1957 Fender Stratocaster Sunburst
Maker
Fender
(American, founded 1946)
Date1957
ClassificationsMusic
Description1957 Fender Stratocaster, serial number 20857, in Sunburst finish. The guitar's pots read "304-725" for the 25th week of 1957, with a body date of "8-57" and neck date of "9-57." In its original tweed hardshell case.Fender introduced the Stratocaster model of guitars in 1954 after two years of design work by founder Leo Fender. The Stratocaster introduced several new design elements that have now become standard on electric guitars. Its double-cutaway body style was considered futuristic for the time, with an almost horn-like appearance. The guitar’s neck was more contoured than previous electric guitars, which provided better playability. Its use of three pickups also allowed for more tonal versatility compared to previous electric guitars that utilized one or two pickups. Lastly, its vibrato system – with integrated “tremolo bridge” – provided a simplified method for pitch changing.
Fender first offered the Stratocaster in this three-tone sunburst pattern. The company expanded the color offerings as the Strat’s popularity grew.
Stratocasters paved the way for the use of the electric guitar in popular music. Numerous famous guitarists have used Stratocasters, but the most notable among them are Buddy Guy, Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Jeff Beck, and John Mayer.
