This 1963 Fender Stratocaster in rare original custom color Lake Placid Blue Metallic carries both historical significance and personal legacy. Its previous owner purchased it slightly used in the mid-1960s, just before he was drafted and sent to Vietnam. He never returned, and his brother—though not a guitarist himself—kept the instrument safe for decades. Now, for the first time since the mid 1960s the guitar is ready to find a new home. Remarkably well preserved, it stands as a striking example of an early '60s Stratocaster with a deeply meaningful past.

Measurements: 7.7lbs (3.5 kg) total weight. The neck measures 1.68" wide at the nut, 0.83" deep at the first fret, and 0.98" deep at the 12th fret. The neck pickup reads 5.65k ohms, the middle pickup reads 5.60k ohms, and the bridge pickup reads 6.23k ohms.

Dates: The neck heel stamp reads "2JAN63B" (2 = Stratocaster model, JAN = January, 63 = 1963, and B = standard neck width 1 5/8". The potentiometer codes read "304 6306" (304 = Stackpole, 63 = 1963, and 06 = 6th week of the year). 

Originality: This has its original custom color finish with no overspray or refinish and all its original parts. All solder appears to be original except possibly the output jack ground on the back of the volume pot. I found no reason for it to be disturbed since everything is original and matches the guitar. 

Playability: Amazing! The neck is dead straight, truss rod functions as intended, and the electronics are clean and operate as intended. The frets have nearly their full life ahead of them.

Condition: Excellent with typical nicks, dings, scratches, checking and some appropriate finish wear on the back of the neck.

Included: The original case, bridge cover, and tremolo arm are included with this guitar.

Fine Print: All guitars ship via FedEx Priority Overnight for domestic sales or FedEx Priority International. I offer a 48 hour approval period beginning on delivery for all sales during which you are welcome to opt for a return as long as the guitar is still in as-sent condition. I do not charge a restocking fee, but any non-refunded payment processing fees, outbound shipping, and return shipping costs are subtracted from the refund in the case of a return. Any import duty is the responsibility of the buyer.