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The minute you pick up this 1958 Stratocaster, you are reminded of why these instruments are so surprised. This one saw regular use and maintenance over the years because it was used for its intended purpose. There’s a good reason for this. It’s a fabulous sounding instrument!
Check out the quick video I did through a Princeton Reverb. Sounds awesome.
Original tremolo bar is included, but not photographed.1958 saw a few changes to this model. Previously, we have already seen the switch from Ash to Alder as the wood of choice for the model. The most significant change in 58 cosmetically was the addition of a band of red paint on the body. This marked the transition from the two tone sunburst and three tone Sunburst. This model remains its vibrant hue.
Additionally, 1958 saw a change in the neck profile. Although there is quite a bit of variation over the years, and 54-55. We see what is typically a large “U” shape. In 56 and 57 there is the famous “V” neck. By 58 the neck was more rounded into a chunky C shape. That’s the perfect description of this. It is not a baseball bat, but meaty in the right way.
Well maintained over the years, all the important parts on this guitar are original. This includes the body and neck finish, decal, metal, parts, pots, pickups, etc. The solder is untouched on the pick ups and on the pots. There’s no touchup on the finish—just years of honest wear.
The guitar has a 7-58 body date written on the middle pick up cavity. it also has a 9-58 neck date. The also date to mid 58 as would be correct for instrument.Maintenance includes a refret and a new nut. Frets are level. There are no twists, warps, or other problems with the neck. It has exactly the relief you would expect and plays wonderfully up and down the neck. The pots are all original, but the volume pot is a little finicky right when you turn it it “10.” It might be a little dirty. A cleaning may help address it. Furthermore, there is tape around the volume pot shaft, which has also been repaired at some point as 1/2 of the top of the split shaft broke off. A small piece of wood was placed between the two parts of the shaft and the tape holds it all together. It turns and functions as it should. I just turned it up to 10 and then just dial it back of hair. Works fine right in that position.
During these years fender used little rubber spacers between the pick up covers and the screws to mount the pick ups to the guard. Those tend to dry out and disintegrate. These have been replaced with small pieces of phone. Very easy to put it back to “stock” with some proper rubber spacers if you want.
The guitar comes with a brown Fender “knucklebuster”case that is probably a year later than the Guitar. Typically in 1958 Fender used tweed cases through the first part of 1959. Sometime in the middle part of that year, they switched to a brown knucklebuster case. That’s what this is. It is not inconceivable that the Guitar left the dealer with this case sometimes it take a few months . The case is in similar condition for the Guitar. It’s has wear and tear, but is fully functional.
One pickguard screw is smaller than the rest so that was probably replaced. The original three-way switch has been upgraded long ago to a five-way.The going rate for these seems to be between 35-40 K. I’ve priced this a little below market given the wear and maintenance.
All all a great deal on a model sure to appreciate over the years