Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 5 stores. Prices updated .

Reverb
5.0 (1)
$6,300.00 6 available Used
Gear4Music
£3,999.00
Rudy's Music
$4,560.00
Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar
$2,699.99
GP Guitars
$2,900.00

Average Price: $4,115

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

The Fender Mary Kaye Stratocaster, a tribute to the iconic 1956 model that graced the hands of the legendary "First Lady of Rock 'n' Roll," captures the essence of both vintage charm and modern playability. Born from the Fender Custom Shop, this limited edition guitar meticulously recreates the elegance of the original Mary Kaye Strat, with its stunning blend of classic aesthetics and contemporary functionality.

This Stratocaster is not just a piece of history; it's a testament to craftsmanship. The '50s Style Custom Shop hand-wound pickups deliver a vintage tone, while the modern 9.5" radius and 5-way switch offer versatility for today's players. The one-piece maple neck with a soft V shape, reminiscent of the '50s, provides a familiar yet inviting feel, making it a joy to play whether you're on stage or in the studio. Gold hardware adds a touch of luxury, perfectly complementing the guitar's timeless appeal.

Whether you're a collector or a performer, the Fender Mary Kaye Stratocaster promises a unique blend of style, sound, and historical significance, making it a coveted piece for any serious musician.

Key Features:

  • Ash body with a one-piece maple neck
  • Soft V neck profile for vintage feel
  • '50s Style Custom Shop hand-wound pickups
  • 9.5" radius with a 5-way switch for modern versatility
  • Vintage Kluson style tuners and vintage style tremolo
  • Includes deluxe Custom Shop hardshell tweed case

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model Custom Shop Mary Kaye Tribute Stratocaster
Year 2004
Made In United States
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Artist Mary Kaye
Body Shape S-Style
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Tremolo Bridge
Color Family White
Fretboard Material Maple
Model Family Fender Stratocaster
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Number of Frets 21
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration SSS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Series Fender Artist Series, Fender Custom Shop

FAQs

What makes the Fender Mary Kaye Stratocaster unique?

The Fender Mary Kaye Stratocaster is distinguished by its translucent white finish and gold hardware, paying tribute to the legendary guitarist Mary Kaye. It's a Custom Shop model that combines classic aesthetics with modern craftsmanship.

What kind of pickups does the Fender Mary Kaye Stratocaster have?

The Fender Mary Kaye Stratocaster features a single-coil SSS pickup configuration, providing the bright, crisp tones that Stratocasters are famous for, suitable for a wide range of music genres.

Is the Fender Mary Kaye Stratocaster suitable for beginners?

While the Fender Mary Kaye Stratocaster is a high-quality instrument with professional features, its playability and classic design make it accessible to committed beginners who appreciate its historical significance and tonal versatility.

What is the neck profile of the Fender Mary Kaye Stratocaster?

The Fender Mary Kaye Stratocaster typically features a comfortable "C" shaped neck profile, which is well-suited for various playing styles and offers ease of use for both rhythm and lead guitarists.

Does the Fender Mary Kaye Stratocaster have a tremolo bridge?

Yes, the Fender Mary Kaye Stratocaster is equipped with a tremolo bridge, allowing for expressive pitch modulation and classic vibrato effects commonly associated with Stratocasters.

Emerald City Guitars

Emerald City Guitars

"Pick of the Day" - 1957 Fender Mary Kaye Stratocaster

Video thumbnail for "Pick of the Day" - 1957 Fender Mary Kaye Stratocaster by Emerald City Guitars

"Pick of the Day" - 1957 Fender Mary Kaye Stratocaster

Emerald City Guitars

Emerald City Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1957 Orig Mary Kaye Fender Stratocaster Review www.eddievegas.com Eddie Vegas by eddievegas1

1957 Orig Mary Kaye Fender Stratocaster Review www.eddievegas.com Eddie Vegas

eddievegas1

eddievegas1

Video thumbnail for "Pick of the Day" - Revisiting the 1957 Fender "Mary Kaye" Stratocaster by Emerald City Guitars

"Pick of the Day" - Revisiting the 1957 Fender "Mary Kaye" Stratocaster

Emerald City Guitars

Emerald City Guitars

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

User experience

  • Described as playing "like a giant stick of butter," indicating an exceptionally smooth playability.

    Source
  • Owners have expressed obsession with completing their collection with both Stratocaster and Telecaster models in the Mary Kaye finish.

    Source
  • Owners report that early reissues are excellent in playability and craftsmanship, often compared favorably to their original 1950s counterparts.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Known for its stunning appearance, with a maple neck, white body, and gold hardware praised for aesthetic appeal.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Advice given to insure the guitar due to its rarity and potential high value, emphasizing the importance of appraisals for rare instruments.

    Source
  • Removing the neck for inspection is recommended to find date stamps and codes, aiding in accurate dating and identification.

    Source

Build quality

  • The 1980s American Vintage Reissues are praised for their solid build and original features, although some minor historical inaccuracies are noted.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The gold hardware and distinctive "pregnant headstock" are key identifiers of the late '80s to early '90s models.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Late '80s reissues are valued higher than newer models, typically ranging between $2,500 and $4,000, due to their rarity and early reissue status.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Vintage Bench Test: 1957 Fender Stratocaster 'Mary Kaye'

guitar.com

The 1957 Fender Stratocaster 'Mary Kaye' is a collector's dream with its iconic translucent blonde finish and gold-plated hardware. This review praises its exceptional playability and vintage tone, noting the comfortable neck and outstanding sound that captures the essence of mid-50s Stratocasters. However, the guitar's vintage condition presents minor issues, such as pickup height adjustments hindered by perished spacers. Despite these small drawbacks, the review highlights the guitar's impressive sound and playability, making it a desirable piece for both collectors and players alike. Overall, it's a glowing testament to a Stratocaster that has stood the test of time.

positive

The First “Mary Kaye” Stratocaster | Vintage Guitar® magazine

vintageguitar.com

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings

5 star
4 star
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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Rich Robinson uses Fender Mary Kaye Stratocaster

Rich Robinson

Guitarist

The Black Crowes

...
Verified via YouTube

After the Black Crowes lost gear to the Hurricane Sandy flood, Robinson had an exact replica of his Mary Kay Stratocaster rebuilt at Fender. “They made an exact replica of the Mary Kaye that he lost down to... the dings, and nicks, and everything,” Robinson’s guitar tech says at (6:41).

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 Mary Kaye Stratocaster, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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