Introduction: The Coveted Slab Board Era

The "slab board" Stratocaster represents one of the most sought-after transitional periods in Fender's early history. From 1959 to 1962, Fender produced Stratocasters with a distinctive rosewood fingerboard that differed significantly from both earlier maple-neck models and later "veneer" rosewood boards. These instruments command premium prices in today's vintage market, with collectors and players alike seeking their unique tonal qualities and historical significance.

At Edgewater Guitars, we've purchased numerous slab board Stratocasters over the years, and we've developed a comprehensive authentication process to identify genuine examples. This guide will help you understand the unique characteristics of these instruments and how to distinguish them from later models.

What Makes a "Slab Board" Stratocaster?

The term "slab board" refers to the thick, flat rosewood fingerboard that Fender began using in late 1959. Unlike the thinner, curved "veneer" boards that followed from mid-1962 onwards, these early rosewood fingerboards were substantial pieces of wood that measured approximately 4.8mm to 5.5mm in thickness.

Key characteristics include:

• Thickness: Notably thicker than post-1962 "veneer" boards (4.8-5.5mm vs. 2.5-3.5mm)

• Profile: Flat bottom surface that sits directly on the maple neck

• Edge Treatment: Distinctive square-edged profile when viewed from the side

• Clay Dots: Genuine clay position markers (not plastic as in later years)

• Appearance: Often darker and more porous than later rosewood

Historical Context: Why Fender Changed to Rosewood

Leo Fender's decision to switch from one-piece maple necks to maple necks with rosewood fingerboards in late 1959 wasn't merely aesthetic. The company was responding to several factors:

1. Player Feedback: Professional guitarists reported that maple necks showed wear quickly and could feel "sticky" under stage lights

2. Market Competition: Gibson's use of rosewood fingerboards was popular with players

3. Production Efficiency: The two-piece design allowed for easier replacement of worn fingerboards

4. Tonal Considerations: The rosewood top provided a warmer tone that balanced the Stratocaster's naturally bright sound

This transition period represents Fender's willingness to evolve their designs based on real-world usage, a philosophy that contributed to their enduring success.

Detailed Authentication Points for Slab Board Stratocasters

1. Neck Date and Pencil Markings

Authentic slab board Stratocaster necks typically feature:

• Pencil-written dates on the heel or truss rod channel

• Date format of MM-YY (e.g., "2-61" for February 1961)

• Occasional inspector's initials or factory notations

• Consistent pencil handwriting style from the Fullerton factory

Authentication Tip: When examining a potential slab board Stratocaster, carefully remove the neck (or ask the current owner for detailed photos) to check for period-correct pencil markings. The date should align with the 1959-1962 production window.

2. Body Characteristics and Routes

Stratocasters from this period have several identifying body features:

• Paint Colors: Common colors included Three-Tone Sunburst, Fiesta Red, Olympic White, and custom colors (at 5% upcharge)

• Body Routing: "Swimming pool" routes hadn't yet appeared; expect to see individual pickup routes

• Pickup Cavities: Hand-chiseled, less uniform than later CNC-routed bodies

• Body Date Stamps: Often stamped in neck pocket, typically within several months of the neck date

Authentication Tip: For sunburst finishes, look for the deeper, more red-brown sunburst typical of the late 1950s and early 1960s, as opposed to the more yellow-dominant sunbursts of later periods.

3. Hardware and Electronics

Genuine 1959-1962 slab board Stratocasters feature:

• Pickups: Hand-wound pickups with black fiber bobbins and cloth-covered lead wires

• Potentiometers: Stack-pole pots with date codes corresponding to the production period

• Capacitors: "Green mylar" capacitors (.1mF) transitioning from the earlier "grey pill" capacitors

• Bridge Assembly: Pat. Pending synchronized tremolo with either steel (pre-1961) or zinc (post-1961) saddles

• Tuning Machines: Kluson Deluxe with "single-line" Kluson stamp until around 1961, then transitioning to "double line" stamps

Authentication Tip: Pot codes are crucial for authentication. These codes follow a specific format where the first digit represents the manufacturer (Stackpole pots typically begin with "304"), the next digit represents the year, and the final digit represents the week of manufacture.

4. Neck Profile and Construction Details

The neck profiles during this period evolved subtly:

• 1959-1960: Moderately chunky "D" profile, transitioning from the earlier "V" profile

• 1961-1962: Gradually slimming to a more "C" shaped profile

• Truss Rod: One-way truss rod with walnut plug on the headstock end

• String Tree: Single string tree for the B and high E strings (some late-1961/1962 models began using two trees)

• Fretwork: Medium-jumbo frets that are notably taller than later CBS-era frets

Authentication Tip: When examining the neck profile, look for consistent, hand-shaped contours that differ from the more uniform profiles of later mass-production eras.

Evolution Within the Slab Board Era

Even within the relatively short 1959-1962 period, Fender made subtle changes to the slab board Stratocaster:

Late 1959 (First Transition)

• Initial rosewood boards were extremely thick (sometimes up to 5.5mm)

• Clay dots larger and less uniform than later production

• Often paired with necks featuring transitional "D" profiles

1960-1961 (Stabilization)

• More consistent slab board thickness (around 5mm)

• Refinement of production processes

• Peak period for "clay dot" uniformity

Early to Mid-1962 (Late Slab Era)

• Gradual thinning of the slab boards (closer to 4.8mm)

• Transition beginning toward the veneer boards

• Some late models show slightly more curved bottom surfaces

Value Considerations for Collectors and Sellers

When determining the value of a slab board Stratocaster, consider:

1. Condition: Original finish examples command significant premiums over refinished instruments

2. Originality: Complete original hardware and electronics can double the value compared to modified examples

3. Documentation: Instruments with original cases, paperwork, or provenance bring higher prices

4. Colors: Custom colors (especially Burgundy Mist, Lake Placid Blue, and Fiesta Red) typically bring 20-40% premiums over standard sunburst

5. Notable Years: 1960 models are often considered the benchmark for slab board quality and consistency

In today's market, all-original slab board Stratocasters in excellent condition typically sell in the $30,000 to $60,000 range, with custom color examples sometimes exceeding $75,000.

Avoiding Common Counterfeits and Modifications

The high value of slab board Stratocasters has led to a market of counterfeits and "improved" instruments. Be wary of:

• Modern replacement necks with artificially aged features

• Re-radiused fingerboards that have been sanded to appear more vintage

• Faked neck date stamps or pencil markings

• Refinished bodies with intentionally yellowed clear coats

• "Parts guitars" built from components of different eras

Authentication Tip: Under UV light, original nitrocellulose finishes from the period will have a distinctive pattern of checking and crazing that's nearly impossible to replicate artificially.

Conclusion: The Legacy of the Slab Board Stratocaster

The 1959-1962 slab board Stratocaster represents a pivotal evolutionary period in Fender's history. These instruments bridge the gap between the early maple-neck era and the later mass-production models of the CBS period. Their distinctive appearance, feel, and tone make them highly prized by collectors, players, and investors alike.

If you own a slab board Stratocaster or are considering purchasing one, proper authentication is crucial. At Edgewater Guitars, our team specializes in the identification and valuation of these rare instruments. We provide free, no-obligation appraisals and offer competitive purchase prices based on current market values.

Whether you're looking to sell your vintage Stratocaster or simply want expert verification of its authenticity, contact our team of specialists today for a detailed assessment.

Are you interested in selling your vintage Fender Stratocaster? Contact our vintage guitar specialists for a free, no-obligation valuation at (440) 219-3607 or through our quick quote form.

Next in our Stratocaster identification series: Identifying the Differences in Maple Neck Stratocasters (1954-1959)