Pre CBS 1961 Fender Stratocaster with its original 3 tone sunburst finish. The finish has got plenty of marks to show for its age and use – until recently this was a gigging guitar, then the owner decided it was a bit too valuable to be out on the road. We have shown plenty of pictures of the marks and the dings but it just has a great road-worn look. The pencil written neck code of 7/61 and body details confirm the 1961 date – the neck plate serial number comes back to 1962 but it is not unusual for these to be a year (or more) out as the process within Fender was not a robust sequential one.
The guitar has had a few changes to it over the years – The neck, body, tremolo block, saddles, back plate and jack are all original to the 1961, however the body has been routed out for a neck position humbucker (see picture) at some point in the past. The original scratch plate and electrics obviously went elsewhere at that point – what is in place now is a 1966 loaded scratch plate with 1966 pots, wiring and pickups. The 1966 3-way switch is included in the sale but the guitar currently has a modern 5-way switch. The tuners are repro Kluson no-line tuners. Weight is a very reasonable 3.45kg (7.7 lbs) as someone always asks. The guitar has been setup with a new set of Dragon Skin 10s and plays just beautifully – and to top it off it comes complete with a late 60s Fender case (possibly original to the ’66 guitar that donated the electrics??).
Shipping - Hand delivered in mainland UK for £75
Customers outside of the UK should contact Vintage Rare & Retro for a shipping quotation.
