This is a really very fun incarnation of the 1963 Stratocaster! It is a mostly original example save a body only refin by Joe Riggio in a slightly reliced Inca Silver finish. If you’re familiar with his work then this is certainly an inviting guitar.

The headstock retains its completely original finish and decal, as well as the neck. The neck is nice and slender as we would expect in 63, it has a subtle flame and ambering to the finish. There is very little in the way of wear or denting on the neck, and feels very smooth up and down. One might consider a partial re-fret as the first 3 frets in the cowboy chord positions have some significant wear. However, the guitar chords and frets perfectly still. One of the original tuners has been replaced with a double line kluson from likely a Fender Mustang or Duo Sonic, I chose not to replace that as it gives it a touch of character but a suitable replacement could be easily sourced.

Dark and rich is the original thick veneer rosewood fretboard with its original clay dot markers.

All of the hardware has pitting but is free from any major rust areas or issues. The screws and saddles are all mostly original save the two input jack screws.

There were two input jack wires that needed replacing as they were cut to allow for the finish to be stripped many many decades ago. I installed vintage spec, cloth wire to replace those, and the originals are included.

The pickguard is original 3 ply, with a thick black bevel as well as the 3 way switch tip. Volume and tone knobs are modern replacements but are very close reproductions complete with 3 spokes. The pickup covers are original and the pickups retain thier original windings and meter a 5.5-5.9 Ohms, they also retain their rubber gromets. The remainder of the electronics are original with the pot codes showing 26th week of 1963.

Intact is the body date "9/63" in the tremolo cavity and the neck stamp is "AUG 63"

While the neck stamp does not denote the “B” neck width the necks measurements are decidedly ”text book” 1963 dimensions, 1-5/8th nut, 1st fret is right at .83” and the 12th fret is just 1” depth.

The very adept refinish is different in every light, with a slight ambering to the finish, and heavy crazing. It’s truly one of the most colorful and rich re finishes that one could ask for! All of the body contours are correct and intact and I can provide photos of the stripped body for verification. There are no route repairs or any other modifications to the body. Judging by the neck pocket and original finish still in the tremolo cavity this guitar would have been sunburst originally.

Included is an original early 60s black, no tail, no support strat case that functions cleanly across all latches and hinges, although the handle padding is long gone.

Always happy to answer questions! International shipping is always available!