{"product_id":"1957-fender-mary-kaye-stratocaster","title":"1957 Fender Mary Kaye Stratocaster","description":"\u003cp\u003eFor your consideration, \u003cstrong\u003eGarrett Park Guitars\u003c\/strong\u003e presents this \u003cstrong\u003e1957 Fender \"Mary Kaye\" Stratocaster\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe so-called \u003cstrong\u003e“Mary Kaye”\u003c\/strong\u003e model traces its origins to a mid-1950s promotional photograph featuring guitarist Mary Kaye posing with a white-blonde Stratocaster fitted with gold-plated hardware. While never an official signature model, the striking aesthetic captured in that image gave rise to one of Fender’s most iconic and desirable visual combinations. Produced only in limited numbers during the era, these instruments remain exceedingly rare. Defined by their \u003cstrong\u003etranslucent white blonde finish\u003c\/strong\u003e over ash and distinctive \u003cstrong\u003egold hardware\u003c\/strong\u003e, “Mary Kaye” Strats possess an elegant, almost refined appearance that sets them apart from standard production models of the time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis Strat spent most of its life in the bars and clubs of north Alabama and southern Tennessee, which explains its characterful condition today. Even so, it maintains the \u003cstrong\u003eunderstated elegance and visual appeal\u003c\/strong\u003e that have made “Mary Kaye” models among the most desirable of all vintage Fenders. Exhibiting \u003cstrong\u003ehonest play-wear\u003c\/strong\u003e throughout, including notable loss of gold plating across the hardware and beautifully worn areas along the maple fingerboard—particularly in the first position—it reflects decades of use in the most musical way. The finish displays natural aging and patina consistent with its vintage, contributing to the guitar’s unmistakable character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen the previous owner acquired this guitar, it had an amateaur light blue rattle-can overspray, which was soon painstakingly removed using Zylene. This restoration work fortunately did not harm the factory laquer underneath and there is minimal evidence of the overspray, most notably in the pickup cavities and screw holes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStructurally, the instrument remains in \u003cstrong\u003eexcellent condition\u003c\/strong\u003e with \u003cstrong\u003eno cracks, breaks, or repairs\u003c\/strong\u003e.  The one-piece maple neck, dated \u003cstrong\u003eNovember 1957\u003c\/strong\u003e, features a comfortable \u003cstrong\u003erounded V profile\u003c\/strong\u003e with a traditional \u003cstrong\u003e1.65\" nut width\u003c\/strong\u003e, offering a substantial yet inviting feel in the hand. The fingerboard shows characteristic wear from years of play, particularly in the lower positions, adding to the guitar’s broken-in responsiveness. The guitar has been \u003cstrong\u003eprofessionally refretted\u003c\/strong\u003e with tall\/medium wire, providing excellent playability, while the original nut has been replaced (the original is retained and included). The neck retains its \u003cstrong\u003espaghetti waterslide decal\u003c\/strong\u003e and original finish, with no evidence of overspray.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe electronics are \u003cstrong\u003elargely original\u003c\/strong\u003e, featuring a trio of \u003cstrong\u003eblack-bobbin pickups\u003c\/strong\u003e with low-output DCR readings that deliver the articulate, bell-like clarity and dynamic response that define the finest ‘50s Stratocasters. The middle pickup was rewound by pickup guru Lindy Fralin. The \u003cstrong\u003eoriginal Stackpole potentiometers\u003c\/strong\u003e, dated \u003cstrong\u003e304723\u003c\/strong\u003e, along with \u003cstrong\u003ecloth-bound wiring\u003c\/strong\u003e and the \u003cstrong\u003eoriginal 3-way CRL switch\u003c\/strong\u003e, further confirm the instrument’s exceptional originality and contribute to its lively, resonant tonal character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHardware includes the \u003cstrong\u003eoriginal gold-plated synchronized tremolo bridge\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003esingle-ply white pickguard\u003c\/strong\u003e, and \u003cstrong\u003egold-plated\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eKluson Deluxe single-line tuners\u003c\/strong\u003e. While much of the plating has worn over time, these components remain intact and fully functional, lending the guitar both its distinctive aesthetic and reliable performance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMary Kaye\" Stratocaster represents a \u003cstrong\u003erare and tonally exceptional example\u003c\/strong\u003e from the golden era of Fender production—offering a rare combination of originality, playability, and authentic vintage character that continues to inspire players and collectors alike.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt comes complete with its \u003cstrong\u003eoriginal US Koylon Fender hardshell case\u003c\/strong\u003e, along with the \u003cstrong\u003eoriginal tremolo arm, bridge cover, and leather strap\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlease note: given the value of this Stratocaster, payment \u003cstrong\u003ewire transfer is preferred\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eModel \u0026amp; Year\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eModel:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003ci\u003eFender Stratocaster\u003c\/i\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYear of manufacture:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003e1957\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSerial Number:\u003c\/strong\u003e -\u003cem\u003e20205\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBody\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eAsh\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eOriginal Translucent White Blonde nitrocellulose lacquer\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003e8lb 1oz\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNeck\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial \u0026amp; Construction: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003e4-bolt maple\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBody Pencil Date: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003e11\/57\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eProfile shape:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eRounded V\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNut Width: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003e1.65\"\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDepth:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003e.89\" (1st fret), .98\" (12th)\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eInlays:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eBlack plastic dots\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFrets:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eRefret with tall\/medium (.095\"x.055\"), excellent condition\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeadstock:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eSpaghetti waterslide decal\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTuners:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eOriginal Kluson Deluxe gold-plated single-line\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHardware\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBridge \/ Tailpiece:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eOriginal gold-plated Synchronized Tremolo\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePickguard:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eOriginal single-ply white\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eKnobs:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eOriginal \u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStrap buttons:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eOriginal\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eElectronics\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePickups:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eOriginal black-bobbins\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eImpedance \/ DCR readings:\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBridge:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003e5.61KΩ\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMiddle: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003e5.12KΩ\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNeck:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003e5.64KΩ\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePotentiometers:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eOriginal Stackpole (304723) \u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWiring:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eOriginal cloth-bound\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSwitch:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eOriginal 3-way CRL\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCondition: Good\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eGood cosmetic condition with average wear, patina, and finish checking throughout with faint evidence of blue paint in the pickups \u003c\/em\u003e\u003ci\u003ecavities  \u003c\/i\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eExcellent structural condition with no cracks, breaks, or repairs\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eProfessionally set up with .010s; low action with no buzzing or dead spots\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eOriginal \"Mary Kaye\" finish has aged gracefully\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCase \u0026amp; Accessories\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eOriginal Fender tweed hardshell case\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eOriginal trem arm, gold-plated bridge cover, and leather strap included\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Fender","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48424979890415,"sku":"-20205","price":79995.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0743\/5341\/files\/1957-Fender-Mary-Kaye-12.jpg?v=1775756778","url":"https:\/\/gpguitars.com\/en-eu\/products\/1957-fender-mary-kaye-stratocaster","provider":"Garrett Park Guitars","version":"1.0","type":"link"}