The # 0001 was a custom guitar made as a gift by Fender for Rex Gallion in 1954.

Rex Gallion (1915-1975), a man of tall stocky figure, was a studio musician who traveled around California with his brother Von Gallion and played in bars and fairs. Later he married Ginny Greer and they became a trio called "Ginny & The Gallions" He is said to be responsible for the carveout contours of the Stratocaster and he suggested to Leo Fender to try to do something about the "edges that dug into the ribs" And thus, the "Custom Contour" was born.

There is a nice story about Rex Gallion HERE

The 0001 Guitar is NOT the first Fender ever made as it was claimed to be very early on. Probably it was the first CUSTOM made one, Fender started using serials at the 0100 range when they decided to start production for retail. The very first Stratocasters made in 1954 was not sent out for retail, but rather sold directly to musicians. So the guitars in 0000 range up to 0099 was made for custom guitars and musicians only.

Most likely the 0001 could have been the first, but there is no records to prove this. Fender serialized their guitars very randomly in the start.

The neck is carved by Tadeo Gomez and final inspection by Mary Lemus (most likely)

There are two stories about what happened post-Gallion ownership. What Gilmour has told in the podcast below, is that Rex was a originally a Gibson man and eventually sold his 0001 to buy a tape recorder. This was sold to a father of a 12 year old boy who was to get it for Christmas and and then the trail ends before it landed into the hands of Seymour Duncan.

The other story is that the #0001 apparently sat at the house of Leo Fender himself for several years until he gave or sold it to Seymour Duncan, until David Gilmour's long time guitar tech Phil Taylor bought it from him for $900. (Unknown what year this happened)

But the story then goes that in the late 70's, Phil was to build a house and was in need of cash. He asked Gilmour for a loan and David jokingly blackmailed him with that he would loan him if he sold him the 0001 Strat. Phil gave in and sold it to him for a undisclosed sum. I guess it was nice sum since Gilmour is known to be more of a charitable fellow.

The #0001 was eventually sold at the Gilmour Collection auction at Christies in 2019 for $1.815.000 to an undisclosed bidder. The guitar's whereabouts today is unknown and has probably ended up in the worst fate any famous guitar can get: Locked up forever in a rich mans vault never to be seen in public again.

There has been a couple claims and stories that this is not a real 1954. but a partcaster and so on. But it will remain a mystery guitar with a somewhat hazy story.

It still is a unique and lovely looking guitar.

Gilmour jamming on the 0001 in at Abbey Road with Jeff Baxter.

The last footage of the #0001 in public. Gilmour playing "Marooned"

David Gilmour talks about his #0001. Before the Auction.