Fender Stratocaster 1961 Vintage Original 3-Tone Sunburst

A Golden Era Masterpiece: The 1961 Pre-CBS "Slab Board" Stratocaster

The Guitar Sanctuary is profoundly honored to showcase this exceptional, investment-grade Vintage 1961 Fender Stratocaster in its original 3-Tone Sunburst finish. Sourced directly from our store owner’s private collection, this remarkable instrument stands as a definitive benchmark of Leo Fender's golden era in Fullerton, California. Combining the legendary structural contours, highly coveted "slab" rosewood fingerboard, and incomparable touch-sensitive dynamics that defined the early 1960s, this Stratocaster represents an increasingly rare opportunity for serious collectors and discerning players alike.

Forensic Vintage Authenticity & Tonal Profile

This 1961 Stratocaster features a vibrant, beautifully checked original 3-Tone Sunburst nitrocellulose lacquer finish that showcases the perfect fading typical of well-preserved instruments from this exact production window. Beneath the original tortoise pickguard sits an unmolested electronic assembly featuring three original "Black Bottom" single-coil pickups wound with heavy Formvar wire. These pickups deliver the definitive Pre-CBS tonal architecture: a sweet, woody low-end response, scooped, vocal mid-range presence, and a chimey, bell-like high register that sparkles without ever sounding harsh.

Granular Structural Specifications

Every critical historical component has been forensically verified to guarantee authenticity and performance:

• Slab Rosewood Board: Features a thick, dark Brazilian Rosewood "slab" fingerboard embedded with original clay dot position markers, offering the warm, sustained attack coveted by players worldwide.
• Neck Profile & Date: A comfortable, fast "C" shaped maple neck with a period-correct slim-to-medium feel that tapers beautifully as you ascend the register. Neck pencil date verified to 1961.
• Hardware: Outfitted with original single-line Kluson Deluxe tuning machines, a synchronized tremolo block assembly, and correct "Pat. Pend." stamped steel saddles.
• Pickups: Neck 6.17k  Middle 5.94k  Bridge 6.21k
• Neck measurements: .810"-.890"
• Potentiometer Code: EX. 304-6125
• Has small typical pickguard crack by screw hole due to shrinkage of the plastic over the decades. 

Detailed Technical Specifications Matrix

• Origin: Hand-built in Fullerton, California, USA (Leo Fender Pre-CBS Era).
• Year of Manufacture: 1961.
• Body Wood: Premium Lightweight Select Alder.
• Finish: Original 3-Tone Sunburst Nitrocellulose Lacquer.
• Fingerboard: Thick "Slab" Brazilian Rosewood (7.25" Radius) with authentic Clay Dots.
• Electronics: Original 3-Way Pickup Selector Switch, Master Volume, Dual Tone Controls.
• Pickups: Original Pre-CBS "Black Bottom" Single-Coils (Original solder joints intact).
• Case Protection: Ships safely inside its original brown Fender hardshell case with plush orange interior.
• Best For: High-End Vintage Collecting, Investment-Grade Asset Portfolios, Session Recording, Classic Blues, and Historic Rock.
• Tone Profile: Warm, Woody, Articulate, Bell-Like Chime, Highly Dynamic, Incredibly Responsive.
• Compared To: Fender Custom Shop Masterbuilt 1961 Reissue, Vintage 1959/1960 Stratocasters, Vintage 1962 Slab Board Stratocasters.
• Sanctuary Expert Note: "This is the crown jewel of vintage Stratocasters. The 1961 'slab board' era is considered by many to be the absolute absolute pinnacle of Fender neck design and pickup voice. The pickups in this guitar have a vocal quality that modern reissues can try to mimic, but can never fully duplicate. It plays effortlessly, tracks beautifully in the studio, and has been meticulously preserved as part of our owner's personal collection. Well taken care of and kept up with over its life..major nice sounding strat tones with these pickups!! Untouched finish - Striking wood and figuring in the neck. Has original 3 way switch installed."

*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.