A 1972 Fender Stratocaster with a little surprise up its sleeve… This guitar is featured on page 67 of Bernie's hardback book 'Tales of Tone and Volume' a copy of which will be included with this sale.

Another from the Bernie Marsden Collection, this guitar has quite the interesting tale to tell.

Whilst recording a solo album in Germany, the owner of the studio would often frequent the sessions and insist that Bernie play his 60s Strat. The owner had been in a popular pop act in Germany and claimed to have worn out the original neck and had it replaced. 

Bernie pointed out to him that this couldn’t possibly be the case as the neck was of three bolt construction making it at the very earliest from late 1971. The owner was having none of it but left it with Bernie. Later in the session the producer suggested that Bernie plug the guitar in and see what all the fuss was about. Blown away by the tone, they proceeded to take the pickguard off and discovered July 1964 written in pen under the pickguard, a complete harness and black bottom pickups. Safe to say an offer was made…  

This guitar is in a well used condition. There is the expected wear on the forearm cutaway and many pick marks near the bass side of the pickguard. In fact there are marks all over the body. 

The neck too is worn though not excessively.The fretboard is in good condition and has been refretted.. The headstock shows a few minor patches where the lacquer has worn.

Plastics are from 1964 as previously mentioned and are in great condition. The pickguard has cracked near the neck pickup as is often the case and there is a piece of the guard missing from the lower horn.

The saddles are later reproductions but the other hardware is correct.

Electrically everything looks correct with some solder having been disturbed. Pots are dated at week 22 of 1964 

The guitar comes with its correct hardshell case    

Sonically we run the gamut from smooth neck to biting bridge, that unmistakable mid 60’s tone. The neck is very comfortable. All three black bottom pickups are strong and evenly balanced with bell-like tonal qualities.

A great guitar with an interesting past and a story to tell, what more could you want?