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 example of a pre-CBS, slab board Fender Stratocaster, made slightly more affordable thank to a Black refinish. 

Constructed from an Alder body and Maple neck, this guitar was refinished by the previous owner in the mid 1970's, having purchased the guitar from a friend of his brother. Unfortunately, or fortunately depending on how much patience you have for a restoration project, we believe this Black finish to have gone straight over the top of a Fullerton factory Fiesta Red custom colour. There is evidence in areas of the body, specifically the neck pocket, where the original factory finishing method has been preserved, and small areas of play wear show paint layers consistent with a factory Fiesta Red beneath a grey primer coat, and final Black refinish coat. 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 early 1962. The body features the original mint green pick guard, along with a set of excellent sounding black bottom single coil pickups which are original to the guitar and appear untampered with. 

This guitar is in very good condition, with the Black refinish having checked and aged nicely over the years. The pencil neck date reads 7-61, while the 3 original pots date to the 23rd and 21st weeks of 1961. 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 in certain areas. The neck sports some play wear to the rear giving a nice played in feel, and the frets appear original, albeit on the lower side. The pickups are the original black bottom single coils, with all cloth wiring appearing present and correct, although a small piece of newer cloth wire has been added to extend the lead to the jack output. We assumed this was addressed after having been cut to get the pickguard off for the refin.

All hardware including the pick guard, single line Kluson tuners and bridge are original. There is evidence the solder for grounds on the back of pots has been redone at some point. There has also been a small Jaguar style switch added above the 3 way pickup selector, allowing the neck to be brought in while in the bridge position. The previous owner states this mod had been carried out before he purchased the guitar. The work has been carried out well, and while clearly old, we imagine it was done by a luthier some time after the guitar arrived in the UK. 

As with all our vintage instruments, this guitar has been given a thorough service by the Vintage Instrument Workshop and is guaranteed for 2 years in line with our vintage instrument warranty. Get an additional 3 years workshop warranty cover with the No.Tom Guitars Extended Warranty. This guitar also includes a non original case.