A 1960 Fender Stratocaster: Slab Board, Black Bottoms and a Lot of Mojo
 
For many guitarists, owning an all-original slab board Stratocaster is the ultimate dream. These days, though, prices for untouched examples can be out of reach. This beautiful 1960 Stratocaster gets you very close to that dream.
 
A Bit of History
Leo Fender introduced the Stratocaster in 1954. Its contoured body, three single-coil pickups and built-in tremolo made it look and sound unlike anything else at the time. For the first few years, Strats came with one-piece maple necks. In 1959, Fender switched to rosewood fingerboards and glued them onto the maple neck as a thick slab with a flat underside. This "slab board" construction lasted only until 1962, when Fender moved to a thinner, curved rosewood veneer. Guitars from this short window are known for their warm, full tone and are among the most sought-after electric guitars ever built. Combined with the famous "black bottom" pickups of the era, a 1960 Strat stands for the classic Fender sound at its best.
 
Provenance
This guitar used to belong to Manuel Boni, a professional Italian musician who played it on stage and in the studio. It then reached Francesco of Cesco's Guitar Corner, the well-known Fender specialist which team took care of the partial refinish making it the most historical and cosmetical correct possible.
 
Neck
The neck keeps its original finish and is dated 8-60. An extra string tree has been removed. Earlier replacement tuners were also taken off and their extra holes repaired, and the original tuners are back on the guitar. Part of the top of one tuner is broken, but this doesn't affect playability. Guitar has received a professional refret and frets have plenty of life.
 
Body
The body needed small wood repairs: an extra channel had been routed for an additional switch, and the area around the bridge pickup had been modified for a reversed, Hendrix-style pickup which were made decades ago. When in the hands of Cesco the body received a partial nitrocellulose refinish. The original finish remains in the pickup cavity, neck pocket and tremolo cavity, where the body date of 8-60 is still visible. The original dings on the sides and back were kept during the refinish, which gives the guitar even more character.
 
Electronics and Hardware
Original black bottom pickups with their original windings intact
Original pickguard, with a small repair from a previous toggle switch
A 5-way switch has been installed, a common upgrade
The middle pickup tone knob and the tone capacitor have been replaced
The recent tone pot has been connected also to bridge pickup
One bridge saddle has been replaced
 
Case
The guitar comes with a beautiful modern Italian Polverini style reproduction hardcase by Polverini.
 
A stunning 1960 slab board Stratocaster with only a few repairs and a ton of mojo!
 
Specs
Serial: 52083
Neck date: 8-60
Body date: 8-60
Tuners: single line Kluson
Weight: 3.45kgs
Pickups: original black bottom pickups with original wiring
Pickup output: neck : 6.36k , middle : 6.21k , bridge : 5.89 k
Pots : 2 original Stackpole (304 6036) and one recent tone pot
Case: Italian Polverini style reproduction hardcase