57 Strat fans are in for a real treat with this post. Here’s an almost, completely original (With the exception of a possible re-fret) 1957 Fender Stratocaster with original Hardshell case, that came across my path via eBay, you have to see this.
If your quick, you can buy this Strat from ebay by following this link… http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290625375566
The seller of this fine instrument is not a dealer, but a private owner, who has owned this guitar for 15 years. He bought this guitar from a reputable vintage guitar dealer, without a single modification.
1957 two tone sunburst Fender Strat in case
The seller rated the condition of this guitar at 7.5/10, and considering its age, and the obvious play time, this 57 Strat has aged beautifully.
1957 two tone sunburst Fender Strat body bottom view
The original two tone Sunburst finish has plenty of scars and play wear in the nitro lacquer, which add the character and charm of this 50+ year old guitar. This 1957 Fender Stratocaster has obviously seen a lifetime of playing.
1957 Two tone sunburst Fender Strat body top
1957 Two tone sunburst Fender Strat body back top
1957 Two tone sunburst Fender Strat body back bottom
1957 Two tone sunburst Fender Strat body back bottom edge
1957 Two tone sunburst Fender Strat neck
The guitar is described as light and resonant, and both the body and neck, including the neck plate are 100% original to this 57 Strat.
1957 Two tone sunburst Fender Strat body and neck plate
1957 Two tone sunburst Fender Strat body and neck plate
The neck and body date are 6/57.
1957 Two tone sunburst Fender Strat neck date
1957 Two tone sunburst Fender Strat body date
All of the pot dates are 304715, which is the 15TH week of 1957.
1957 Two tone sunburst Fender Strat pot date
All original pickguard, including cloth wiring. The lower middle screw hole by the 3 position pick-up selector switch has a crack.
1957 Two tone sunburst Fender Strat cloth wiring
The pickups are all strong and have even volume distribution. They are the original pickups.
1957 Two tone sunburst Fender Strat bridge and midle pick ups
1957 Two tone sunburst Fender Strat middle and neck pick ups
The original tone and volume knobs have greenish letters and have nicely yellowed over time, as well as the original, 3 position switch and tip.
1957 Two tone sunburst Fender Strat bridge middle and neck pick ups
It also has the original single line Klusons, which have all evenly oxidized.
1957 Two tone sunburst Fender Strat single line Klusons
1957 Two tone sunburst Fender Strat single line Klusons x2
1957 Two tone sunburst Fender Strat single line Klusons x3
The guitar has probably had a pro refret at some point, which would be the only non-original parts on this 57 Strat. There is still lots of fret left, with no troughs in the lower frets.
1957 Two tone sunburst Fender Strat frets
1957 Two tone sunburst Fender Strat frets and neck
The original bridge and saddles have a nice patina on all of the bridge, saddles, and screws, as well as the original cord jack.
1957 Two tone sunburst Fender Strat bridge and cord jack.
1957 Two tone sunburst Fender Strat bridge
1957 Two tone sunburst Fender Strat jack
It even has the original nut.
1957 Two tone sunburst Fender Strat nut
The Fender decal is also in pretty good shape.
1957 Two tone sunburst Fender Strat decal
…and to top it all off, this guitar also comes with an original tweed hardshell case, with an unmistakable old guitar smell.
1957 Fender Strat case
…as well as the tremolo bar and ashtray.
1957 Fender Strat tremolo bar and ashtray