Description: 1963 Fender Stratocaster guitar
Available: 1954 to present.
Collectibility Rating: B-
Production: no official (or unofficial) production numbers available.
General Comments:
The Fender Stratocaster guitar is probably the most popular solidbody electricguitar ever made. Early models (1954 to 1965, known as 'pre-CBS' models, since CBSBroadcaster Company bought Fender in January 1965) are the most collectible.Originality and condition are the two most important features of a vintage FenderStratocaster guitar, and Fender Strats do seem to have been easily modified(due to their 'bolt together' nature).
1963 did not bring any huge change to the Fender Stratocaster (compared to late 1962 models).The one subtle change is the movement of one pickguard screw, located between the neckand middle pickups. Other similar very subtle changes were seen. Probably the biggestchange was the Tolex case material was now white with black leather ends (instead ofbrown Tolex and brown leather ends as used in 1959 to 1962).
Featured: Body only, routing cavities, measurements. Download. Unless templates are marked otherwise, they are not provided by any brand of instrument manufacturer, in spite of being made in the likeness of known branded models. The American Standard Stratocaster is the same great best-selling, go-to guitar it has always been, and now it´s upgraded with aged plastic parts and full-sounding Fender Custom Shop Fat ´50s pickups. The latest iteration of our time-honored classic, it is the very essence of Strat tone and remains a beauty to see, hear and feel. Stratocaster Guitar Gear Blog. Gear and artist reviews, Strat upgrades, mods and DIY guitar parts. Featuring Fender Strat-Stratocaster auctions, for sale listings, vintage, custom shop gear, pedals, amps, DIY and parts.
Serial number range for the 63 Fender Stratocaster are generally93000 to 99999 or L00001 to L20000 (on the neck plate).If you need to figure out the exact year of your pre-CBS Fender Stratocaster, use the serial numberand the general features of the guitar.The serial number is located on the back metal neck plate.See the Fender Serial Number Info web pagefor help determining the year.
If you have a vintage pre-CBS Fender Stratocaster guitar for sale, please let me know.I am a private vintage guitar collector (not a store), and you can contact me atcfh@provide.net
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Fender Strat Body Dimensions Pdf
Early 1963 Fender Stratocaster guitar specs:
Fender Standard Stratocaster Body Width
- Location of the pickguard screw between the neck and middle pickupis moved about 1/2' towards the middle pickup.
- Bridge saddles' 'Fender Pat.Pend' stamping is more pronounced.
- Contouring of the body is slightly less dramatic.
- By late 1963, body dates were no longer used.
- By late 1963 the 3-way CRL switch changes to the 'half moon' shape insteadof having the angled sides.