We're not gonna lie - we're suckers for a Candy Apple Red Strat, and this '59 Custom Shop model hits all the right notes.

Starting with a 2-piece Alder body, flat laminate rosewood fingerboard, and rift-sawn maple neck, this 2023 '59 Strat brings things into the modern era via a 9.5" fingerboard radius, 6100 jumbo frets, Vintage Modified Wiring (2nd tone is assigned to the bridge pickup), and hand-wound Texas Special pickups.

The Oval C neck carve - .79-.93" - is really comfy and a carve we immediately fell in love with. The fret work is outstanding, as is the wear on the back of the neck, it should be noted. The frets show no wear, btw.

All of these specs combine to provide an easier to playing Strat vs the specs you'd find on a vintage Strat. The fingerboard is a touch flatter than the vintage 7.25" radius, which helps eliminate "fretting out" when bending notes past the 12th fret. Most players like having a tone control wired to their bridge pickup as this is where things can get a touch too bright sonically, so it's nice to have it wired this way from the factory (vs modding).

Tones? Chimey, clear, medium output...exactly what we want from a great Strat, honestly. The Texas Special pickups are over-wound for increased output, and are made with alnico 5 magnets and enamel-coated magnet wire for great midrange bite with crystalline highs and tight bass.