Gary Moore's 1961 Fender Stratocaster Fiesta Red – History and Replica

History of the 1961 Fender Stratocaster

In 1961, Fender perfected the Stratocaster, giving it features that made it one of the world's most iconic guitars. Some of its key specifications include:

Alder Body: Provides excellent tonal balance between bass, midrange and treble.

Maple neck with rosewood fingerboard: Provides warmth and smoothness in the highs.

7.25” Fingerboard Radius: Promotes comfort in natural chords and bends.

Vintage frets: Smaller than today's, ideal for precise playing.

Single-coil pickups: Generate Fender's characteristic bright and defined sound.

Synchronized tremolo bridge: Allows stable and expressive vibrato effects.

The Fiesta Red finish was a special color in Fender's catalog, popularized by Hank Marvin of The Shadows. This vibrant hue caught the attention of British guitarists and became a classic of the era.

Gary Moore and his Fiesta Red Stratocaster

While Gary Moore is known for his thick, powerful tone on the Les Paul, his 1961 Fiesta Red Stratocaster was also a key piece in his arsenal.

This guitar had a special history: before coming to Moore, it belonged to Tommy Steele, a British guitarist from the 50s and 60s. When Moore acquired it, it was already showing signs of wear, but instead of restoring it, he adapted it to his style with some important modifications:

Refretting with jumbo frets: Allowed for more expressive and comfortable bends.

Natural wear on the fretboard: Over the years, the original 7.25” radius has gradually become approximately 10” due to constant fret work.

Copper shielding in the pickup cavity: Reduced the noise typical of single-coil pickups.

This Stratocaster wasn't his main guitar, but Moore used it on recordings and live, proving that a vintage Strat could sound fierce and full of character.

The Fender Custom Shop replica

Over time, Gary Moore's Fiesta Red Stratocaster became a cult favorite. Fender Custom Shop, in collaboration with master builder John Cruz, created an exact replica, carefully considering every detail of the aging and modifications the original guitar had undergone.

The result was a limited edition with hand-wound pickups, a perfectly worn nitro relic finish, and the unique feel of a guitar with history.

Get your own replica at Bad Dog Custom Guitars

If you've always dreamed of owning a Fiesta Red Stratocaster like Gary Moore's, at Bad Dog Custom Guitars we offer the chance to make it a reality.

We manufacture handcrafted replicas in Spain, using top-quality materials and reproducing every detail of Moore's iconic guitar.

Features of our replica

🎸 American alder body for balanced resonance.

🎸 Maple neck with carved Rosewood fingerboard with a profile like the originals oval-C or medium C.

🎸 Hand-wound single-coil pickups.

🎸 Finished in Fiesta Red nitrocellulose, with relic-style distressing to capture the vintage vibe.

🎸 Jumbo frets and custom fingerboard radius, enhancing the playing experience.

🎸 Made entirely by hand in Spain, guaranteeing quality and attention to every detail.

✔ Competitive prices without compromising quality

✔ Customization options to suit your style

✔ 100% handcrafted construction faithful to vintage tradition

If you're looking for an authentic replica of Gary Moore's Stratocaster, contact us at Bad Dog Custom Guitars and we'll help you build the guitar of your dreams.

The Legacy of Gary Moore's Stratocaster

The 1961 Fender Stratocaster in Fiesta Red is a guitar that has left its mark on the history of rock and blues. While Moore will always be remembered for his Les Paul, his vintage Stratocaster proved that this model could also be aggressive, expressive, and full of emotion.

The Fender Custom Shop reissue and replicas like those from Bad Dog Custom Guitars prove that this guitar remains a source of inspiration for musicians around the world.

If you want to see what this Strat sounds like in action, here's a video comparing Gary Moore's original with the Fender Custom Shop replica: