Messed Up 1950's Stratocaster but Sounds Amazing

[@BCBBCL]

I thought the pickguard wear was a sticker through all of the intro

[@jamesmcdonald3501]

LuisNascimento same here ! Lol

[@truthfulrobot9295]

Same here, like a lion or fireball sticker lol

[@VintageSlide]

Johnny Dogg i tought it was an eagle.

[@bipbipletucha]

Me too

[@voornaam3191]

You do not think hard enough. What a pytti...

[@Ianmcguire1993]

Leave the natural finish on the guitar, looks killer

[@MatthewScottmusic]

I like it too

[@thelastrebelshow1627]

Ianmcguire93 Thank you for not saying amazing. The most over used word on the planet.

[@davidwollpert5276]

The Last Rebel Show I agree, it looks amazing ! :0)

[@voornaam3191]

Please please please leave this guitar as it is. After any change, you will regret your change sooner or later. Who is waiting for a stupid blonde or a stupid sunburst? There are too many blondes and sunbursts already, why add one wrong coloured guitar?

[@hkguitar1984]

I have an idea about how the pick guard wore into that pattern. Maybe with all the strap buttons it was being played as a slide guitar, individual metal finger picks might wear through the pick guard plys in very much the same pattern. Just my $.02 Cents, great piece of Americana/History.

[@rainvilleaudio1066]

Good call. Metal picks for sure.

[@tacratt6091]

Yep! Been played like a lap steel!

[@andrewbroadhead1897]

I thought exactly the same, only a metal pick could have done that.

[@jessbennett855]

That would explain all the strap button holes too.

[@wingracer1614]

Yep. He was playing lap steel but stand up with finger picks. I hope he leaves it because it looks bad ass.

[@miltonic69]

Leave it alone and play the hell out of it!!!! It sounds amazing!

[@Navbee133]

That neck pickup through the bassman, holy sh*t. I've been chasing that tone for 30 years.

[@jacktheriffer1523]

Bro surely you have heard a Les Paul Custom properly set up through an Orange or a Mesa Boogie...that's a real tone...those single coils will never sound good...truth

[@Navbee133]

@@jacktheriffer1523 sounds an awful lot like your opinion. Some of us look for that single coil sound. Thanks though.

[@katherineseiss102]

@@Navbee133 Agree with @zootybang Single coils are preffered for some people. Love how my tele single coil sounds through an overdriven amp over some humbuckers. Its all in the tone you want. This strat sounds amazing with that pickup!

[@shckltnebay]

@@jacktheriffer1523 GFYS

[@tacratt6091]

Some of the first great sound was a Les Paul through a Bassman or Deluxe, cranked up natural overdrive. The fenders were played clean back then!

[@nealatthecrossfishing]

The sound of that neck pickup through that Bassman is beautiful!

[@CraigChurcher]

That opening passage sounded outstanding! Very reminiscent of late 60's Hendrix/Clapton!

[@bipbipletucha]

I was thinking Hendrix the whole time

[@Ironworthstriking]

Show me a clip of Clapton playing that well at any point in his career lol.

[@zazouz7407]

@@Ironworthstriking not possible

[@Dylan90210]

@@Ironworthstriking Clapton's playing wasn't reliant on speed and technical ability. His voicing of his solos was where he impressed.

[@yagoravell7944]

Refinish???? I no, please don't! That is just beautiful 😍

[@MatthewScottmusic]

You right👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@truthfulrobot9295]

@@MatthewScottmusic *Honestly* Dude, leave it that natural finish... Its beautifully unique. I have a late 1960s early 70s strat that came from From UK to Scotland and ended up retiring here in SoCal along with the owner lol and I bought it from this hippie chick who was way too cool lol It needed some refinishing but I left it alone. These are gems that shouldnt be messed (modded) with. It has the 3 way selector which at first I couldnt get used to and the crackling it made when I'd switch it. and wanted to swap it out to a 5 way but convinced myself to a solid *NO!* lol cleaned it up a bit. And the crackling went away. I have to restring with a fresh pack of Fender Bullets since the ones it had were rusty and vintage. You can tell it wasnt played in a while or just not kept clean lol What ever you decide bro, you have a sweet collection there. One Love/God bless!

[@fredwolff7632]

The extra strap buttons used has a stand up lap steel guitar ?

[@pfflyers1]

genius

[@juanvaldez5422]

I be damned

[@Michael-fp6jm]

First, I thought a lefty player. Then I thought a little more and realized he was experimenting with playing slide standing up. Good call Fred! That guitar is a monster! You're building quite the collection.

[@geraldwest3428]

Very nice and killer story man. I'm 58 years old and from looking and listening to this I would just play it....change the strings when they need it and rock on. Thanks for sharing your cool find!

[@BreadandFaxes]

How come anyone over 50 on KZbin feels necessary to put their age when they comment.

[@blahboidblah]

@@BreadandFaxes because we know some stuff the younguns don't.

[@BreadandFaxes]

@@blahboidblah why state your age, though? Just state what you know lol. We don't need to know how old you are. Besides, there are a lot of guys younger than these 50-70 year old players who know much more about gear new and old.

[@blahboidblah]

@@BreadandFaxes I think most of us are just happy to still be alive. I'm 56 btw.

[@brucekoch6962]

Love the natural finish, leave it alone! Love the way the grain stands out and shows off the single piece of wood body.

[@mauricedibert2635]

Thinking it was used for slide and he moved the strap buttons to play standing up with the guitar horizontal against his body. Probably a country player with metal fingerpicks. I would leave it as is except the pickguard. A player guitar.

[@adihadzavdic2644]

Tone is in the hands. I bet you could make a squier sound insane. I love your playing so just keep doing what you do !

[@seank997]

Adi Hadzavdic he really needs to play a squire some day that would be interesting

[@adihadzavdic2644]

@@seank997 Yes! I would love to see that

[@gunkanjima3408]

Phrasing, structure, and attack is in the hands. Tone is pickups and amp

[@adihadzavdic2644]

@@gunkanjima3408 yeah, I get your point, but I've listened to this guy play through so many different amps and so many different guitars and I can tell you that it sounds phenomenal every single time he plays. I can bet you that if I gave Matt a cheap rig and let him play he would still sound awesome and the difference in comparison to the expensive rig would be small. What I'm really trying to say is you're right, playing is in hands and tone comes from the pickups and the amp but to be able to deliver that sweet tone you need to actually be good at playing - hence the saying : "Tone is in the hands."

[@gunkanjima3408]

@@adihadzavdic2644 I'd also love to see him play a squier!

[@rjo8500]

If it were mine I would only clean the back of the neck like you mentioned and replace the pick guard. Guitar sounds killer!

[@arthurrodriguez6878]

Amazing guitar! I'd just clean the fingerboard, fix the nut, and play it. It sings so beautifully.

[@metemercan1147]

The finish on this strat man...what a beauty

[@carpdog7934]

The right guy got that guitar.fantastic playing

[@youreallygotmenow4855]

Awesome video, man! This might be one of the best sounding Strats that I've ever heard in my entire life. And your playing is absolutely incredible too!

[@hiredgun419]

At first I thought another strat know it all! But, now I've put my ego away and have come to appreciate you for what you bring to the table. You dont know it all, but you know alot, alot more than most. And even, Me! ( that was hard to say) your child. Is great. Any strat people have to love what your doing. I do, and you play well, ok, better than well, too.

[@jonhendricks9507]

Holy shit, that neck pick up. Killer tone. Awesome find.

[@robertcurrie8510]

Also, I would leave the pick guard. It has a very unique wear mark. It has history.

[@tomfairbairn1202]

maybe a left handed player owned it previously?

[@limewirevampire]

would make sense with the extra strap locks

[@ironblast5]

If you do anything restore it to its original glory

[@MatthewScottmusic]

Fair assessment

[@voornaam3191]

@@ironblast5 No! Do not change a thing! Original Fenders are almost the same! This one is special! Do not even think about restoring! You'd kill its soul! Yuck!

[@Nghilifa]

I'd definitely get a new pickguard, aside from that, it all depends on what kind of sound you're after. Also, I kinda liked the natural finish on the body. Kind of sets it apart from the masses.

[@isaacjinn4721]

3-ply it

[@obtucewillie]

I dig the wear in the pick guard

[@MatthewScottmusic]

I do like it

[@micheleschenetti7791]

Can’t take my eyes off of the Mary Kaye in the back 😍

[@tower_studios_dave]

Man, that guitar has some mojo. That's a product of everything that's gone into it over the years. That's what's given it it's soul. Apart from the neck overspray, I would leave everything as it is, and keep a copy of that email in the case

[@randyc5650]

Now that sounds like old strats I have known. Great playing and don't refinish it. Thanks.

[@TheGomer321]

I would definitely say to not refinish it because the natural finish looks stunning. The original owner did say he kept it like that cause it looked the best and he is right.

[@VonBluesman]

Matthew, I just got a email from Gibson and they are showing the tuners on their site for replacement 1950 model Gibson guitars, look at the ones for the 50’s model because some of the other models require drilling a bigger hole to fit, the 50’s models do not require drilling.

[@MatthewScottmusic]

Hey thank you so much I will check it out

[@SIXSTRING63]

Great old guitar with a lot of mojo. I would just leave it natural finish. Sounds great with amazing resonance. The guitar I’m playing in my profile pic is a real ‘59 Les Paul, “The Beast” belonging to Mr. Bernie Marsden from the original Whitesnake. That guitar was so loud acoustically and played amazing. The mojo factor was surreal, it was Eric Clapton’s guitar at one point, Paul Kossoff too. Jeff Beck, Steve Lukather, Gary Moore, George Harrison, Joe Bonamassa................had played it before I did, in fact Joe played a few weeks before me and his set list was under the guitar when I picked it up from the case. I went to England in 2015 to record with Bernie after winning a contest on a video I submitted. Quite a thrill and honor for an old 52 (at the time) yo barroom guitar slinger. You play great young man. Best of luck in your musical endeavors.

[@markgregory52]

No way I'd ever refinish that Strat; sounds like it's already been 5 or 6 colors. thanks for sharing, Matt.

[@vinced5741]

wow what a unique sound. I never heard anything similar to this beauty. I would definitely strip the back of the neck.

[@jonathanlynch8819]

Looks like it may have been used as a self defence implement in a home invasion type scenario

[@MatthewScottmusic]

🤣🤣🤣

[@dom.mp3]

that is a very special letter to have gotten, i'm glad the owner was able to share some beautiful memories

[@rickgoughguitar]

I reckon get the over spray off the back of the neck, change the pick guard & thats it. i do want to see the innards though & what you dig up on it.

[@mbburg2149]

It sounds amazing...the grain detail is incredible...I would leave it be and play the heck out of it. That patina on the neck adds character to the piece. Wow that sound through that amp makes the hair on the black of my neck stand up. What an unbelievable find. You have a great collection on your hands.

[@dennisschell5543]

Looks like a coffee table, but it sure rips and snorts!!! 😎

[@pibba]

Instruments have lives of their own...and they will outlive all of us.

[@davidledford6482]

why would anyone do thumbs down on this,it sounds so good,only thing i can say though,theres only one srv,an one billy gibbons,an one blackmore,but sure its best to explore an learn a lot of different things,i love blackmore more than anything,but he aint me,an i aint him,an can play very little like him,an others, my style resembles him, an skynyrd,an randy california,an maybe 10 others,an we play a lotta skynyrd which is fun..dont stick to much to srv,or clapton etc etc,theres only one of each of these, and too much of any of them can get boring to the listener,an player etc, maybe...i love robin trower, he has effects though,an i dont use anything but amp, but i love to listen to him,an blackmore an others, do what i never will be able to do in my allmost 65 years soon...variety, is the spice of life, jimi hendrix loved billy gibbons,an said he was worlds greatest guitar player way back then,an he loved budy guy an others of course too.............

[@jimmymeaty7883]

So cool. I one day dream to have a true vintage Strat. My main guitar is a custom shop 1960 and I adore it. Love your videos.

[@MrYatesj1]

Ummmm she sounds soooooo Nice and you Sir do her justice. I cant wait to see you open her up. Thanks for sharing very nice playing indeed.

[@terryfulwider1296]

My first comment on your channel, love seeing the pieces of history here! Here's my two bits. Don't do anything! That guitar has a really cool road history and I think it would be best to leave it as is, pickguard and all. I'm guessing that the gentleman that sold it didn't have any close family to pass it to. He sounded like he was really concerned about the guitar being used and cared for. What an awesome tribute it would be to let the guitar live on the way it has for so many years. Every question about the finish or the wear in the pickguard would lead to telling this man's story again.

[@arlobrubaker]

It's beautiful as is, the texture is why I clicked on the thumbnail. As is, with no finish it just looks really special.

[@arlobrubaker]

I'm going to add to that; the stratocaster is the most common guitar shape and that one stands out without looking weird. It would be easy to assume that it's some custom or limited edition model at a glance. With a "normal" finish, you could toss it into a pile of strats and never find it again. Watch your own video and look at how the light pours into the contours. Wow

[@fl7210]

So happy to see you’ve started using a mic on your amps for these vids. Really does your playing and the instruments justice!

[@Xpyburnt_ndz]

Amazing how you keep finding AND getting these gems! I'd leave her just as she is Matt!

[@longotown]

Matthew - Leos music was one of "the" places to go in Oakland CA. They had all the good stuff - a very reputable shop in the Bay Area. There was a guy named Rich Bandoni that ran the shop. I used to go when I was a kid, and check out the great guitars that I could not afford.

[@soulvaccination8679]

That guitar has an old soul that is still full of energy..It still wants to fly.

[@rhyantoothbrush4417]

that pickguard wear looks so cool. I wouldnt even mind having it

[@brandoferg6460]

love how your pinky is following the previous owners pinky marks

[@benjaminarmstrong7047]

That big old knot in the back makes for the beautiful 3-d swirl in the grain on the top, great grain pattern, let it show!

[@zepp1832]

Damn, that thing looks sweet. It actually looks exactly like a Stratocaster version on my Les Paul which was stripped and lacquered again over 40 years ago revealing the warm and worn vintage wood underneath. Would love to own that strat 🤤

[@shergold7726]

I really like the natural finish so I would leave it that way. Love the fact that you have it's story as well.

[@jameshudson7053]

I love the figured wood pattern in the body.. over sprayed neck is kinda weird but that can be fixed if done proper.. nice one.. I wish it was mine!

[@russclark6780]

Another home run. It sounds freaking fantastic. Get that overspray off the neck, leave the body just as it is, find a single ply pickguard, take those extra strap buttons off, and BOOM killer guitar. I would say try the original pickups and maybe do a side by side with the Seymour Duncan and whatever that bridge pickup is (Hot Rails?) vs. originals. Keep it up Matt. Awesome content.

[@tacratt6091]

That 59 Bassman would make a 500 dollar Mexico Strat sound like a vintage guitar. Probably one of the top 2-3 amps ever made!

[@allstopblue5717]

It is just stunning sounding to me. Beautiful thickness.

[@stevehogan8829]

Man so cool that you found that. So you are dead on with crowning the frets and sanding the back of the neck.. That neck is gorgeous. If it were mine I would leave everything on the body exactly like it is. That pick guard is like a beauty mark. it's makes that guitar unique among all guitars. It's the way it was played for so many years... That's just me I think the pickguard is very cool. Thanks.

[@bluesyjazzcat31]

Awesome video! Keep it up, Matt!

[@jltrem]

Wear pattern in the pickguard looks dubious to me, though I could be wrong.

[@doovie101]

Its a sticker.

[@davidgembe3446]

@@doovie101 you didn't even watch the video did you

[@doovie101]

@@davidgembe3446 Nope! I skipped the video and went right to the comments section. However, I now realize that it is wear marks on the pickguard. Thanks for setting me straight Fruity Dave.

[@davidgembe3446]

@@doovie101 oh god someone called me fruity on the internet you enjoy that satisfaction it's all you're gonna get outta life I'ma go to work now 😂😂

[@leamanc]

I would be divided about the refinish too. I would want it restored to the original burst but it is beautiful natural. And the natural finish is a part of its history-the previous owner mentioned how many people all over the US & Canada complimented its looks. Important part is it sounds absolutely amazing. Congrats on another killer Strat! I would definitely like to see you dig into it and discover more about its history.

[@SeanKerns]

At this point, make it whatever you'll be happy with. A lot of the collectibility is obviously gone, so love it and play it. It does sound great.

[@andt1994]

Leave the guitar as it. its beautiful and the story makes it even better.

[@liammclillyz4705]

I wouldn't change a thing that sounds amazing there's a lot of soul in that guitar you'll never find another that sounds like it

[@vincentsabatino4480]

Hi Matt On the finish including the neck, i would get some automotive white rubbing compound and try cleaning it up and if that doesn't work then you could try the orange compound ( Small inconspicuous areas first and it usually gives clear finishes a mirror -like appearance) it sound!s like it is worth the effort ! Good Luck !

[@Riverdeepnwide]

Matthew you're a lightening rod for guitar mojo. I wish I could find out the stories held in my '57. Burnt, cracked, pysychedic paint (gone now), and still a mystery after having it fifty years. Your '57/'62 and Bassman there sound absolutely wonderful!

[@MatthewScottmusic]

Thank you man. You still have it?

[@Riverdeepnwide]

Yes, for many years my one and only guitar I've been giving it a break for several years now. Time for another fret dress!

[@donaldmarshall6407]

If you refinish the body,I would suggest a 2 tone sunburst,so the beautiful wood would still shine through Sounds awesome dude,as always

[@zachariah5079]

Beautiful guitar, tone, and playing! Keep it up man

[@JoseCruz-dk3fi]

The hot rail pickup sounds pretty awesome

[@duderama6750]

I would sand all of the finish off of that neck, oil it up, get that palm juice flowin'...yeah.

[@haqq4257]

Wow! Not only does it sound fantastic but it has a really unique voice. Wicked

[@MatthewScottmusic]

Thanks it's a cool piece

[@brucesnider5890]

Cool guitar Matthew. I don’t usually dig natural finishes, but I like this one and that grain is killer. Amazing tones.

[@j.dtruths5577]

Matt, that was awesome , I really appreciated hearing that Pure Tone, there is just something about "Old Guitars" especially the collection you have aquired , but honestly you have "That Thing" in your playing! Your hearing, your fretting and your sense of timing , Flawless! Truth be told , I actually grew up with a very Famous Guitar Player who's real Name is Jeffrey Philip Wiedlandt , prior to his fame and current repertoire of music, he played like you, he'd give you a Thumbs Up ! This I know ; ) God Bless, J...

[@brianb8830]

I just looked up about the dash. The article stated that for some reason only they know Fender in 1955, '57 and '58 they used a 0 or a dash to start the serial number not every time but periodically.

[@metalraff]

Besides cleaning (is the nut split?) i wouldn't change a thing. Love the finish, sounds great & that pick guard has a story and character. Love it.

[@Cigarsnguitars]

That’s great to have the written history on it. I have always loved natural finishes. I’ve owned 2 Natural Strats and a Les Paul Natural. If it has a bit of a finish on it (old poly or similar), I’d strip it, give it a nice fine sanding and put a clear finish on it. You’ll want to get something that will bring out the grain in the wood. If you are unclear or uncomfortable take your guitar to a paint store and tell them what you’d like to do with it. They could give you some good ideas on this and guide you on the finish to use. It’s got beautiful wood and grain so you would want to do something that would bring that out unless you have plans on painting it a color. Good luck. Can’t wait to see the finished product. 🤘Rock on brother!

[@MatthewScottmusic]

Thanks barney. It does seem to be more of a poly finish

[@chrisnoonan3465]

Sounds awesome Matt. Can't wait to see where you take it.

[@beezerboy4152]

That natural wood finish looks sooo sick

[@mayito714]

That neck pickup through Bassman sounds killer.

[@mattharr9971]

I'd say, fix the nut, give it a fret dress if need be, general set up, but leave everything else exactly as it is, even that scratch plate. Fantastic!

[@voornaam3191]

If that pick guard is a problem, please just fill that fantastic hole with epoxy resin. Keep the looks, stop damaging the wood. Don't even think about boring new plastic. Jesus help that man thinking...

[@edgrewell5833]

Matthew, I'd send Dave that pick guard back. He did play it through and he'd love that. I'd re finish it natural, how could you not? Thanks for your videos and the history lessons.

[@Combine_Harvester_of_Truth]

That guitar has a lovely thick sound. It's like a Sunday roast thick brown gravy that tastes right.

[@HeROsiNhEaVeN]

Ever heard the term “ leave well enough alone ? “......I would...it sounds amazing.....🙏🏻

[@MatthewScottmusic]

You are right😎😎

[@b.rodclark7349]

He scores again...YAY! The neck & pickguard gives it the 60s look and WAIT... I thought that hole was a decal or a sticker!

[@brettturner2048]

thanks for the upload, looking forward to when you look inside!

[@johngerson7335]

Hey Matt, are you going to leave the "Mike Campbell tone-dirt" in between the frets? LOL... Campbell's guitar tech was asked about the terrific amounts of gunk on Mike's fingerboards in an interview once. He stated that he'd likely get fired if he cleaned them up. Guess some players are mighty superstitious about some things. Btw, the condition of the pickguard could be the result of Dave possibly wearing metal fingerpicks since he was backing up country music guys mostly. Great guitar, thanks for sharing.

[@MatthewScottmusic]

I cleaned it but it was caked on there

[@Nazzz65]

Matt, that is some EPIC playing.

[@zychnbomb]

I’d leave it alone man! Pick guard and all!!! It just looks killer!!! It’s part of the history of that beast!

[@tongusgrump2261]

Huge fan love your channel at 2:15 it looks like a straight wood seem on the side indicating that it’s not a one piece body

[@moritzprivat7325]

I'd put the original pickups back in, strip the neck and leave the finish as it is. Love it man, sounds great!

[@tatersalad573]

Man just restring it & play it, looks and sounds fantastic.....

[@davidledford6482]

im 64 and not a rythm player,but love blackmore, skynyrd, an zz top tones etc.riffs, relieve anxiety, expecially thru the right plexi amps etc...

[@ramus1369]

The pickups and pick guard can be changed but I don't know about the finish. I LOVE the grain on this body but I don't know whether to respray or leave it as is. That's a touch call for me personally.

[@skybridge6394]

Sounds great. ... Those old guitars sounds so lively

[@Panufo]

I bet someone used a steel or stone pick. I've NEVER seen that on a pickguard. Thought it was some weird sticker.

[@bipbipletucha]

The unusual strap button locations would suggest he played slide standing up with it, and that pickgaurd wear looks like it comes from metal fingerpicks to me

[@mwrable]

The amount of gunk on the rosewood fretboard is unbelievable. You might catch something from that neck. 😂🎸

[@jordandangelo180]

Whoa 😮 now that is the best sounding guitar I’ve ever heard you play. This guitar and the Olympic White Strat from the 1970’s when you had the tapestry in the background. But this one has amazing pickups and a great tone

[@chuckyz2]

That neck pickup sounds amazing. Wonder how much this gem set you back? Hope the other pups are the originals and cant wait to hear them. Be nice if you stumbled onto an old neck to match that beautiful body.

[@blackmoremaniac]

I enjoy your videos ... fascinating guitar .. hoping to see how she ends up in your hands .... keep on !!

[@stanleykinzinger]

That pick guard was probably ground out with a dremel or something

[@voornaam3191]

Do you believe that yourself? Really?! Beati voi poveri....

[@christopherclarke3022]

I am curious what gauge strings do you usually use? As for the guitar Leave it alone unless you want to replace the pickguard other than that let it keep its vibe. If you want it reduces some of the oversprays use a little elbow grease using Brasso it's not that particularly abrasive, some use car polish, etc but that can be for some surfaces too abrasive.

[@darrinlawton2748]

Another killer guitar that's had a full life......The history is so important......Someone loved that guitar.

[@benjaminsnoize]

That's great you got the letter with that I can't imagine parting it's one of my kids I dig the pickgaurd myself, playing with a coin or something and have been great if you could get ahold of him and ask.. that's some unique character I've never seen before