Fender Cunetto Custom Shop Relic Stratocaster Mary Kaye Blonde 1997

A highly collectible and increasingly sought-after early Fender Custom Shop relic, this 1997 Fender Cunetto Relic Stratocaster in Mary Kaye Blonde represents one of the most desirable eras of Fender Custom Shop craftsmanship. Finished in the iconic translucent blonde over ash with gold hardware, this guitar captures the elegance and vintage appeal of the legendary 1950s “Mary Kaye” Strat while showcasing the hand-aged relic work that made the Cunetto-era instruments famous.

Built during the Vince Cunetto relic years—widely regarded as some of the most authentic and best-executed aging work Fender has ever produced—this Stratocaster delivers exceptional vintage feel, tone, and collectibility. Presented in good condition, the guitar retains its original relic treatment and remains structurally excellent, with only normal signs of handling beyond the intentional factory aging.

The ash body and maple neck combination provide classic Strat snap, resonance, and articulation, while the Custom Shop vintage-style pickups deliver sparkling cleans, bell-like highs, and warm, expressive midrange. Every detail, from the aged finish checking to the gold hardware and vintage-correct appointments, reflects Fender’s commitment to recreating the magic of an original 1950s Stratocaster.

A standout piece for collectors and players alike, this Cunetto-era Custom Shop Strat offers vintage-inspired tone and one of Fender’s most celebrated relic finishes.

Specs:
Year: 1997
Make: Fender Custom Shop
Model: Cunetto Relic Stratocaster
Condition: Good
Finish: Mary Kaye Blonde (Relic)
Body: Ash
Neck: Maple
Fingerboard: Maple
Scale Length: 25.5"
Nut Width: 1.650"
Neck Profile: Soft V / Vintage Style
Frets: 21 Vintage-Style
Pickups: Fender Custom Shop Vintage-Style Single-Coils
Controls: Master Volume, 2 Tone, 5-Way Pickup Selector
Bridge: Vintage-Style Synchronized Tremolo
Tuners: Vintage Kluson-Style
Hardware: Gold (aged)
Relic Work: Factory Cunetto Relic aging
Made In: USA
Case: Original Fender Custom Shop tweed hardshell case included