1959 Fender Stratocaster with Maple Neck

Why the 1959 Maple Neck Stratocaster Matters

The 1959 Fender Stratocaster with maple neck represents one of the rarest and most coveted variations in Stratocaster history. While Fender had transitioned to rosewood fingerboards in mid-1959, a small number of maple neck Stratocasters continued to be produced using existing neck stock, creating what collectors now consider the ultimate pre-CBS Stratocaster variant.

What makes the early 1959 maple neck Stratocaster extraordinary:

• Extreme Rarity: Only produced for the first few months of 1959 before the rosewood transition

• Pre-CBS Excellence: Built during Leo Fender's peak manufacturing period, six years before CBS acquisition

• Tonal Superiority: The one-piece maple construction provides unmatched clarity and sustain

• Historical Bridge: Represents the final evolution of Leo's original maple neck design before the rosewood era

• Premium Materials: Built with old-growth maple and the finest components available

• Collector Holy Grail: Among the most sought-after Stratocasters by serious vintage collectors

These instruments bridged the gap between the classic 1950s maple neck era and the incoming rosewood fingerboard period, making them historically significant transition pieces that command premium prices in today's market.

Historical Context Section

Fender's Pivotal Year

1959 marked a crucial transition period for Fender. After years of exclusively using maple necks, Leo Fender made the decision to switch to rosewood fingerboards around mid-1959. However, early in the year, Fender continued building Stratocasters with the traditional one-piece maple necks that had defined the instrument since its 1954 introduction.

This transition wasn't immediate—existing maple neck stock needed to be used up, and the changeover happened gradually throughout 1959. The maple neck Stratocasters from early 1959 represent the absolute pinnacle of Leo Fender's original vision, incorporating five years of refinements while maintaining the classic maple construction.

Manufacturing Excellence

By 1959, Fender had perfected their manufacturing processes. The Fullerton factory was operating at peak efficiency, using premium materials that would become increasingly scarce in later decades. The maple used for these necks came from old-growth trees, providing density and tonal characteristics that modern maple simply cannot match.

Artist Adoption

During this period, pioneering players like Buddy Holly were showcasing the Stratocaster's capabilities on the world stage. The bright, articulate tone of the maple neck Stratocaster perfectly suited the emerging rock and roll sound, though these instruments wouldn't achieve legendary status until British blues players discovered them in the mid-1960s.

Current Market Value (2025 Update)

The 1959 maple neck Stratocaster has experienced dramatic appreciation over the past decade, with values increasing by 200-300% as collectors recognize their extreme rarity and tonal superiority.

Key Value Factors:

• Neck Originality: The maple neck must be completely original—any refinishing or major repair work dramatically reduces value

• Early 1959 Dating: Necks dated January through April 1959 command the highest premiums

• Finish Integrity: Original nitrocellulose finish with natural aging patterns

• Hardware Originality: All original Kluson tuners, tremolo assembly, and electronics

• Documentation: Original case, hang tags, or purchase receipts add significant value

• Flame Pattern: Highly flamed maple necks can add 15-20% to value

Important Note: At Edgewater Guitars, we consistently pay 30-40% more than typical guitar shops for these rare instruments, recognizing their true collector value and market position.

Detailed Identification Guide

Serial Numbers

Early 1959 maple neck Stratocasters typically feature 5-digit serial numbers ranging from approximately 38000 to 45000, stamped on the back vibrato cover plate. However, serial numbers overlapped between years, making neck dating the most reliable identification method.

Neck Dating

The critical identifier is the pencil-written date on the neck heel, visible when the neck is removed from the body:

• Format: "1-59" through "4-59" for the early maple neck examples

• Location: Written on the butt end of the neck heel

• Authenticity: Original dates appear in period-correct pencil with natural aging

Potentiometer Codes

1959 Stratocasters used Stackpole potentiometers with specific date codes:

• Manufacturer Code: 304 (Stackpole)

• Year Code: 58 or 59 (corresponding to late 1958/early 1959 manufacture)

• Week Code: Final two digits indicating week of manufacture

Maple Neck Specifications

Construction: One-piece hard rock maple with integral fingerboard Profile: Medium C-shape, slightly fuller than later 1959 rosewood necks Fret Wire: Original small fret wire (.078" wide x .043" high) Inlays: Black dot position markers (clay composition) Nut: Bone, 1-5/8" width Finish: Clear nitrocellulose lacquer, often showing amber aging

Visual Identification Points

1. Headstock Logo: "Spaghetti" style Fender logo with two patent numbers

2. Tuners: Single-line Kluson Deluxe tuners with plastic buttons

3. Truss Rod: Accessible from headstock with walnut plug

4. Pickguard: Single-layer mint green (appears white but has slight green tint)

5. Body Contours: Deep belly cut and forearm contour

6. Tremolo: 6-point synchronized tremolo with steel block

Detailed Physical Specifications

Weight and Dimensions

• Total Weight: 7.5-8.5 lbs (lighter than rosewood neck examples)

• Body Wood: Alder (primary) or ash (less common)

• Body Thickness: 1.75" at rim

• Scale Length: 25.5"

• Overall Length: 39.5"

Neck Specifications

• Material: One-piece hard rock maple

• Profile: Medium C (.82"-.87" at 1st fret, .95"-1.00" at 12th fret)

• Fingerboard Radius: 7.25"

• Fret Count: 21 frets

• Nut Width: 1-5/8" (1.625")

• Neck Finish: Clear nitrocellulose lacquer

Electronics

• Pickups: Three single-coil pickups with staggered pole pieces

• Pickup Resistance: Typically 5.5-6.2k ohms

• Wiring: Cloth-covered wire throughout

• Capacitor: .05μF "yellow jackets" or similar period-correct type

• Output Jack: Side-mounted 1/4" jack

Hardware

• Bridge: 6-point synchronized tremolo

• Saddles: Steel with threaded height adjustment screws

• Tremolo Arm: Steel with plastic tip

• Tuners: Kluson Deluxe single-line tuners (15:1 ratio)

• Strap Buttons: Chrome-plated steel

Tonal Characteristics

The 1959 maple neck Stratocaster produces what many consider the definitive "Strat sound"—bright, articulate, and incredibly responsive to playing dynamics.

Sonic Profile

• Attack: Immediate and percussive with excellent note definition

• Sustain: Superior sustain due to the dense maple neck construction

• Frequency Response: Enhanced upper midrange and treble clarity

• Dynamic Range: Exceptional touch sensitivity and harmonic complexity

Why Maple Sounds Different

The one-piece maple construction creates a direct wood-to-wood connection between the strings and body, resulting in:

• Increased Brightness: The hard maple provides more treble content than rosewood

• Enhanced Sustain: The denser wood transfers vibrations more efficiently

• Improved Definition: Individual notes remain clear even in complex chord voicings

• Touch Sensitivity: The hard surface responds immediately to pick attack variations

Comparison to Rosewood Models

While rosewood fingerboard Stratocasters offer warmth and midrange complexity, the maple neck variants provide:

• Greater Note Separation: Each string rings clearly in chord contexts

• Enhanced Harmonics: More prominent overtones and bell-like qualities

• Recording Clarity: Cut through dense mixes more effectively

• Vintage Authenticity: The original Leo Fender design intention

Common Issues & Modifications

When evaluating a 1959 maple neck Stratocaster, examine these critical areas:

Neck-Related Issues

• Refinishing: Look for overspray, color inconsistencies, or artificial aging

• Fret Replacement: Many have been refretted—original small frets are desirable

• Truss Rod Problems: Check for stripped adjustment nuts or rod failure

• Headstock Repairs: Examine for cracks or breaks, especially behind the nut

• Neck Reset: Look for signs of neck removal or angle adjustments

Body Concerns

• Refinishes: Check control cavities and neck pocket for original finish

• Route Modifications: Ensure pickup and control cavities are original

• Tremolo Cavity: Original routing patterns and wood grain should be consistent

• Strap Button Placement: Should match original specifications

Electronics

• Pickup Replacements: Original single-coils have specific visual and tonal characteristics

• Potentiometer Dating: Codes should correspond to 1958-1959 manufacture

• Wiring Harness: Original cloth wire and solder joints show specific aging patterns

• Switch Replacement: 3-way switches often replaced with 5-way units

Hardware Authentication

• Tuner Replacement: Grover or other modern tuners dramatically reduce value

• Tremolo Parts: Springs, claw, and arm should be original

• Bridge Saddles: Original steel saddles have specific wear patterns

• Pickup Covers: Should show appropriate aging and be free of cracks

Why Players & Collectors Value This Model

Playing Characteristics

The 1959 maple neck Stratocaster offers playing feel and response that has never been duplicated:

• Neck Comfort: The medium C profile fits most hand sizes perfectly

• Fret Response: Original small frets provide excellent intonation and bending feel

• String Tension: The 7.25" radius and vintage fret height create ideal string tension

• Tremolo Function: Original 6-point tremolo provides smooth operation and return to pitch

Collector Appeal

Several factors make these instruments highly sought after:

• Historical Significance: Represents the end of an era in Stratocaster production

• Extreme Rarity: Fewer than 2,000 estimated to exist worldwide

• Investment Potential: Values have consistently outperformed most investment vehicles

• Provenance: Many have fascinating ownership histories spanning 65+ years

Tonal Legacy

The sound of the 1959 maple neck Stratocaster can be heard on countless recordings:

• Rock and Roll Origins: The preferred instrument of many 1950s pioneers

• British Invasion: Imported examples shaped the sound of 1960s rock

• Studio Standard: Became the reference tone for countless session players

• Modern Influence: Contemporary builders still attempt to recreate these tonal characteristics

Selling Your 1959 Maple Neck Stratocaster

If you own one of these rare instruments, Edgewater Guitars offers specialized services for high-value vintage Stratocasters:

Our Premium Service Advantage

• Expert Authentication: Our team includes recognized authorities on vintage Fender instruments

• Premium Valuations: We consistently pay 30-40% more than local guitar shops

• Discrete Transactions: High-end instruments require confidential handling

• Immediate Payment: No waiting periods or consignment arrangements

• White-Glove Service: We travel to you for instruments of this caliber

Why Choose Edgewater?

Unlike typical guitar shops that need significant resale margins, we specialize in purchasing premium vintage instruments directly from owners. Our deep collector network and expertise in vintage Fender instruments allows us to recognize and fairly compensate for the true rarity and value of early 1959 maple neck Stratocasters.

Ready to sell your vintage Fender? Contact us for a free, confidential evaluation: (440) 219-3607

The Edgewater Difference

• Specialized Knowledge: We understand the nuances that affect value in pre-CBS Fenders

• Market Recognition: Our offers reflect current collector market values, not retail shop pricing

• Professional Documentation: We provide detailed authentication and condition reports

• Secure Handling: Insured transportation and handling for high-value instruments

Related Resources

Authentication Tools

• Complete Fender Serial Number Dating Guide

• Fender Potentiometer Code Reference

• Maple vs. Rosewood Neck Identification Guide

• 1959 Stratocaster Specification Sheet

Additional Reading

• Pre-CBS Fender Value Guide

• How to Spot Refinished Stratocasters

• Vintage Fender Tremolo Systems Explained

• Famous 1959 Stratocasters and Their Stories

Selling Resources

• Sell Your Vintage Guitar - Main Page

• Guitar Selling Process Overview

• Customer Testimonials

• Geographic Service Area

  
  

Geographic Service Area

Edgewater Guitars specializes in purchasing premium vintage guitars throughout:

• Ohio (all regions)

• Michigan (Detroit, Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor metro areas)

• Pennsylvania (Pittsburgh, Erie regions)

• Indiana (Fort Wayne, South Bend areas)

• West Virginia (Northern regions)

For instruments of this caliber, we provide in-person evaluation and immediate cash payment. Distance is never an obstacle for truly exceptional vintage Fender instruments.

Expert Authentication & Valuation

As specialists in vintage Fender instruments, Edgewater Guitars maintains extensive resources for authenticating and valuing rare Stratocasters:

• Reference Library: Comprehensive collection of vintage Fender specifications and documentation

• Database Access: Serial number and dating information for verification

• Photography Equipment: Professional documentation of condition and originality

• Market Intelligence: Current pricing data from auctions, dealers, and private sales

Don't trust your rare 1959 maple neck Stratocaster to inexperienced buyers. Our team has the knowledge and resources to provide accurate authentication and fair market valuation.

Contact Edgewater Guitars today for your free, no-obligation evaluation: (440) 219-3607

About the Author: The Edgewater Guitars team includes recognized experts in vintage American guitar authentication and valuation, with over 30 years of combined experience in the vintage instrument market. We specialize in pre-CBS Fender instruments and maintain one of the most comprehensive reference libraries in the Midwest.