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Vintage 1961 Fender Stratocaster - NO RESERVE!

Estimated price for orientation: 5 749 $

Category: Electric Guitar
Class:











Description
Condition: Used: An item that has been used previously. The item may have some signs of cosmetic wear, but is fully operational and functions as intended. This item may be a floor model or store return that has been used. See the seller’s listing for full details and description of any imperfections. See all condition definitions- opens in a new window or tab ... Read moreabout the condition Brand: Fender
Exact Year: 1964 Right-/ Left-Handed: Right-Handed
Country/Region of Manufacture: United States String Configuration: 6 String


1961 Fender Stratocaster
Despite initial appearances, this is not a new reissue. This Fender Stratocaster dates from 1961 and other than a refret still retains all original content. This was purchased by the last owner in July 1984, who shortly afterwards had it refurbished to a very high standard by Dick Knight (one of the best-regarded British guitar makers/repairers ever, in case you didn’t already know that). Ever since that time it has been part of a collection, evidently never seeing more than light occasional use as the condition has remained absolutely spotless. Refurbishment work carried out by Dick Knight back in 1984 included,
Complete body & neck refinish in Fiesta Red (aka “Hank Marvin Pink” this side of the pond) with new period-correct decals. Top quality refin and, other than just starting to check rather nicely after 32 years, still immaculate.Refret with period-correct fretwire, and a new nut. Again an excellent job as the frets have a nicely played-in feel even though still practically unworn.Original bridge pickup rewound by Kent Armstrong. Balances well with the other two for tone and output, and sounds great. Unfortunately new output wires were used, which are plastic coated. This slightly mars the otherwise all-original appearance “under the hood” – but that is honestly about the worst criticism of any kind I can make of this guitar!Scratch marks polished out from the pickguard. Looks like new other than the usual inevitable shrinkage.Replaced plastic rear trem cover and chrome “ashtray” bridge cover.Absolutely everything else is correct and original from 1961 including,
“Slab board” neck with typical 1961 taper, pencil-dated 8/61Serial number 63764Correct single-line KlusonsVintage trem/bridge with “Pat.Pend.” saddles and original armStackpole pots dated week 23, 1961 plus original capacitor and 3-way switch. Other than where necessary for dismantling the solder joints are unbroken, which of course is also evidence for originality of the pickups.
When I received this guitar I believe it had been unplayed for some time as it was in dire need of setting up. Everything adjusted easily with no corrosion in the screw threads or any other problems. The truss rod was already set OK, but I checked it anyway and it works fine. Initial crackles from the pots cleared-up quickly without any need for switch cleaner – and stayed gone. And everything is functioning absolutely flawlessly just as it should. This is a nicely light and resonant Strat, weighing-in at only 7.25lb, and is a very responsive and rewarding guitar to play accordingly. Tone is all you’d expect of a good vintage Strat, and the sound is certainly better balanced than most, i.e.
No hint of any weak 1st and 2nd strings or too-overpowering 3rdEasy to dial-in amp settings where all three PU’s sound bang-on. Setting a bright, clear neck PU tone doesn’t make the bridge PU too thin the way many Strats tend to be.
And while the refinished and refretted neck obviously does not have the exact same “mojo” as a perfectly played-in roadworn one, the quality of refurb work is such that any hint of “newness” in the playing feel is far more akin to “Masterbuilt new” than “AVRI new”. This is a real joy to play. Finally, in order to preserve its total freakin’ awesomeness, this comes with a later Fender tweed case in almost as immaculate condition as the guitar itself.Note: All shipping prices are inclusive of insurance in transit to the full sale value