All-Original 1963 Fender Stratocaster – Sunburst (Vintage, Pre-CBS)

Incredibly rare, exceptionally clean, and featherweight 1963 Fender Stratocaster in its original Sunburst finish. This is a collector-grade, "no-excuses" vintage instrument with a rich history, impeccable provenance, and undeniable investment value.

Purchased in 2000 from its second owner, this guitar has been preserved and played lightly. It remains an absolute time capsule from Fender's golden era.

• The History: Originally purchased in Canada by its first owner right out of high school. Because he was primarily an open-chord rhythm guitar player who later transitioned to acoustic-electrics, the neck and frets show virtually no play wear.
• The "Peate" Case: Because this guitar was originally sold new in Canada, it features the ultra-rare, 100% original "Peate" hardshell case (distributed by the Peate Music Co. in Montreal). It is functionally and visually similar to the US blonde cases and is a highly prized variant for serious vintage collectors.
• The Pickguard: The original "green" guard is in spectacular condition. It features no cracks at the top screw and no broken tips—an incredibly rare find for a 63 Strat. It shows only the slightest natural shrinkage around the screw holes and minor pick scratches.
• Electronics & Hardware: The electronics are 100% perfect, delivering that legendary, strong, bell-like pre-CBS tone. The pots turn smoothly with zero scratchiness.

Technical Specifications & Date Codes

• # L05143
• Weight: Featherweight (Highly resonant)
• Neck: Beautiful curly maple with a gorgeous Brazilian Rosewood fretboard. Standard "B" neck measuring 2 inches at the 12th fret.
• Potentiometer Dates: 23rd week of 1963
• Neck Date: August 1963
• Body Date: August 1963 (Date located in the tremolo cavity making it one of the very last Strats to feature the body date in this location).
• Pickup readings at the jack on an analog meter: B 5.5, M 5.5, N 5.0

Condition & Authenticity Note: Every single screw and solder joint remained entirely untouched from the factory until 2012, when the neck pickup was expertly rewound to exact factory specifications by the legendary MJ at Seymour Duncan. Aside from this professional, invisible restoration to ensure perfect tone, the guitar is "under the hood" factory original.

Delivery

Free pickup or delivery in the California Silicon Valley. Domestic shipping only; no international.