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Fender Stratocaster Guitars

Leo Fender introduced the Fender Stratocaster electric guitar in 1954. The original guitar included a new contoured body shape, a newly designed tremolo system, and a sunburst two-toned finish. Early Stratocasters had a wide D-shaped neck profile and heavy ash wood bodies. In 1956, the wood used to make Stratocasters was switched to alder. The sunburst finish was changed from two toned to three toned in 1958 and red hues were introduced. Other key components of the guitar continued to evolve throughout the '50s and early '60s.

Other design changes occurred when Fender was purchased by CBS. Fender collectors consider 1964 through 1966 to be transition years for the guitar. Stratocaster quality declined after these years, as cheaper, mass-produced parts and manufacturing techniques became the standard.

Collectors of vintage electric guitars are primarily interested in Fender Stratocasters manufactured before 1965. Serial numbers for these guitars range from 0 to L90,000s. The age of a Stratocaster can be identified by unscrewing the neck from the body and looking for a penciled-in date on the base of the neck, or by looking for a serial number on the back of the tremolo plate.


Quick Facts

  • In the early '80s, changes in management of the Fender company resulted in an attempt to return the Stratocaster to its original standards. These guitars are called Smith Strats after Dan Smith, who spearheaded the effort
  • Famous Fender Stratocaster players include Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton, David Gilmour, and George Harrison
  • In 2004, a Fender Stratocaster signed by more than 20 rock and roll legends was auctioned to raise money for the victims of the tsunami in Indonesia. The guitar sold for $2,700,000

Recommended Items at Auction

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Original 1971 Fender Stratocaster Electric Guitar
Mar 01, 10:00 AM CST
Original 1971 Fender Stratocaster Electric Guitar
by Kraft Auction Service
Est: $0- $0
$1,4008 Bids
FENDER STRATOCASTER ELECTRIC GUITAR
Feb 26, 9:00 AM EST
FENDER STRATOCASTER ELECTRIC GUITAR
by Affiliated Auctions & Realty LLC
Est: $300- $500
$1606 Bids
MIM Fender Stratocaster HSS Electric Guitar
Feb 22, 10:00 AM MST
MIM Fender Stratocaster HSS Electric Guitar
by EJ'S Auction & Appraisal
Est: $0- $0
$1605 Bids
Fender Squier Strat Electric Guitar With Soft Case
Feb 22, 10:00 AM MST
Fender Squier Strat Electric Guitar With Soft Case
by EJ'S Auction & Appraisal
Est: $0- $0
$504 Bids
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1996 Fender FMT 1960 Reissue Stratocaster
Mar 08, 10:00 AM EST
1996 Fender FMT 1960 Reissue Stratocaster
by Roland Auctions NY
Est: $4,000- $5,000
$3,0000 Bids
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2002 Fender Closet Classic Reissue Stratocaster
Mar 08, 10:00 AM EST
2002 Fender Closet Classic Reissue Stratocaster
by Roland Auctions NY
Est: $4,000- $5,000
$3,0000 Bids
Fender Squier II 4 String Bass Guitar With Hard Case
Mar 01, 9:00 AM EST
Fender Squier II 4 String Bass Guitar With Hard Case
by Dana J. Tharp Auctions
Est: $200- $300
$750 Bids
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Fender Eric Clapton Signature Stratocaster
Mar 08, 10:00 AM EST
Fender Eric Clapton Signature Stratocaster
by Roland Auctions NY
Est: $2,000- $3,000
$1,5000 Bids
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2007 Fender Mary Kaye 1957 Reissue Stratocaster
Mar 08, 10:00 AM EST
2007 Fender Mary Kaye 1957 Reissue Stratocaster
by Roland Auctions NY
Est: $3,000- $4,000
$2,0000 Bids
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Fender Stratocaster Custom Shop 1954 Reissue
Mar 08, 10:00 AM EST
Fender Stratocaster Custom Shop 1954 Reissue
by Roland Auctions NY
Est: $3,000- $4,000
$2,5000 Bids
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2003 Fender Robert Cray Stratocaster
Mar 08, 10:00 AM EST
2003 Fender Robert Cray Stratocaster
by Roland Auctions NY
Est: $3,000- $4,000
$2,5000 Bids

Sellers Who Sell Fender Stratocaster Guitars


Roland Auctions NY

Roland Auctions NY

EJ'S Auction & Appraisal

EJ'S Auction & Appraisal

Affiliated Auctions & Realty LLC

Affiliated Auctions & Realty LLC

Kraft Auction Service

Kraft Auction Service