{"product_id":"1958-fender-stratocaster-mary-kaye","title":"1958 Fender Stratocaster 'Mary Kaye'","description":"\u003cp class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\" data-end=\"1287\" data-start=\"340\"\u003eThe Fender Stratocaster had already established itself as one of the most important electric guitars ever produced by the time this exceptional 1958 example left the Fullerton factory. Whilst the vast majority of Stratocasters from the period were finished in the familiar Two Tone Sunburst, Fender would occasionally accommodate special factory orders, producing a small number of instruments in alternative finishes and specifications. Among the rarest and most sought after of these are the factory Blonde Stratocasters fitted throughout with 14 karat gold plated hardware, a specification that would later become known as the \"Mary Kaye\" Stratocaster. Never an official Fender model, these guitars take their name from the famous 1956 publicity photographs featuring musician Mary Kaye with a similarly appointed Stratocaster, and today remain amongst the most desirable and collectable instruments of the entire pre CBS era.\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1959\" data-start=\"1289\"\u003eThis 1958 example is an exceptionally original guitar, retaining all of the features collectors hope to find on a genuine factory ordered Blonde and gold hardware Stratocaster. The translucent Blonde finish displays the striking grain of the ash body beneath, whilst the guitar retains all of the characteristic hallmarks of Fender's original custom colour finishing process. The factory finishing pin holes beneath the pickguard remain untouched and free from paint, and pencil dates remain clearly visible, with the body dated 2-58 and the maple neck carrying a corresponding 4-58 date at the butt.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2598\" data-start=\"1961\"\u003eThe maple neck features the more late 1950s profile associated with this period, as Fender transition away from the 'V' shaped profile, retaining its original frets and nut, along with the original gold spaghetti logo decal, which shows signs of honest wear acquired over time. The original gold butterfly string tree and factory fitted single line Kluson Deluxe tuners remain present, while the rest of the original 14 karat gold plated hardware survives throughout, including the bridge, saddles, tremolo arm and the gold plated truss rod adjustment nut.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3351\" data-start=\"2600\"\u003eThe electronics remain remarkably well preserved and untouched. All three original black bobbin Fender single coil pickups are present with their original cloth wiring and original pickup covers, delivering the wonderfully open, articulate and bell like tone that has made Stratocasters from this period so revered. The original white 'chicklet' paper tone capacitor remains in place, while the volume and one tone control retain matching Stackpole date codes of 304 723, dating to the 23rd week of 1957. The remaining tone potentiometer is also original, although its full code is partially obscured beneath the factory solder. The tremolo claw solder joints remain completely intact, further underlining the originality of the instrument.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"4019\" data-start=\"3353\"\u003eElsewhere, the guitar retains its original single ply pickguard, original shielding plate, original control knobs, switch tip, tremolo back plate and the complete set of original gold screws. The original three way CRL Patent Number switch has been professionally replaced with a modern five way selector to provide the additional pickup combinations preferred by many players today, though importantly the original switch is included in the case and can easily be reinstated if desired. Likewise, the original rubber pickup height spacers have been replaced with springs for practical use, with the original rubber grommets retained in the case.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"4660\" data-start=\"4021\"\u003eOriginal examples of factory ordered Blonde Stratocasters with factory fitted gold hardware have always occupied the very highest level of vintage Fender collecting, with originality being absolutely paramount. This guitar possesses all of the features expected of a genuine example, whilst remaining beautifully preserved throughout with an exceptional level of originality and only minor signs of play wear, lacquer checking and patina accrued over years of careful playing. Complete with its original tweed hard case, this is a truly outstanding example of one of the rarest and most iconic Stratocaster specifications ever produced, representing an opportunity to acquire one of the finest and most desirable pre CBS Fender models.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis guitar has been given a full service and appraisal by our luthiers at the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/thevintageinstrumentworkshop.com\/\" title=\"Vintage Instrument Workshop\"\u003eVintage Instrument Workshop\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, and includes a 2 year warranty.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003ciframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/fOaLGKeBjkM?si=TNXjzwUt5XrPL2oh\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Fender","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57028963303802,"sku":null,"price":94995.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0254\/1189\/files\/1958-Mary-Kaye-full-front.jpg?v=1782836825","url":"https:\/\/notomguitars.com\/products\/1958-fender-stratocaster-mary-kaye","provider":"No.Tom Guitars","version":"1.0","type":"link"}