1961 Fender Stratocaster

The Fender Stratocaster is without doubt the most iconic guitar in the history of rock and roll, with vintage examples now becoming more and more sought after by players and collectors alike. This 1961 Fender Stratocaster is a wonderful illustration of the value you can find in a refinished vintage guitar, with the period correct Fiesta Red refinish making this guitar far more attainable than an original custom colour example would be for many. 

Constructed from an Alder body, the Fiesta Red refinish was clearly done a number of years ago, with the finish having noticeably aged and faded to a nice vintage hue. The Maple neck is in excellent condition, with a slab Rosewood fretboard and clay dot fret inlays, which was the orientation of Fender rosewood necks until 1962. The body features the original mint green pick guard, along with a set of excellent sounding black bottom single coil pickups. 

This guitar is in very good condition, with the Fiesta Red refinish having aged nicely. The pencil neck date reads 12-61, while the two original pots date to the 43rd week of 1961, and the changed volume pot dates to the middle of 1985. Paint in the body cavities from the refinish has obscured any neck pocket pencil markings, although the nail holes from the original finishing process are visible.The neck has also been refinished and refretted, with a reproduction period correct 'Spaghetti' Fender logo added. The pickups are the original black bottom single coils, with all cloth wiring appearing present and correct. All hardware including the pick guard, single line Kluson tuners and bridge are original, although the tremolo arm hole has been re-threaded and the saddles are '80s MIJ vintage style equivalents. 

This guitar has been given a full service and appraisal by our luthiers at the Vintage Instrument Workshop, and includes a 3 year warranty.