Vintage Fender L-Series Stratocaster Refin - USA 1964

This is the real thing. A genuine pre-CBS 1964 Fender Stratocaster, built in the final full year before CBS completed their acquisition of Fender in January 1965. What that means in practical terms: original tooling, original craftsmen, original everything. The instruments Leo Fender's team built in 1964 are widely regarded as the finest production electric guitars ever made, and the collector market has reflected that for decades.

L-series serial number L21906 on the neck plate, confirmed 1964 neck date. Authentication does not get cleaner than that.

The fingerboard is Brazilian rosewood, the dense, richly grained timber Fender used throughout the pre-CBS era before the supply dried up. Brazilian rosewood boards are prized for their feel and resonance, and you simply cannot get them on a new guitar. The clay dot inlays, small pre-CBS headstock, original spaghetti logo decal, and Kluson Deluxe single-line tuners are all present and correct.

Then there are the pickups. Original, non-rewound pre-CBS single coils. This is the question every serious buyer asks first, and the answer here is exactly what you want to hear. The tone these pickups produce is what the vintage Strat market is fundamentally chasing, and this guitar has them.

The finish is an early De Kroo Brothers sunburst refinish. De Kroo Brothers are among the most respected vintage guitar restorers in Australia, and an early example of their work carries genuine provenance in its own right. The body wears decades of honest play beautifully, with significant lacquer loss on the back and natural checking throughout. This is a guitar that has been loved and used, not hidden away.

One tone pot has been replaced at some point in the guitar's life - the other tone and volume pots are original. The trem cover has also been replaced.

Two owners from new. Non-original HSC included.

Pre-CBS Strats with original non-rewound pickups, Brazilian rosewood boards, and clean provenance like this do not come along often. This one is ready to find its next home.

Specifications:

Action at 1st Fret: 0.25mm

Action at 12th Fret: 1.75mm

Neck Depth at 1st Fret: 21.19mm

Neck Depth at 12th Fret: 25.46mm

Nut Width: 42.4mm

Width at 12th Fret: 51.76mm

Weight: 3.32kg / 7.31lb

Year: 1964

Model: Fender Stratocaster

Finish: 3-Tone Sunburst (De Kroo Brothers Refinish)

Body: Alder

Body Style: Contoured Double Cutaway

Neck: Maple

Fingerboard: Brazilian Rosewood

Fingerboard Radius: 7.25"

Frets: 21

Scale Length: 25.5"

Pickups: 3x Original Fender Single Coil

Controls: Volume, 2x Tone, 3-Way Selector Switch

Bridge: Original Synchronized Tremolo

Tuners: Original Kluson Deluxe Single-Line

Case: Non-OHSC

Crafted in: Fullerton, California, USA