1955 Fender® Stratocaster® Sunburst, Excellent, Original Hard, $26,000.00

The Fender Stratocaster is likely the world’s most copied electric guitar. The “Strat” has been played by just about every big-name rock guitarist in history at some point.

This sample from 1955 is a great guitar to play – light and responsive with its ash body, maple neck and responsive single-coil pickups. It looks great as well with its original 2-color sunburst finish with muted red tones (until 1958 Fender's sunburst consisted of an amber center and dark brown outer section - so dark it almost looks black at the edges, and where blended into the amber takes on a slight reddish hue).

With the deeper back relief (or "belly cut") typical of early models, it’s very comfortable. It has a partial refret with correct-sized wire; replacement vintage tone cap (new solder and ground wires were used at the time); at least 2 correctly-dated pots (one solder-covered) & original 3-way switch; replacement pickup covers (the originals are in the case); no rear trem cover plate; replacement trem arm; small, clear store decal or sticker on peghead (it looks removable but we'd prefer an owner make the decision to try to remove it). Comes with the original center-pocket tweed case.

Pickup DC resistance (bridge 1st) 5.55k ohms; 5.57k; 6.05k. These readings are very typical of stock Fender Strat hand-wound 1950's pickups. The guitar has been professionally set up with medium-low action and Ernie Ball M-Steel strings. It plays and sounds great, with bell-like treble and smooth, warm "rhythm" sounds, and the switch balances nicely for the "in-between" bridge+middle and middle+neck "quack" tones.

This is a great 2nd-year, hand-process production example of one of the truly timeless and iconic electric guitars!