1961 Fender Stratocaster Sunburst

This very late 1961 Fender Stratocaster in original Sunburst finish with hang tags has just arrived from the widow of its original owner from Prince Edward Island, Canada. With a 12/61 neck heel date and 43rd week of 1961 pots, it's possible that it left the Fullerton factory in early 1962. It was played and enjoyed by all its life by the original owner, but was never modified and retained its original Canadian export case and hang tags. It has just received a clean refret in the style of the original frets while maintaining the character of the wear on the fretboard. It plays like a dream and is ready for the stage, studio, or collection. 

Measurements: 7.6lbs (3.35 kg) total weight. The neck measures 1.66" (1 5/8", 42mm) wide at the nut, 0.80" deep at the first fret, and 1.00" deep at the 12th fret (slim taper profile). The neck pickup measures 5.64k ohms, the middle pickup reads 5.61k ohms, and the bridge pickup reads 5.97k ohms.

Dates: The neck heel pencil date reads "12 / 61". The potentiometer codes read "304 6143" where 304 = Stackpole (manufacturer code), 61 = 1961, and 43 = 43th week. 

Originality: All parts and finish are original to this guitar except for new frets. 

Playability: Excellent! The neck is straight, frets have no wear, and the electronics operate as intended.

Condition: Well played and loved, but never abused or modified. There's a quintessential cigarette burn on the headstock, but no surviving smell. The pickguard has cracks but currently fits quite nicely. 

Included: The original white Canadian export case, both hang tags, bridge cover, and tremolo arm are included. 

Fine Print: All guitars ship via FedEx Priority Overnight for domestic sales or FedEx Priority International. I offer a 48 hour approval period beginning on delivery for all sales during which you are welcome to opt for a return as long as the guitar is still in as-sent condition. I do not charge a restocking fee, but any non-refunded payment processing fees, outbound shipping, and return shipping costs are subtracted from the refund in the case of a return.