2007 Fender Stratocaster "MARY KAYE 1957" Limited Edition + OHSC

2007 Fender Stratocaster "Mary Kaye Limited Edition" 
Beautiful Translucent Cream White Finish + Maple Fretboard
Serial #: V176001 (Fender Artist Vintage Series)
Made in USA
All Original, No Mods, No alterations. 

Adult owned only. Children-free, pet-free, smoke-free household. No gigging, no outdoor play.
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Up for sale is a limited edition 2007 Fender Stratocaster "Mary Kaye" Artist Series in a very unique translucent cream finish.

This guitar was a limited run by Fender ONLY in the year 2007 to celebrate the "50 year anniversary" of the original Fender Mary Kaye Stratocaster. Fender has not released the exact # of units sold, but it is estimated that less than 500 UNITS TOTAL were made for this specific model.

This guitar is all factory original with no modifications or alterations.

Absolutely beautiful and very nice looking finish/color way. The finish is almost like a transparent or "translucent" white.. with a hint of cream/beige color. I've never seen this exact color ever except ONLY on these Mary Kaye models. It's a type of finish color that will only look better as the guitar naturally ages and relics through normal wear and play.

This guitar is in overall excellent condition with only minor signs of play. Some small surface scratches on top / back of body from normal play. Some minor blue jean marks on back/side from playing sitting down. Some minor dust/oxidation on bridge/saddle area that can be easily cleaned off. Some pickguard swirls and scratches from playing with a pick. Nothing that affects playability - simply visual. NO HEADSTOCK CRACK. 

The factory original gold hardware pairs very nicely with this transparent white finish. The gold hardware includes vintage style oval tuners, vintage style gold saddle/bridge, output jack, screws/nails and even the ashtray + whammy bar. This gives the guitar a very luxurious feel and look... similar to a Gibson Les Paul Custom... But instead a Stratocaster version.

The neck is an incredibly comfortable 50's style soft V shape profile. A great comparison is a Martin Eric Clapton 000-28 Signature type of neck... or an 80's Fender "THE STRAT" type of neck profile... but a tad thicker in the middle. Very good neck for players who enjoy cowboy chords or playing chords up and down the neck. Both strummers and fingerpickers will appreciate this neck profile... but those who enjoy true vintage Fender specs will appreciate this guitar the most.

ORIGINAL 3-way selector switch just like how they did it back in the day. Remember - Fender did not release a 5 way switch option for the Stratocaster until the early 70's... However, an ORIGINAL Fender 5-way selector switch will also be included in the sale... for those who want to swap out the 3 to 5 way. But this guitar has not been modified in any way - so the 3-way selector is how the guitar will arrive.

Other than the neck profile, my favorite aspect of this guitar is the sound of these pickups... Very powerful pickups starting from the bridge to the neck. Bridge pickup with volume 10 + tone 10 is almost too powerful for me. So I dial the Tone to around 4-5 while keeping the Volume at 10. To me, that is the perfect balance. You can get some really nice SRV style tones just by the bridge pickup + some quality overdrive pedal.

But the Neck pickup is really where it shines... I put the Volume at 9-10 + Tone at around 5-6 for the Neck pickup... pair it straight with a Fender Princeton Reverb or Twin Reverb... and that's all you really need for this guitar. Sounds extremely good for soft rock, jazz, blues and even some mellow country picking. Overall a very diverse sounding guitar.

To sum it up, this is just a very nice USA Made Fender Stratocaster. Not only is it pleasing to look at, it also sounds good. The Fender limited artist series makes this guitar rarer than most - and it's a guitar that both players and collectors will enjoy as well.

Comes with:
- 2007 Fender Stratocaster "Mary Kaye 57" Limited Edition
- Original Fender Brown Tweed Hardshell Case
- Original Fender Gold Mary Kaye Whammy Bar
- Original Fender Gold Mary Kaye Ashtray
- Original Fender aftermarket 5-way selector switch
- Original Extra Fender Mary Kaye Gold hardware parts (screws, nails, springs, etc)
- Original Case Candy + Paperwork + Hangtags

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Payment must be completed 24 hours upon purchase.

Mandatory signature confirmation delivery.

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The Fender Stratocaster Mary Kaye is a legendary and highly sought-after guitar, named after 1950s jazz and lounge musician Mary Kaye, often referred to as the "First Lady of Rock and Roll." This model is iconic for its distinctive blonde finish, gold hardware, and association with early Stratocaster history. Though Mary Kaye herself did not endorse the guitar officially, a famous 1956 promotional photo featuring her holding a Stratocaster led to the model being forever linked with her name.

Key Features of the Fender Stratocaster Mary Kaye

1. Body and Finish

• Body Material: Made from ash, the body is known for its bright, resonant tone and lightweight feel.
• Finish: The standout feature is the semi-transparent blonde finish, which showcases the natural grain of the ash wood. This finish is often referred to as "see-through blonde."
• Aesthetic Appeal: The blonde finish combined with gold hardware gives the guitar a luxurious, vintage look.

2. Neck and Fingerboard

• Neck Material: A maple neck with a soft-V or C-shaped profile, depending on the year of production.
• Fingerboard: Typically features a maple fingerboard, providing a bright and snappy tone.
• Frets: Original models had 21 frets, in keeping with 1950s Stratocaster specifications.
• Scale Length: Standard 25.5-inch scale length for traditional Fender feel and tone.

3. Pickups and Electronics

• Pickups: Equipped with three single-coil pickups, delivering the classic Stratocaster sound:
  • Bright and chime-like tones in the neck and middle positions.
  • Sharp and cutting tones in the bridge position.
• Controls: Standard Stratocaster configuration:
  • 5-way pickup selector switch (modern models; original models had a 3-way switch).
  • Master volume and two tone knobs.

4. Hardware

• Gold-Plated Hardware: One of the defining features of the Mary Kaye Stratocaster, adding a touch of elegance.
• Bridge: Vintage-style synchronized tremolo system.
• Tuners: Vintage-style tuning machines for classic looks and reliable performance.

Historical Context

• 1956 Fender Stratocaster: The Mary Kaye model is often associated with the 1956 Stratocaster, which featured many of the design elements that became iconic for the Strat.
• Mary Kaye’s Legacy: Though she was not officially affiliated with Fender, her appearance in promotional materials helped solidify the connection between her name and this stunning guitar.

Modern Reissues

• Fender has reissued the Mary Kaye Stratocaster several times as part of its Custom Shop and limited-edition collections. These reissues faithfully replicate the original specs while offering modern improvements, such as:
  • Updated electronics for more tonal versatility.
  • Improved finishes for durability.
  • Optional 22 frets on some models.

Tone and Playability

• Tone: The Mary Kaye Strat produces the quintessential Stratocaster sound: bright, glassy, and versatile. It excels in blues, rock, jazz, and even funk genres.
• Playability: The vintage neck profile and lightweight ash body make it comfortable for extended playing sessions.

Who Is the Fender Mary Kaye Stratocaster For?

• Collectors: Due to its historical significance and stunning design, it’s a must-have for vintage guitar enthusiasts.
• Performers: Its classic tone and elegant looks make it perfect for stage use.
• Fans of Vintage Guitars: Ideal for players who appreciate the aesthetics and sound of 1950s Stratocasters.

Conclusion

The Fender Stratocaster Mary Kaye is a timeless instrument that combines vintage aesthetics with the classic Stratocaster tone. Whether you're a collector or a player, this guitar is a piece of music history and a stunning example of Fender’s craftsmanship.