1960 Fender Stratocaster – Mint Green Pickguard

For your consideration, Garrett Park Guitars presents this 1960 Fender Stratocaster, a beautifully worn and wonderfully resonant example from Fender’s golden era. With its black-bottom pickups, mint green pickguard, and Brazilian rosewood slab-board, this Strat embodies everything that made early ’60s Fenders so magical.

Though this example sports appears to sport a two-tone finish — the standard sunburst at Fender till1959 — the red tone faded over time. You can still glimpse at certain angles in certain lighting (as seen in some of the pictures here), but overall the finish seems to belong to the previous decade.  

Nevertheless, the neck is dated November 1960, placing this guitar squarely at the crossroads between the all-maple, single-ply guard era of the ’50s and the rosewood-slab, mint guard era that followed. Its medium “C” profile feels immediately inviting, with just the right amount of substance in hand. A vintage-correct refret ensures smooth playability up and down the neck, while the finish shows honest playwear and fine checking that speak to decades of devoted use.

Under the pickguard, the original black-bobbin pickups (6.19k neck, 5.62k middle, 5.93k bridge) offer a dynamic range of tones — clear and open in the neck, snappy and defined in the middle, and full of bite at the bridge. Together they capture the articulate, harmonically rich voice that defines Fender’s pre-CBS sound.

All hardware and electronics remain original, including the 3-ply mint pickguard, Kluson tuners, and “Pat. Pend.” bridge and saddles. The nut has been professionally replaced for precision and stability, and the original nut, bridge cover, tremolo cover, springs, and tremolo arm are included in the case.

Weighing in at 7lbs 13oz, this Strat feels perfectly balanced — light enough for long sessions yet substantial enough to resonate beautifully. Whether you’re a seasoned player seeking an inspiring instrument or a collector searching for an authentic pre-CBS Strat with all the right details, this 1960 example delivers on every level.

It comes complete with its original brown Tolex hardshell case, smoke- and odor-free, with the original handle and latches intact.

Specifications

Model & Year

• Model: Fender Stratocaster

• Year of Manufacture: 1960

• Serial Number: 54506

Body

• Body Wood: Alder

• Finish: Three-tone Sunburst (with faded red)

• Weight: 7lbs 13oz

Neck

• Construction: Maple, four-bolt joint

• Neck Profile: Medium “C” shape — smooth and comfortable in hand

• Neck Depth: .79" (1st fret) / .97" (12th fret)

• Nut Width: 1.65"

• Fingerboard: Brazilian rosewood slab board with clay dot inlays

• Frets: Vintage-correct refret (6230 wire in excellent condition); original frets included

• Headstock: Spaghetti logo decal, original finish

• Tuners: Original Kluson single-line tuners

Hardware

• Bridge / Tailpiece: Original “Pat. Pend.” Stratocaster bridge and saddles with cover

• Pickguard: Original 3-ply white/black/mint showing light natural aging

• Knobs & Switch Tip: Original

• Strap Buttons: Original

Electronics

• Pickups: Three original black-bobbin, staggered-pole single-coils

  • Neck: 6.19k Ω

  • Middle: 5.62k Ω

  • Bridge: 5.93k Ω

• Pots & Capacitors: Original

• Wiring: Original cloth wiring throughout

• Selector Switch: Original 3-way CRL switch

Condition

• Very Good vintage condition with light checking and honest playwear throughout

• No breaks, cracks, or structural repairs

• Professional refret and replacement nut for optimal playability

• Expertly set up with .010-gauge strings

Case & Accessories

• Original brown Tolex hardshell case in very good condition (fully functional latches and handle, smoke- and odor-free)

• Includes original nut, bridge cover, tremolo cover, tremolo springs, and tremolo arm