1956 Fender Stratocaster – Sunburst

1956 Fender Stratocaster – Sunburst

We present an all original and 100% complete 1956 Fender Stratocaster in its original Sunburst finish. Made in Fullerton, California.

History

This exceptional pre-CBS Stratocaster comes from a private collection and has never before been offered on the market – if it ever was, it would have been long before the internet era. This spectacular instrument was originally purchased by a lady in the 1950s. In 1960, she reached out directly to Fender, believing that one of the pickups was faulty, simply because she didn’t understand how to use the tone and volume controls.

She received a personal reply from Fender’s then-president Donald Randell, who reassured her that Fender would replace the pickup free of charge if there was a defect. Instead, he sent her a Stratocaster instruction manual and schematic (which did not even exist in 1956) to help her understand the instrument. Remarkably, this original 1960 manual, along with Randell’s signed letter, is still with the guitar today. Randell’s signature is exceptionally rare, making this package not only a remarkable guitar but also a piece of Fender history.

Condition

Overall, this spectacular pre-CBS Strat is in near mint condition – a true time capsule. There are no breaks or repairs, only the lightest signs of careful handling. The original 2-Tone Sunburst finish on the alder body is gorgeous and clean, with a beautiful depth and character.

The V-profile maple neck is very clean as well, with only minor play wear visible on the fretboard. The headstock and original decal are in excellent condition. The original polystyrene (Bakelite) parts are intact and in fantastic shape. Both the original frets and nut have plenty of life left.

Not only does this guitar look outstanding, it also delivers an incredible playing experience, with the resonant, woody, and unmistakably vintage tone that only an original pre-CBS Stratocaster can produce.

Originality

This 1956 Fender Stratocaster is 100% original throughout – exactly as it left the Fullerton factory back in 1956. It features the original 3x strong and balanced black-bottom single-coil pickups, the original 6x Kluson single-line tuners, and all early Fender specs including the desirable polystyrene (Bakelite) parts.

The pickups and electronics remain untouched and intact, with no broken solder joints and no rewound pickups – everything is fully original and correct.

This Stratocaster comes as a complete package, including the original 1960 signed letter from Donald Randell, the 1960 Fender Stratocaster instruction manual, cable, polish cloth, bridge cover, and original strap. Yes – it’s all there.

Comes with its original tweed hardshell case, with latches and handle in perfect working order.
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We are more than happy to provide further photos upon request. Simply contact us by email or phone for details, including close-up and internal photos of the instrument.