Description: 1955 Fender Stratocaster guitar
Available: 1954 to present.
Collectibility Rating: A
Production: no official (or unofficial) production numbers available.
General Comments:
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 1955 Fender Stratocaster is one of my favorite years. Though nearly identical to a production (October-December) 1954 Strat, the 1955 model is slightly more refined. The production process was better, and 1955 models tend to be much lighter weight (more comfortable to play) than 1954 Strats.

Serial number range for the 55 Fender Stratocaster are generally 6000 to 9000 (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. See the Fender Serial Number Info web page for help determining the year. Though Fender production numbers are not available, research has concluded that 452 Fender Strats were made during 1955 (personally I think that number is way too low, but that's just my opinion.)

If you have a vintage pre-CBS Fender Stratocaster guitar for sale, please let me know. I am a private vintage guitar collector (not a store), and you can contact me at cfh@provide.net

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1955 Fender Stratocaster guitar specs:

• Peghead edges are less rounded, and more sharp.
• By mid-1955, the round string holes in the rear tremolo cover are changed to oblong holes.
• Tremolo block has more squared sides.
• Front edge of bridge saddles (closest to the nut) are longer.
• Bobby Lee strap pad is banana shaped.
• Tremolo bar's bends are less pronounced.
• White pickguard now has a shiney backside.