Vintage Fender L Series Stratocaster Refinish – USA 1964

This 1964 L Series Stratocaster is a fine example of exactly what makes the pre CBS L Series Stratocasters so special. A great sounding and very nice playing piece of rock and roll history that’s been well looked after, with just enough patina to remind you that it is definitely the real deal.  

Owned by the guitarist of a well known pioneering Australian rock and roll/surf band since 1968, the guitar was bought almost new by the current owner. Despite buying the guitar when it was only a few years old, an interesting mod had been done previously to his ownership. Removing the pickup scratch plate shows 3 cylindrical holes to the treble side of the strings around the neck and middle pickup. These holes are indicative of the guitar having switches being installed to give more options in terms of pickup configuration. This modification was rather common in the 60s and 70s as the three-way selector switch only gave you three options. Neck, Middle, or Bridge. Remember that the 5-way pickup selector wasn’t introduced by Fender until 1977!  

This leads to the belief that to maintain original appearance the pickguard was replaced in the late 60s. The aluminium shielding under the pickguard still bears the holes where the switches would have been.  

The finish is not original, it is a refinish. There is some red overspray in the pickup cavity and tremolo cavity indicating as such.

This guitar plays fantastically. It has been well enjoyed through the years and features on some classic Australian rock and roll/surf songs that you may be familiar with. A great L Series Strat, with an interesting past. This guitar does not disappoint.  

The features are as follows: 

Make: Fender 

Year: 1964 - L Series 

Model: Stratocaster 

Weight: 7.38 lbs 

Body Finish/Color: Refinished 3 tone sunburst 

Body Date: 1964  

Body Wood: Alder 

Neck Wood: Maple with rosewood veneer 

Neck Finish/Color: Original Natural 

Neck Date: 2nd Jan 1964 

Neck Back Shape: Standard C 

Frets: Original Frets 

Electronics: Original 

Pickups: Original  

Pickup selector switch: Original 3 way 

Potentiometers: Original CTS 

Nut: Original Bone 

Nut Width: 1 5/8" 

Tuners: Original Single Lined Kluson Deluxe 

Pickguard: Mint White 3-ply "Green Guard" 

Hardware Color: Nickel/Chrome 

Bridge: Original Synchronized Tremolo with Cover 

Knobs: Original