If there's one vintage Stratocaster year that guitarists argue about in hushed, reverent tones, it's 1964 — the last of the pre-CBS golden era, before the suits arrived and the magic started to fade. The Interstellar Tone Traveler has landed a stunning example of exactly that blueprint, rendered in all its Custom Shop glory: a 2023 Fender Custom Shop 1964 Strat HSS in Journeyman Relic Candy Apple Red. That lacquer finish has been masterfully aged to look like a well-loved road warrior — just enough checking, just enough wear to feel like a guitar with a past — while the roasted flame maple neck and Indian Rosewood 3A fingerboard bring a modern premium the originals never had. The compound 9.5"–12" radius and 6100 jumbo frets mean you get that vintage feel up the neck and killer bending territory as you climb toward the stars.

What sets this one apart from a standard '64 build is the HSS pickup configuration — a pairing that takes the legendary HW 64 Strat middle and neck pickups and drops an EVH WH Zebra humbucker in the bridge position, giving this guitar a tonal range that can surf across entire galaxies in a single set. Single-coil shimmer and quack on positions 2, 3, and 4; thunderous, focused humbucker muscle when you need it. At 7 lbs 15 oz, it's a comfortable long-hauler, and it arrives with its original Custom Shop Tan case, Certificate of Authenticity, and Floor Travel Sheet — the full astronaut kit. Pre-owned, mint condition. This one barely left the atmosphere.

Condition Notes: Pre-owned in mint condition. Plays and presents flawlessly. Includes original Custom Shop hardshell case, Certificate of Authenticity, and Floor Travel Sheet.

Model: 1964 Strat HSS 
Year: 2023
Condition: Mint
Color: Candy Apple Red 
Finish: Lacquer 
Aging: Journeyman Relic 

Body: Alder
Neck: Roasted Flame Maple 
Fingerboard: Indian Rosewood 3A (Round Lam)
Radius: 9.5" - 12"
Neck Shape: '63 Strat Style "C"
Frets: 6100 Jumbo 
Nut: Bone (1.650")
Truss Rod: Vintage
Bridge Pickup: EVH WH Zebra
Middle Pickup: HW 64 Strat
Neck Pickup: HW 64 Strat 
Controls:  Volume, Tone, Tone, 5-Way 
Bridge: Fender Vintage Trem
Pickguard: 60 Strat P/B/P
Tuning Machines: Vintage Fender w/Logo
Case: Custom Shop Tan
Weight: 7lbs 15oz
Specials: COA - Floor Travel Sheet