I have an advantage over many of you. I was on the particular forum when "53 strat" first appeared with his guitar (I believe he was in search of more authentic neck for it). So I got to learn about it a long time ago and watched as the story developed: from his adventures at Fender (they gave him a new '57 vintage reissue for his letting them check it out) to the Vintage Guitar magazine article about it.

If I recall correctly, he originally thought it was a 1954 model and didn't know the body was shown in some Strat history book(s). Another forum member pointed this out to him and all of us.

Also (and correct me if I'm wrong) the Fender people asked to be informed if and when he came close to selling it.

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Member #26797
My other guitar is a Strat.

Well, with O's statements and reputation I am convinced as much as possible (like Ceri said) as can be from a Internet chat forum. Thanks for the good reading and learning of the last few days gentlemen!

WOW Orv, its nice you have followed this and thanks for your knowledge you have on this topic. I wish that someone from Fender would read the topic and talk with one of the people who looked at this body and give us a statement as to there thoughts. I am sure that many notes and photos were taken and the records they have checked and cross checked about it. I am sure Leo had many records himself but as we no when you sell a company in most cases it includes records that go along with the rights to produce the product.

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The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government.

Thomas Jefferson

Notice that fender say they will not pay for vintage instruments (or words to that effect), but want to be informed of when this one comes up for sale.
Thats quite a statement in itself.
Nevermind the fact they GAVE him a 57 RI neck.

Certainly puts a perspective on the things value dont it.

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No no and no

Slight correction: they gave him an entire black 57 RI guitar, not just a neck.

Have you read any of the original thread (dating back to Feb 2005)?

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Member #26797
My other guitar is a Strat.

must be a very important item on fender's list.

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One of God's own prototypes. Too weird to live, too rare to die.

Nope, but being informed of that little fact its just pipped rogue squadron to pole position.

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No no and no

Fek sakes google is definately on my 'would buy a pint' list from now on.
http://www.thegearpage.net/board/archive/index.php/t-245446.html

Cheers for spurring me out of endless laziness O.O.

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No no and no

Another one Niki better pics.
http://www.strat-talk.com/forum/stratoc ... tence.html

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The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government.

Thomas Jefferson

[quote="cvilleira"][/quote]

Based on that...... Hmmmm?

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No no and no

53 strat is known by JMPRO on other forums.

Here's the Vintage Guitar mag with the story:

http://www.vintageguitar.com/current/ar ... sp?IID=108

unfortunately, the entire article doesn't seem to be online.

I guess I could scan it, I believe I still have that issue.

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Member #26797
My other guitar is a Strat.

Niki look at this 1954 click on the link after where it says ;The Sound Heard 'Round the World" are one and the same
I believe this is 53 strat guitar
http://www.strat-central.com/precbs60s.htm

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The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government.

Thomas Jefferson

CV. Theres a few questions that come to mind. If you have fhops mail add then i'll pass them on. If not please use my msn button.

(Reminder to self http://www.strat-talk.com/forum/stratocaster-discussion-forum/4933-earliest-strat-existence.html)

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No no and no

Done mate

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The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government.

Thomas Jefferson