The 1957-58 Fender catalog (image on the left) continues with the Stratocaster description language first used in 1955, though sunburst is now one word and the key points are now 20 instead of 21 (with or without tremolo is now mentioned separately and the hardtail is now priced below the trem model whereas they were previously priced the same). Added though is the fact that the Stratocaster is now "available in custom colors or blonde finish at an additional 5% cost," otherwise the model is manufactured in sunburst. To what price would the 5% custom color surcharge be added? The 1955 Stratocaster listed as follows: no tremolo: $249.50; with tremolo: $274.50; in Blonde with 14 Carat Gold-Plated Hardware: $330.00 (we know this model as the Mary Kaye Stratocaster because the inside cover of the catalog has a photo of the Mary Kaye Trio in which Mary Kaye is holding the blonde upgrade version). It was the non-Mary Kaye models that were available in custom Dupont Ducco finishes for an extra 5%.
1957 Stratocaster Specs: "Bakelite" pickup covers and knobs are replaced by vinyl (early '57 instruments may have a mix of bakelite and vinyl), neck profile becomes a more pronounced "V."
The 1957-58 Fender catalog (image on the left) continues with the Stratocaster description language first used in 1955, though sunburst is now one word and the key points are now 20 instead of 21 (with or without tremolo is now mentioned separately and the hardtail is now priced below the trem model whereas they were previously priced the same). Added though is the fact that the Stratocaster is now "available in custom colors or blonde finish at an additional 5% cost," otherwise the model is manufactured in sunburst. To what price would the 5% custom color surcharge be added? The 1955 Stratocaster listed as follows: no tremolo: $249.50; with tremolo: $274.50; in Blonde with 14 Carat Gold-Plated Hardware: $330.00 (we know this model as the Mary Kaye Stratocaster because the inside cover of the catalog has a photo of the Mary Kaye Trio in which Mary Kaye is holding the blonde upgrade version). It was the non-Mary Kaye models that were available in custom Dupont Ducco finishes for an extra 5%.
