This instrument is in overall absolutely incredible condition, in both playability and and aesthetics. It has been kept in its case by the original owner and all aging was done by the Fender Custom Shop.
A unique take on Fender craftsmanship, the Fender Custom Shop “Not-Rod” ’60s Stratocaster is a rare and distinctive instrument, designed in collaboration with The Music Zoo as part of the “Vintage Not Rod” series. Inspired by Leo Fender’s early experiments, this guitar features a solid maple neck with no truss rod, built on the idea that a perfectly crafted neck doesn’t need adjustment. By eliminating the truss rod channel, this guitar retains more wood, leading to improved resonance, sustain, and a full, organic tone.
Fender Master Builder Mark Kendrick and his team put this design to the test, going as far as standing on the neck to prove its strength. After the test, the neck remained perfectly straight with excellent action, showing that it’s more than capable of handling real-world playing conditions. Without a truss rod, this guitar delivers a lively, open feel with increased natural sustain.
Beyond its unique construction, the “Not-Rod” ’60s Strat delivers everything players love about a vintage Fender. The Red Sparkle nitrocellulose finish gives it a bold look, complemented by a rosewood fingerboard and a set of hand-wound ’60s Strat pickups that provide warm, dynamic, and articulate tones. Whether you’re after shimmering clean tones or expressive overdriven textures, this guitar has the response and depth to handle it all.
For players and collectors alike, the “Not-Rod” ’60s Stratocaster is a rare piece of Fender history, offering classic Strat character with a construction method that sets it apart.
Specifications
Body:
• Material: Select Alder
• Finish: Nitrocellulose Lacquer
• Color: Red Sparkle
• Body Shape: Stratocaster
Neck:
• Material: Quarter-Sawn Maple (No Truss Rod)
• Profile: Nocaster Large “U” / .960“ 1st - 1.00” 12th
• Fingerboard: Dark Indian Rosewood
• Radius: 9.5” (241 mm)
• Scale Length: 25.5” (64.77 cm)
• Number of Frets: 21
• Fret Size: 6105 Narrow-Tall
• Nut Width: 1.650” (42 mm)
• Nut Material: Bone
• Finish: Gloss Nitrocellulose Relic
• Action & Stability: Neck remains straight with low action.
Electronics:
- Pickup Configuration: SSS (Single-Single-Single / RWRP for Hum Cancellation in Positions 2 & 4
- Neck Pickup: Custom Shop ’60s Hand-Wound Single-Coil
- Middle Pickup: Custom Shop ‘60’s Hand-Wound Single-Coil
• Bridge Pickup: Custom Shop ’60s Hand-Wound Single-Coil
• Controls: Master Volume, Tone 1 (Neck & Middle Pickups), Tone 2 (Bridge Pickup)
• Switching: 5-Way Blade
• Position 1: Bridge Pickup
• Position 2: Bridge & Middle Pickup (RWRP)
• Position 3: Middle Pickup
• Position 4: Middle & Neck Pickup (RWRP)
• Position 5: Neck Pickup
Hardware: (Aged hardware throughout)
• Bridge: 6-Saddle American Vintage Synchronized Tremolo
• Tuning Machines: Vintage-Style
• Hardware Finish: Nickel/Chrome
• Pickguard: 3-Ply Mint Green
• Control Knobs: Aged White Plastic
• Switch Tip: White
Miscellaneous:
• Strings: D'Addario NYXL (10-46)
• Included Accessories: Deluxe Hardshell Case, Strap, Bridge-Cover, Certificate of Authenticity
- Weight: 8lbs 1oz with Trem arm and cover
A truly unique vintage-inspired Master Built Fender, the “Not-Rod” ‘60s Stratocaster is built for players who demand rich tone, dynamic resonance, and classic Fender craftsmanship with a unique construction method. Whether you’re drawn to its solid neck design, vibrant Red Sparkle finish, or powerful vintage-style pickups, this guitar is something truly special.
