1971 Fender Stratocaster – Factory Lefty Neck

For your consideration, Garrett Park Guitars presents this exceptional 1971 Fender Stratocaster.

This Stratocaster comes to us from a collection in Ohio. It was acquired directly from the original owner by a luthier that worked in the shop where it was sold. According to the original owner, the guitar was custom-ordered from Fender in late 1969 or early 1970 from DiFiore’s Music. As the story goes, his original Fender Stratocaster was at DiFiores Music being set up and somehow it ended up on the sales floor and was sold. To make it up to him, the shop offered him any new Fender he wanted and he chose an ash body, blonde Stratocaster with a Lefthanded neck, just like his idol Jimi Hendrix played.

This neck dates to early 1971, lining up beautifully with the gray-bottom pickups (also 1971) and potentiometers (137 7052). What clearly identifies that this neck and body were always together are the puzzle pieces of paint that attached to the guitars neck and the matching lack of paint in the guitars neck cavity. Its for real, folks!

Finished in Blonde over ash, this Stratocaster has an especially appealing presentation, with excellent cosmetic condition and below-average play-wear. There are a couple of small chips along the bottom of the treble-side cutaway, as well as an indentation with a small ding through the finish near the neck pickup. These details are relatively minor and do little to detract from the guitar's overall exceptionally clean appearance.

The neck retains its original frets and features a comfortable medium-C profile, measuring .85" at the first fret and .95" at the 12th. Hardware includes the original synchronized tremolo, three-ply pickguard, plastic knobs, and the distinctive first-version F-stamp tuners made by Race and Olmsted.

Electronically, the guitar retains its gray-bottom single-coil pickups, CTS potentiometers, capacitors, and wiring, while making use of a more contemporary 5-way switch. Combined with its original maple neck and ash body, it delivers the familiar clarity, snap, and versatility that make a good vintage Stratocaster such a compelling instrument.

The guitar is accompanied by its original hardshell case, strap, cord, and tremolo spring envelope.

Please note: Due to the value of this instrument, payment by wire transfer is preferred.

Specifications

All components original unless specified otherwise

Model & Year

• Model: Fender Stratocaster
• Year of manufacture: 1971
• Serial Number: 321225
• Weight: 8lbs 0oz

Body

• Material: Ash
• Finish: Blonde nitrocellulose lacquer

Neck

• Date: 22 February 1971
• Material & Construction: Maple, 4-bolt
• Profile: Medium C
• Nut Width: 1.61"
• Depth: .85" (1st fret), .95" (12th)
• Inlays: Black plastic dots
• Frets: Original
• Tuners: F-stamp (first version, made by Race and Olmsted)

Hardware

• Bridge/Tailpiece: Synchronized Tremolo
• Pickguard: Plastic, 3-ply
• Knobs: Plastic

Electronics

• Pickups: Gray-bottom single-coils (1971)
• Impedance / DCR readings:
  • Bridge: 5.52KΩ
  • Middle: 5.46KΩ
  • Neck: 5.19KΩ
• Potentiometers: CTS (137 7052)
• Wiring: Plastic-insulated
• Switch: 5-way, aftermarket

Condition

• Cosmetic: Excellent with below-average play-wear; a couple small chips on bottom of treble cutaway; indentation and small finish-through ding near neck pickup
• Structural: Excellent with no cracks, breaks, or repair history
• Accessories: Original hardshell case, strap, cord, and tremolo spring envelope