Fender Stratocaster, original pre-CBS
This Fender Stratocaster dates from , or early latest, and has been a one-owner guitar since the mid 70s Despite the original appearance, this actually has a very old (probably s) refinish to both neck and body. There are no markings to identify it as a factory refin, but it is certainly good as. This guitar is still as purchased by the last owner circa other than the following two recent changes: The original tuners had been replaced with a set of Schallers. I have replaced these with a good set of original single-line Klusons. Luckily the Klusons conceal the added fixing holes for the Schallers, but there is still an impression from the washers on the front of the headstock. A superfluous added string tree has been removed, leaving a small hole in the front of the headstock. Otherwise this Strat is substantially original and in great playing condition, but with this kind of guitar I guess you need a lot more detail than that. So having checked it out pretty thoroughly, I'll go through all the "guitarchaeology" bit by bit. BODY This is a good honest body with no added holes or routs at all. The refinish is a 2-colour sunburst (possibly attempting to match the original as early 3-colour bursts tended to fade very quickly to 2-colour). As the pics show, there is an area of wear through the finish on the rear of the body, surrounded by various scratch marks and buckle rash (lesson learned - when playing a valuable guitar, don't wear chainmail!). But other than lacquer cracking over the entire surface, the rest is pretty clean with only minimal dings etc. The nail holes are pretty well obscured by the refin and I've only managed to positively locate 2 of them at all, but the two dowels in the rear (probably the most reliable indicator of originality) are easily findable if you know where to look. NECK The refinished neck is in excellent near ding-free condition and feels nicely played in, though not yet worn through the lacquer. I believe