Fender Stratocaster Fiesta Red ex Phil Emmanuel - USA 1963

 

This is an original rare colour pre L-Series Strat from 1963 which was owned and played for years by Phil Emmanuel. If you heard Phil do his Hank Marvin or Mark Knopfler thing back in the late 70s & 80s, then you’ve probably heard this guitar. Former owner and founder of Premier Guitars, John Spence, has seen Phil play this guitar live many times back in the day. Hank Marvin was a huge influence on the young Phil E, and eventually he tracked one down, identical to that of his hero.

Fiesta Red was a DuPont colour originally developed for car manufacturers. It was an option for the 1956 Ford Thunderbird, and for pre-CBS Fenders - generally regarded as the best era of Fender guitars. This is a well-cared for very original instrument, even including the original 3 position pickup switch.

Totally original paint which has kept its glow even at 61 years of age. There are few chips & dings and it’s certainly been played, but there are no body finish touchups.

It has had an excellent pro refret some time ago, and there are 6 new-ish height adjustment screws in the bridge saddles. There has been some surgery under the pickguard some time ago, but now restored to close to original routing. This area has been painted to match the original Fiesta Red finish.

There is some rust discolouration on the bridge saddles, but everything functions as it should. The neck wood is figured maple & the back is worn the sheen of a well-used pool cue – no lacquer left at all, but super smooth and very comfortable to play. And it sounds like an early 60's Strat should – that unmistakable airy Fender sound.

Includes a document signed by Phil Emmanuel stating that he owned this guitar from 1977 to 1981.

Features:

Action at 1st Fret: 0.25mm

Action at 12th Fret: 1.5mm

Neck Depth at 1st Fret: 21.14mm

Neck Depth at 12th Fret: 24.59mm

Nut Width: 42.36mm

Width at 12th Fret: 51.93mm

Weight: 3.47kg / 7.63lb

Make: Fender

Year: 1963 - Pre-L Series

Model: Stratocaster

Body Finish/Color: Original Fiesta Red

Body Wood: Alder

Neck Wood: Maple one piece

Neck Finish/Color: Original Natural

Neck Date: March 1963

Neck Back Shape: Standard C

Fingerboard Wood: Brazilian Rosewood

Frets: pro refret – excellent condition

Electronics: Original

Neck Pickup: Original 5.0k

Middle Pickup: Original 5.8k

Bridge Pickup: Original 5.1k

Pickup selector switch: Original 3-way switch

Potentiometers: Original CTS

Tuners: Original Single Lined Kluson Deluxe

Pickguard: Original White 3-ply "Green Guard"

Hardware Color: Nickel/Chrome

Bridge: Original Synchronised Tremolo

Knobs: Original

Case: Original Stamford Case