A Masterbuilt ’63 Strat with Soul to Spare
Real talk—a Masterbuilt Fender is less an instrument and more a lifelong collaborator. And when the master in question is the legendary Yuriy Shishkov, you’re in for something truly special. This pre-owned 2025 ’63 Stratocaster is a prime example of his artistry. It’s got the Journeyman Relic finish, giving it the authentic vibe of a guitar that’s seen its share of gigs but was clearly someone’s number one—loved and cared for, with every ding telling a story.
Tone That Breathes
At the heart of this Strat is a classic combination: a resonant Alder body with deep ’62 contours, finished in a timeless black nitro. The engine room is a trio of Hand-Wound 60’s Strat pickups, with a reverse-wrapped middle pickup for hum-canceling in positions 2 and 4. This setup delivers all the iconic Strat tones you’re after—glassy neck pickup warmth, quacky in-between tones, and a bridge pickup with enough bite to cut through any mix without sounding harsh.
Unmatched Playing Experience
The neck is where Shishkov’s mastery truly shines. It’s carved from 5/4 quartersawn maple for incredible stability and resonance, shaped into the coveted ’60 Style Oval “C” profile that feels instantly familiar. Topped with a stunning, dark Brazilian Rosewood fingerboard with a modern 9.5″ radius and Narrow Tall frets, it’s built for comfort and effortless playability. The Journeyman relic treatment on the neck feels like a perfectly broken-in vintage piece, smooth and fast from the first note.
