Introducing the 1968 Stratocaster® DLX Closet Classic, a highlight of the 2023 Fender Custom Shop collection, paying homage to the late 1960s, 55 years after its predecessor. Boasting a deluxe closet classic lacquer with carefully selected alder body options in 3-color sunburst, aged vintage white, aged blue ice metallic, and aged teal green metallic, this model showcases a meticulously aged finish for a polished appearance. The combination of subtle cracks, hardware rust, and gentle aging produces a distinctive and refined instrument, akin to the sophistication of high-class wine, reviving the essence of the iconic Stratocaster with a touch of nostalgia.

The flat-horn maple neck features a '68-'69 style "U" profile, offering a slightly thick feel. The 9.5-inch radius round laminated maple fingerboard hosts 21 narrow-tall frets (6105) and maintains a then-faithful polyurethane finish, complete with a bone nut. Equipped with Custom Shop hand-wound '69 Underwound Stratocaster pickups, the guitar boasts the ® wiring and a 5-way switch, delivering a clear and airy tone with expressive and delicate dynamics.

Additional premium features encompass a 3-ply parchment pickguard, a vintage synchronized tremolo bridge crafted by the Custom Shop, Schaller® "F" tuners, and a bone nut with nylon spacer. The guitar is equipped with a deluxe hard shell case and includes a strap and a genuine product certificate.