(The pictures below are Bakelite or Polystyrene parts. They were commonly used by Fender for Strats from 1954 – early 1957. They switched to using ABS plastic in early to mid 1957.)
When did Fender stop using 3 bolt necks?
When it comes to Fender (or Gibson) vintage basses one has to be careful before saying “never.” That’s said, Fender never used 3 bolt necks before late 1973. Maybe the problem is this: dating Fender basses from 1970-1974 by serial numbers is impossible because the serial numbers often covered multiple years.
How much did a Fender Stratocaster cost in 1957?
In 1956 Fender replaced the earlier Bakelite-style knobs and pickup covers with a more flexible and durable plastic. The February 1957 list price for a Stratocaster with tremolo was $274.50.
Is Lake Placid blue metallic?
The original run for Lake Placid Blue in the Fender paint chart ended in 1973 when Fender completely abandoned metallic and indeed coloured finishes per se. Through the mid 1970s, only black, white, blond and sunburst remained alongside the natural wood options.
What kind of parts does a 1957 Strat have?
Many spring 1957 Strats have a mix of bakelite and ABS parts, with ABS pickup covers and bakelite knobs because the bakelite pickup covers ran out of stock first, so for the first couple months of production some 1957 Strats can have ABS pickup covers and bakelite knobs). Early 1957 Strats have a neck with a “strong V” backshape.
What kind of neck does a 1957 Fender Stratocaster have?
The 1957 Fender Stratocaster became a music icon. These maple necked beauties are defined by their 2 tone sunburst and their V-Shaped neck profile. Throughout 1957 you’ll see necks go from sort of a boatneck carryover from 1956 into a hard V shape. Then, as the year comes to a close they begin to take on more of a softer V again.
What is the serial number range on a Fender Stratocaster 57?
Below is a set of broken bakelite pickup covers. The serial number range for the 57 Fender Strat is generally from 16000 to 25000 (some numbers with a “0” or “-” prefix on the neck plate). If you need to figure out the exact year of your pre-CBS Fender Stratocaster, use the serial number and the general features of the guitar.
What are Stratocaster guitars made of?
The plastics for a Stratocaster includes the volume and tone knobs, the pickup selector tip, the pickguard, and the pickup covers. Early in 1957, the guitars featured plastic parts that are made of a substance commonly referred to as Bakelite (Pronounced Bake-a-lite).
