The Fender Stratocaster is without doubt one of the most iconic guitars ever made, and early 1960s examples have become increasingly sought after by both players and collectors. This 1961 Stratocaster has all the features you would expect from an early slab board model, finished in its original 3 Tone Sunburst and showing plenty of genuine play wear from over 60 years of use.
The alder body is dated 5-61 and retains its original Sunburst finish, with noticeable areas of wear through to the wood and plenty of natural ageing. The maple neck is dated 4-61 and is fitted with its original slab Rosewood fingerboard with clay dot inlays. The three layer mint green pickguard is also original, showing only the minor ageing and discolouration expected from this period.
All three black bottom single coil pickups are original and untouched. The cloth wiring remains present throughout, while the three potentiometers are matching examples dated to the 14th week of 1961, all carrying the 304 6114 code. The body routs are correct for the period and the original single line Kluson tuners are still fitted. There is some wear to the original spaghetti logo decal on the headstock, but it remains completely intact.
The guitar has had a few minor changes and repairs over the years. The output jack had previously been replaced, with the original retained in the case. We have now had the original jack refitted, although one of the cloth wires was clipped during the previous work. An additional butterfly string tree has also been added.
The rear of the neck has been lightly sanded at some point, giving it a slightly played in feel. There is also a small hairline crack to the rear of the headstock in line with the tuner screws. This has been glued and clamped by our luthiers and is now completely secure.
At 3.41kg, this is a comfortable and lively 1961 Stratocaster with a great feel and plenty of character. It retains its original pickups, electronics and most of its hardware, while the wear to the finish gives it the look of a genuinely well played guitar rather than one that has simply been stored away for decades. The guitar comes with its original brown Tolex hard case, tremolo arm, ashtray bridge cover and rear tremolo cavity cover.
As with all vintage instruments, this guitar has been given a full service and appraisal by the Vintage Instrument Workshop, and includes a 2 year warranty.
