Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 8 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (6)
$2,649.99
Guitar Center
4.5 (4)
$2,649.99
Fender
$2,649.99
Reverb
$7,328.03 23 available Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (17)
$2,649.99
zZounds
4.0 (2)
$2,649.99
Thomann
$2,029.00
Gear4Music
£1,899.00

Average Price: $3,079

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 6 merchants for "Fender Stratocaster 1957". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Dive into the golden era of rock 'n' roll with the iconic 1957 Fender Stratocaster. A testament to Fender's enduring legacy, this model marries the warmth of Alder wood with the precision of a V-shaped neck, offering a playing experience that's both unique and historically significant. Its versatile tone and classic aesthetics have not only defined genres but have also become a beacon for musicians seeking authenticity and inspiration. Whether you're a collector or a player, the '57 Stratocaster stands as a monument in the landscape of electric guitars, embodying the spirit of innovation and the soul of vintage.

Key Features:

  • Alder body for a warm, balanced tone
  • Unique V-shaped neck profile, providing a comfortable grip
  • Transition year featuring a mix of bakelite and plastic for pickup covers and control knobs
  • Iconic "2-tone" sunburst finish, marking the last year of its kind
  • Equipped with 3 single-coil pickups and a 3-way pickup selector for versatile sound shaping
  • Solid body construction with a bolt-on neck and dot inlays for classic Stratocaster styling

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model Stratocaster
Finish Blonde, Mary Kaye Blonde, Sunburst
Year 1957
Made In United States
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Alder, Ash
Body Shape S-Style
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Tremolo Bridge
Color Family Brown, White, Yellow
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Maple
Fretboard Radius 7.25"
Model Family Fender Stratocaster
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 21
Number of Strings 6-String
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration SSS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 25.5"
Series Fender Vintage Pre-CBS Era
Wood Top Style Plain

FAQs

What is the neck profile of the 1957 Fender Stratocaster?

The 1957 Fender Stratocaster features a "V"-shaped neck profile, providing a comfortable grip for players who prefer a vintage feel. This profile is complemented by a 7.25" fingerboard radius with 21 vintage-tall frets.

What type of pickups does the 1957 Fender Stratocaster use?

The 1957 Fender Stratocaster is equipped with a single-coil SSS pickup configuration, known for delivering bright, clear tones that are ideal for a wide range of music styles, including rock, blues, and country.

Is the 1957 Fender Stratocaster suitable for beginner guitarists?

While the 1957 Fender Stratocaster is a classic model cherished by collectors and experienced players, its vintage specifications, like the "V"-shaped neck and 7.25" radius, may not be ideal for beginners seeking modern playability.

What materials are used in the body of the 1957 Fender Stratocaster?

The body of the 1957 Fender Stratocaster is crafted from alder or ash, depending on the finish, contributing to its iconic tone and resonance. Both materials are known for their balanced sound qualities.

What are the finish options available for the 1957 Fender Stratocaster?

The 1957 Fender Stratocaster is available in finishes such as Blonde, Mary Kaye Blonde, and Sunburst, each offering a distinct aesthetic appeal while maintaining the guitar's vintage charm.

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

1957 Fender Stratocaster | Guitar of the Day

Video thumbnail for 1957 Fender Stratocaster | Guitar of the Day by Normans Rare Guitars

1957 Fender Stratocaster | Guitar of the Day

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Vintage 1957 Fender Stratocaster  •  Wildwood Guitars by Wildwood Guitars

Vintage 1957 Fender Stratocaster • Wildwood Guitars

Wildwood Guitars

Wildwood Guitars

Video thumbnail for Guitar of the Day: 1957 Fender Stratocaster Sunburst | Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1957 Fender Stratocaster Sunburst | Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1957 Fender Stratocaster by Emerald City Guitars

1957 Fender Stratocaster

Emerald City Guitars

Emerald City Guitars

Video thumbnail for All Original 1957 Fender Stratocaster - Gorgeous Surf Tones by PREMIER GUITARS

All Original 1957 Fender Stratocaster - Gorgeous Surf Tones

PREMIER GUITARS

PREMIER GUITARS

Video thumbnail for 1957 Fender Stratocaster Refin by Emerald City Guitars

1957 Fender Stratocaster Refin

Emerald City Guitars

Emerald City Guitars

Video thumbnail for Fender Stratocaster from 1957 presented by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg and Tobias Hoffmann by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Fender Stratocaster from 1957 presented by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg and Tobias Hoffmann

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Video thumbnail for 1957 Fender Stratocaster - Seminole Red ( Roy Lanham's Stratocaster ) by Guitar Hunter

1957 Fender Stratocaster - Seminole Red ( Roy Lanham's Stratocaster )

Guitar Hunter

Guitar Hunter

Video thumbnail for 1957 Fender Stratocaster, 2-Tone Sunburst by Carter Vintage Backstage

1957 Fender Stratocaster, 2-Tone Sunburst

Carter Vintage Backstage

Carter Vintage Backstage

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Stratocaster 1957.

Mods and upgrades

  • The guitar retained its original pickups and pots, with mods adding extra switches and knobs for varied tonal options, executed by Chip Todd in 1972.

    Source

Build quality

  • The reshaped body was noted for its unique lower horn design, resembling a Baranik guitar, and was likely modified to reduce weight.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners praised the neck profile, despite an extra nitro layer, and reported classic old Strat tones with added versatility.

    Source
  • An owner mentions the AVii 1957 Strat holds tuning stability better compared to their original Squier, suggesting a notable quality difference between the brands.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The guitar’s modified body and American flag paint job drew comparisons to both Wayne Kramer and Buck Owens models.

    Source
  • The vintage blonde finish on the AVii 1957 Strat uses ash wood, unlike other colors that use alder, affecting both price and tonal quality.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The AVii 1957 Strat features Pure Vintage '57 pickups, which users are reluctant to replace due to their satisfying tone.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • In Canada, the AVii 1957 Strat's price has increased by approximately $300 CAD, with the vintage blonde finish consistently priced higher than other colors.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Here’s Why People Love the 1957 Fender Stratocaster | GuitarPlayer

guitarplayer.com

The 1957 Fender Stratocaster is a celebrated vintage gem, revered for its refined features that emerged from earlier models. Its V-neck design, favored by legends like Clapton, offers exceptional playability, while the sunburst finishes present an alluring visual appeal. The transition to alder wood in 1956 led to a lighter, resonant body, enhancing its tonal warmth. However, the '57 model stands out not just for its technical advancements, but for capturing a unique historical essence. While some might find the neck profile a bit polarizing, its unmatched craftsmanship and legacy make it a prized possession for collectors and players alike.

positive

1957 Fender Stratocasters: The Best Year for the Strat? – True Vintage Guitar

truevintageguitar.com

The 1957 Fender Stratocaster is hailed as a standout year for the iconic guitar, with enthusiasts praising its refined design and unique V-shaped neck profile. Collectors value the light wood, durable finishes, and rare custom features like anodized aluminum pickguards. However, the review lacks critical insights into downsides, focusing primarily on the guitar’s appeal and market value. Production numbers remain a mystery, adding intrigue but also leaving potential buyers without a complete understanding of its rarity. Overall, a collector’s dream, but the review feels more like an homage than a balanced critique.

1957 Fender Stratocaster - What Makes It So Great?Pre CBS Stratocasters

precbsstratocasters.com

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Artist usage

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See how Steven Van Zandt uses Fender Stratocaster 1957

Steven Van Zandt

Guitarist

E Street Band

...
Verified via Frankenschulz

MUSICIAN eventually did track down Doug Sutphin, doing laps at Malibu Grand Prix. At a pit stop, Sutphin informed us that Van Zandt has two Stratocasters, a '57 and a '67, a Gibson Firebird (a spare which he almost never plays onstage), and two hollow-body 12-string Ovation guitars, with pickups. One of the Ovations and one of the Strats is capo'd. Van Zandt has a Mesa Boogie amp with Electro-Voice speakers. two Roland Jazz Choirs (120) amps, and a 10O-watt Hi Watt brain and cabinet, plus an MXR distortion unit. And yes, he does play it all at 10.

See how Paul Rodgers uses Fender Stratocaster 1957

Paul Rodgers

Singer

Bad Company

...
Verified via Photo
Color/Finish: 2-Color Sunburst

“I've got a two-tone sunburst Strat with a maple board, too, one of the early ones. I got that in the Bad Company days.”

See how Gary Kemp uses Fender Stratocaster 1957

Gary Kemp

Guitarist

Spandau Ballet

...
Verified via Photo

In an Instagram post, Gary Kemp shares a photo of his 1957 Fender Stratocaster, captioning it "1957 was a good year. #strat."

See how Denny Walley uses Fender Stratocaster 1957

Denny Walley

Guitarist

The Mothers of Invention

...
Verified via Premier Guitar

As mentioned in this article, Denny Walley has used a 1957 Fender Stratocaster in his rig, though he has since sold it.

See how Chris Hayes uses Fender Stratocaster 1957

Chris Hayes

Singer, Guitarist

Huey Lewis & the News

...
Verified via Guitar World

In an article by Joe Bosso for Guitar World, Chris Hayes mentions, "… for the solo in The Power of Love, I used a ’57 Strat, and that came out great."

See how Al Deloner uses Fender Stratocaster 1957

Al Deloner

Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

More guitars…My Golden ´57 Fender Stratocaster (as pictured) has been with Midnight Choir since the very start…it featured on the track Gypsy Rider on the first album…I also used it exclusively on the 2016 Tour for the song Don´t Turn Out The Light….

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Fender Stratocaster 1957, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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