1961 Fender Stratocaster - Real Vintage - Pre CBS

This 1961 Stratocaster is a very very nice example of an early 60s player Strat.  It weighs in at an impressively low 7 pounds 1.5 ounces, has a fantastic feeling neck, light resonant body, low fast action and that special "mojo" that you look for in pre-CBS Fender guitars.  It's been an absolute favorite for all that have picked it up here in the shop.  The guitar had the finish stripped by a previous owner but the original color is accurately believed to be Shell Pink, based on the overspray color found in the control cavity, which was a rather rare custom color.  

When we originally received the guitar it was in need of some light restoration and we've completed all of the work here at Scary Guitar Works.  We worked diligently to bring the guitar as close to original spec as we could while making subtle improvements to make it a reliable and sonically rich player guitar.  We have tons of photos that we took throughout the restoration process and we are happy to share those, along with a detailed description of the work performed, with any interested parties.  Just drop us a message and we will be happy to provide any information you would like.

 Here is a quick overview of the guitar and the original and non-original parts.  

Original parts:

• Neck - Original frets, in good condition.  Neck stamp of January 1961.  Neck was stripped and refinished along with the body by a previous owner.  Original Fender Logo and Patent Numbers are still in good shape. Refinishing believed to have been done in the late 70s. The neck finish is already well "broken in" and the neck feels fantastic. 
• Body.  Nail holes and body mounting dowels clearly visible.  Date code was obviously erased by refinishing.  Again, refinishing believed to have been done in late 70s. 
• Bridge and Tremelo unit (including bridge saddles, screws, plate, block and spring tension claw)
• Pots and tone capacitor (late 1960 date code on pots)
• Neck plate with serial number (58331) and neck screws.
• Metal pick guard shield
• Pickguard screws
• Original bridge pickup - Included with guitar but not installed.  Was professionally rewound by Tom Brantley.  The guitar currently has Lollar Blackface pickups installed.  If you prefer, we will reinstall this pickup in the guitar in any position at no charge (we can lengthen wire to install in neck or middle).
• 5 of the original 6 Kluson tuners - Included with guitar but not installed.  (Guitar currently has relic'd reproduction Kluson "single line" tuners) 
• Input jack plate
• Strap buttons

Non Original Parts:

• Lollar Black Face Stratocaster Pickups (as stated above we do have the original bridge pickup and it will be provided with the guitar).  In our opinion, these sound the closest to true pre-CBS pickups compared to any other pickups on the market today.  These pickups are the flat pole piece model, which Jason Lollar himself recommends as the tone and string balance is superior to the vintage staggered design.  
• Reproduction genuine Kluson "Single Line" Tuners (Model SD9105MN).  Lightly relic'd and visually identical to the originals but with the benefit of a modern 15:1 ratio.
• Tuner bushings -  The guitar came to us with late 70s "F Style" Fender tuners installed.  The peg head had been drilled out to adapt 10mm bushings.  We used Steward McDonald adaptor bushings to fit the hole but accept the standard 1/4" tuner shaft.  Bushings have been lightly relic'd to match other hardware.  
• Pickguard (period correct mint green, lightly and tastefully relic'd)
• Pickup covers (also lightly relic'd for vintage appearance)
• Knobs and switch tip (believed to be from late 70s, came on the guitar when we acquired it)
• Pickup switch -  5 way model from a 1970s Strat, part number 014418.  Believed to have been "upgraded" by the original owner in the late 70s.
• Bone nut replaced by previous owner (small chip of wood visible from fret board just behind nut)
• String tree (Screw and metal spacer believed to be original parts but the string tree itself is a lightly relic'd period correct replacement)
• Case - The case is a late 60s Fender case.

The guitar sounds beautiful with the Lollar pickups and has that chiming, bell like tone that you expect from a pre-CBS Strat.  The guitar is resonant and harmonically rich and the neck feels just like a well broken in pair of blue jeans.  It's a real delight to play and hear.  

Drop us a message today and we would be happy to chat with you about this awesome pre-CBS Strat.  As an exclusive member of Reverb's Preferred Seller Program we pride ourselves in customer service and satisfaction and we always encourage our clients to call us and discuss our items before purchase.  We love to chat so please send us a message today and we can arrange a convenient time to answer any questions that you may have.  

We are happy to ship internationally - For rates and shipping time please contact us.  

Thanks for looking!