As of 2024, it’s been 80 years since the first Stratocaster left the Fender factory in Fullerton, California, on its way to world renown and acclaim. Today, Fender offers Stratocaster models that fit any budget and satisfy diverse player preferences, from sonics to feel and appearance. Alto Music is pleased to offer this special Stratocaster, designed for the player who seeks a vintage feel and appearance, contemporary playability, and a classic sonic character with just a touch of modern heat. If this sounds anything like the guitar of your dreams, this Fender Custom Shop Limited Edition “L-series” Journeyman Stratocaster might be your new #1.

Knowing precisely what the terms “L-series” and “Journeyman” stand for is essential for understanding everything this unique modern collectible/pro player Custom Shop has in store for you. “L-series” is a term vintage guitar collectors and enthusiasts use to identify 1964 Fender guitars and basses due to their unique “L prefix” serial numbers-- representing the last full year of the Pre-CBS Leo Fender era. Fender's special “Journeyman” treatment is a specific type of Relic process that simulates years of heavy play in the hands of a pro musician— emphasizing a well-broken-in feel, gently modernized playability, and naturally aged, well-cared-for appearance.

This 1964 “L-series” reissue Strat features a two-piece body with original 1963 contours, cut from hand-selected lightweight and resonant Alder for that classic Strat shimmer. The slightly faded “Foam Green” lacquer finish smacks of “Surf” era cool, and the deep surface checking adds beautifully aged character. Excellent playability starts with the 63/64 C-shaped neck carve that starts slim and gets chunky around the 12th fret.

Players of all types will especially love the Journeyman treatment, which features a “worn smooth” unfinished maple neck, capped AAA rosewood board, a 9.5” radius, and 6105 Dunlop fret wire—as if it’s been carefully re-fretted and planned over years of play. Under the nitro-relic parchment 3-ply guard, you’ll find a trio of hand-wound and matched Custom Shop Texas Special pickups for a vintage tone with a touch of modern attitude--that cleans up nicely by rolling back the volume control.