A very cool looking pre-CBS Fender Stratocaster with 2 tone sunburst finish which has plenty of natural play wear. Neck code of Feb 64, combined with “L” serial neck plate and 1963 pot code show that this is an early 1964 model. The guitar comes complete with a 1970s moulded Fender case which is in good condition.
The finish does not appear to be original – Fender moved to 3 colour burst in 1958 – this is 2 colour burst which would indicate pre-1958 but body shape is from 1963 onwards. The refinish is obviously quite old and has been really well done – has been naturally relic’ed through play and time. The neck also has some really nice play wear and is so comfortable to play.
Refinish has covered any body date markings, however the body shape and position of original scratch plate screw holes is correct for post 1963 Stratocaster, with moving to 11-hole scratch plate in 1959 including adding in shoulder to cavity area to take one of the additional screws, and with the screw hole between bridge and middle pickups moving closer to middle pickup from 1963. Weight of the guitar is 3.25kg (because someone always asks).
The guitar has had some original bits replaced over the years – we have summarised as follows:
Original items:
-Neck with date stamp Feb 64
-Rosewood veneer fretboard with clay dots
-Single line Kluson tuners
-String T with spacer
-Pickups (neck pickup rewound)
-1 x tone pot with week 44 1963 date code
-3-way switch
-Jack and jack plate
-Tremolo assembly and saddles – Fender Pat Pend stamped saddles
-Strap buttons
-Tremolo arm
Non –original items
-Finish to body
-Additional switch route to treble horn side of body (see last picture)
-Scratch plate – looks to be genuine Fender plate , however there are some additional screw holes in body for slightly different plate
-Missing rear cover plate
–refretted with jumbo frets which have some visible play wear
-2 x pots – dated 1978
-Control knobs are relic replacements
-Nut
Shipping - hand delivered within mainland UK @ £100.00.
Customers outside of UK should contact Vintage Rare & Retro Guitars for a shipping quotation. Free pick-up is always available at our Gullane shop.
