1957 Fender 'Mary Kaye' Stratocaster, refin
Few vintage Stratocasters capture the imagination quite like a genuine 1957 “Mary Kaye” blonde Strat, and examples rarely surface at anything approaching an accessible price point. This particular guitar offers the unmistakable look, feel and sound of a mid-’50s ash-body Strat, complete with much of its original gold hardware, while coming in at a price point that is almost unheard of for a guitar of this type.
The guitar started life in August 1957, with both the ash body and maple neck dated 8-57. The neck features the classic soft V profile that so many players associate with the finest mid-’50s Stratocasters. The maple fingerboard and headstock face have been refinished and the guitar has been refretted with Jescar 50085 wire. This fret size is slightly larger than the original specification and contributes to the excellent playability the guitar offers today.
The guitar retains three original black-bottom pickups; the middle and neck have been expertly rewound to maintain correct tone and output. The controls feature three original pots dated to week 23 of 1957, along with the original switch and capacitor, although some wiring has been replaced during its lifetime.
A pleasing amount of the original gold-plated hardware remains intact. The guitar retains its single-line Kluson tuners, neck plate, ash tray, jack cup and several pickguard screws, all of which show the gentle ageing you would expect from nearly seven decades of use. There is also remnants of gold on the truss rod cover.
As is often the case with well-played vintage instruments, a number of parts have been replaced over time. The pickguard is a very good quality reproduction, while the saddles have been replaced with vintage steel units for functionality (five of the original gold saddles are included, but their intonation screws having broken off.) The pickup mounting screws and rubber donuts, strap buttons and tremolo arm have also been replaced, with the original pickup hardware included in the case.
The body has been expertly refinished by Huw Price, who also repaired a small section of ash in the body during the restoration process. The result is a beautifully executed blonde finish that captures the classic Mary Kaye aesthetic perfectly, translucent enough to show the grain of the ash beneath, and paired with the remaining gold hardware to create the unmistakable look that made these guitars famous.
Most importantly, this Strat simply sounds and feels fantastic. Everyone who has spent time with it here has come away impressed by its lively response, classic Strat chime and effortless playability. It delivers all the character you expect from a great mid-’50s Fender.
Original Mary Kaye Stratocasters have become extremely sought after over the years, and the handful we have handled previously have all been priced considerably higher than this example. While this guitar has had some sympathetic restoration work, it still offers the core ingredients that make these instruments so special.
For anyone wanting the look, tone and feel of a genuine 1957 Mary Kaye Stratocaster without venturing into six-figure territory, this represents a very compelling opportunity... and one we suspect may not be around for long!
Product Information
Product Information
Shipping & Returns
Shipping & Returns
Description
Few vintage Stratocasters capture the imagination quite like a genuine 1957 “Mary Kaye” blonde Strat, and examples rarely surface at anything approaching an accessible price point. This particular guitar offers the unmistakable look, feel and sound of a mid-’50s ash-body Strat, complete with much of its original gold hardware, while coming in at a price point that is almost unheard of for a guitar of this type.
The guitar started life in August 1957, with both the ash body and maple neck dated 8-57. The neck features the classic soft V profile that so many players associate with the finest mid-’50s Stratocasters. The maple fingerboard and headstock face have been refinished and the guitar has been refretted with Jescar 50085 wire. This fret size is slightly larger than the original specification and contributes to the excellent playability the guitar offers today.
The guitar retains three original black-bottom pickups; the middle and neck have been expertly rewound to maintain correct tone and output. The controls feature three original pots dated to week 23 of 1957, along with the original switch and capacitor, although some wiring has been replaced during its lifetime.
A pleasing amount of the original gold-plated hardware remains intact. The guitar retains its single-line Kluson tuners, neck plate, ash tray, jack cup and several pickguard screws, all of which show the gentle ageing you would expect from nearly seven decades of use. There is also remnants of gold on the truss rod cover.
As is often the case with well-played vintage instruments, a number of parts have been replaced over time. The pickguard is a very good quality reproduction, while the saddles have been replaced with vintage steel units for functionality (five of the original gold saddles are included, but their intonation screws having broken off.) The pickup mounting screws and rubber donuts, strap buttons and tremolo arm have also been replaced, with the original pickup hardware included in the case.
The body has been expertly refinished by Huw Price, who also repaired a small section of ash in the body during the restoration process. The result is a beautifully executed blonde finish that captures the classic Mary Kaye aesthetic perfectly, translucent enough to show the grain of the ash beneath, and paired with the remaining gold hardware to create the unmistakable look that made these guitars famous.
Most importantly, this Strat simply sounds and feels fantastic. Everyone who has spent time with it here has come away impressed by its lively response, classic Strat chime and effortless playability. It delivers all the character you expect from a great mid-’50s Fender.
Original Mary Kaye Stratocasters have become extremely sought after over the years, and the handful we have handled previously have all been priced considerably higher than this example. While this guitar has had some sympathetic restoration work, it still offers the core ingredients that make these instruments so special.
For anyone wanting the look, tone and feel of a genuine 1957 Mary Kaye Stratocaster without venturing into six-figure territory, this represents a very compelling opportunity... and one we suspect may not be around for long!
