Fender Custom Shop Stratocaster Relic
Blue over Sunburst — Oversized Headstock
This Fender Custom Shop Stratocaster is one of those guitars that instantly leaves an impression. The rare blue over sunburst relic finish and oversized headstock give it a bold, almost rebellious character, while the tone stays deeply rooted in classic blues.
Manufacturer and Model Background
The Fender Stratocaster, introduced in 1954, became the benchmark for electric blues guitar. By the late 1950s and into the 1960s, the design evolved with rosewood fingerboards and, notably, the larger headstock that appeared from the mid-1960s onward. Within Fender's modern lineup, the Custom Shop builds instruments that combine historical accuracy with artistic freedom.
This guitar clearly falls into that category. The oversized headstock suggests a late-1960s inspired spec, while the blue over sunburst relic finish is a custom aesthetic choice rather than a standard catalog model. These types of guitars are typically built in small numbers or as one-off pieces, making each example unique.
Why This Guitar Matters in Blues
The Stratocaster remains the most expressive platform for blues guitar. Its design allows players to shape tone directly through touch, which is essential in a genre where feel matters more than perfection. The larger headstock variant often adds a slightly different resonance and visual presence — something many players associate with late-1960s and Texas blues tones.
What Respected Blues Guitarists Did With It
Stevie Ray Vaughan made the Stratocaster the definitive blues guitar, using its responsiveness to control everything from subtle phrasing to aggressive attack. Jimmie Vaughan often leaned into slightly cleaner, more vintage Strat tones, showing how versatile the platform can be. John Mayer brought the Strat into a modern context, focusing on articulation and clarity while staying rooted in blues tradition. The oversized headstock version connects most strongly to that late-1960s and SRV-inspired era.
Sound Profile
This guitar delivers everything you expect from a great Strat, but with a slightly more assertive presence.
The oversized headstock — one of the defining visual features of this guitar.
What Makes It Special
The finish is the first thing that grabs attention. The blue layer worn down to reveal a sunburst underneath gives the guitar a completely unique identity. But what really sets this instrument apart is the combination of that finish with the oversized headstock. Visually, it feels more bold, more present — almost like a statement piece on stage.
As a Custom Shop instrument, it also benefits from high-level craftsmanship. The neck feel, fretwork and overall resonance are designed to feel like a guitar that has already been played for decades. That combination of visual boldness and serious playing quality is rare.
This was a guitar Gerbman was genuinely attached to. The combination of tone, feel and especially the look made it a standout instrument in his collection. The oversized headstock and worn blue finish gave it a character that felt different from standard Strats.
In his setup, it worked perfectly with tube amps and blues-oriented pedals, delivering the clarity and dynamics essential for his playing style. At the same time, it became part of a bigger step. To move forward and invest in a higher-level instrument — a Masterbuilt Strat — he made the decision to let this one go.
That makes this guitar part of the story. Not just of his sound, but of his progression as a player.
Rarity and Availability
Custom Shop Stratocasters are widely available, but unique finishes like this are much harder to find. Combined with the oversized headstock and relic work, this makes it somewhat rare. Instruments like this tend to appeal to players who want something visually distinctive as well as tonally strong.
Variants and Alternatives
- Fender Custom Shop Stratocaster — many variants, including exact year recreations
- Fender American Professional Stratocaster — more accessible option in the same family
- Suhr Classic S — boutique alternative with modern precision and similar relic aesthetic
- Nash S-style guitars — known for their relic work and period-correct look
- Original late-1960s Fender Stratocaster — the historical reference, harder to find and far more expensive
