NGD: 1961 Stratocaster

Hi Everyone. I just joined this forum. Today I picked up a 1961 Strat that I just purchased locally. The shop selling it is near my house so I was able to get it in person. Due to Covid I was not allowed to play in the small store, but I have 48 hours from today to decide if I want to keep it. After checking it over and playing it a bunch, I think it's a keeper. If you stalk reverb for Pre-CBS Strats maybe you have seen this one. I worked out what I think was a fair deal from the seller.

It has a neck date of August 61, Pots date to 23rd week of 61. It is all original except it has been re-finished in white and the pick guard and knobs are replaced. The paint job seems to be done professionally in nitro. The pick guard looks old but obviously not an early 60s tort guard. Does anyone have a guess as to what era this guard is from? It looks a bit wavy and shrunken, so I assume its pretty old. I'm trying to decide if I should get a Spitfire tort guard for this. I have several of his guards on some other vintage Fenders and I think they are great.

It has the original frets which are low but play very well. The neck feels great. I was told, and it seems that the neck finish is original, which is surprising how un-worn it is. It made me skeptical at first, but I do believe that it has not been oversprayed.

It weighs a little over 7lbs. It has the original case too but it's pretty beat up. The seller gave me a Fender flight case in addition to the original case.

What are your guys' thoughts on this thing? I have some experience with Pre-CBS Fenders and it all looks legit to me in accordance with the descriptions. So like I said, I have 48 hours to decide if Iwant to return it but I'm really liking how it plays and sounds so It is probably going to stay!

 

Would mint on white look good? I know tort guards on Strats were rare, but there is a historical precedent for them. And I'm kind of obsessed with tort

 

It's not the original guard. If it was I deff wouldn't change it. It's not bad looking but the back of the guard near the bridge was hacked out by hand which is doesn't look great. I'll prob go with a Spitfire.

 

I'm thankful there are Re-fins out there!

 

Yeah I was actually thinking the same configuration (Bright Red and Speckled 60) and get the edges yellowed/aged to match the knobs and PU covers. I emailed Mark earlier to get his thoughts.