57 Fender Stratocaster on Antiques Roadshow

1957 Fender Stratocaster Guitar on Antiques Roadshow

The 1957 Fender Stratocaster is one of the most iconic and coveted electric guitars, renowned for its distinctive design, quality craftsmanship, and historical significance in the evolution of modern music. This particular model has been prominently featured on the television program Antiques Roadshow, where vintage musical instruments are appraised for their condition, originality, and market value.

Historical Context and Features

Fender introduced the Stratocaster model in 1954, and it quickly became a staple for guitarists due to its innovative contoured body, comfortable neck, and versatile tone produced by its three single-coil pickups. The 1957 model reflects a classic period of production before some design changes introduced in later years.

Key features typical of the 1957 Stratocaster include:

• Maple neck with a maple fingerboard featuring black dot inlays

• Two-tone sunburst or blonde finish options

• Original single-coil pickups

• A tremolo (whammy) bar mechanism

• The “skunk stripe” on the neck’s back, a darker piece of wood inlaid to cover a channel for the truss rod

• Original decals and hardware, which significantly influence value when intact

Antiques Roadshow Appraisal Highlights

Several 1957 Fender Stratocaster guitars have been brought to Antiques Roadshow for appraisal, providing valuable insight into their condition, history, and market trends:

• One featured instrument, still in largely original condition with its maple neck and fingerboard, original pickups, tremolo arm, and even its original tweed case with red lining, was appraised at around $50,000 to $60,000 in retail value (as of 2020). The owner had purchased the guitar in the early 1960s for about $300, making it an exceptional long-term investment.139

• Another appraisal from 2018 valued a well-preserved sunburst model with original parts between $28,000 and $30,000, illustrating the variability due to condition and originality.28

• The appraisers consistently emphasize the significance of originality—guitars with unmodified necks, original wiring, and factory-applied finishes are most valuable. Minor missing parts, such as lost tremolo bars, can usually be replaced without drastically reducing value.2

Collecting and Market Trends

The 1957 Fender Stratocaster represents the golden era of Fender’s electric guitars, sought after by collectors, vintage guitar enthusiasts, and professional musicians alike. Over recent years, prices for vintage Fender guitars have risen substantially, reflecting enhanced interest in musical instruments as collectible and investment items.

Condition is paramount; guitars with original finish and hardware, minimal restoration, and good playability command the highest prices. Accompanying original accessories such as hard cases and amplifiers add further value.

Significance in Music and Culture

Beyond its value as a collectible, the 1957 Stratocaster is revered for its role in shaping the sound of popular music genres, including rock, blues, and country. Artists such as Jimi Hendrix famously played Stratocasters, contributing to its iconic status.

In summary, the 1957 Fender Stratocaster guitars appraised on Antiques Roadshow demonstrate the model’s exceptional vintage appeal, with values ranging commonly from approximately $30,000 to $60,000 depending on condition, originality, and accessories. This investment highlights both the cultural legacy and enduring desirability of Fender’s classic electric guitar.

References:

1 1957 Fender Stratocaster with Case & Amp, Antiques Roadshow PBS (2020)
2 1957 Fender Stratocaster Guitar, Antiques Roadshow PBS (2018)
3 Appraisal: 1957 Fender Stratocaster with Case & Amp, Antiques Roadshow video clip (2020)
8 1957 Fender Stratocaster Guitar, Antiques Roadshow video clip (2019)
9 Antiques Roadshow – Appraisal: 1957 Fender Stratocaster, TPT (2020)