Bob's Vintage Guitars

1963 Fender Stratocaster Review

Written by vintage on June 27, 2009 – 5:26 pm -

The Fender Stratocaster guitar is probably the most popular solid body electric guitar ever made. Early models (1954 to 1965, known as "pre-CBS" models, since CBS Broadcaster Company bought Fender in January 1965) are the most collectible. Originality and condition are the two most important features of a vintage Fender Stratocaster 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 neck and middle pickups. Other similar very subtle changes were seen. Probably the biggest change was the Tolex case material was now white with black leather ends (instead of brown Tolex and brown leather ends as used in 1959 to 1962).
Serial number range for the 63 Fender Stratocaster are generally 93000 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 number and the general features of the guitar. The serial number is located on the back metal neck plate.
Early 1963 Fender Stratocaster guitar specs:
• Location of the pickguard screw between the neck and middle pickup is 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 instead of having the angled sides.

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