Arguably the classic period for the Stratocaster, pre-CBS guitars are rightly lauded for their looks, feel and tone, a high water-mark for Fender. The combination of nitrate pickguard and either the three tone sunburst or a custom colour, particularly Fiesta red for those of us from this side of the Atlantic, is a look that has come to define the model.

This guitar is in superb shape. Its not clear what the original finish was though the sight of some mahogany where the paint has worn in the cavity leads us to think it would have been a solid colour. Early 1964 was a bit of an experimental time for Fender and during this narrow time period we see them use mahogany and korina as an alternative body wood for the Strat, Tele and Duo Sonic (maybe others too...) and though not necessarily rare as korina, its always nice to come across a mahogany body example.  

The finish is accurate and the work carried out has been done sympathetically. The exposed wood sections are in some places where the cavity has been slightly widened on a couple of the corners. No other modifications seem to have been done.

The neck, dated February 64, is in excellent condition. This has been refinished though the headstock face has been left which also has a plugged extra string tree hole. The rosewood board and new frets are in fantastic condition. The headstock and decal are in great shape.

The hardware shows some signs of wear but is not excessively corroded. The pickguard, knobs, switch tip back plate and foil have all been changed for more recent, quality parts.

Some solder joints look undisturbed. Some solder has been removed from the back of the pots and wires changed to be more correct cloth type. Pots are dated week 34 of 1963. Pickups all sound great and are the original windings.

The guitar comes with a hardshell case.

This guitar has certainly been someone's pride and joy and once you sit down with it, you’ll realize why. The guitar has a wonderful resonance, complemented by the pickups,that really exemplifies why these early 60’s strats are so different to anything produced by Fender later on. There is a fullness to the tone that almost puts you in mind of a P90 though there is a sophistication there that sets them apart. The bridge pickup packs a punch without ever getting shrill. A bucket-list guitar if ever there was one.

This guitar looks and sounds the part and with the unique mahogany body, this is quite the find. Grab it before its gone…