MIM Fender ’60s parts
Fender factory body and neck, made in Mexico, all ’60s specs.
← Back to Work
Penny
Candy apple red ’60s Strat — still the most stable.
A candy apple red 1960s-style Strat. Named Penny — the color scheme reminded me of Penny from the old Inspector Gadget cartoons. Body and neck are Fender factory parts, made in Mexico, all ’60s specs. Upgraded almost everything else for tuning stability after The Pig: Hipshot staggered locking tuners (no string trees), TUSQ nut, substantial traditional Strat bridge and tremolo from Fender patterned after 1960s style, Fender Custom Shop Texas Special pickups, upgraded pots, wiring, and switches. Candy apple red with mint green pickguard, knobs, and switch tips. A lot of fretwork on this one. Still my most stable guitar; sounds incredible, if a bit hot for a Strat. Only real complaint is weight — the body’s quite heavy.
Build details
Early guitar work — really assembly; the woodworking hadn’t started yet. Built for tuning stability after The Pig.
Tuning stability
Hipshot staggered locking tuners, TUSQ nut, and a substantial traditional Strat bridge and tremolo.
Texas Special pickups
Fender Custom Shop Texas Specials, plus upgraded pots, wiring, and switches.
Still the most stable
A little hot for a Strat, and heavy — still the one I trust.
Current status
Finished 2014; still in regular use.