For Sale: 1961 Left Handed Sonic Blue Fender Strat with OHSC, EXC Condition!
1961 Left Handed Sonic Blue Strat, beautifully refinished by Kip Elder at Starr Guitars. The guitar was originally Sonic Blue. Note the writing on the masking tape on the back of the pickguard (SB Left hd S-550). This differs from the masking tape writing from 2 of the 3 1961 Strats I’ve had: T-981 and Rush S-397.
The Strat had been refinished to a Surf Green with matching headstock. Of course, that was a typical Surf Guitar appointment (Jaguars and Jazzmasters) and not a correct look for a Strat. The current owner wanted to have the guitar refinished to its original color, Sonic Blue. Vintage Strats in the custom color, Sonic Blue, particularly from 1961, have historic importance: John Lennon and George Harrison both bought 2 matching 1961 Sonic Blue Strats, and Ike Turner also owned one.
So I recommended to the owner to have the guitar sent to Kip Elder at Starr Guitars in Winter Park, FL (I have no affiliation with them). Kip has been entrusted as chief luthier for the legendary Hard Rock vault guitars – see video with Jimi’s white SG Custom and Lefty Flying V: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nUCGy9mZIM
Kip’s specialization is actually finishing work. He worked on several of my friend’s vintage and newer Gibsons (refrets, set-ups, refinishing, etc.) with outstanding results, so I thought Kip would be the perfect choice for the job.
As you can see from the pics, the guitar turned out great. The shading beneath the pickguard and hardware is spot on. The finish has a mild relic treatment, and the back of the neck has a smooth, worn-in feel to it, like my 63 Strat. The owner is very happy with the way the guitar turned out. I am too!
Guitar Dates/Specs:
Neck Plate: 68913
Neck DatNe: 10/61
Pot Codes: 304 6134
Weight: 7 lbs, 9 oz.
Comes with the original brown tolex hardcase and trem arm. The interior has been relined with non-original fabric, but the exterior is untouched.
The guitar has been professionally refretted with a new nut installed. The original frets and nut are inside the case pocket. Also, 4 pickup adjustment screws have been replace, with the originals inside the case pocket.
Was $25K Now $24K
