1954 Fender Stratocaster [*Demo Video]

All-original Early Stratocaster dated "8-54" with "Gloria" 8/20/54 tape. Plays great with a comfortable soft-V neck profile and sounds fantastic with classic Fender tonal characteristics. In excellent overall shape with worn-in edges, body dings, and expected wear from use. A historical piece of Fender's legacy; Ready to be played or added to your collection! Includes original hardshell case.

Check out the feature from our luthier Tyler in the ECG Newsletter:

"Seeing extremely early examples of iconic models always feels a little like peeking behind the wizard’s curtain. The ability to witness firsthand the vulnerabilities inherent in the early stages of creativity is a privilege, and fewer instruments offer us more insight than early Fender guitars.

Fender VP Forrest White insisted that all Stratocasters produced before October 13th, 1954 were either artist models, or what he called “pre-production samples.” That puts this August-made instrument well within the pre-production phase. As the name suggests, these instruments were either shipped to prominent musicians or sent to music stores to be used in demonstrations. It’s widely accepted that these early models were made mostly by hand, and accordingly, inconsistencies abound.

The headstock shape, contours, and neck transitions were obviously finished by hand and are utterly distinct to the assembly line models crafted just months later. The one-piece Ash body is feather light and beautifully figured, both unusual for the time. (The guitar weighs in at almost exactly 7 lbs) Cliches become cliches by being true, and such is the case when I say that no vintage guitar collection is truly complete without a 1954 Stratocaster. Pictured here with a matching 1955 Fender Tremolux from the same previous owner." - Tyler Geske