1956 Fender Stratocaster Information and Specifications
Discover The True Worth Of Your 1956 Vintage Fender Stratocaster With Joe’s Vintage Guitars
Contact Joe’s Vintage Guitar For A Free Vintage Consultation & Appraisal Today!
Meet Vintage Guitar Expert, Joe Dampt
My passion for guitars was kindled in my early years, as I was captivated by the tunes of the 50s and 60s. This sparked a lifelong journey with music at its core, and I’ve dedicated myself to forging a career in music and the craft of musical instruments. My admiration for vintage guitars and instruments is deep, yet it’s the music they create that stirs my soul the most. I firmly believe that guitars are meant to resonate with life, not remain untouched in their cases. My musical journey has included playing with various local groups, and I have a particular fondness for belting out tunes in the genres of classic country and western, as well as swing, dance, and classic rock & roll. When I’m not immersed in music, I find solace in nature, enjoying pastimes like fishing and venturing into the vast, untamed wilderness of the Western backcountry.
1956 Fender Stratocaster Information & Specifications
Fender Stratocasters from 1956 are known and prized for a variety of wonderful features that are actually somewhat unique to 1956! For starters, 1956 is the last year in which Fender made their guitar bodies from Ash wood rather than Alder. Ash wood is prized by players and collectors for its aesthetic and tonal characteristics. By mid-1956, Fender had switched to alder bodies instruments entirely, with a few exceptions. In addition to being the final year for Ash body production, 1956 stratocasters are known for their large “soft v” neck shape. Prior to 1956, Stratocasters tended to have a large U or D shaped neck with no discernable V shape. After 1956, Fender necks quickly became thinner and lost their V-shape carve. For this reason, Stratocasters from 1956 can be thought of as having a rather unique neck profile that combines both the V-shape as well as a chunky feeling neck. Stratocasters from 1956 featured a single-ply white pickguard, 3 single coil pickups, one volume and two tone knobs, and a three-way pickup selector switch. They were offered in Sunburst and Blonde finishes but could also be custom ordered in a variety of other colors. Custom color Stratocasters from 1956 are extremely rare and valuable. If you have a 1956 Fender Stratocaster you would like to sell, please contact me at (602) 900-6635 or at joesvintageguitars94@gmail.com to sell your Fender guitar.
How To Value Your 1956 Fender Stratocaster
There are many factors that can affect the value of your 1956 Fender Stratocaster. Condition, originality, provenance and playability are just some of the many factors that can affect its value. Generally speaking, Stratocasters from 1956 are worth around $30,000-$50,000 in excellent, all original condition. You can also use our handy Stratocaster Value Guide to help you with the precise details of valuing your instrument. If you would like a free evaluation and appraisal feel free to contact me at (602) 900-6635 or at joesvintageguitars94@gmail.com.
This Blonde 1956 Fender Stratocaster
The photos you are seeing on this page are of a wonderful guitar that came to us from the original owner. This 1956 Fender Stratocaster is a wonderful example of an original Blonde Strat! Notice the body date written in the neck pickup cavity as well as the faint “color” written under the finish, indicating that this was not going to be leaving the factory as a standard Sunburst guitar. The electronics are in untouched condition with the expedition of the tape that is holding the wires together.
How To Sell Your 1956 Vintage Fender Stratocaster Guitar
Now that you’ve got a ballpark figure for the worth of your Fender Stratocaster guitar, you might be pondering the best way to sell it! There are numerous routes you could take in selling your guitar, but for a valuable vintage piece, I suggest considering one of these three options.
Trust A Reputable Dealer For Your Vintage Guitar Consignment
Opting for consignment for your guitar presents several perks. You’ll enjoy spending less time fielding inquiries from buyers and also relieve yourself of any shipping or return responsibilities. Moreover, an adept dealer can leverage their expertise to promote your guitar to a broader audience, employing professional photography, authentication prowess, and other resources to maximize your returns.
At Joe’s Vintage Guitars, we provide consignment services for vintage guitars at rates starting as low as 8%! Explore our consignment page or reach out to us today to kickstart the process!
Consider Selling Your 1956 Vintage Stratocaster To A Dealer Or Collector
Selling your guitar to a dealer or collector offers numerous advantages. The process is swift and hassle-free, with immediate payment and the buyer handling shipping or pickup logistics. You’re relieved of the need to take elaborate photos or draft detailed descriptions, and you eliminate the potential hassles of shipping or returns. Often, whether you consign or sell outright, you’ll end up with a comparable amount of money in your pocket.
I specialize in purchasing vintage guitars and offer fair market value for your vintage Stratocaster. Feel free to reach out to me at (602) 900-6635 or via email at joesvintageguitars94@gmail.com.
Sell Your 1956 Stratocaster Yourself On The Private Market
While some sellers choose to handle the sale of their guitars independently on the private market, it’s worth noting that this approach may not be ideal for first-time sellers of high-end vintage instruments. The selling and shipping process for expensive vintage guitars involves significant liability. Many guitar dealers maintain insurance policies exceeding $100,000 specifically for their shipments.
If you do decide to sell your guitar privately, we recommend using Reverb.com due to their comprehensive shipping protection policy. However, it’s essential to consider the selling fees charged by Reverb. Additionally, keep in mind that in case of a dispute, Reverb and similar selling platforms tend to favor the buyer.
Consider Selling Your 1956 Vintage Fender Stratocaster To Joe
I am particularly interested in purchasing vintage Fender Stratocasters from the year 1956. If you have one to sell, please reach out to me. I can provide you with a detailed assessment and valuation, along with a strong offer for your guitar. Here is a photo of a delighted customer who recently sold his 1956 Fender Stratocaster to Joe’s Vintage Guitars!
Contact Joe For A Free Vintage Guitar Consultation Today!
Feel free to contact me directly for a free consultation and appraisal of your 1956 vintage Fender Stratocaster guitar. You can expect a friendly, and no-cost evaluation of your instrument. Reach out to me via phone or text at (602) 900-6635, or email me at joesvintageguitars94@gmail.com.
