1963 FENDER STRATOCASTER Black refinish Vintage pre-CBS round lam board ’60s Strat with Selmer case

An early 1963 Stratocaster with rosewood fingerboard. Body refinish, replacement 5-way switch and pickguard but otherwise largely original and in remarkably clean condition. Lightweight at 7.4lbs (3.3kg). The black nitrocellulose refinish reportedly dates from the early '70s. The refinish has itself now aged and has wear consistent with that time frame. It has accumulated the usual selection of chips and dings and some lacquer checking. You can see some in the photographs but let me know if you’d like pics of any particular area in more detail. The medium 'C' profile maple neck is dated January 63. It has its original nitro finish, which has worn comfortably smooth. The round laminate dark Brazilian rosewood fingerboard has vintage frets with minimal visible wear, a 7.25" radius and 'clay' dots with the wider dot spacing at the 12th. The fingerboard edges are naturally rolled from playing. The headstock decals are original and almost completely preserved. Pickups are the original black bottoms. Pots are dated 2nd week of 1963 and it still has its original 'red dime' capacitor. The hardware appears to be all original and in excellent condition. Saddles are 'Fender / Pat Pend' and show correct tooling marks. Tuners are Kluson Deluxe single-lines. The neck plate shows serial number 971XX. It comes with period-correct Selmer 'mock croc' hard case with plush interior. The case has 60+ years worth of wear and tear but all latches and hinges work and the Selmer badge is present . A couple of things to note: The pickguard is an aged/yellowed replacement with correct forward screw placement. It is backed by the guitar's original full aluminium shield from 1963 which has been retained. The fingerboard dots at the 19th and 21st frets have been replaced and are whiter than the others. The rear tremolo cavity cover has one corner chipped. The tremolo arm may or may not be original. Overall this is a striking and very clean 1963 Stratocaster from Fender’s pre-CBS heyday, mostly original and refinished in a custom colour around 50 years ago. The play-wear and ageing has been acquired naturally. Everything works and it plays well. It is currently set up with 9s and a floating tremolo. More photographs are available on request, including close-up internals and I’m happy to answer any questions. You’re very welcome to come and try it out if you’re a serious potential buyer. Sale is to the UK and for your and my peace of mind it’s collection only. Thanks.