1959 Fender Stratocaster Sunburst

Weight: 7 lbs 10 oz

Neck Depth 1st: .78"

Neck Depth 12th fret: .99"

1959 was a pivotal year for Fender and the Stratocaster. After debuting the Jazzmaster just a year before--a guitar Fender considered to be the most high-end solid body out there--the Stratocaster got a significant makeover. The Brazilian rosewood "slab board" fret board improved playability and provided an upgraded aesthetic. It came complete with a new 3-ply nitrate pickguard and a factory sunburst finish ushering in a new golden era for the Strat.  

We are excited to present one of these fine models at our Ohio City showroom! This guitar is in 100% original condition and sounds like a dream.  All hardware and electronics are factory installed right down to the aluminum shielding plate under the pickguard. All three original black bottom pickups sound clear, balanced, and ooze harmonics.  The original 3-way switch is still installed, but don't worry those "in-between" sounds are still there. With just a little positioning you'll have a quack that would make Mark Knopfler grin. Setup is about as perfect as can be, and the original frets (though small) play perfectly all the way up and down the neck with speed and no buzz.  

This guitar looks to have a build date of September 1959, dated by the pencil mark behind the Tremolo Springs in the body cavity. Fender notoriously left out neck stamps for many of their guitars during a brief period in late 1959 to early 1960.  (Lore is some Fender employees got caught writing profane words in the cavity and customers weren't too happy with that, so Fender suspended the process for a while). That being said, this Strat would be one of those with no original date stamp from the factory.  The serial number 39995 is considered to be a late 59' serial number, and the original Stackpole Potentiometers are dated to the 20th week of 1959 as well.

Cosmetically this guitar is in pretty darn good shape for being 67 years old, though shows a few signs of degradation over the years.  There is some obvious wear on the lower horn cutaway that is through the finish and slightly into the wood.  The logo is clear and crisp with a little rub out of the first "T" in "Stratocaster".  There is no overspray or signs of any modification to the finish anywhere on the guitar, and the finish on the back of the neck feels wonderfully broken in.  New for 1959 is the addition of the 3-ply nitrate pickguard (not all 59's) and this once white example has aged into a beautiful mint hue with no cracks.  

Included with the guitar is the original Synchronized Tremolo Arm, ash tray cover, and very cool, well preserved instruction manual from 1959.

Comes with a non-original 60's black Fender hardshell case that is in great condition. 

Please call the shop with any questions regarding this instrument, it is available for demo at Guitar Riot HQ in Ohio City for serious buyers only.  More pictures available on request.