1957 Fender "Mary Kaye" Stratocaster

For your consideration, Garrett Park Guitars presents this 1957 Fender "Mary Kaye" Stratocaster.

The so-called “Mary Kaye” 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 translucent white blonde finish over ash and distinctive gold hardware, “Mary Kaye” Strats possess an elegant, almost refined appearance that sets them apart from standard production models of the time.

This 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 understated elegance and visual appeal that have made “Mary Kaye” models among the most desirable of all vintage Fenders. Exhibiting honest play-wear 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.

When 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.

Structurally, the instrument remains in excellent condition with no cracks, breaks, or repairs.  The one-piece maple neck, dated November 1957, features a comfortable rounded V profile with a traditional 1.65" nut width, 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 professionally refretted with tall/medium wire, providing excellent playability, while the original nut has been replaced (the original is retained and included). The neck retains its spaghetti waterslide decal and original finish, with no evidence of overspray.

The electronics are largely original, featuring a trio of black-bobbin pickups 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 original Stackpole potentiometers, dated 304723, along with cloth-bound wiring and the original 3-way CRL switch, further confirm the instrument’s exceptional originality and contribute to its lively, resonant tonal character.

Hardware includes the original gold-plated synchronized tremolo bridge, single-ply white pickguard, and gold-plated Kluson Deluxe single-line tuners. 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.

Mary Kaye" Stratocaster represents a rare and tonally exceptional example 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.

It comes complete with its original US Koylon Fender hardshell case, along with the original tremolo arm, bridge cover, and leather strap.

Please note: given the value of this Stratocaster, payment wire transfer is preferred.

Specifications

Model & Year

• Model: Fender Stratocaster
• Year of manufacture: 1957
• Serial Number: -20205

Body

• Material: Ash
• Finish: Original Translucent White Blonde nitrocellulose lacquer
• Weight: 8lb 1oz

Neck

• Material & Construction: 4-bolt maple
• Body Pencil Date: 11/57
• Profile shape: Rounded V
• Nut Width: 1.65"
• Depth: .89" (1st fret), .98" (12th)
• Inlays: Black plastic dots
• Frets: Refret with tall/medium (.095"x.055"), excellent condition
• Headstock: Spaghetti waterslide decal
• Tuners: Original Kluson Deluxe gold-plated single-line

Hardware

• Bridge / Tailpiece: Original gold-plated Synchronized Tremolo
• Pickguard: Original single-ply white
• Knobs: Original 
• Strap buttons: Original

Electronics

• Pickups: Original black-bobbins
• Impedance / DCR readings:
  • Bridge: 5.61KΩ
  • Middle: 5.12KΩ
  • Neck: 5.64KΩ
• Potentiometers: Original Stackpole (304723) 
• Wiring: Original cloth-bound
• Switch: Original 3-way CRL

Condition: Good

• Good cosmetic condition with average wear, patina, and finish checking throughout with faint evidence of blue paint in the pickups cavities  
• Excellent structural condition with no cracks, breaks, or repairs
• Professionally set up with .010s; low action with no buzzing or dead spots
• Original "Mary Kaye" finish has aged gracefully

Case & Accessories

• Original Fender tweed hardshell case
• Original trem arm, gold-plated bridge cover, and leather strap included