🎸GuitarValueGuide

1958 Fender Stratocaster

The 1958 Stratocaster is a transitional gem — introducing the 3-color sunburst and alder body while retaining the maple fingerboard for its final full year. Both 2-color and 3-color examples exist, making 1958 dating nuanced.

Current Market Value

Excellent
$40,000–$75,000
Very Good
$22,000–$45,000
Good
$14,000–$30,000
Fair
$6,000–$15,000

* Prices are estimates based on recent market data. Actual value depends on originality, condition, and provenance. Pricing methodology

Specifications

Body WoodAlder (transitioning from ash on sunburst models)
Neck WoodMaple
FingerboardMaple (integral, last year before rosewood transition)
Scale Length25.500"
Frets21
Pickup ConfigSSS
BridgeSynchronized tremolo
TunersKluson Deluxe single-line
Nut Width1.65"
Finish Options3-Color Sunburst (introduced), 2-Color Sunburst, Custom Colors

Pickups & Electronics

Three staggered-pole single-coil pickups. 1958 pickups are tonally excellent — wound with Formvar before the transition to Plain Enamel wire.

What Changed in 1958

The 3-color sunburst was introduced in mid-1958, replacing the 2-color. Body wood shifted to alder for sunburst models. Last year of the maple fingerboard before the 1959 rosewood transition.

Collector's Notes

Early 1958 examples have 2-color sunburst; mid-to-late have 3-color. The maple fingerboard is a key identifier — 1959 Strats have rosewood. Custom Colors from 1958 are among the most valuable Fenders.