Introduction
What is there left to say about a 1957 Fender Stratocaster? One of the most popular electric guitars in history, surely there’s not a lot more to add to its illustrious life story?
Well, to begin with, it’s interesting to note that Fender itself is on record as saying 1957 was the year the Stratocaster finally came into focus in terms of build and electronics; a benchmark year that has seen its alumni become the subject of frenzied activity on the collector market, with instruments exchanging hands for astronomical sums.
Clapton has stated in the past that a black Strat, to him, sums up a ’57
Most noteworthy among these, of course, was Eric Clapton’s faithful companion ‘Blackie’, which sold at auction on 24 June 2004 for $959,500, shattering the official estimate of a paltry $100,000 to $150,000.
Blackie was not a thoroughbred ’57, though, having been made up by Clapton himself from parts that included a 1956 Strat. But Clapton has stated in the past that a black Strat, to him, sums up a ’57, whereas possibly it’s the Two-Colour Sunburst model that first comes to mind for many.
The guitar pictured here is a fine example of a ’57, in remarkable condition for its age. Despite the fingerboard showing signs of use, the bodywork displays very little in the way of dings or blemishes. Even the volume and tone controls appear clean and tidy – and look at the subtle discolouration of the crack-free pickup covers.
Close-up inspection reveals only the slightest amount of oxidisation to the string saddles and fixing screws - less extreme than you might find on one of the current crop of relics, for instance.
In other words, here’s a ’57 Strat that’s still in fine fettle - totally match-fit and ready to rock!
Finish
The guitar pictured here is a fine example of a ’57, in remarkable condition for its age.
Fretboard
In contrast, the fingerboard shows considerable signs of use.
Controls
Even the volume and tone controls appear clean and tidy.
Headstock
Close-up inspection reveals only the slightest amount of oxidisation to the string saddles and fixing screws.
“These guitars are going to turn some heads. The natural designs in the wood create ‘aesthetic arrest’ from the first look”: PRS launches limited edition SE Exotic Veneer range of electric guitars – and updates SE Swamp Ash with 5-way switching
“The look of a road warrior that has many more glorious miles ahead of it”: Charvel’s new limited edition Super-Stock So-Cal Style 1 is a box-fresh hotrodded S-style that looks like it’s got some serious city miles on it
“These guitars are going to turn some heads. The natural designs in the wood create ‘aesthetic arrest’ from the first look”: PRS launches limited edition SE Exotic Veneer range of electric guitars – and updates SE Swamp Ash with 5-way switching
“The look of a road warrior that has many more glorious miles ahead of it”: Charvel’s new limited edition Super-Stock So-Cal Style 1 is a box-fresh hotrodded S-style that looks like it’s got some serious city miles on it
