Olivia's Vintage Guitars - Vintage and Fine guitars

Fender

$40,900

1955 Fender Stratocaster in its original Sunburst finish. It had formerly been owned by Ned Liben of the band Riff Raff and demo artist for the Arp Avatar guitar synthesizer. This Stratocaster had been modified to house the pickup and controls for the Avatar. The modifications have been reversed to return the guitar back to its original specs. There was a side jack installed that had been removed before the hole was professionally filled and finished over. The added controls were removed and were either installed on an aftermarket pickguard while the original was preserved or the original was replaced with this original period correct pickguard. The metal shielding plate under the pickguard reveals where the extra hole would have been. There are small routes and screw holes near the bridge pickup cavity and jack, where the Avatar pickup was installed. Other than that, all parts are original other than the nut, the volume knob, volume pot and the jack. The original back plate is included, but the screws are missing. The original tweed hardshell case is also included (both flip latches are broken along with the handle). It has a good playing neck with worn, but good frets. It looks great with nicks + dings, belt buckle wear and other cosmetic wear including lots of natural play wear. One of the tone knobs cracked apart and was glued back together, but barely grips the pot stem. The guitar itself remains structurally sound with no cracks, breaks or repairs. All electronics work and sound great as it provides an authentic early Stratocaster tone. The weight is 7 lbs. 7.2 oz. The pictured "Introducing the Arp Avatar" demo record is not included, but is shown to feature the former owners name. We are happy to ship internationally.