Serial number 7589

This 1955 Strat was used for years in a Wisconsin polka band called The Merri Tones. Itis very much like any other made in 55. It has a one-piece maple neck with spaghetti logo on the headstock, a comfort contoured ash body, brittle bakelite pickup covers and knobs (replaced by a more durable plastic during 56), and a synchronized tremolo. While the standard finish for a Stratocaster was a deep sunburst, this guitar has the same see-through blonde as a Telecaster. Custom color Strats were rare in the fifties and especially rare before 1956 when the option first appeared in the Fender catalog.

The Strats original owner bought it new in November of 1955 for $317. He was allowed a payment plan of $15.73 installments with the final amount due in May of 1957. According to the back of his sales contract, he paid off the guitar a whole year early. His polka gigs must have been good!