From my personal collection; I’ve owned dozens of ‘54 Strats over the years because they are my favorite. And if you’ve got an eye for detail like myself, you’ll notice that first year was a work in progress with subtle changes up until early ‘55 when the spring cover went from tiny round holes to larger oval ones. This 100% original guitar falls pretty much in the middle of ’54, just after the ‘Trem Number’ series, but before the full scale production series. It has a low neck plate serial number, first version ‘translucent’ miniskirt knobs, trem tip & football tip, and second version rounded edge covers made from the more ‘opaque’ and white ‘plastic’, which is incorrectly referred to as ‘Bakelite’ (the same material used until early ‘57 albeit injected into a different mold introduced in October ‘54). But why oh why are you asking $300,000k for this ‘54 Strat Uncle Lou??? Very simple, it’s the most beautiful one I’ve even known of, and it’s an amazing guitar in every way. Aside from all the super cool early features, this guitar has a GORGEOUS lightweight one-piece, highly figured, Swamp Ash body, with a perfect and beautiful sunburst finish, the condition is near mint apart from a few minor dings. The neck profile has a soft V with some meat to it, frets are excellent and play well, and it sounds great whether plugged in or not. And this comes complete with its original flat bottom poodle case with accessories. I know the price is high, the best usually is, but believe me, it will break my heart if someone actually buys this; it’s the one guitar I’d love to keep forever…as far as I’m concerned it’s irreplaceable.