Fender Stratocaster body refinished 1963

No sales tax for customers outside California.  

This Fender Stratocaster body came in as part of a partscaster that included a 59 neck plate, 1960s pots and switch, a 1959 neck with a Brazilian slab fretboard, single-line Kluson tuners, a 1960s Strat tremolo, and black-bottom pickups.  The body is clearly vintage to my eye, so I set about comparing it to the extensive photo stash I have of prior inventory and to the many resources I use for authentication.

The body shows the hallmarks of a 1963 body, starting with the pickguard screw hole pattern.  One screw hole was plugged prior to the refinish, the filled hole on the bass side of the body between the neck and middle pickups.  That location filled location is correct for a 1963 Strat, when fender later moved the hole to the added location you see, closer to the mid pickup.  

The pickup routing pattern is that of an early 60s Strat, as are the body contours.  

There are no nail holes in the body from the lazy Susan painting setup that Fender used until early 1963.  

The body was never routed, and the refinishing process seems to have kept the body from sanding, which can distort the contours and body thickness.

Color: Sunburst

Body: Alder

Weight: 3lbs 15.5oz

Shipping policy:

Shipments will require signature on delivery, no exceptions.  If there is damage, the buyer must retain all packing materials intact and picture them immediately and send them to sales@maharsvintageguitars.com.  Less than 1% of our shipments are damaged in transit, and we are committed to making sure your item arrives safely, but we are taking these additional measures to make sure you are happy with your purchase.