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Fender guitars are known for their iconic colors and finishes. The shell pink color has become one of the most recognizable Fender colors over the years. Determining the exact color code for Fender shell pink can help guitar enthusiasts match colors for refinishing and customization projects.
Shell pink was first introduced on the Fender Stratocaster in the 1960s. It was a softer, lighter pink color than the hot pink Dakota Red that was also available at the time. The shell pink finish became popular on both Stratocasters and Telecasters over the following decades, appearing on various limited edition and signature model guitars.
There are a few different color codes used by Fender over the years that correspond to a shell pink finish. Getting the precise code will help make sure any projects involving Fender shell pink colors will match the original finishes.
Original 1960s Fender Shell Pink
The original shell pink color used by Fender in the 1960s was known as Fiesta Red. This was a lighter, more subtle pink than the bold Dakota Red finish.
The code for the 1960s Fiesta Red / shell pink color was #FFD5D0. This hex code translates to a RGB value of 255, 213, 208. The lighter pink tone had a soft, muted quality that gave vintage shell pink Fenders a distinctive look.
This original 1960s Fiesta Red finish can be seen on Fender guitars like the 1962 Pink Paisley Stratocaster and the 1967 Pink Stratocaster. The soft pink color achieved an elegant, understated appearance that made shell pink a favorite finish.
Fender Shell Pink in the 1970s and 1980s
In the 1970s and 1980s, Fender used a slightly different color code for their shell pink finishes. This era of Fender shell pink is listed as Shell Pink itself, without the Fiesta Red name.
The color code used for Shell Pink in this period was #FFD5DE. The RGB values are 255, 213, 222 for this tone. It remains a light pink but with a very subtle shift towards more of a lavender pink when compared to the 1960s Fiesta Red.
Some iconic Fender guitars from the 1970s and 1980s finished in Shell Pink include the 1975 Pink Paisley Telecaster, 1979 Venus Stratocaster, and 1980s contemporary Strat Plus models. The Shell Pink name and updated color code was used up until the 1990s.
Modern Fender Shell Pink
In recent years, Fender has brought back the shell pink finish on various models. The company now uses a different color code that differs slightly from the original 1960s and later Shell Pink colors.
The current color code used by Fender for shell pink is #FDE9EC. This hex code corresponds to RGB values of 253, 233, 236. The color is a lighter, brighter pink when compared to the vintage shell pink tones.
Some modern Fender guitars finished in shell pink include signature models for Avril Lavigne and Courtney Cox. The updated color still retains a soft pink look but reflects a more contemporary take on shell pink.
Comparing Fender Shell Pink Colors
| Time Period | Color Name | Hex Code | RGB Values |
| 1960s | Fiesta Red | #FFD5D0 | 255, 213, 208 |
| 1970s-1980s | Shell Pink | #FFD5DE | 255, 213, 222 |
| Modern | Shell Pink | #FDE9EC | 253, 233, 236 |
This table summarizes the different color codes and values associated with Fender shell pink over time. The 1960s Fiesta Red is a muted, vintage-looking pink. The 1970s-80s Shell Pink lightened up the tone slightly. The modern Shell Pink uses a brighter, more saturated pink color.
Examining the specific hex and RGB color codes shows how Fender’s shell pink has evolved gradually over time. The colors are similar but each era’s finish has its own unique identity. Knowing the precise color values will help match shell pink colors for guitar refinishing and other projects.
Matching Modern Fender Shell Pink
When taking on a project that involves matching or reproducing the Fender shell pink color, using the modern color code of #FDE9EC will provide the closest equivalent. This brighter pink is in line with current finishes from Fender.
There are a few different ways to reproduce this modern shell pink tone:
– Use #FDE9EC to match it precisely with paints or products that utilize hex color codes. The RGB values of 253, 233, 236 can also be inputted where required.
– Refer to it as Fender Modern Shell Pink when using specific guitar and auto paints that may include this as a preset option.
– Visually compare the #FDE9EC swatch against paint color options to find the closest match for products that don’t use hex codes.
– Use caution when matching to vintage shell pinks, as those color codes will provide a more muted, lighter pink.
With modern clear coats and paint formulas, the current #FDE9EC Fender shell pink will give the most accurate match to recent guitars. This avoids the finish taking on a different appearance and ensures the proper bright pink tone is achieved.
Achieving a Vintage Fender Shell Pink Look
While the modern Fender shell pink is a bright, crisp color, some guitar projects require matching the softer vintage appearance instead. There are a few options to achieve this classic shell pink look:
– Use the 1960s Fiesta Red color code of #FFD5D0 when possible to get the original muted shell pink hue.
– Select a paint with a satin or flat finish rather than glossy clear coat to reduce brightness.
– Lightly sand or distress a pink paint job after application to simulate a worn-in, faded finish.
– Use small amounts of white, orange or red paints to custom mix a shell pink to match guitars like the 1960s Pink Paisley Strat.
– Match the #FFD5DE Shell Pink code from the 70s-80s to get an in-between tone of vintage and modern pinks.
With experimentation and paint blending, the soft pinks of older Fender shell pink guitars can be recreated. The unique faded and aged appearance of vintage colors is part of their appeal.
Comparing Fender Shell Pink to Other Colors
The shell pink color sits in between Fender’s bright, transparent red guitar finishes and the very light pinks like Daphne or Surf Green.
Fender’s Dakota Red is a hot pink color with more saturation and brightness than shell pink. It has a deeper, bolder tone.
Fender rosewood and candy apple red colors are also much deeper red tones compared to shell pink. Shoreline Gold Metallic is lighter than shell pink.
The Daphne Blue and Surf Green finishes are light, pale pink colors less vibrant than shell pink. Shell pink strikes a balance between bold pinks and pastel pink hues.
Use of Shell Pink on Other Guitar Brands
While known as a classic Fender finish, shell pink colors have also been used on guitars from other brands over the years:
– Gibson has produced models in Vintage Pink, Heather Pink and Faded Cherry Pink that approximate Fender shell pink tones.
– Gretsch guitars have been available in Shell Pink as well as sparkling Burgundy Mist pink colors.
– PRS offers shell pink colors on models like the Zach Myers SE signature guitar.
– Ibanez, Music Man, Jackson and Yamaha have all manufactured guitars in variants of shell and faded pinks.
The soft, elegant pink look complements many guitar shapes and styles. Shell pink has inspired similar colors across many guitar brands beyond its Fender origins.
Conclusion
Determining the precise color code for Fender shell pink reveals how the iconic finish has progressed over their long history. From the vintage 1960s Fiesta Red to the brighter modern Shell Pink, guitarists can match these colors for refinishing and restoration work.
The original muted 1960s shell pink, the slightly updated 1970s-80s tone and the current saturated pink each have distinctive appearances. By knowing the exact hex codes and RGB values, projects can accurately recreate these shell pink hues. Fender’s shell pink remains an instantly recognizable guitar color that has inspired many other brands.
