I've never owned a strat. I've playeda few in shops and I've got myself totally confused with dates and neck shape

what for example is the differnec between a late 50's neck and late 60's or more fundimentally between a late 50 or late 60 strat.
any help most welcome

Two major differences between 50's and 60's.

Neck profile (shape of neck) in the 50's was a V profile. 60's went to C profile.

50's necks were all maple, 60's added the rosewood fretboard.

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If you Google "Fender Neck Profiles" you'll get a lot of information. That said, here's a nice little picture that I borrowed from another forum that should help a little...




Not to debate Detroit's info there and I can't speak as to the original 50's and 60's necks but my '85 MIJ has a '62 reissue neck and it's most definitely NOT a "U" shape...it's the "D" shape as pictured above there (which obviously is inconsistent with that picture). I suppose it is possible my neck could be mis-marked but it does seem consistent with other "60's reissue" necks that I've tried over the years. BTW...that D shape is actually a very comfy neck to say the least .

Regardless, the main thing to remember is that most newer Strats...be them American, MIM, Squier or otherwise typically have the "C" shaped neck...I think the modern C shape pretty much covers about 85% of the Strats out there today. You will typically only see the other shapes on certain signature series (such as the Clapton Sig for example which if I'm not mistaken has the hard V) or certain reissues...but not always. The Squier CV's for example have the "C" shape as well (although granted, the CV's aren't specifically "reissues").

Neck profile/shape is really one of those personal choice things. Personally I -HATE- the "V's" and the U shaped necks...I have rather small hands for a guy and those buggers are just way too uncomfortable for me to really get my hand around. Other people though do love them. As with most things related to guitars, my advice is to play as many as you can in your price range and bring home the one that -you- really like. Once you find the style you like, just ask an experienced person what it is and make a note of it for the future.

Good Luck,
Jim