Vintage Fender Stratocaster Refinish - USA 1954

1954 was the first full production year of the Stratocaster, and these early examples established much of the formula Fender would carry forward for decades. The ash bodies, one piece maple necks, and original pickup design give first year Strats a noticeably direct and responsive feel compared to later instruments.

This June 1954 Stratocaster has clearly spent its life being played and maintained along the way. The one piece ash body has been refinished in Blonde, while the neck retains its original 6-54 date stamp. Over the years the guitar has had a refret, replacement nut, and a neck respray with the original Fender decal preserved.

The electronics reflect practical upkeep rather than heavy modification. The bridge pickup remains original, the middle pickup is a genuine 1950s Fender unit, and the neck pickup has been replaced with a Seymour Duncan. It still retains its original single ply pickguard, shield plate, bridge, saddles, output jack, and jack plate. The pots, switch, pickup covers, trem arm, and neck plate have been replaced, though the original neck screws remain present.

Weighing 3.58kg (7.9lbs), the guitar is lightweight and very balanced in the hands. The neck profile feels substantial without becoming oversized, and the setup is low and comfortable throughout. The original bridge pickup delivers the sharp attack and clarity associated with early Stratocasters, while the overall response remains open and articulate.

It comes supplied with a non original hard shell case.

Specifications:

Action at 1st Fret: 0.25mm / 0.009"
Action at 12th Fret: 1.25mm / 0.049"
Neck Depth at 1st Fret: 23.55mm / 0.92"
Neck Depth at 12th Fret: 24.77mm / 0.97"
Nut Width: 41.99mm / 1.65"
Width at 12th Fret: 51.24mm / 2.01"
Weight: 3.58kg / 7.9lb
Model: Fender Stratocaster
Year: 1954
Neck Date: 6-54
Body: One-Piece Ash, Refinished Blonde
Neck: Maple, Refretted and Resprayed with Original Fender Decal Retained
Fingerboard: Maple
Bridge Pickup: Original
Middle Pickup: Genuine 1950s Fender Pickup
Neck Pickup: Seymour Duncan
Pickguard: Original Single-Ply
Shield Plate: Original
Bridge: Original
Saddles: Original
Pots & Switch: Replaced
Pickup Covers: Replaced
Neck Plate: Replaced, Original Screws Retained
Tremolo Arm: Replacement
Output Jack & Jack Plate: Original
Case: Non-Original Hardshell Case
Crafted In: Fullerton, California, USA