1955 Fender Stratocaster: The Year Perfection Took Shape

Why the 1955 Stratocaster Represents Peak Pre-CBS Craftsmanship

The 1955 Fender Stratocaster stands as a watershed moment in electric guitar history—the year when Leo Fender's revolutionary design truly hit its stride. After a year of initial production refinements in 1954, the 1955 models represent the first full year of refined, consistent production where the Stratocaster's legendary features became standardized. These instruments were built during an era when American manufacturing excellence was at its peak, with craftsmen who took genuine pride in their work and materials that would never again be available in such quality.

What distinguishes 1955 from other early Stratocasters is the confluence of perfected manufacturing processes, premium old-growth woods, and the introduction of the iconic V-shaped neck profile that would define the "golden era" of Fender production. These guitars weren't just musical instruments—they were precision tools crafted with aircraft-quality standards during the post-war boom of American ingenuity.

For collectors and players today, a 1955 Stratocaster represents the sweet spot of early Stratocaster production: refined enough to have consistent build quality, yet early enough to possess all the coveted features that make pre-CBS Fenders so desirable.

Key Value Factors Specific to 1955:

Originality Premium: All-original 1955 Stratocasters with matching neck dates, original pickups, pots, and finish command 35-50% more than examples with replaced parts or refinishes. Even a professional refret can reduce value by 10-15%.

Neck Profile: The 1955 V-shaped neck is highly sought after by players who prefer the chunkier feel. Examples with this profile intact (no neck reshaping) are worth more than those that have been modified to modern C profiles.

Body Wood and Weight: Lighter examples (under 7.5 lbs) with resonant alder bodies command premiums. Heavy examples or those with multiple body pieces may sell for 15-20% less than premium lightweight examples.

Recent Notable Sales:

• A pristine 1955 sunburst Stratocaster sold at auction in late 2024 for $34,500

• A blonde 1955 with original case brought $39,000 at Heritage Auctions

• An all-original player-grade example sold privately for $26,000

Important Note: At Edgewater Guitars, we consistently pay 30-40% more than typical guitar shops for premium vintage Fender instruments. While a local shop might offer $18,000-$22,000 for an excellent 1955 Stratocaster, we regularly pay $26,000-$32,000 for comparable examples.

Historical Context: 1955 at Fender

In 1955, Fender was still a relatively small company operating out of Fullerton, California, with Leo Fender personally overseeing production. The Stratocaster, introduced in 1954, was entering its second year of production with several important refinements already implemented based on early user feedback and manufacturing experience.

Manufacturing Developments in 1955:

The most significant change for 1955 was the standardization of the V-shaped neck profile. After experimenting with various neck shapes in 1954, Fender settled on what collectors now call the "boat neck" or "soft V" profile—a comfortable, rounded V-shape that filled the hand and provided excellent playability. This neck profile would remain standard through 1956 and into early 1957.

The tremolo system, which had experienced some early production variations, was fully refined by 1955. The inertia block was consistently manufactured to proper specifications, and the six individual saddles were precision-machined for improved intonation. The tremolo arm itself was standardized with the distinctive white plastic tip that would become iconic.

The Stratocaster's Growing Reputation:

By 1955, professional musicians were beginning to recognize the Stratocaster's advantages. While the Telecaster remained Fender's workhorse, the Stratocaster was gaining traction with players who appreciated its versatility, comfort, and three-pickup configuration. Country and western swing players were early adopters, drawn to the instrument's bright, cutting tone and smooth tremolo action.

The list price for a 1955 Stratocaster was $249.50 with tremolo (or $229.50 without tremolo, though this option was extremely rare). For context, this was nearly double the price of a Telecaster and represented a significant investment for working musicians of the era—equivalent to roughly $2,800 in today's dollars.

Materials and Craftsmanship:

Fender was still using premium materials throughout 1955:

• Old-growth alder and ash from virgin forests

• Genuine bird's-eye and curly maple for necks

• Nitrocellulose lacquer finishes (thin and allowing wood to breathe)

• Cloth-covered wiring throughout

• Hand-wound pickups with formvar-insulated wire

The factory employed experienced craftsmen, many of whom had worked in aircraft or precision manufacturing during World War II. This level of expertise, combined with Leo Fender's engineering mindset, resulted in instruments built to exacting tolerances that modern CNC manufacturing struggles to replicate with the same character.

Detailed Identification Guide: Authenticating a 1955 Stratocaster

Serial Numbers

1955 Stratocasters typically feature 4-digit serial numbers ranging from approximately 1000 to 7000, stamped into the metal bridge plate on the back of the guitar. The serial number appears on the vibrato cover plate, which must be removed to view it.

Critical Authentication Points:

• Serial numbers alone are NOT definitive for dating—always cross-reference with other features

• Some late 1954 instruments fall into this range, and some early 1956 instruments do as well

• The stamping should show consistent depth and character style typical of Fender's numbering machine

• Restamped or altered serial numbers often show inconsistent depth or modern stamping characteristics

Neck Date Stamps

The most reliable dating method is the pencil-written date notation on the butt end of the neck (visible when the neck is removed from the body). 1955 necks typically show:

Format: Month-Year (examples: "3-55", "8-55", "12-55")

Location: Written on the end of the neck heel in pencil, sometimes accompanied by other inspection marks or worker initials

Important Notes:

• Neck dates can precede final assembly by weeks or even months

• A neck dated "12-54" could easily be on a guitar assembled in early 1955

• Conversely, a "1-56" neck might be on a late 1955 assembly

• Original pencil dates should appear aged and consistent with other markings

Potentiometer Date Codes

1955 Stratocasters used Stackpole potentiometers with readable date codes that provide excellent verification:

Code Format: 304-YYWW

• 304 = Stackpole manufacturer code

• YY = Last two digits of year (54 or 55 for 1955 instruments)

• WW = Week of manufacture (01-52)

Example: 304-5523 = Stackpole potentiometer made in the 23rd week of 1955

What to Look For:

• Pots should date from late 1954 through 1955 (codes showing 5401-5552)

• All three potentiometers should show date codes within a reasonable timeframe of each other

• Replacement pots with later date codes indicate modification

• Original pots have a distinctive gray body with brass shaft

Body Date Stamps

Many 1955 Stratocaster bodies have pencil dates written inside the tremolo cavity, visible when the tremolo back cover is removed:

What You'll Find:

• Date notations in pencil (month-year format)

• Model designations or inspector marks

• Occasionally color notations for sunburst guitars

Visual Authentication Features

1. Headstock Logo and Design:

• "Spaghetti" style Fender logo (thin script with pointed serifs)

• Two patent numbers below the logo: "2,573,254" and "2,960,900" (later number not yet issued but pre-printed)

• Small gold "Original Contour Body" decal on headstock face

• 6-on-a-side Kluson Deluxe tuners with single-line "KLUSON DELUXE" stamps on back of tuner plates

2. Neck Construction:

• One-piece maple neck with separate maple fretboard (maple-on-maple)

• Walnut "skunk stripe" down the back covering the truss rod channel

• V-shaped neck profile (soft V or "boat neck")

• 21 frets with narrow, low vintage fret wire

• Black dot position markers (clay composition, not plastic)

• Neck width at nut: 1-5/8" (slightly narrower than modern Strats)

3. Body Features:

• Alder body for sunburst finishes (typically 2-3 pieces)

• Ash body for blonde finish (1-2 pieces, often with visible grain)

• Two-tone sunburst finish (yellow center blending to dark brown/black edges—NO RED)

• Thin nitrocellulose lacquer finish (you can see wood grain clearly)

• Contoured body with "comfort cuts" on back (belly cut and forearm cut)

• Swimming pool-style route in body cavity (large enough for humbucker installation, though single-coils were standard)

4. Pickguard:

• Single-ply white pickguard (8 screw holes mounting to body)

• Bakelite or early ABS plastic material

• Slightly cream-colored (not bright white)

• Should show age-appropriate yellowing

• Later 1955 examples may show transitional 11-screw mounting pattern

5. Hardware Specifications:

Bridge Assembly:

• 6-saddle synchronized tremolo with stamped steel bridge plate

• Chrome-plated brass saddles (3 total, each accommodating 2 strings)

• Adjustable intonation via slotted screws

• Steel inertia block (tremolo block) with 5 springs in rear cavity

• White plastic tremolo arm tip (early examples may have black)

String Tree:

• Round, circular string tree (butterfly-style not introduced until late 1956)

• Single screw mounting

• Chrome-plated brass

Tuners:

• Kluson Deluxe tuners with single-line "KLUSON DELUXE" stamp

• Plastic buttons (white or slightly cream-colored)

• Single mounting screw per tuner

• Split-shaft design

6. Pickup Specifications:

1955 Stratocasters featured hand-wound single-coil pickups with the following characteristics:

Visual Features:

• Black fiber bobbin bottoms (flatwork)

• Alnico V rod magnets (staggered heights)

• Cloth-covered output wires

• No visible wax potting (or very light potting)

• White or slightly aged plastic covers

Electrical Specifications:

• DC Resistance: approximately 5.6k-6.0k ohms per pickup

• Formvar-insulated magnet wire (42 AWG)

• Asymmetrically wound (hand-guided winding creates irregularities)

• Staggered pole pieces to compensate for string volume differences

7. Electronics and Wiring:

• Cloth-covered "push-back" wiring throughout

• 3-way selector switch (Switchcraft brand)

• Volume and two tone controls

• .05 μF ceramic disc capacitors (some examples may have .1 μF)

• Output jack mounted on side of body (chrome cup-style jack plate)

8. Tremolo Cavity Details:

• 5 tremolo springs in parallel configuration

• White or cream-colored plastic tremolo cavity cover (5 screws)

• Pencil dates often visible inside cavity

• Swimming pool body route visible

Color-Specific Identification

Two-Tone Sunburst (Most Common):

• Center: Translucent blonde/yellow

• Edges: Dark brown to black

• NO red tones (red wasn't added until 1958's three-tone sunburst)

• Finish should show amber aging and possibly minor checking

Blonde Finish:

• Translucent clear finish over ash body

• Grain should be visible and attractive

• Often shows more pronounced grain figure than sunburst examples

• May have slight amber tinting from aged nitrocellulose

Physical Specifications: What to Measure

Dimensions and Measurements:

Body:

• Length: 15.75"

• Width (upper bout): 11"

• Width (lower bout): 13"

• Depth: 1.75" (may vary slightly)

• Weight: typically 7-8.5 lbs (alder bodies are lighter; ash bodies can be heavier)

Neck:

• Scale length: 25.5"

• Nut width: 1-5/8" (slightly narrower than modern 1-11/16")

• Neck profile at 1st fret: approximately .82"-.87" (soft V shape)

• Neck profile at 12th fret: approximately .92"-.97"

• Fretboard radius: 7.25" (very curved by modern standards)

• Number of frets: 21

• Fret wire: vintage narrow/low profile

Hardware:

• Tuner gear ratio: approximately 15:1

• String spacing at bridge: approximately 2-1/16"

• String spacing at nut: approximately 1-3/8"

Weight Considerations:

Premium 1955 Stratocasters typically weigh between 7.2 and 8.2 pounds. Lighter examples are generally more desirable due to superior resonance and player comfort. Ash-body blonde finish guitars can occasionally exceed 9 pounds, which may reduce value slightly despite the desirable finish.

Tonal Characteristics: The 1955 Stratocaster Sound

The Legendary Strat Tone Profile:

The 1955 Stratocaster's voice is characterized by crystalline highs, muscular midrange, and surprising low-end depth—a tonal palette that would define popular music for decades to come. Unlike the thick, warm tones of humbucker-equipped guitars, the 1955 Strat offers articulate, glassy clarity with a distinctive "bell-like" quality that cuts through any mix.

Pickup Position Characteristics:

Bridge Pickup (Position 1):

• Bright, cutting tone with strong treble presence

• Excellent for rhythm playing and cutting leads

• Slightly nasal character perfect for country and early rock

• Percussive attack with quick note decay

Middle Pickup (Position 2):

• Balanced tone with present midrange

• Slightly scooped character

• Clear articulation for rhythm work

• Less commonly used as a standalone position

Neck Pickup (Position 3):

• Warm, round tone with reduced treble

• Excellent for lead playing and blues

• Fuller bass response than bridge pickup

• Smooth, singing sustain

In-Between Positions: The 3-way switch allows for two "in-between" positions that players quickly discovered:

• Bridge + Middle: Hollow, scooped "quack" tone (later popularized in funk and reggae)

• Middle + Neck: Thick, warm tone with present midrange

What Makes the 1955 Sound Special:

Unpotted or Lightly Potted Pickups: The 1955 pickups were either completely unpotted or very lightly wax-potted, allowing for maximum harmonic complexity and responsiveness to playing dynamics. This results in:

• Greater sensitivity to pick attack

• More harmonic overtones and "singing" quality

• Slight microphonic character (can feedback at high volumes, but musical)

• Immediate response to volume and tone control adjustments

Body Resonance: The thin nitrocellulose finish and carefully selected alder or ash bodies allow the wood to vibrate freely:

• Enhanced acoustic resonance contributes to electric tone

• Thinner finishes mean less damping of natural wood characteristics

• Lighter body weights generally correlate with better resonance

Electronics and Signal Path:

• Cloth-covered wiring introduces subtle high-frequency rolloff

• Vintage carbon composition resistors and ceramic capacitors shape tone differently than modern components

• Direct signal path with minimal components preserves pickup character

• 250k potentiometers allow more treble through than modern 500k pots

The "Vintage" Factor: After 70 years, several aging factors contribute to the distinctive tone:

• Magnet aging (Alnico V magnets lose approximately 10-15% strength over decades)

• Dried formvar insulation on pickup wire may contribute to tone

• Oxidized solder joints and aged components

• Settled and compressed pickup windings

Notable Recordings and Players:

While the Stratocaster wouldn't achieve mainstream dominance until the 1960s British Invasion, several forward-thinking players were using 1955-era Stratocasters:

• Buddy Holly began using a Sunburst Stratocaster in 1955-1956

• Early rock and roll session players in Los Angeles favored the new design

• Country and western swing players appreciated the tremolo and bright tone

• Early rhythm and blues players began exploring the Stratocaster's versatility

The tone of these early instruments would later define entire genres when British blues players like Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and Jimi Hendrix discovered them in the mid-1960s.

Common Issues and Modifications Found on 1955 Stratocasters

When evaluating a 1955 Stratocaster, understanding typical problems and common modifications is essential for accurate valuation and authentication.

Typical Age-Related Issues:

1. Neck Problems:

• Truss Rod Issues: Some early truss rods have seized or broken, though this is less common with proper storage

• Neck Twist or Bow: Improper storage can cause neck warping

• Worn Frets: After 70 years, most 1955 Stratocasters have been refretted at least once

• Fingerboard Wear: Deep grooves under strings from decades of play

2. Finish Issues:

• Checking: Fine crack patterns in nitrocellulose finish (often considered desirable)

• Finish Wear: Playing wear on back of neck, forearm area, and where body contacts player

• UV Fading: Sunburst finishes often fade, with brown tones turning amber

• Buckle Rash: Belt buckle scratches on back (very common, somewhat expected)

3. Hardware Corrosion:

• Chrome plating wear on bridge saddles and other hardware

• Oxidation on steel tremolo springs

• Tuner corrosion (can usually be cleaned but affects value if severe)

4. Electronic Issues:

• Scratchy potentiometers from decades of use

• Failed capacitors (ceramic disc caps can drift out of spec)

• Oxidized solder joints causing intermittent connections

• Switch contact wear

Common Modifications That Affect Value:

Major Value Reducers:

Refinishing (-40% to -60% of value):

• Any refinish dramatically impacts value, even if professionally done

• "Relic" finishing to fake age is easily detected by experts

• Check for overspray in cavities, under pickguard, and in tremolo cavity

• Sanding marks under finish indicate refinish

Replaced Neck (-50% to -70% of value):

• Replacement necks destroy collector value

• Check neck date against body date and serial number

• Wrong neck profile or incorrect features are red flags

• Non-matching grain pattern between neck and body

Headstock Repairs (-30% to -50% of value):

• Even professionally repaired headstock breaks significantly reduce value

• Look for grain irregularities, finish discontinuities, or bulges

• Shine UV light to detect finish inconsistencies in repair area

Body Routing Modifications (-40% to -60% of value):

• Any additional pickup routes destroy collector value

• Humbucker routes on Stratocasters are particularly problematic

• Even filled and refinished routes are detectable

Moderate Value Impact:

Refret Job (-10% to -15% of value):

• Most 1955 Stratocasters have been refretted

• Professional refret with correct vintage-style wire has minimal impact

• Amateur refret with modern wire or incorrect crown is more problematic

• Original frets (if playable) add premium

Replaced Tuners (-5% to -15% of value):

• Grover Rotomatic replacements very common (holes usually enlarged)

• Modern Kluson reproductions less damaging if done properly

• Original screw holes can sometimes be detected even after tuner replacement

Replaced Electronics (-5% to -20% of value depending on extent):

• Modern potentiometers are easily dated by codes

• Replacement pickups significantly affect value (modern pickups -20%, vintage replacements -10%)

• Modern wiring with plastic-insulated wire is obvious

• Orange Drop capacitors are post-1960s replacements

Acceptable or Minor Modifications:

Nut Replacement:

• Bone or plastic nut replacement is expected and acceptable

• Original nut material often wears significantly

• Minimal value impact if properly fitted

Replaced Tremolo Arm:

• Tremolo arms are frequently lost or broken

• Correct vintage-style replacement has minimal impact

• Modern reproduction arms slightly reduce value

Setup Modifications:

• Adjusted bridge saddles (expected)

• Replaced springs (common and acceptable)

• Shielding added to cavities (reversible, minor impact)

Red Flags for Counterfeits:

1. Serial Number Issues:

• Restamped numbers (inconsistent depth or modern font)

• Serial numbers outside known ranges for 1955

• Multiple guitars with identical serial numbers (documented fakes)

2. Anachronistic Features:

• Rosewood fingerboards (not available until 1959)

• Large headstock (CBS era feature)

• Modern fret wire without explanation

• Polyurethane finish (wasn't used until late 1960s)

• Incorrect logo style or placement

3. Parts Mixing:

• Neck and body dates that don't align logically

• Pot codes from different decades

• Modern reproduction parts claimed as original

• Hardware from wrong era

4. Finish Anomalies:

• Modern nitrocellulose (lacks proper aging characteristics)

• Artificial aging that doesn't match genuine wear patterns

• Three-tone sunburst (not introduced until 1958)

• Custom colors without documentation (rare in 1955)

Documentation and Provenance:

Original documentation can add 10-15% to value and includes:

• Original hardshell case (tweed with pink or orange plush interior)

• Original sales receipt or invoice

• Early owner photos with the instrument

• Correspondence with Fender

• Original hang tags or paperwork

Case Identification: 1955 Stratocasters should come with:

• Tweed hardshell case (brown fabric covering)

• Pink or orange plush interior lining

• Fender logo on case (may be worn or missing)

• Case candy: tremolo arm, whammy bar tip, tremolo springs, literature

Why Players and Collectors Value 1955 Stratocasters

Playing Characteristics:

The V-Neck Experience: The 1955 soft V-neck profile offers a unique playing experience that many guitarists prefer over modern C-shaped necks:

• Fuller grip provides better leverage for bending strings

• Reduced hand fatigue during extended playing sessions

• Natural thumb placement for rhythm playing

• Comfortable for both rhythm and lead playing styles

Vintage Playability:

• 7.25" radius fingerboard feels natural for chord work

• Narrow fret wire allows for precise intonation

• Lighter overall weight reduces shoulder strain

• Smooth, broken-in feel from decades of play

• Tremolo system provides expressive vibrato capabilities

Tonal Versatility: 1955 Stratocasters excel across multiple genres:

• Blues: Creamy neck pickup tones with endless sustain

• Rock: Aggressive bridge pickup cutting power

• Country: Bright, twangy bridge tones and smooth tremolo

• Jazz: Warm neck pickup with rolled-off tone control

• Funk/R&B: Distinctive "quack" from in-between positions

Investment Perspective:

Historical Appreciation:

• 1955 Stratocasters have appreciated an average of 8-12% annually over the past 20 years

• Outperformed many traditional investment vehicles

• All-original examples in excellent condition show strongest appreciation

• Rare finishes and features command premium pricing

Supply vs. Demand Dynamics:

• Limited original production numbers (estimated 2,500-3,000 total 1955 Stratocasters)

• Attrition through damage, modification, and loss

• Growing collector base as vintage guitar market expands

• International demand from Europe and Asia

• Celebrity and investor interest increasing

Market Stability: Unlike some collectibles, vintage Fenders have shown remarkable price stability:

• Values dip slightly during recessions but recover quickly

• High-grade examples rarely lose value

• Strong dealer network ensures liquidity

• Established pricing benchmarks through auction results

Historical Significance:

Cultural Impact: The 1955 Stratocaster represents a pivotal moment in American popular culture:

• Embodiment of 1950s American optimism and innovation

• Bridge between country/western and rock and roll

• Design influence extends far beyond guitars (space-age aesthetics)

• Symbol of post-war American manufacturing excellence

Influence on Music: While the Stratocaster's full impact wouldn't be felt until the 1960s, 1955 examples were present at the birth of rock and roll:

• Studio sessions for early rock records

• Country music television appearances

• Western swing performances

• Early rhythm and blues recordings

Design Excellence: Leo Fender's 1955 Stratocaster demonstrated:

• Practical, player-focused design philosophy

• Manufacturing efficiency without compromising quality

• Innovation in electronics and hardware

• Ergonomic comfort and playing ease

• Timeless aesthetic that remains relevant 70 years later

Connection to Craftsmanship: 1955 Stratocasters represent a specific moment in manufacturing history:

• Hand-crafted with individual attention to detail

• Built by craftsmen with pride in their work

• Premium materials from sustainable sources

• Pre-mass-production techniques

• American manufacturing at its finest

Selling Your 1955 Fender Stratocaster to Edgewater Guitars

If you own a 1955 Stratocaster (or suspect you might), Edgewater Guitars offers a superior alternative to consignment, online selling, or trading to local guitar shops.

Why Sell to Edgewater?

1. Premium Valuations: We consistently pay 30-40% more than local guitar shops for vintage Fender instruments. Here's why:

• Direct Buying: We purchase for our collection and network, not for resale margin

• Expert Authentication: Our in-house expertise means we recognize value others miss

• Market Knowledge: We track auction results and private sales globally

• Specialty Focus: Vintage Fenders are our primary focus, not a side business

Real Example: A local Toledo shop recently offered a client $22,000 for his 1955 sunburst Stratocaster. After our evaluation, we paid $31,000 for the same instrument—41% more than the shop's offer.

2. Expert Authentication Services: Our team includes specialists who can:

• Verify originality of all components

• Date neck, body, and electronic components

• Assess finish originality and condition

• Identify modifications and their impact on value

• Provide detailed written appraisals when requested

3. Immediate Cash Payment:

• No waiting for consignment sales

• No auction fees or seller premiums

• No payment processing delays

• Cash, check, or wire transfer available

• Payment at time of agreement

4. White-Glove Service for High-Value Instruments: For 1955 Stratocasters valued over $25,000:

• We travel to you anywhere in Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Indiana, or West Virginia

• Professional photography and documentation

• Secure, insured transportation if needed

• Private, confidential transactions

• Flexible meeting locations (bank vault, attorney's office, etc.)

5. Zero-Hassle Process: Unlike selling privately or through consignment:

• No creating listings or taking photos

• No fielding calls from tire-kickers

• No meeting strangers in parking lots

• No shipping risks or insurance concerns

• No waiting months for the right buyer

6. Fair Market Evaluation: We provide transparent valuations based on:

• Current auction results

• Recent private sales data

• Condition assessment

• Originality verification

• Market demand trends

• Comparable sales analysis

Our Evaluation Process:

Step 1: Initial Contact Call us at (440) 219-3607 or submit photos through our website. Provide:

• Serial number (on tremolo cover plate)

• Overall photos of guitar front and back

• Close-up photos of headstock, neck heel, and control cavity

• Any original documentation or case

Step 2: Preliminary Assessment Within 24 hours, we'll provide:

• Initial value range

• Authentication questions

• Next steps recommendation

Step 3: In-Person Evaluation (for high-value instruments) We'll arrange to meet you at a convenient location to:

• Examine the instrument thoroughly

• Verify all dating features

• Assess condition comprehensively

• Discuss value factors

Step 4: Cash Offer If we agree on terms:

• Immediate payment

• All paperwork handled professionally

• Bill of sale provided

• Optional appraisal documentation

Comparison: Edgewater vs. Other Selling Methods

Local Guitar Shop:

• Typical offer: 40-50% of retail value

• Quick transaction

• Our advantage: 30-40% higher offers

Consignment:

• 20-30% commission fees

• 3-6 month average selling time

• No guaranteed sale

• Our advantage: Immediate payment, no fees, no uncertainty

Online Marketplaces (Reverb, eBay):

• 5-15% fees plus payment processing

• Shipping risks and costs

• Dealing with difficult buyers and returns

• Time-consuming listing creation

• Our advantage: No fees, no shipping risk, no hassles

Auction Houses:

• 15-25% seller's premium

• 4-6 month process from consignment to payment

• No guarantee of meeting reserve

• Our advantage: Faster process, no fees, often similar net proceeds

Private Sale:

• Full value potential

• Significant time investment

• Safety concerns meeting strangers

• Payment fraud risks

• Our advantage: Professional transaction, verified payment, no personal risk

Recent 1955 Stratocaster Purchase:

We recently acquired an all-original 1955 two-tone sunburst Stratocaster from an estate in Cleveland Heights. The family had received offers from two local shops ($20,000 and $23,000) but weren't sure if they were fair. After our evaluation revealed:

• All-original finish with beautiful natural aging

• Matching date codes on neck, body, and pots

• Original pickups with correct DC resistance

• Minimal modifications (professional refret only)

• Original tweed case with full set of springs

We made an immediate cash offer of $32,500—42% more than the highest shop offer. The family appreciated our transparent evaluation, professional approach, and quick payment. The entire process took less than one week from first contact to payment.

What We're Looking For:

We Pay Premium Prices For:

• All-original 1955 Stratocasters in any condition

• Examples with matching dates and serial numbers

• Instruments with original case and documentation

• Blonde finish models

• Lightweight, resonant examples

• Well-preserved finishes

• Guitars with interesting provenance or history

We Still Buy:

• Modified examples (refretted, replaced parts, etc.)

• Refinished instruments (though at reduced prices)

• Player-grade examples with wear

• Projects needing restoration

• Instruments without original cases

Geographic Service Area:

Primary Markets (We Come to You):

• Ohio: Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, Toledo, Akron, Youngstown

• Michigan: Detroit, Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor, Lansing

• Pennsylvania: Pittsburgh, Erie, Johnstown

• Indiana: Fort Wayne, South Bend, Evansville

• West Virginia: Wheeling, Charleston, Huntington

Extended Service: For exceptional instruments, we'll travel anywhere in the United States.

Get Started Today:

Contact Information:

• Phone: (440) 219-3607 (call or text)

• Website: www.edgewaterguitars.com/sell

• Email: info@edgewaterguitars.com

What to Have Ready:

• Photos of your guitar (overall, headstock, serial number, control cavity)

• Any documentation or history you know

• Original case if available

• Your location for scheduling evaluation

Don't settle for lowball offers from local shops or risk the hassles of private sales. Let Edgewater Guitars provide a professional evaluation and premium cash offer for your 1955 Stratocaster.

Related Resources for Vintage Fender Research

Serial Number and Dating Resources:

Fender Serial Number Lookup Tool: Our comprehensive database helps identify and date Fender guitars from 1950-present. Access the tool here

Fender Potentiometer Dating Guide: Learn how to decode pot codes for accurate dating when serial numbers are unclear. Read the guide

Fender Neck Date Decoder: Understanding neck stamps and date formats across different eras. See examples

Early Stratocaster Serial Number Anomalies: Why serial numbers alone don't tell the whole story for 1950s Stratocasters. Learn more

Authentication and Valuation:

How to Spot Refinished Stratocasters: Visual clues and inspection techniques for detecting refinishes. Detection guide

Vintage Fender Pickup Authentication: Identifying original pickups and understanding their specifications. Pickup guide

Pre-CBS Fender Value Guide: Comprehensive pricing and value factors for 1950s and 1960s Fenders. Value information

Related Model Posts:

1954 Fender Stratocaster: The first year of production and what makes it special. Read more

1956 Fender Stratocaster: The butterfly string tree year and late V-neck examples. Read more

1957 Fender Stratocaster: The final year before major changes, featuring the last of the V-necks. Read more

1958-1959 Fender Stratocaster: The maple neck/rosewood board transition years. Read more

General Selling Information:

Main Selling Page: Complete information about Edgewater's buying process and service areas. Visit page

Why Sell to a Dealer Instead of Private Sale: Understanding the advantages of professional transactions. Learn more

Preparing Your Guitar for Sale: Tips for maximizing value and streamlining the selling process. Preparation guide

Closing: Your 1955 Stratocaster Deserves Expert Handling

The 1955 Fender Stratocaster represents more than just a vintage guitar—it's a piece of American manufacturing history, a musical instrument that helped define modern popular music, and potentially a significant financial asset. Whether your 1955 Stratocaster has been in your family for decades, was purchased as an investment, or came to you through inheritance, it deserves to be evaluated by experts who understand its true significance and value.

At Edgewater Guitars, we combine genuine passion for vintage instruments with the market knowledge and financial resources to make premium offers on exceptional guitars. We've built our reputation on fair dealing, expert authentication, and superior offers that reflect the true market value of vintage Fenders.

If you own a 1955 Stratocaster—or any vintage Fender guitar—we invite you to contact us for a free, no-obligation evaluation. We serve guitar owners throughout Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Indiana, and West Virginia, and we travel to you for high-value instruments like 1955 Stratocasters.

Contact Edgewater Guitars Today:

Phone: (440) 219-3607 (Call or text anytime)
Website: www.edgewaterguitars.com/sell
Email: info@edgewaterguitars.com

Service Areas: Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, Toledo, Akron, Detroit, Pittsburgh, and all surrounding regions

We look forward to helping you understand the value of your vintage Fender and providing a premium cash offer that reflects its true worth in today's market.

About the Author: This article was prepared by the vintage guitar specialists at Edgewater Guitars, Ohio's premier buyer of vintage and collectible guitars. Our team combines decades of experience in guitar authentication, valuation, and purchasing with a genuine passion for preserving American guitar manufacturing heritage. We've evaluated and purchased hundreds of pre-CBS Fender instruments and maintain relationships with collectors, dealers, and auction houses worldwide.