Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 2 stores. Prices updated .

Reverb
5.0 (2)
$3,224.21 8 available Used
Thomann
$4,199.00 $4,177.00 $22.00 · All time low

Average Price: $3,701

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "1956 Fender Stratocaster". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 7, 2026.

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Description

Step back in time with the 1956 Fender Stratocaster, an electric guitar that epitomizes the classic era of rock 'n' roll. This iconic instrument is revered for its V-shaped neck profile, offering a playing experience that is both comfortable and nostalgic. Crafted from premium materials, the body is made of light ash, while the neck is constructed from tinted AA birdseye maple, providing not only stunning aesthetics but also a resonant tone. The maple fingerboard, paired with vintage-style machine heads, ensures smooth playability and a classic feel.

The 1956 Stratocaster is equipped with three FAT '50s single-coil pickups, delivering the quintessential Strat sound—bright, articulate, and full of character. The 3-way pickup selector allows for versatile tonal options, from crisp highs to warm, rounded lows. With its US Vintage tremolo and modern Strat wiring, this guitar bridges the gap between vintage charm and contemporary reliability.

Whether you're channeling the spirits of legendary players like Jimi Hendrix or Stevie Ray Vaughan, or carving your own musical path, the 1956 Fender Stratocaster is a timeless companion that will inspire creativity and elevate your performance.

Key Features:

  • Light ash body
  • Tinted AA birdseye maple neck with a 10/56 "V" profile
  • Maple fingerboard with 21 medium jumbo frets
  • Bone nut
  • Three FAT '50s single-coil pickups
  • Modern Strat wiring
  • Vintage-style machine heads
  • US Vintage tremolo
  • Includes a tweed case, cable, and certificate

Product specs

Available since November 2019
Colour Red
Body Ash
Top None
Neck Maple
Fretboard Maple
Frets 21
Scale 648 mm
Pickups SSS
Tremolo Vintage
incl. Bag No
incl. Case Yes
Limited Run NAMM 2020
Model 1956 Stratocaster
Shape ST-Style
Pickup System SSS

FAQs

What type of wood is used for the body of the 1956 Fender Stratocaster?

The body of the 1956 Fender Stratocaster is made from ash wood, which contributes to its bright and resonant tone.

What kind of pickups does the 1956 Fender Stratocaster have?

The 1956 Fender Stratocaster features a single-coil SSS pickup configuration, providing the classic Strat sound with bright and clear tones.

Is the 1956 Fender Stratocaster suitable for vintage tone enthusiasts?

Yes, the 1956 Fender Stratocaster is ideal for vintage tone enthusiasts, offering a classic ST-Style shape and vintage tremolo that replicates the iconic sound and feel of the original 1956 model.

Does the 1956 Fender Stratocaster come with a case?

Yes, the 1956 Fender Stratocaster includes a case, providing protection and easy transport for the guitar.

How many frets does the 1956 Fender Stratocaster have?

The 1956 Fender Stratocaster is equipped with 21 frets on a maple fretboard, staying true to its vintage design.

What is the neck material of the 1956 Fender Stratocaster?

The neck of the 1956 Fender Stratocaster is made from maple, which enhances the guitar's bright tonal quality and sustain.

Carter Vintage Guitars

Carter Vintage Guitars

1956 Fender Stratocaster played by JD Simo

Video thumbnail for 1956 Fender Stratocaster played by JD Simo by Carter Vintage Guitars

1956 Fender Stratocaster played by JD Simo

Carter Vintage Guitars

Carter Vintage Guitars

Video thumbnail for Guitar of the Day: 1956 Fender Stratocaster | Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1956 Fender Stratocaster | Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Guitar of the Day: 1956 Fender Stratocaster | Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1956 Fender Stratocaster | Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1956 Fender Stratocaster Sunburst | Guitar of the Day - RARE GUITAR!!! by Normans Rare Guitars

1956 Fender Stratocaster Sunburst | Guitar of the Day - RARE GUITAR!!!

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1956 Fender Stratocaster at Norman's Rare Guitars - IS IT ORIGINAL??? by Normans Rare Guitars

1956 Fender Stratocaster at Norman's Rare Guitars - IS IT ORIGINAL???

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1956 Fender Stratocaster played by Kirk Fletcher by Carter Vintage Guitars

1956 Fender Stratocaster played by Kirk Fletcher

Carter Vintage Guitars

Carter Vintage Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1956 Fender Stratocaster by Emerald City Guitars

1956 Fender Stratocaster

Emerald City Guitars

Emerald City Guitars

Video thumbnail for "Pick of the Day" - 1956 Fender Stratocaster Blonde HT and 1962 Super Amp by Emerald City Guitars

"Pick of the Day" - 1956 Fender Stratocaster Blonde HT and 1962 Super Amp

Emerald City Guitars

Emerald City Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1956 Fender Stratocaster from Brothers Osborne! by Emerald City Guitars

1956 Fender Stratocaster from Brothers Osborne!

Emerald City Guitars

Emerald City Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1956 Blonde Fender Stratocaster - Atoyboy Guitars by ATB Guitars

1956 Blonde Fender Stratocaster - Atoyboy Guitars

ATB Guitars

ATB Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1956 Fender Stratocaster | GuitarPoint Vintage Guitars by GuitarPoint

1956 Fender Stratocaster | GuitarPoint Vintage Guitars

GuitarPoint

GuitarPoint

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about 1956 Fender Stratocaster.

Build quality

  • The aging process is noted to create a "sinking" effect in the nitro finish, visible as ripples and cracks that interact with darkening agents over time.

    Source
  • Original decals were water-based and placed on top of the lacquer, making them prone to wear and removal over time.

    Source
  • The flame on the neck receives specific praise for its stunning appearance, contributing to the guitar's overall visual appeal.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The guitar features a soft V neck profile with a maple neck, providing a bright, snappy tone with special warmth and quack.

    Source
  • The guitar's unique aged Capri Orange finish stands out as a classic yet distinct alternative to more common vintage colors like fiesta red or Tahitian coral.

    Source

User experience

  • Players report a unique humbling experience playing a guitar significantly older than themselves, with historical and sentimental value.

    Source
  • Owners of the Masterbuilt 1956 Strat have expressed extreme satisfaction with the neck's aesthetic, describing it as "ridiculous" and "insane" in terms of appearance and feel.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • A 1956 Fender Stratocaster can be valued between $17,000 and $28,000 at auction, reflecting its rarity and desirability.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Masterbuilt 1956 Stratocaster by Todd Krause is often compared favorably to a real 1965 Strat, praised for its unparalleled playability and sound.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Upgrading to HW fat 50s pickups is noted to significantly enhance the Strat's tone, making it 'delicious' according to multiple users.

    Source

Critic Reviews

1956 Fender Stratocaster - An Iconic Original - Pre CBS StratocastersPre CBS Stratocasters

precbsstratocasters.com

The review of the 1956 Fender Stratocaster highlights its significance as a pivotal model in the evolution of electric guitars, particularly noting the shift from ash to alder bodies and the introduction of the butterfly string tree. While the tonal quality remains a strong point, the article also points out several drawbacks, such as the fragility of the nitrocellulose lacquer and the brittleness of the plastics used in its construction. These issues can lead to wear and tear that might affect longevity and aesthetic appeal. Overall, the review acknowledges the Stratocaster's iconic status while cautioning potential buyers about its vulnerabilities.

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how John Frusciante uses 1956 Fender Stratocaster

John Frusciante

Guitarist

Red Hot Chili Peppers

...
Verified via YouTube
Color/Finish: 2-Tone Burst

Can be seen on 47:54 while playing Pretty Little Ditty and Hollywood ( Red Hot Chili Peppers - 1990-01-26 - Club Citta, Kawasaki City, Japan ). This stratocaster was not used many times but John said he bought 15 different strats some originals some reissues around this period in late 1989 to 1990.

See how George Harrison uses 1956 Fender Stratocaster

George Harrison

Singer, Guitarist

The Beatles

...
Verified via Photo

George Harrison is shown using a 1956 Fender Stratocaster in a newly uploaded photo, featured in a book about the iconic guitar.

See how Joe Bonamassa uses 1956 Fender Stratocaster

Joe Bonamassa

Singer, Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Joe Bonamassa

"Ash body, Bakelite parts and the best neck I have found on a 1956 Stratocaster.

“This guitar I found in Nashville a few years ago. It was being sold at a substantial loss after fetching almost $100,000 a few years ago. It still has the original receipt and pictures of the original owner. Best heard on my song, I Gave Up Everything for You, ‘Cept The Blues.” - Joe Bonamassa

See how Brad Whitford uses 1956 Fender Stratocaster

Brad Whitford

Guitarist

Hollywood Vampires

...
Verified via YouTube
Color/Finish: Sunburst Year: 1956

In the video titled "The Collection: Brad Whitford of Aerosmith" on Gibson TV, at 36:21, guitarist Brad Whitford showcases his 1956 Fender Stratocaster.

See how John Perry uses 1956 Fender Stratocaster

John Perry

Guitarist

The Only Ones

...
Verified via Photo

John Perry is seen using a 1956 Fender Stratocaster in a sunburst finish at Stoneyblatter Studios in Dublin, as evidenced by the provided image.

See how Todd Park Mohr uses 1956 Fender Stratocaster

Todd Park Mohr

Singer, Guitarist

Big Head Todd and the Monsters

...
Verified via Photo

In a photograph, Todd Park Mohr is depicted holding a 1956 Fender Stratocaster, confirming his use of this specific guitar model.

See how Quique Neira uses 1956 Fender Stratocaster

Quique Neira

Singer, Guitarist

Gondwana

...
Verified via Photo

In this live performance photo, Quique Neira can be seen playing a 1956 Fender Stratocaster in Blonde.

Album Usage

The 1956 Fender Stratocaster has been featured on the following albums:

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 1956 Fender Stratocaster, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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