Like all Fender Stratocasters made before 1965, the 1961 is an extremely collectable and sought-after instrument. The 1961 Strat was not radically different from those of '59 and '60. The neck profile did thicken somewhat, though was not as thick as pre-1958. Other changes include the addition of patent numbers to the headstock, and a bolder red hue in the "3-tone" sunburst finish. 

Years of Production: 1954 - present

Unique to this Year: Addition of patent numbers to headstock, neck profile is slightly thicker than last two years. 

Body Style: Offset solidbody 

Wood Composition: Alder body, Maple neck with slab Rosewood fingerboard

Design Elements: Bolt-on neck, dot inlays, 3 single-coil pickups, 3-way pickup selector

Finish Specifications: Sunburst was a standard finish for the '61 Stratocaster though some custom finishes do start to become more common.  

Notable Players:  Buddy Holly, Bob Dylan, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Jimi Hendrix