Fender Stratocaster, Sunburst (1968)

Are you experienced?....

...enough to handle how great this newly arrived 1968 Fender Stratocaster is?!?

This tone monster is a fantastic sounding and playing example of a transitional CBS-era Strat, likely beginning its life at the end of 1967 and coming to market in early 1968. It's got a pre-'68 peghead decal along with a JAN68 neck stamp; there's also some additional date stamping concurrent with early '68 Fenders!

The Alder body is finished in the classic Sunburst that's faded out a bit over the decades, with some beautiful top coat lacquer checking and natural wear throughout. There's a mysterious work order number stamp impressed into the body underneath the pickguard that suggests the guitar was returned to the factory for some sort of repair work, but it doesn't appear that it had anything to do with the body, neck, or finish itself. It's also clear that the guitar was finished after the stamp was made, with clear evidence of finish sunken into the work order number.

Another unique part of this guitar is the black bobbin pickups. It's not totally uncommon to find these pickups scattered throughout instruments from late 1964 through 1968, and there's no hard evidence to suggest these are factory original. Nevertheless, they found their way into this guitar at some point, and we're not mad about it! They sound AMAZING - clear and punchy, with a particularly incredible sounding bridge pickup.

At nearly 7 1/2 pounds on the nose, it's superbly balanced and very comfortable - kind of the ideal Strat weight. The old jumbo refret makes it a total blast to play as well.

What more can be said? If you've been on the hunt for a late 60s Strat and dig the feel of bigger frets, this one would be hard to top.