A very clean, original and crack-free mint celluloid pickguard supports three fantastic sounding black bobbin pickups and an original harness with Stackpole pots and a 3-way switch. The original tremolo bridge, saddles, and block are in great shape as well. Evidence suggests that the neck pickup had a winding repair done ages ago due to the underwound reading, but the original formvar wire and leads have remained, and the pickup functions without issue. If it weren't metered, you'd never know by hearing it - it sounds crisp and full with classic Strat neck pickup tone.

We simply can't get over the weight and the feel of this Strat, too. Creeping just north of 7lbs, it's right in that sweet spot of feeling supremely balanced and comfortable. Paired with these great pickups it's got an open, airy tonality that's supported with great punch when you dig in or kick some overdrive on. Every pickup position delivers, too.

If you're looking for a transcendently great early 60s Strat and don't need to check off the 'Collector Grade' box an original finish would push this guitar into, we can't recommend this one enough!