Fender CS '68 Strat, relic black, made in USA 2018. This is a very classy piece. In 1968, the Stratocaster was evolving under CBS management: it got a large headstock with TV-friendly bold black decals and a maple cap fretboard on a neck with no skunk stripe, while keeping the heel-end truss adjuster and four bolt neck joint of earlier models. It's hard to separate these big headstock Strats from Jimi Hendrix... in his shadow we all stand, and channeling a little of his mojo is always welcome. The relic black finish is beautifully executed, it's not too heavy handed and could easily pass for standard play wear. The neck is on the chunky side, with as generous chunky D profile, which makes for a sturdy and reassuring feel in the hands. The pickups translate a generous natural brightness and punch to a full, bright tone brimming with attack and presence. The in-between positions are especially plonky, it's proper Strat stuff. A brand new CS example built to these specs would fetch $7-8k AUD, so scoring a 9/10 condition used example seems like a smart buy to me. If you're inly going to buy one Strat, do it right. 

Model: Fender Custom Shop 1968 Stratocaster Relic
Made: Corona USA, 2018 (serial CZ533148)
Body: alder, two piece centre join
Neck: maple with maple cap board, dot inlays, 9.5" radius, 25.5" scale, chunky D shape
Weight: 3.675kg
Mods: none
Pickups: Custom Shop Handwound '69 single coil x2 (neck, middle) abnd Handwound Texas Special (bridge)
Case: Custom Shop G&G case inc certificate of authenticity and all docs and tags

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has some dimples on the bottom edge. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, no major marks. The body is a relic finish so it's tricky to know what's 'factory applied wear' and what's actual play wear, but there's no nasty knocks or dings to note, just the usual relic marks.  Overall: excellent condition (9/10)

Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electrics tested and working properly. Frets have minor wear only, they look great, 9/10 for fret life left. Wearing fresh 10/46 Moonshiners strings.