The fabled Cunetto Relic Stratocaster!
Starting in 1995 the Fender custom shop started offering “reliced” guitars. For the first 40 years of the lifespan of electric guitars, guitars were considered “used“ of refurbishing to look nicer. Sometime in the 1980s folks began to look at these well played instruments Differently. It may have been from the influence of players like Stevie Ray Vaughan. Whose number one guitar was an extremely well worn vintage Stratocaster.
For the first five years or so, the work was not done in house, but farmed out to a man named Vince Cunetto. His relicing work was very tasteful, and gave the guitar slightly worn in look without being unsightly.
This is one of his 57 reissues. It’s got a lovely see-through blonde finish with an ash body. Look that grain peeking through! There is a simulated fingerboard wear as well. This one has nickel hardware and a white single ply pick guard. This one has nickel hardware and a white single ply pick guard.
Another feature of these early the presence of a physically stamped/embossed custom shop logo into the wood. No ink is used. Check out the photo for a look at what I’m talking about.
These guitars also have John Cruz‘s name stamped on them. He was involved in QC at the time.
The guitar comes in the original case, with the COA, and some case candy. Nothing else is included, except what you see in the photos. The sign is not included.