1962 Fiesta Red Fender Stratocaster anyone?

Arguably the classic period for the Stratocaster, guitars from the early 60’s are rightly lauded for their looks, feel and tone, a high water-mark for Fender. The combination of nitrile pickguard and either the three tone sunburst or a custom colour, particularly Fiesta red for those of us from this side of the Atlantic, is a look that has come to define the model in the minds of fans in the ensuing.

This guitar is in superb shape. It was originally Fiesta Red as evidence of it can be seen in the cavities and the neck pocket. The chosen colour is accurate and the work carried out has been done most sympathetically.

The veneer board neck, dated September 1962, neck is in excellent condition. Thankfully this was not refinished with the body. The finish has aged well and worn to a comfortable sheen. The rosewood board and new frets are in fantastic condition. The headstock and decal are in great shape.

The hardware shows some signs of wear but is not excessively corroded.

All solder joints look undisturbed aside from those needed to do the refin. Pot sare dated week 32 of 1962

The guitar comes with a hardshell case which was supplied to the original owner when it was new by Hagstrom who were the Swedish importers at that time.

This guitar has certainly been someone's pride and joy and once you sit down with it, you’ll realize why. The guitar has a wonderful resonance, complemented by the pickups,that really exemplifies why these early 60’s strats are so different to anything produced by Fender later on. There is a fullness to the tone that is almost puts you in mind of a P90 though there is a sophistication  there that sets them apart. The bridge pickup packs a punch without ever getting shrill. A bucket-list guitar if ever there was one.

This is one of THE best body only refins we have had for some time. If you’ve a hankering for the pinnacle of Stratocaster tone then grab this on before it gets away. You won’t regret it.