Original Lake Placid Blue Over Sunburst
The 1963 Fender Stratocaster is already a legendary guitar by most standards, but this particular example pushes the envelope of vintage rarity, historical intrigue, and tonal excellence. What we have here is not just a pre-CBS Stratocaster in exceptional condition—but a factory-finished Lake Placid Blue over Sunburst model. That finish combination alone makes this guitar an extraordinary and nearly unobtainable find.
In the early 1960s, Fender occasionally applied custom colors over standard finishes (typically Sunburst) to meet special orders or repurpose existing bodies. This guitar features an incredibly rare Lake Placid Blue over Sunburst factory finish. With decades of honest wear, hints of the original Sunburst now peek through the top coat, creating a beautiful, naturally relic’d look that no artificial aging could ever reproduce.
Adding further to its vintage credibility, the body retains the original nail holes used during Fender’s drying process—small but significant details that authenticate this as a true pre-CBS Fullerton build.
This guitar features a neck date stamp of October 1963 (OCT63B), placing it squarely in the heart of Fender’s golden era. It also carries a pre-L series serial number, which further solidifies its status as a true pre-CBS instrument. Together, these details make it one of the most sought-after Stratocasters from one of Fender’s most revered years.
Originally sold new in Belgium, this guitar has had just two owners in its entire lifetime. The second owner purchased it in 1977, and it has remained in his care ever since. Long-term ownership with clear provenance adds significant collector value and trustworthiness—especially for an instrument of this caliber.
This Strat is 100% original, with the sole exception of a professional refret that ensures excellent playability without compromising the vintage feel or look. The pickups (black-bottom), electronics, pickguard (mint green), tuners, tremolo system, and hardware are all original and untouched. The original nitrocellulose finish has aged gracefully, with classic checking and tasteful wear that tells a story without diminishing its integrity.
The fingerboard is dark, tight-grained, and beautifully preserved—paired with a comfortable mid-’63 neck profile that feels just right in the hands.
Tonally, this guitar is everything you'd expect from a great early-'60s Strat. The black-bottom pickups deliver bell-like clarity, expressive dynamics, and that shimmering top end that Strat lovers crave.
A 1963 Stratocaster with this level of originality, rarity, and character is a serious collector’s piece. But add in the Lake Placid Blue over Sunburst finish, the October '63 neck date, the pre-L serial number, and documented two-owner provenance from Belgium, and you have a guitar that belongs in a museum—or the hands of a discerning collector or player who understands what they’re holding.
This is not just a vintage guitar—it’s a piece of electric guitar history, alive with tone, story, and soul.
Technical specs
Serial : 98287
Neck stamp : 2OCT63B
Tuners : original Kluson
Pickups : original black bottom tuners
Pots : original Stackpole stamped 304 6334 (34th week of 1963)
Weight :