1962, 100% original, Slab board, Custom Colour Fender Stratocaster in factory Fiesta red finish bought from the daughter of its one and only owner since 1963!

Bought from the daughter of the previous owner who in essence had owned the guitar from new. We know this as he helpfully recorded the price he paid for it as well as his address under the neck plate. Included is a picture of her dad as a young man proudly displaying his Strat and a pic of the daughter it was passed on to who we purchased it from.

This has been a treasured possession and the evidence is clear to see. The finish is worn and shows us the various factory shades that were applied  to the guitar before it left Fullerton. Under the Fiesta Red we can see Dakota Red and another shade which we suspect might be Tahitian coral pink before the Desert Sand undercoat. There are no signs of touch ups or overspray anywhere.

The neck too has been left untouched with the original lacquer having worn wonderfully. The decal hasn’t fared so well with a bit of it missing. The correct Kluson Single line tuners are still present and in full working order. The frets have some life left in them and there is a little wear to the fretboard.

The hardware has only tarnished somewhat and the plastics too show some signs of the passing of time. The crack free original guard shows signs of minor shrinkage and some slight discolouration on the pickup covers. These are only minor things and in no way detract from the overall look of the instrument. Neck date is March 1962, pots date to 9th week of 1962.

Of course, as you’d expect the electronics are as they left Fullerton with not a single solder joint touched and three classic sounding pre-CBS black bottom pickups that are superbly well balanced. In fact these are some of the best sounding pickups we have had. No wonder he kept this for 60 years.

The guitar comes with a Selmer hardshell case, ashtray cover, spare springs, trem arm, what is left of an original strap and two old tickets to see Hank Marvin (he was a big fan!).

The black bottom pickups deliver a lush sound that we so readily associate with these last few pre-CBS instruments and is considered by many to be the high watermark of Stratocaster tone in the 1960’s.

This is a stunning example that even our careful photography cannot do justice to and surely a bucket-list instrument for any serious collector. We know you re watching, so grab this one before it gets gone..!