Fender Stratocaster 1960 Vintage Original 3-Tone Sunburst

The Dawn of the Slab Board Era: An Exceptional 1960 Pre-CBS Masterpiece

The Guitar Sanctuary is deeply privileged to present an absolute pinnacle of electric guitar history: this investment-grade Vintage 1960 Fender Stratocaster in its original, beautifully aged 3-Tone Sunburst finish. Curated straight from our store owner's private personal vault, this museum-class instrument marks the legendary first full year of Fender’s iconic "slab" Brazilian Rosewood fingerboard execution. Combining Leo Fender's structural peak in Fullerton, California, with the resonant magic of over six decades of natural wood maturation, this is an incredibly rare survivor designed for the world's most discriminating collectors.

Forensic Vintage Integrity & Tonal Signature

This 1960 Stratocaster exhibits an authentic, breathtakingly checked original 3-Tone Sunburst nitrocellulose lacquer finish, showing honest, light character wear and zero modern modifications or structural revisions. Beneath the original 3-ply greenish-nitrate pickguard lies a completely verified, unmolested electronic harness housing three original "Black Bottom" single-coil pickups. Wound with correct heavy Formvar wire, these legendary electronics deliver an unforgettable acoustic-electric behavior: an organic, deep, woody low-end bounce, a clear, vocal midrange scoop, and a sweet, glass-like top-end texture that defines the early 1960s sonic blueprint.

Granular Component Validation & Craftsmanship

Every structural variable has been microscopically scrutinized to establish total historical authority and authenticity:

• First-Year Thick Slab Board: Features the historically vital, dark, oily Brazilian Rosewood "slab" fingerboard inlaid with original clay dot position markers, offering an unmistakable warmth and attack.
• The 1960 "Bladed C" Neck Shape: A remarkably comfortable, fast, slim-to-medium "C" shaped maple neck with correct pencil-dated marking inside the pocket.
• Period-Correct Hardware: Fully loaded with original single-line Kluson Deluxe tuners, synchronized tremolo assembly, and individual "Pat. Pend." stamped steel saddles.

Detailed Technical Specifications Matrix

• Origin: Handcrafted in Fullerton, California, USA (Leo Fender Pre-CBS Era).
• Year of Manufacture: 1960.
• Body Wood: Ultra-Lightweight, Select Premium Alder.
• Finish: Original 3-Tone Sunburst Nitrocellulose Lacquer.
• Fingerboard: Historic Thick "Slab" Brazilian Rosewood (7.25" Radius) with authentic Clay Dots.
• Electronics: Original 3-Way Pickup Selector Switch, Master Volume, Tone (Neck), Tone (Middle).
• Pickups: Original Pre-CBS "Black Bottom" Single-Coils with untouched factory solder joints.
• Does not include original hard case
• Serial # 53442
• See pics for cavity shots

• Best For: High-End Vintage Curating, Asset Portfolio Investment, Elite Studio Tracking, Historical Blues, and Classic Rock.
• Tone Profile: Warm, Organic, Bell-Like Clarity, Highly Touched-Sensitive, Articulate String Separation.
• Compared To: Fender Custom Shop Masterbuilt 1960 Reissue, Vintage 1959 Slab Board Stratocaster, Vintage 1961 Stratocaster.
• Sanctuary Expert Note: "There are good guitars that work as they should and as a tool to make music.. then there are inspiring guitars.. guitars that have been played and broken in and really just have a certain resonate tone. This guitar is just that - very snappy and resonate - the notes seem to jump off the fretboard. Really an inspring tone ! Has some black paint touch up spots on on the front and back throughout ( Done by a previous owner many years ago to touch up some of the dings and typical blemish marks it acquired over its life."

*This guitar is part of our owner's collection, as such we are not entertaining any trades.

*Please note the following terms:

• Items from Geo's Vault are sold as All Sales Final, and not subject to our standard store return policy.  Each is accurately decsribed, and we are happy to answer any questions you may have about them prior to purchase to ensure it is the right choice for you.
• Vintage pieces are available to view BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. Please contact us at (972)540-6420 or email andrew@guitarsanctuary.com to schedule your appointment.