-style tuners, wing string tree with tall metal spacer, deluxe hardshell case, strap and certificate of authenticity.