Fender Custom Shop Michael Landau 1963 Relic Strat Fiesta Red

General

Fender's Michael Landau Signature Stratocaster is available in two versions. One is based on his 1968 Stratocaster, and this version on his Strat from 1963. In fact, when Landau saw this version he was so impressed with it that it replaced the Strat he was using on tour. In the '60s there was often a shortage of plain coloured Stratocaster bodies. Fender solved this problem by spraying over Sunburst finished versions in the popular Fiesta Red colour. After heavy use, Landau's Strat began to show signs of wear and tear with the Sunburst finish becoming visible again, something Fender have recreated on this instrument. The Fiesta Red finish has also been somewhat faded to replicate the aged look of the original. Fender's Custom Shop has gone to great lengths to make this guitar as authentic as possible.

Custom Shop 1963 Relic Stratocaster: construction

The 1963 version differs from the 1968 version with a smaller headstock and the special colour combination. Apart from that, both models are fairly similar in order to deliver the typical warm Landau sound. The body is made of specially selected alder that is light in weight. It is finished with a thin nitrocellulose lacquer that gives extra resonance and a vintage look. For optimal playing comfort, the neck has a modified C profile that fits comfortably in the hand. The typical sparkling sounds and warmth that you expect from a Fender are delivered by three Custom Shop Fat '50s single coils. These pickups have been hand-wound to provide just the right output.

Michael Landau

Any idea what Seal, Michael Jackson, Pink Floyd and Miles Davis have in common? They've all worked with session legend Michael Landau, of course! At a relatively young age, Landau was exposed to the turbulent jazz world in Los Angeles. He started playing guitar when he was eleven years old. A few years later, he went on tour with Robben Ford - another talented musician. Taking the advice of his friend Steve Lukather (Toto), Michael began doing session work at the age of 20, which he has now been doing for over 30 years! The Michael Landau Custom Shop Artist Signature 1963 Relic Strat in Fiesta Red over 3-Colour Sunburst is delivered with a luxury case and accessories.