1959 Fender Stratocaster
The first rosewood-fingerboard Stratocaster — the 'slab board' model. The thick Brazilian rosewood fingerboard delivers a warm, woody tone distinct from the bright maple neck sound. An extremely important transition year.
Current Market Value
* Prices are estimates based on recent market data. Actual value depends on originality, condition, and provenance. Pricing methodology
Specifications
| Body Wood | Alder (two-piece) |
| Neck Wood | Maple |
| Fingerboard | Brazilian Rosewood (slab — first year of rosewood fingerboard) |
| Scale Length | 25.500" |
| Frets | 21 |
| Pickup Config | SSS |
| Bridge | Synchronized tremolo |
| Tuners | Kluson Deluxe single-line |
| Nut Width | 1.65" |
| Finish Options | Three-tone Sunburst (standard), Custom colors (rare) |
| Est. Production | 3,500 |
Pickups & Electronics
Three single-coil pickups. Some examples transitional between maple and rosewood neck.
What Changed in 1959
Introduction of the rosewood fingerboard — a major design change. The 'slab board' (thick, flat-slab rosewood) is the most collectible configuration and only appeared 1959-1962. Brazilian rosewood was used. A fundamentally different feel and tone from maple-neck models.
Collector's Notes
Slab board (1959-1962) vs curved 'veneer' board (1962+) is the critical distinction. The slab board is thicker and flatter — run your finger along the board edge to feel. Brazilian rosewood has a characteristic dark chocolate-to-purple color.