Vintage Fender AVRI '62 Reissue Stratocaster Owned by Jim Moginie of Midnight Oil - USA 1983

This is an early Fullerton-built ’62 Stratocaster Reissue, made at Fender’s original California factory before the move to Corona in early 1985. It’s one of the highly desirable first-generation American Vintage reissues, produced during a period when Fender was consciously returning to its roots and rebuilding its reputation for historically accurate instruments. This particular guitar was owned by Jim Moginie of Midnight Oil, whose work as a songwriter and guitarist helped define the sound of Australian rock from the late 1970s onward. Known for favouring instruments with clarity, character and reliability, Moginie’s ownership reinforces this Stratocaster’s role as a serious musical tool rather than simply a collector’s piece.

The neck is dated 1st February 1983 and reflects the careful attention given to these early Fullerton reissues. Body contours are deep and correctly shaped, giving the guitar a feel much closer to original early ’60s Strats than later production examples. Its thin nitrocellulose blonde finish has aged gracefully, while the dark rosewood slab fingerboard provides warmth and balance. Period-correct details remain intact, including the original 3-way selector switch, black bobbin single-coil pickups with cloth wiring, and CTS potentiometers dated June 1982.

These early ’62 reissues have earned a reputation as some of Fender’s most successful vintage-style instruments of the modern era. Built by experienced craftsmen before the Custom Shop formally existed, they capture much of the feel, resonance and tonal character that made original pre-CBS Stratocasters so revered. This example delivers classic Strat response — clear, articulate and dynamic, with excellent balance across all positions and a lively, resonant acoustic voice.

The guitar remains in excellent original condition. The neck is straight, the frets show minimal wear, and playability is effortless. Hardware shows only light, natural ageing. Faint outlines from previously applied stickers can be seen on the back, though they have long since been removed and do not detract from the instrument’s integrity. Light finish checking and honest playwear further support its authenticity.

Supplied with its original Fender hard shell case, tags, manual and ashtray bridge cover, this is a superb Fullerton-era Stratocaster that combines historical importance, exceptional build quality and meaningful artist ownership.

Features:

Action at 1st Fret: 0.5mm

Action at 12th Fret: 2.0mm

Neck Depth at 1st Fret: 20.37mm

Neck Depth at 12th Fret: 21.74mm

Nut Width: 41.56mm

Width at 12th Fret: 50.88mm

Weight: 7.9 lbs

Scale Length: 25.5"

Fretboard Radius: 9.5"

Neck: Tinted slim C-shape maple, dark rosewood slab fingerboard

Body: Alder

Pickups: American Vintage black bobbin single-coils with staggered pole pieces

Switching: 3-way

Pickguard: 3-ply laminated

Tremolo: Vintage style

Tuners: Vintage Kluson style

Frets: 21 vintage, unmarked

Case: Original Fender hard shell with tags, manual & ashtray cover