This 1967 Fender Stratocaster carries not only the charm of a vintage instrument but also a fascinating history that connects it to the vibrant Belgian music scene of the 20th century.
The guitar was originally purchased brand-new in 1967 from the renowned Theo Parys music shop in Brussels, Belgium. This store, highly regarded among musicians at the time, was owned and managed by Theo Parys, the younger brother of Flore Parys. Interestingly, the shop’s original sticker is still affixed to the back of the headstock, offering a tangible link to its first point of sale more than five decades ago.
The history of the Parys family itself is closely tied to European musical retail traditions. Their father, Camille Parys, began his career in the late 1930s by running a shop that specialized in accordions, even selling them under his own brand name. When he retired, the business was passed down to his children. The younger son, Theo, took over the store and enlisted the help of his elder sister, Flore. Unfortunately, their partnership was not a harmonious one. After three years of working together, the siblings decided to separate professionally. Theo established his own shop called La Maison du Swing, while Flore opened her store, Euromusic Parys Flore, just 50 meters away on the same sidewalk.
This rivalry led to a curious phenomenon: many instruments from the period are found bearing stickers from both shops. Collectors often come across guitars or accordions with these dual labels, which today serve as quirky reminders of a family business split in two but thriving side by side.
Beyond its provenance, this particular Stratocaster remains in remarkably original condition. The neck has retained its original factory finish, and the pickups are untouched and authentic to 1967. The electronics, including the Stackpole potentiometers dated to the 10th week of 1966, still feature their untouched solder joints and the original three-way selector switch. The tuners are also original—double-line Klusons, which are correct for the period.
Adding to its story, the headstock displays an additional decal from another shop: Centrale Benelux. This indicates that the instrument was later sold second-hand through that retailer, further enriching its journey through Belgium’s music community.
Like many guitars of its era, the Stratocaster underwent some cosmetic changes during the 1970s. It was common at the time for players to strip the factory paint, seeking a more natural wood look. As is often the case, certain areas—beneath the pickguard, backplate, and serial number plate—were left untouched, preserving patches of the original finish. In more recent years, the guitar was refinished, restoring its appearance before arriving in our shop.
This Stratocaster is accompanied by its original Fender hardcase, offering the right protection and vintage aesthetic, as well as a 1967 Fender price list, an exceptional piece of documentation that connects it to its original era.
Specifications:
Neck stamp: 13JANB67B
Pots: Original Stackpole, stamped 304 6610 (10th week of 1966)
Headstock logo: Original transition decal
Neck: Original finish
Pickups: Original black-bottom pickups
Tuners: Original Kluson (double line)
Bridge : original bridge
Accessories : original tremolo bar, bridge cover and case
Altogether, this 1967 Fender Stratocaster is more than just an instrument—it is a piece of musical history that reflects both the craftsmanship of Fender during the CBS era and the unique story of the Parys family’s contribution to Belgian music culture.