Fender USA VINTAGE Stratocaster '69 Laminate Maple Fingerboard CandyAppleRed/M

Since its release in 1954, the Fender Stratocaster has remained a beloved model among guitarists worldwide. When people think of electric guitars, this is the shape that comes to mind for many.

This latest arrival is a 1969 Stratocaster with a large headstock. Early CBS logo models, featuring the prominent "WITH SYNCHRONIZED TREMOLO" inscription, are highly valued and popular in the market. This particular guitar boasts a rare specification in Fender guitar history: a so-called "laminated maple" fretboard, and a custom Candy Apple Red color. Packed with rare specifications, and being a model from the early days of the CBS (Columbia Broadcasting System) era when production numbers were not yet very high, it is exceptionally rare on a global scale.

【body】
The total weight is approximately 3.65 kg. The body is made of alder. The finish used during this period is "Fender Thick-Skin High-Gloss," which uses polyester as the base coat (white on this guitar). The rare custom color "Candy Apple Red Metallic" finish has faded nicely, with the body top having a beautiful orange metallic sheen and the body back retaining a slightly reddish tint compared to the top. Overall, there are weather checkings, dents, scratches with paint peeling, and tarnishing on the metal parts, giving it a wonderful vintage guitar feel. The back panel has been replaced.

【neck】
The neck is made of maple. The fingerboard is a rare laminated maple construction. It's a nice touch that the brand logo on the headstock, which is often damaged during this period, is still clearly visible. Overall, there is some minor weather checking, dents from the headstock to the back of the neck, wear on the fingerboard from playing, and tarnishing of the metal parts, giving it a vintage guitar feel, just like the body. The tuners are Fender F-key, and they function well with little variation in winding. The frets and nut have been replaced by our shop, and the playability is very good. Headstock thickness is 15.7mm. Nut width is 41.9mm. It features a relatively sturdy neck shape.

[Electrical System]
The controls are in the orthodox Stratocaster style: 3-way pickup selector, master volume, neck (front) position tone, and center position tone. The pickups are the original gray bobbin type, known for their loud and responsive sound, and the control components, including the pickups, are in their original condition.

With its alder body and laminated maple fretboard—a combination rarely seen during this period—it boasts an impressive attack with a fast response, a solid midrange, and a glossy, clear high end. In clean tones, it outputs a sparkling and deep sound, while in overdrive mode, it delivers a raw and tenacious tone reminiscent of the late 1960s rock and blues scene.

Accessories: Fender black Tolex hard case

Weight: 3.65kg
Body Material: Alder
Neck Material/Scale: Maple 1 piece/648mm (25-1/2inch)
Fingerboard/Fret Marker/Radius: Maple round laminate/Black dot/184.15mm (7.25inch)
Nut Width/Fret Size (width): 41.9mm (replaced)/2.5mm (replaced), 21F
Neck Thickness (1F/7F/12F): 21.7mm/23.6mm/24.7mm
Capacitor: Dielectron CircleD 0.05μF 50V
Pickup (Neck/Center/Bridge): Fender Stratocaster Gray Bobbin Staggard Polepiece (5.85kΩ/5.9kΩ/6.0kΩ)
*The DC resistance value of the pickup is measured through the control section.

Heartman Vintage Guitars is a specialty store for vintage guitars and basses operated by Ikebe Musical Instruments.