Inside the Legacy: Gary Moore’s Iconic 1960 Fender Stratocaster
Steve Clarke holds a prestigious yet demanding role in the realm of vintage guitars. As the author of Famous Frets,he serves as Bonhams’ expert authenticator for notable guitar collections,including that of the legendary Gary Moore. His expertise extends to the careful preparation of these instruments for auction.
having worked on high-profile sales, including the much-discussed auction of Rory Gallagher’s Stratocaster, Steve’s workbench is accustomed to iconic instruments. However, Gary Moore’s renowned ‘Red strat’ stands out as one of the most significant electric guitars he has ever encountered.
The Mystique of the Red Strat
Upon examining the guitar, Steve noted a distinct area of forearm wear that reveals two shades of red paint, suggesting a layered submission. This observation has fueled speculation over the years that the lighter red visible today was painted over a more vibrant red finish beneath it. Some enthusiasts have even proposed that it might have originally been a Fiesta Red, later modified to a more marketable Dakota Red.
Conversely, others have suggested that the lighter coat was added after the guitar’s arrival in the UK, with some theories even positing that a Tobacco Sunburst finish lies hidden underneath. Though, Steve’s meticulous inspection did not support these sunburst claims.
“Interestingly, like manny, I had heard the rumors about it being a sunburst,” Steve remarked. “But my examination revealed no evidence of this. When I peeled back a bit of the copper shielding tape,I consistently found a sandy-colored undercoat throughout the guitar.”
“Fender often used Desert Sand as an undercoat for their red guitars, especially in earlier models. This guitar, being relatively early in the custom color series, aligns with that practice. I found no signs of a sunburst finish or any dark flecks that would indicate such a transformation.”
The Color Evolution of Fiesta Red
Steve elaborated on the complexities of the color known as Fiesta Red, noting its inconsistency over the years. “Fiesta Red is especially susceptible to fading and discoloration due to environmental factors. It’s one of the most reactive paints to UV exposure, and heat from the player’s body can further alter its appearance,” he explained.
Insights from the Guitar’s History
Steve’s examination also uncovered intriguing details regarding the guitar’s components. Graham Lilley, who previously served as Gary’s guitar technician and road manager, had previously stated that the neck pickup was rewound by Seymour Duncan in 1998, while the middle pickup was replaced with a Seymour Duncan Antiquity single coil in 2003. However, Steve discovered that the current middle pickup is a Lindy Fralin blues Special, with evidence of a hasty installation.
“The wire was cut rather of desoldered, and black tape was used to connect it to the remaining wire,” he noted. “Additionally, I found an original Stackpole pot in the case, likely the original one, as it was quite stiff until I serviced it.”
Watch on
The Playability of a Legend
Despite the wear and modifications, Steve emphasized that the neck, stamped 11/60, remains highly playable. “It’s a joy to play, very well set up. The action was remarkable right out of the case. Each vintage guitar has its own character,” he noted.
“I once had a ’56 Strat that belonged to george Harrison, and it was incredibly vibrant. In contrast, I’ve encountered others that felt lifeless. But this one? It’s a gorgeous instrument with a unique personality, and I found it absolutely delightful.”
