1963 Fender Stratocaster Hardtail Sunburst

This late 1963 Fender Stratocaster in original Sunburst finish has survived in excellent condition and features the coveted fat '63 era neck profile. Apart from a convincing replaced bone nut and clean bridge pickup rewind from Tom Brantley, it's original and in excellent playing condition. Fender final assembly employee Mary Lemus's unmistakable signature is found on the shielding plate between the neck and middle pickups. Weighing in at only 6.8 lbs, this late '63 hardtail Stratocaster is sure to be an instant favorite!

Measurements: 6.8 lbs / 3.1kg total weight. The neck measures 1.68"/ 42.7mm wide at the nut, 0.85" deep at the 1st fret, and 1.02" deep at the 12th fret. The neck pickup measures 5.59k ohms, the middle reads 5.57k ohms, and the bridge pickup reads 6.35k ohms.

Dates: The neck heel is stamped "2 OCT 63 B" where 2 = Stratocaster model, OCT = October, 63 = 1963, and B = standard neck width. The control cavity has "10 / 63" written in pencil underneath the finish. The potentiometer codes read 304 6338 (304 = Stackpole, 63 = 1963, and 38 = 38th week of the year).

Originality: Rewound original bridge pickup by Tom Brantley Rewinds and replaced bone nut. All finish, parts, and solder appear to be original this guitar except for the disturbed solder from the bridge pickup rewind and nut.

Playability: Excellent. The neck is straight and the electronics function as intended. The original frets retain their full height and don't show much wear.

Condition: Good. There's a typical area of buckle rash on the back of the body and some light finish flaking on the bottom edge of the body. 

Included: The original cream white with black leather ends case and bridge cover are included.

Fine Print: All guitars ship via FedEx Priority Overnight for domestic sales or FedEx Priority International. I offer a 72 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.