1959 Fender Stratocaster

The Fender Strat is possibly the most recognised and lauded electric guitar ever. Leo Fender and his team of engineers have produced a wonderful array of guitars of all shapes, sounds and sizes over the years, but it is the 1959 Fender Stratocaster that still holds its value and importance in the world of collectible guitars. The 59 Strat changed it all for Fender.

They changed the fretboard to be rosewood rather than maple and the neck was also made thinner too. They even decided to change the pick guard and the markings on the fingerboard. What you were left with was a guitar that would become the icon of its age and would go on to become one of their best sellers.

If you are looking for some clear identification marks, the 59 Fender Stratocaster has a serial number range of between 30000 and 40000. This numbering system will be written on to the neck plate of the guitar. Some of the 3 tone sunburst finishes on the Strats from this time were also prone to fading and the red coloring not being visible any longer.

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