Mike Bowes MB ‘59-S Hardtail, 2024

There's something genuinely special about playing a guitar by a maker whose work you've admired from afar but never actually experienced firsthand. Mike Bowes has been quietly earning a remarkable reputation in the vintage replica world. After spending time with this '59-S hardtail, I understand why players who own actual vintage Fenders are choosing to add MB guitars to their arsenal.

Mike's fifteen years apprenticing under Martin Sims exposed him to instruments belonging to Peter Frampton, David Gilmour, and other legends. Working on those historic guitars taught him the subtle details that separate true vintage character from surface-level copying, and that education shows throughout this hardtail.

The .89C neck profile with 6125 frets captures that late '50s feel perfectly—substantial but not chunky, with a 9.5" radius that balances vintage authenticity and modern playability. Mike's heavily rolled fingerboard edges give it that broken-in feel that typically takes decades to develop naturally.

The one-piece swamp ash body at just 6 pounds 9 ounces is a real gem. This wood was prized in the '50s for being lightweight, resonant, and having that distinctive woody bite that makes single notes pop. The blonde finish showcases its natural grain while delivering that classic late-'50s aesthetic.

Where many builders treat hardtails as simply "Strats without tremolos," Mike understands these guitars have their own unique voice. The increased coupling between strings and body creates focused resonance with enhanced note definition that makes single notes sing with remarkable clarity.

The Alan Dingwall pickups complement this guitar beautifully, capturing that classic clarity and chime while maintaining the dynamic response that makes vintage Strats so expressive. This  ’59-S doesn't just remind you of a great vintage Strat; it makes you want to keep playing long after you intended to put it down.

If you'd like to find out more about this item, just call or e-mail me. It would be my pleasure to talk to you about it.