Fender's Stratocaster, specifically the models built prior to 1965, are widely considered by many to be the holy grail of electric guitars. Upon the introduction of the first solid body, the Esquire (Telecaster) in 1949, there were requests for a slightly more contoured body shape and additional bridge saddles for better intonation... thus, the Stratocaster was designed in 1953. This pre-CBS Strat has the look and feel that all of the modern relics want, but just simply can't have. The guitar has a neck date of May 1961 and a body date of May 1961. This particular example is remarkably clean and beautiful condition with every screw it was originally built with. There is replacement nut and had random lacquer chip touchups, which was very common practice by owners. The electronics are completely original with lower wind pickups (Neck is 5.5k, Middle is 5.4k, and Bridge is 5.6k). This guitar is freshly in from the long term owner since the 1970s. He was an extremely responsible owner that understood how important it was to keep it all original and the celluloid pickguard installed at all times to keep it from shrinking. This is the first time it has been to market since he bought it from a lead in newspaper advertisement in his younger years.

Comes with its original brown tolex case (in great condition) with a Toto sticker (he opened for them in 1982 and has photographic evidence of him playing the guitar).