Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $19,866

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$400

$1001+

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Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Fender Jerry Garcia's "Alligator" Stratocaster 1957". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 25, 2026.

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Description

Step into the legendary world of the Grateful Dead with Jerry Garcia's 1957 Fender Stratocaster - Alligator. This iconic electric guitar is more than just an instrument; it's a piece of music history, meticulously crafted for those who appreciate both artistry and craftsmanship. As a limited edition Custom Shop model, masterbuilt by Austin MacNutt, it's a tribute to Garcia's unique style, offering a rare opportunity for collectors and musicians alike.

The guitar's one-piece selected ash body and one-piece rift sawn maple neck provide a resonant and warm tone, perfect for delivering the intricate licks and jams that Jerry was famous for. The neck features a '55 "Soft V" profile, catering to both comfort and speed for those long jam sessions. Equipped with three hand-wound Custom Shop '55 Josefina Strat single coils, this guitar delivers a vintage sound that's both clear and dynamic, capable of everything from soulful blues to psychedelic rock.

Further defining its character is the active "Blaster" clean boost switch, which is ingeniously placed in front of the output jack, allowing for an expressiveness and power that can push your sound to new heights. The custom brass bridge and saddle, along with a rosewood base plate, ensure tuning stability and sustain, while the nitrocellulose lacquer finish adds a touch of authentic vintage flair.

Key Features:

  • Jerry Garcia signature model, limited to 100 copies worldwide
  • One-piece selected ash body and one-piece rift sawn maple neck
  • '55 "Soft V" neck profile
  • 21 Medium vintage frets with a 7.25" fretboard radius
  • 3 Hand-wound Custom Shop '55 Josefina Strat single coils
  • 5-Way switch with vintage wiring
  • Active "Blaster" clean boost switch
  • Custom brass bridge and saddle with rosewood base plate
  • Nitrocellulose lacquer with Relic finish
  • Includes a Custom "Alligator" case

Product specs

Available since January 2023
Colour Natural
Body Ash
Top None
Neck Maple
Fretboard Maple
Frets 21
Scale 648 mm
Pickups SSS
incl. Case Yes
Limited Run 100
Model 1956 Stratocaster
Shape ST-Style
Pickup System SSS

FAQs

What is the neck profile like on Jerry Garcia's 1957 Fender Stratocaster - Alligator?

The neck of Jerry Garcia's 1957 Fender Stratocaster - Alligator is made from maple, providing a smooth, comfortable feel typical of mid-50s Fender guitars, which is ideal for both rhythm and lead playing.

What kind of tones can I expect from the pickups on this guitar?

This guitar features an SSS pickup configuration, delivering the classic Fender Stratocaster sound with bright, articulate tones suitable for a variety of genres, particularly rock and blues.

Is this guitar suitable for collectors or players?

As a limited run of only 100 pieces, Jerry Garcia's 1957 Fender Stratocaster - Alligator is highly suitable for collectors, but its quality construction and iconic sound also make it a fantastic option for players seeking a unique instrument.

What materials are used in the construction of this guitar?

The body is crafted from ash, and both the neck and fretboard are made from maple, contributing to the guitar's bright tonal characteristics and classic aesthetic.

Does Jerry Garcia's 1957 Fender Stratocaster come with a case?

Yes, this guitar includes a case, providing protection and convenience for transport and storage.

Andertons Music Co

Andertons Music Co

One of the Most Iconic Strats Ever? | Jerry Garcia's Alligator Stratocaster!

Video thumbnail for One of the Most Iconic Strats Ever? | Jerry Garcia's Alligator Stratocaster! by Andertons Music Co

One of the Most Iconic Strats Ever? | Jerry Garcia's Alligator Stratocaster!

Andertons Music Co

Andertons Music Co

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Jerry Garcia's "Alligator" Stratocaster 1957.

Mods and upgrades

  • The Alligator brass conversion set from mrmachinst1 on eBay is popular for replicating Jerry Garcia's unique look with brass fixtures and bridge.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Mythos blaster kit preamp is praised for creating a clear and bright sound, enhancing the strat's tone.

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  • European stickers on the pickguard are noted for their high quality, contributing to the guitar's unique aesthetic without significant wear over time.

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Build quality

  • The swamp ash body is noted for its pronounced wood grain, contributing to the guitar's aesthetic appeal.

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  • The 1955 Stratocaster neck and body are confirmed, despite earlier beliefs of a 1957 body, highlighting the importance of historical accuracy in vintage guitars.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Careful measurement of scale length is crucial when installing the brass bridge to ensure proper intonation.

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  • Stratocasters are easy to disassemble and modify, likely contributing to Jerry Garcia's preference for this model due to its simplicity in setup and maintenance.

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Use cases and applications

  • The Alembic Stratoblaster replica PCB from General Guitar Gadgets is a sought-after modification for achieving the early 70s Jerry Garcia tone.

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Comparisons

  • Pre-CBS Fender models like the Alligator are valued for superior craftsmanship compared to later factory-assembled guitars, enhancing their desirability among collectors.

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User experience

  • Stratocasters are often used by serious musicians to learn proper setup and intonation, highlighting their suitability for both beginners and seasoned players.

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Artist usage

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See how Jerry Garcia uses Fender Jerry Garcia's "Alligator" Stratocaster 1957

Jerry Garcia

Singer, Guitarist

Grateful Dead

...
Verified via Photo

According to Jerry Garcia's official site, one of Jerry's guitars, nicknamed Alligator, was a 1957 Fender Stratocaster. Jerry's site writes "Over the years, the guitar was repeatedly customized and updated. Along with these structural modifications, this Strat was easily identified by its prominent stickers–namely the alligator holding a knife and fork, dancing across the pick guard."

Genre Usage

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

1 alternative for Fender Jerry Garcia's "Alligator" Stratocaster 1957, curated by the Equipboard community.

Fender Custom Shop Jerry Garcia Alligator Stratocaster Relic, 1-Piece Rift Sawn Maple Neck

$20,000.00

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A highly detailed and fully featured replica of Jerry Garcia's Alligator Strat, created by the Fender Custom Shop.

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