The Fender Stratocaster guitar is probably the most popular solidbody electric guitar ever made. Early models (1954 to 1965, known as "pre-CBS" models, since CBS Broadcaster Company bought Fender in January 1965) are the most collectible. Originality and condition are the two most important features of a vintage Fender Stratocaster guitar, and Fender Strats do seem to have been easily modified (due to their "bolt together" nature). The 1957 Fender Stratocaster is considered a "classic" year by most with its two-tone sunburst finish on an Alder body wood with a Maple "V" neck. The change in plastic from "bakelite" (polystyrene) to ABS took place in the spring of 1957. Though I personally like the look and feel of "Bakelite" plastic better, it is far more fragile and often broken or missing. Serial number range for the 57 Fender Stratocaster are generally 16000 to 25000 (some numbers with a "0" or "-" prefix on the neck plate). If you need to figure out the exact year of your pre-CBS Fender Stratocaster, use the serial number and the general features of the guitar. The serial number is located on the back metal neck plate.

The 1957-58 Fender catalog (image on the left) continues with the Stratocaster description language first used in 1955, though sunburst is now one word and the key points are now 20 instead of 21 (with or without tremolo is now mentioned separately and the hardtail is now priced below the trem model whereas they were previously priced the same). Added though is the fact that the Stratocaster is now "available in custom colors or blonde finish at an additional 5% cost," otherwise the model is manufactured in sunburst. To what price would the 5% custom color surcharge be added? The 1955 Stratocaster listed as follows: no tremolo: $249.50; with tremolo: $274.50; in Blonde with 14 Carat Gold-Plated Hardware: $330.00 (we know this model as the Mary Kaye Stratocaster because the inside cover of the catalog has a photo of the Mary Kaye Trio in which Mary Kaye is holding the blonde upgrade version). It was the non-Mary Kaye models that were available in custom Dupont Ducco finishes for an extra 5%.

1957 Stratocaster Specs: "Bakelite" pickup covers and knobs are replaced by vinyl (early ’57 instruments may have a mix of bakelite and vinyl), neck profile becomes a more pronounced "V."