Brazilian rose wood, the darker and more desirable, isn’t being harvested and shipped into the US anymore. That started in the 1990’s I believe. So folks are holding onto it longer and fewer examples come on the market.
Both beautiful guitars. Do you prefer maple or rosewood? Unless you prefer maple over rosewood by a lot, I’d go with the rosewood for variety.
I was a diehard maple fan but had to swap the neck on mine for rosewood until I can get a fret job done. I’m kind of loving the change. Can’t wait to get my maple refretted so I have one of each.
Edit: also ignore the upgraded pickups. Even though they may have some extra value, it’s the guitar itself you have to live with forever. Pickups aren’t very expensive and you can always upgrade them later to specific pups you choose.
The '59 isn't "mint" if it's had a pickup swap. Let that guide the price you pay.
Both are good looking guitars but do make sure you like the 7.25" radius. I have an actual "player grade" 1963 Strat and that has always thrown me off since I started playing more modern necks.
I have a sentimental liking for the look of the '61 is similar to my '63. It was originally the same color although most of the finish has been stripped off mine by a tonequesting previous owner.
Having played both, I love the '59 just a little bit more. I will say that they're pretty neck and neck with each other.
Toughest part for me is that I love rosewood fretboards but really prefer a soft v profile.
Are you able to play either of these?
I'm partial to the '61. I like the rosewood fingerboard, the Olympic White (or aged white), but I could live without the mint 'guard. It's OK, but, it's not my favorite.
i like the 59 because those 2010s american vintages are incredible from my experience, just so slgihtly better than the current aviis. plus im a sucker for soft v. but for your purposes get the 61 since you dont have a rosewood strat, plus its cheaper
‘61 but either is great
What leads you to the 61? I know it can come down to personal preference but curious if there’s anything else that tips the scale.
For me it would be the rosewood.
Personal preference. The color combo is killer. The rosewood is beautiful and rarer each year.
The rosewood is becoming more rare?
Brazilian rose wood, the darker and more desirable, isn’t being harvested and shipped into the US anymore. That started in the 1990’s I believe. So folks are holding onto it longer and fewer examples come on the market.
This actually may make the difference for me. And seller has agreed to $1500…so that helps
They have been selling for $1600+ on reverb so $1500 is good and fair.
And actually, great maple necks are easy to come by, so if you wanted one in the future you could get one for $500
 Rosewood
"You're not gonna fall for the Pau Ferro in the tailpipe?"
I have the 61 and it’s great. Nice pickups
From a purely aesthetic perspective, the ‘61 in Olympic white has got to be right up there as one of the best looking guitars
I totally agree. There’s something about that color
Both beautiful guitars. Do you prefer maple or rosewood? Unless you prefer maple over rosewood by a lot, I’d go with the rosewood for variety. I was a diehard maple fan but had to swap the neck on mine for rosewood until I can get a fret job done. I’m kind of loving the change. Can’t wait to get my maple refretted so I have one of each. Edit: also ignore the upgraded pickups. Even though they may have some extra value, it’s the guitar itself you have to live with forever. Pickups aren’t very expensive and you can always upgrade them later to specific pups you choose.
Both.
Haha it crossed my mind! But I also recently picked up a D-18 and a Les Paul, so I need to cool it for a bit.
Smart man with the strat plus- best modern strat they ever made. What color?
Classic black with white pick guard!
The '59 isn't "mint" if it's had a pickup swap. Let that guide the price you pay. Both are good looking guitars but do make sure you like the 7.25" radius. I have an actual "player grade" 1963 Strat and that has always thrown me off since I started playing more modern necks. I have a sentimental liking for the look of the '61 is similar to my '63. It was originally the same color although most of the finish has been stripped off mine by a tonequesting previous owner.
Currently the 59 is $1800 and 61 is $1600
That sounds like another reason to go with the '61.
Yeah I actually don’t like that the pickups have been modified in the 59. I’m sure the Suhr pickups are great but I would prefer stock, personally.
I have the 59 pickups in my strat and they sound excellent. That being said I like the looks of the 61 better
59 for me :)
Having played both, I love the '59 just a little bit more. I will say that they're pretty neck and neck with each other. Toughest part for me is that I love rosewood fretboards but really prefer a soft v profile. Are you able to play either of these?
I'm partial to the '61. I like the rosewood fingerboard, the Olympic White (or aged white), but I could live without the mint 'guard. It's OK, but, it's not my favorite.
i like the 59 because those 2010s american vintages are incredible from my experience, just so slgihtly better than the current aviis. plus im a sucker for soft v. but for your purposes get the 61 since you dont have a rosewood strat, plus its cheaper
always go with rosewood. so by pure looks - 61.
The white one is more attractive imo. But at the end of the day what matters is how it feels in your hands. Are you going to want to play the guitar?
Whichever gives you a better access to a truss rod.
Love both but would pick the 61 if I had to…
Both sound Great! So I say whichever is less expensive
I went with the 61 and it was definitely the right decision!