Fender Stratocaster, Sunburst (1960)

A vintage Fender Stratocaster rarely needs an introduction these days. Nearly 70 years since its release, it remains one of the most iconic electric guitars ever produced. Yet still, we can't bring ourselves to pass up an opportunity to celebrate a great one when it comes through our doors.

This early 1960 Fender Stratocaster is near-encyclopedic in its spec - the classic and vibrant 3-Tone Sunburst finish with a slab Rosewood fingerboard over Maple neck is a look that'll never go out of style. It also happens to deliver a specific tone and response unique to Strats from this period. The aforementioned slab Brazilian Rosewood fingerboard - newly adapted in 1959 - brought not only a new look to the model, but a new feel and tone. There's this collision of 50s Strat woodiness and clarity, and the percussive, bold punchy attitude that early 60s Strats became known for.

This is a truly remarkable '60 - at just over 7.5lbs, it feels very balanced with a great mix of resonance and sustain. The necks of this period are slim and fast playing with a healthy taper, and this one doesn't disappoint! Rhythm work is near effortless in the first and second positions, and single-note runs or leads feel perfectly natural in transition. The neck feel is further elevated by a masterfully executed refret by Laurent Brondel. This guitar came to us with its original frets which had been played right into the fingerboard, so a fresh refret with vintage-sized wire feels right at home.

There are too many overused adjectives at this point to describe what original black bobbin pickups can do in a great Strat. Without getting too gushy, we can confidently say this Strat will give you all that great Stratty tone and so much more. Smooth, round neck pickup tone, muscular middle pickup tonality (a favorite among many of us here at TME), and some great clarity and bite in the bridge. They all complement each other so well - and even sneaking those in-between positions via the original 3-way switch reveals just how well those '2' and '4' sounds translate.

There's a reason the likes of Jason Isbell has gravitated towards a '60 - they're transcendently great instruments that'll handle everything you throw at them with ease.

Priced with original brown hardshell case, original strap, and ash tray bridge cover.