Very early 1963 Fender Stratocaster in stunning sunburst finish.

Regardless of how you feel about them, the Fender three tone sunburst has a special place in the history of the electric guitar with the pre-CBS period having some of the best. This one is a fine example. There are a few minor marks on the front and a few more substantial ones on the back though none of them detract from the overall look of the guitar.

In fact the top hasn’t seemed to have faded at all and still has that incredibly vibrancy. This guitar is noteworthy as it is one of the last few that were given a body date, the practice being stopped later in 1963.

The neck too, date stamped January 1963, is in great shape. There is very little wear on the back and the fretboard is in great shape. It has been refretted and a new nut installed but otherwise all is correct. The lacquer has also escaped yellowing too much so the neck has retained that light maple hue.

Plastics and pickguard are well preserved. These nitrate guard are particularly prone to warping and cracking so its always nice to find one that hasn’t. In fact this guard hasn’t faded very much at all.

There is some slight corrosion on the saddles but elsewhere the hardware is in great condition with very little signs of use. Electrically all is as you’d expect and solder joints are undisturbed

The guitar comes with its correct for early ‘62, brown Tolex hardshell case which like the guitar, is also in superb condition.

Sonically we run the gamut from smooth neck to biting bridge that never gets too spikey or harsh. The neck feels very comfortable and the new frets give it reassuring feel. All three, original black bottom pickups are strong and evenly balanced with classic pre-CBS black bottom, bell like tonal qualities.

As it has had a refret this is also an excellent player and there should be no complaints in that department!

A very early 1963 Stratocaster in this condition, what more do you want? Grab it before it gets away.