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Description

Step into the limelight with the legendary 1960 Fender Stratocaster, a timeless piece that continues to captivate musicians across generations. This iconic solid body electric guitar is renowned for its sleek design and unmistakable sound that defined an era. Crafted with an alder body, this Stratocaster delivers a balanced tone that is both bright and warm, perfect for a wide range of musical styles.

The three single-coil pickups are the heart of the Stratocaster's distinctive voice, providing that classic bell-like high end, punchy mids, and robust lows. The 1960s model features a vintage-style synchronized tremolo bridge, allowing for smooth pitch modulation without compromising tuning stability. The maple neck with a rosewood fingerboard offers a comfortable playing feel, making it an ideal choice for both rhythm and lead guitarists.

This Stratocaster embodies a unique blend of vintage aesthetics and playability. Whether you're a collector or a musician seeking that authentic vintage tone, this guitar brings the best of both worlds, making it a prized addition to any guitarist's arsenal.

Key Features:

  • Alder body for balanced tone
  • Maple neck with rosewood fingerboard
  • Three single-coil pickups for classic Stratocaster sound
  • Vintage-style synchronized tremolo bridge
  • 21 frets for expansive playing range
  • Classic '60s neck profile for comfortable playability
  • Authentic vintage design and craftsmanship
Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1960 Fender Stratocaster Sunburst | Norman's Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Guitar of the Day: 1960 Fender Stratocaster Sunburst | Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1960 Fender Stratocaster Sunburst | Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1960 Fender Stratocaster Sunburst | Guitar of the Day - Angela Petrilli by Normans Rare Guitars

1960 Fender Stratocaster Sunburst | Guitar of the Day - Angela Petrilli

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Guitar of the Day: 1960 Fender Stratocaster Sunburst | Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1960 Fender Stratocaster Sunburst | Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1960 Fender Stratocaster Sunburst | CME Quick Riffs | Alex Chadwick by Chicago Music Exchange

1960 Fender Stratocaster Sunburst | CME Quick Riffs | Alex Chadwick

Chicago Music Exchange

Chicago Music Exchange

Video thumbnail for Vintage 1960 Fender Stratocaster Sunburst ~ Tech Bench by MusicStoreLive.com

Vintage 1960 Fender Stratocaster Sunburst ~ Tech Bench

MusicStoreLive.com

MusicStoreLive.com

Video thumbnail for 1960 Fender Stratocaster - Sunburst | GuitarPoint Vintage Guitars by GuitarPoint

1960 Fender Stratocaster - Sunburst | GuitarPoint Vintage Guitars

GuitarPoint

GuitarPoint

Video thumbnail for Vintage Guitar Demo: 1960 Fender Stratocaster in Sunburst finish! by True Vintage Guitar

Vintage Guitar Demo: 1960 Fender Stratocaster in Sunburst finish!

True Vintage Guitar

True Vintage Guitar

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about 1960 Stratocaster.

Build quality

  • The American Original series uses a 'real' thin nitro finish, unlike thicker finishes on the AVRI 2, giving a vintage feel and a more fragile exterior.

    Source
  • The rosewood fretboard can appear lighter, resembling pau ferro, depending on lighting, with a notably wavy and beautiful grain.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The AO series features a 9.5 radius and larger frets, akin to custom shop models, making them easier to play than the more vintage-accurate AVRI2 series.

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  • One owner prefers the modern radius and nitro finish of the AO '60s Strat over their previous polyester model with Fat 50's pickups, which they didn't enjoy.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners praise the AO 60's Strat for its thick sound profile, which stands out among Stratocasters, enhancing playability and tonal richness.

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Features and functionality

  • The rosewood fretboard on these guitars is notably dark, almost resembling ebony, adding to the visual and tactile appeal.

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  • Some users desire a more accessible truss rod, as the current design requires neck or pickguard removal, even though it's period-correct.

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Use cases and applications

  • Despite the high build quality, some owners prefer to keep these guitars as 'case queens' for investment purposes, while others actively play them for their exceptional sound.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Owners swapped the stock PVC pickguard for a nitrate celluloid repro guard for a less shiny appearance and enhanced Shell Pink contrast.

    Source

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Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

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Artist usage

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See how John Frusciante uses 1960 Stratocaster

John Frusciante

Guitarist

Red Hot Chili Peppers

...
Verified via YouTube
Color/Finish: 3-Color Burst

This Stratocaster had gold hardware, probably one that Frusciante used on BSSM seen on clips while recording solo for Mellowship Slinky (while recording Mellowship frets were already taken out as John didnt like new frets that were put on refreting after 1990 tour). This is cca 59 60 strat (not the same strat John used on BSSM tour 1991 1992).

See how Billy Gibbons uses 1960 Stratocaster

Billy Gibbons

Guitarist

ZZ Top

...
Verified via Paulgabriel

Billy Gibbons received a 1960 Fender Stratocaster in Shell Pink as a gift from Jimi Hendrix, who admired Gibbons' talent while they toured together. This iconic guitar is featured in a photo provided by Paulgabriel.

See how John Squire uses 1960 Stratocaster

John Squire

Guitarist

Oasis

...
Verified via Pdmcauley

Excerpt from http://www.pdmcauley.co.uk

"A pink 1960 Fender Stratocaster. This was the guitar that would give most of the jangle to the Stone Roses sound. The single coil pickups are suited to a more subtle brighter sound. Squire being a massive Hendrix fan would inevitably want to play some riffs on a strat. He also had a big thing for the beach boys (Another group containing exponents of the jangly strat sound). Songs on which Squire would opt for the strat would be; Standing here, She Bangs the drums, Where Angels Play, Shoot you down, I am the Resurrection, What the world is waiting for. Story has it that it was actually a guitar residing or hired in to a studio they were recording in (possibly rockfield). And after using it on some of the tracks on the album ('The Stone Roses') had taken a shine to it and wanted to buy it. Never one to be scared of bold statements, (a pink guitar was about as bold as you could ask for back then!) it was soon in his possession. Although I imagine it was the sound of the guitar that captured his heart. If Squire's choice of guitars were his way of doffing his hat to his heroes. Then the Gretsch would be George Harrison, the strat would be Hendrix/Beach Boys/Eric Clapton etc, possibly the pink fender strat could also be tied to Hank Marvin. (Although his trademark was a red strat, he did also sport a pink one occasionally. It's either that or Gary Moore!!)"

-Here are some videos of John Squire playing his pink 60's Stratocaster. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tozNEbh9Pf4), (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pNfHoPIxhXM)

-Here is a link to another list of squires guitars which Includes the pink 60's Stratocaster. (http://www.dawsons.co.uk/blog/the-stone-roses-legend-john-squires-favoured-guitars)

See how Mark Morton uses 1960 Stratocaster

Mark Morton

Guitarist

Lamb of God

...
Verified via Photo

In this Instagram post, Mark Morton shows off some of his vintage guitar collection, including a sunburst 1960 Fender Stratocaster.

See how Jason Isbell uses 1960 Stratocaster

Jason Isbell

Guitarist, Singer

Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit

...
Verified via YouTube

At 17:22 Jason Isbell shows his Fender Stratocaster

See how Tom Bukovac uses 1960 Stratocaster

Tom Bukovac

Guitarist

Trip the Witch

...
Verified via YouTube

Tom Bukovac's "main" Stratocaster and one of the guitars you see him playing most often whether it's live, in the studio, in promotional videos or in his YouTube series "The Home Skoolin' Show." It's a 1960 Stratocaster in three tone sunburst.

See how Tyler Bryant uses 1960 Stratocaster

Tyler Bryant

Guitarist, Singer

Tyler Bryant & The Shakedown

...
Verified via YouTube

In the music video for "Monday Blues," Tyler Bryant can be seen playing a 1960 Fender Stratocaster in Shell Pink.

See how Mauricio Durán uses 1960 Stratocaster

Mauricio Durán

Singer, Guitarist

Los Bunkers

...
Verified via YouTube

Mauricio Durán used a 1960 Fender Stratocaster in Sunburst, one of his earliest guitars, from the start of Los Bunkers until around 2010. This is evident in the "Yo Sembré Mis Penas de Amor en Tu Jardín" video by LosBunkersVEVO on YouTube.

See how world’s end girlfriend uses 1960 Stratocaster

world’s end girlfriend

Guitarist, Composer

...
Verified via FREEZINE(フリージン)

In an interview on FREEZINE, world's end girlfriend confirmed the use of a 1960 Fender Stratocaster - Sunburst by stating: "[1960 Fender Stratocaster] 青木裕から譲り受けた大事なギター。作曲の作り始めにまずは手にする," which translates to, "[1960 Fender Stratocaster] This is a precious guitar that I inherited from Yutaka Aoki. It's the first guitar I pick up when I start composing."

See how Brent Rowan uses 1960 Stratocaster

Brent Rowan

Guitarist, Music Producer

The Rambos

...
Verified via Vintage Guitar® magazine
Color/Finish: Olympic White Year: 1960

In this Dec 2008 Vintage Guitar Magazine interview, Brent shared the following:

Q: What about the Olympic White 1960 Strat? A: Somebody called me, wanting to sell a guitar. I didn’t need it at the time, but boy am I glad I bought it. It has a wonderful, Stevie-Ray-type of throaty tone. I love it. It has an original finish with a three-color sunburst underneath. Q: And some tracks you used it on? A: On all of Blake Shelton’s Pure BS, which I produced and played on. Also, some Montgomery Gentry stuff I’ve played on.

Album Usage

The 1960 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 1960 Stratocaster, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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