Probably the finest example of this iconic masterpiece out there right now. This stunning and shining example is as near as to mint as you can get with NO fade, deep cherry red and nickel hardware so shiny you can see you face in it...

Needless to say this unreal instrument is 100% original, with untouched solder everywhere including the covers of the powerful and original PAF pickups. It comes with original case, all the candy you see pictured and is as light as a feather.

So what stops it from being mint? Well there is small amounts of corrosion on the back of the tuners, a little on the Vibrola, some very slight checking and a few very minor, clearcoat dings on the bottom edge but I am being very picky here and I would suggest most people and all other dealers would call this mint.

It is obvious from the complete lack of fade that this had led a vampire existence during it's 56 year life and has hardly been out of it's case which is a bit of a shame as unlike a lot of guitars that are mint, this one plays brilliantly well. There is no fret or fingerboard wear and it has a fast, low action with a perfect neck with a medium feel and a wide 43mm nut width.

If someone came to me with this guitar and told me it was 5 months old I could perfectly believe them. If they told me it was 56 years old I would probably be asking to see the time machine they just stepped out of. It is that good and is without a doubt, of museum quality.

Another remarkable thing about this guitar is it is unbelievably, stamped as a factory 2nd with a very tiny '2' above the serial number (see picture). Why this is remains a bit of a mystery but there was obviously some finish flaw at the time which caused this to happen.

Original case is in excellent shape but does have some scuffing due to handling etc.

If you are seeking one of thee, I do not think there will be a better one out there…