1960 Fender Stratocaster, Sunburst

By Fender
£24,995.00

This product is unavailable
Ask a Question
Want to Part Exchange?
Iconic, Sunburst, Slab-board Stratocaster with just the right amount of wear from one of the most desirable periods of Fender production.

The lightweight Alder body is finished in the style of Sunburst ubiquitous with this era of production, the combination of wide ‘bursting’ and weakness of the red give the sunburst a softness and character individual to each instrument. Underneath the ‘guard it is evident quite how far the red has retreated. The finish has plenty of vibe and character with a few knocks, dints, scrapes, bumps and the odd small touch up.  It’s refreshing to see a well loved guitar in such a well played condition without having succumbed to the inevitable refinishing. The nail holes are all present and free from paint and the tremolo claw solder joint is good. Lifting the pickguard reveals an additional two pickguard screw holes at the waist of the ‘guard in the early ’59 position. The 9/60 pencil date is clear and legible in the spring cavity.

The neck is a joy to hold, the slim profile is instantly comfortable. The lacquer has been played through and is silky smooth, the Brazilian Rosewood fingerboard is dark with some pleasant figuring punctuated with wide spaced clay dots. The guitar has been refretted but the original nut retained. On the headstock, the Original Contour Body decal has been lost as has the ‘With Synchronised Tremolo’ part. The Silhouette is still visible of where they were under backlight.

The Hardware is correct and in good condition with the single-line Kluson tuners holding tune well, the three-ply celluloid pickguard has taken on the minty hue associated with pickguards from this era, there is the ever-present crack by neck pickup screw but there is minimal twisting to the pickups and they are easily adjustable.

The electronics are good with cloth wire and tape all still tidy, pickups are the correct staggered pole, black bottom Formvar wound single coils with Luxe capacitor and three Stackpole pots dating to mid ’60. The original CRL switch is present.

Easily one of the coolest looking Stratocaster to have come through the shop for a little while. Lightweight with plenty of vibe with minimal changes, repairs or mods. The Pickups sound wonderful and balanced with the hollow, scooped mid-range that these instruments are known for. The guitar weighs a featherweight 7.2 lbs and comes is a circa 1955/1958 Fender ‘Koylon’ Side-pocket Tweed case.