Vintage Fender Stratocaster - USA 1968

This 1968 Fender Stratocaster is a strong, honest example from a transitional period in Fender’s history. Finished in 3 tone sunburst, the red has naturally faded across the front, a trait often seen on guitars from this era, with some of the original colour still visible beneath the pickguard.

The guitar retains a high level of originality. It features its original black bottom pickups, all dated January 1968, along with original CTS pots dated to 1966. The electronics remain largely untouched, aside from the selector switch which has been upgraded to a 5 way. The original round ceramic capacitor is still present.

The birdseye maple neck with rosewood fingerboard feels comfortable and familiar, with pearl dot inlays and its original finish intact. The headstock decal shows some wear, consistent with age. It is fitted with original F-style tuners, original frets, and the original nut, all contributing to the overall integrity of the instrument.

Hardware remains largely original throughout, including the bridge and pickguard with its aluminium shielding. The tremolo cover is original, though the screws have been replaced. The guitar is housed in its original hard shell case.

In the hands it feels settled and responsive, with that familiar late 60s Strat character. The pickups read in a balanced range, offering clarity and definition with enough output to cover a wide range of styles.

Overall, this is a well preserved and original 1968 Stratocaster that shows the natural ageing and features expected from the period, without losing its usability as a player.

Specs:

Action at 1st Fret: 0.25mm

Action at 12th Fret: 1.25mm

Neck Depth at 1st Fret: 22.00mm

Neck Depth at 12th Fret: 23.95mm

Nut Width: 41.0mm

Width at 12th Fret: 50.98mm

Weight: 3.740kg

Model: Fender Stratocaster

Year: 1968

Serial Number: 218373

Finish: 3 tone sunburst (faded)

Body: Alder

Neck: Birdseye maple

Fingerboard: Rosewood

Pickups: Original black bottom single coils (dated Jan 1968)

Pickup Readings: Bridge 5.67k / Middle 6.08k / Neck 5.87k

Electronics: Original with ceramic cap

Pots: Original CTS (1966, 18th week)

Switch: 5 way (replaced)

Tuners: Original F style

Frets: Original

Nut: Original

Pickguard: Original with aluminium shielding

Bridge: Original

Case: Original hard shell case

Crafted in: USA