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Fender 2025 Custom Shop 1965 Stratocaster Journeyman Aged Sonic Blue w/OHSC (169) PRE-OWNED

A pitch-perfect recreation of a mid-60s classic, blending vintage tone and modern playability with a stunning Journeyman Relic finish.

$3,600.00

Same price at every authorized dealer. The difference is what comes with it.

0% for 36-48 months available

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4.8

Rated 4.8 out of 5

98% Recommend

557 reviews

1 In Stock - Inspected & ready to ship.

72-Hour Love-It Guarantee — Free returns

Inspected 3X Before Shipping

Free 1-4 Day Shipping

1 in stock

Talk To A Player Before You Buy

Rob and Cory are gigging musicians who know gear inside and out. They'll give you the straight answer—even if it means pointing you somewhere else.

Quick Specs

Alder Body | Aged Sonic Blue Journeyman Relic
'65 Strat Style "C" | AAA Rosewood (9.5"-12" Compound Radius)
Hand-Wound '65 Strat Single-Coils
Quartersawn Maple Neck | 21 Frets
Vintage-Style Hardware | Original Hardshell Case

Player-Perfect™ Pro Setup Included

Our techs are all seasoned players, so they dial in every guitar like it’s going into their own rig—perfect intonation, action set exactly right, ready to rip from the first note.

Want it YOUR way? Tell us at checkout: string gauge, action height, whatever you need. We’ll nail it before shipping.

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The Real-Deal ’65 Strat Experience

This isn’t just a guitar; it’s a time machine. This pre-owned Fender Custom Shop ’65 Stratocaster is a masterclass in vintage vibe, delivering the authentic snap, sparkle, and feel of a mid-60s classic. The Journeyman Relic Aged Sonic Blue finish isn’t just for show—it tells the story of a guitar that’s been loved and played, with tasteful aging that feels earned. From the moment you pick it up, the resonance of the alder body is unmistakable, providing that perfectly balanced tonal foundation that made the Strat a legend.

Tone That Breathes

At the heart of this Strat are three Hand-Wound ’65 Strat single-coils. These pickups are the real deal—meticulously crafted to replicate the chime and bell-like clarity of the originals. The bridge pickup has a satisfying bite without being harsh, the neck pickup is warm and glassy, and those in-between tones on the 5-way switch? Pure quack and funk heaven. The RWRP middle pickup keeps things quiet in positions 2 and 4, making this a fantastic guitar for both stage and studio. It’s articulate, dynamic, and cleans up beautifully with just a roll of the volume knob.

Unmatched Playability

The neck is where this guitar truly comes alive. It features a quartersawn maple neck with a comfortable ’65 Strat “C” profile that feels instantly familiar. But the magic is in the fingerboard—a stunning AAA rosewood board with a modern 9.5″-12″ compound radius. This means you get the comfort of a vintage radius for chording down low, which flattens out as you move up the neck for effortless, choke-free bending. It’s the perfect blend of old-school feel and modern performance.

Anatomy of a Tone Machine

Perfect for: Blues • Rock • Funk • Soul

Tone

Bright and spanky with a vocal-like attack and plenty of cut.
Warm, round, and glassy—perfect for bluesy leads and rich chords.
Classic Strat "quack" in positions 2 and 4, with hum-canceling performance.
Incredibly responsive to picking dynamics; goes from a whisper to a scream.

Playing Feel

Feels broken-in and comfortable, like an old friend.
The '65 "C" neck profile is substantial but not too thick, while the compound radius makes bending a breeze.
The alder body is resonant and lively, you can feel notes bloom against your body.
A well-balanced instrument that's a joy to play for hours on end.

Versatility

Excels at everything from glassy clean tones to gritty, overdriven rock.
A perfect platform for pedals, capturing the nuance of fuzz, overdrive, and delay.
Sits perfectly in a mix, with the clarity and definition to cut through without being harsh.
The Strat Vint Mod Wiring #2 gives you versatile and usable tones across all five positions.

Complete Technical Specs

Body Specs

Type	Solid Body Electric
Wood	Alder
Finish	Journeyman Relic Nitrocellulose Lacquer
Color	Aged Sonic Blue

Neck Specs

Wood	5/4 Quartersawn Maple
Profile	'65 Strat Style "C"
Construction	4-Bolt
Truss Rod	Early 60's Style

Fingerboard Specs

Material	AAA Rosewood
Radius	9.5"-12" Compound Radius
Frets	21 Vintage Upgrade/45085
Inlays	Mother of Pearl 7mm Dots
Nut	Bone, 1.650"

Electronics Specs

Bridge Pickup	Hand-Wound '65 Strat CC
Middle Pickup	Hand-Wound '65 Strat CC RWRP
Neck Pickup	Hand-Wound '65 Strat CC
Controls	Strat Vint Mod Wiring #2 Relic, 1 Volume, 2 Tone
Switch	5-Way Blade Switch

Hardware Specs

Bridge	American Vintage Stratocaster Bridge CC
Tuners	Vintage-Style with Fender Logo CC
Hardware Finish	Chrome/Nickel (Closet Classic)

Measurements

Scale Length	25.5"
Nut Width	1.650"
Neck Thickness at 1st Fret	0.820"
Neck Thickness at 12th Fret	0.974"

The Lowdown

We get it. Buying a guitar you haven’t played is a big decision. You need to know it’s going to feel right, sound right, and inspire you the second you open the case. We put together the questions we’d be asking if we were in your shoes—the real-world stuff that specs alone can’t answer. If there’s anything else you’re wondering about, just give us a call.

It gives you the best of both worlds. The rounder 9.5″ radius near the nut makes playing chords feel super comfortable and natural, just like a vintage guitar. As you move up the neck for solos, it flattens out to 12″, which lets you bend strings aggressively without the notes ‘fretting out’ or choking. It’s a modern feature that makes a vintage-feeling guitar even more playable.

Think of it as a guitar that was played regularly but well-cared for. It’s not a beat-to-hell ‘Heavy Relic’. You’ll see some finish checking, light dings, and slightly dulled hardware—like a treasured instrument that’s seen a few dozen gigs and countless hours of home playing. It feels authentically broken-in, not artificially damaged.

Of course. Every guitar gets our full Player-Perfect™ setup, but tell us your preferred string gauge and action at checkout, and we’ll dial it in exactly to your spec before it leaves the shop.

This guitar is covered by our 72-Hour Love-It Guarantee. If you’re not completely inspired by it, just let us know. We’ll make it right.

If you order before 3 PM CST on a weekday, it ships the same day. We’ll get it into your hands fast with free, insured 2-3 day shipping.

Call us at (888) 794-8482. You’ll talk to a real musician who can answer anything you need to know.

Player-Perfect™ Setups

Every guitar we sell is dialed in by seasoned musicians. We obsess over the details—perfect intonation, immaculate fretwork, and ideal action—so your guitar is ready to rip right out of the case. No exceptions.

Advice From Real Players

Call us and you get a fellow musician, not a script. We'll help you compare neck profiles, talk tone, and find the right guitar for you—even if it's not this one. Our reputation is built on honest conversation.

49+ Years Of Trust

Family-owned since 1976, we stand behind everything we sell. That's why we have a 72-Hour Love-It Guarantee. If you're not inspired, send it back on our dime for a full refund. Your satisfaction is our legacy.

BBB Accredited • Top 300 Reverb Seller • Fender Top Rated Dealer