By 1962 the Stratocaster had found its way into virtually all styles of popular music, and Fender sales were going strong. Little changed about the Strat in '62 from the previous couple years. The 3-ply pickguard was now standard as was the Rosewood fingerboard. One change that did occur late in the year was a switch from a thicker “slab” style fingerboard to a curved or “veneer” fingerboard.  Most collectors prefer the earlier "slab" style.

Years of Production: 1954 - present

Unique to this Year: First instance of curved or veneer Rosewood fingerboard. Date on butt of neck changes from penciled to stamped. 

Body Style: Offset solidbody

Wood Composition: Alder body, Maple neck with slab or veneer Rosewood fingerboard

Design Elements: Bolt-on neck, dot inlays, 3 single-coil pickups, 5-way pickup selector

Finish Specifications: Sunburst was a standard finish for the '62 Stratocaster 

Notable Players:  Buddy Holly, Bob Dylan, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Jimi Hendrix