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Average Price: $24,032
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$400
$1001+
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Description
Step into the golden era of rock 'n' roll with the 1962 Fender Stratocaster, a guitar that has become synonymous with timeless sound and vintage flair. This iconic instrument captures the essence of a transformative period in music, where innovation met tradition. Its Alder body and Maple neck ensure a balanced tone and comfortable playability—perfect for both stage and studio.
One of the unique aspects of the '62 Stratocaster is its transition to a curved or 'veneer' Rosewood fingerboard, which marked a departure from the thicker "slab" style of previous years. This subtle tweak not only enhances the guitar's aesthetics but also contributes to its smooth, fluid playing experience.
The Stratocaster's versatile 3 single-coil pickups and 5-way selector allow musicians to explore a wide range of tones, from bright, crisp leads to warm, rounded rhythms. Whether you're channeling the energy of Buddy Holly or the soul of Jimi Hendrix, the 1962 Stratocaster stands ready to deliver, thanks to its enduring design elements like the bolt-on neck and dot inlays.
Finished in the classic Sunburst, this guitar is as much a visual masterpiece as it is an auditory one, making it a cherished addition for collectors and performers alike.
Key Features:
- Alder body and Maple neck with a veneer Rosewood fingerboard
- 3 single-coil pickups with a 5-way pickup selector
- Bolt-on neck with dot inlays
- Classic Sunburst finish
- Notable players include Buddy Holly, Bob Dylan, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Jimi Hendrix
Product specs
| Brand | Fender |
| Model | Stratocaster |
| Finish | Blonde, Candy Apple Red, Dakota Red, Fiesta Red, Olympic White, Sonic Blue, Sunburst |
| Year | 1962 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Solid Body Electric Guitars |
| Body Material | Alder, Ash |
| Body Shape | S-Style |
| Body Type | Solid Body |
| Bridge/Tailpiece Type | Tremolo Bridge |
| Color Family | Blue, Brown, Red, White, Yellow |
| Finish Pattern | Sunburst |
| Finish Style | Gloss, Metallic |
| Fretboard Material | Rosewood |
| Fretboard Radius | 7.25" |
| Model Family | Fender Stratocaster |
| Neck Construction | Bolt-On |
| Neck Material | Maple |
| Number of Frets | 21 |
| Number of Strings | 6-String |
| Offset Body | Non-Offset Body |
| Pickup Configuration | SSS |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Scale Length | 25.5" |
| Series | Fender Vintage Pre-CBS Era |
| Wood Top Style | Opaque, Plain |
FAQs
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What kind of tones can I expect from the Fender 1962 Stratocaster for blues music?
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The Fender 1962 Stratocaster is renowned for its bright, clear tones with a smooth, warm midrange, making it ideal for blues. Its single-coil pickups deliver a crisp, articulate sound that enhances expressive playing styles typical in blues music.
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What is the neck profile like on the Fender 1962 Stratocaster?
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The Fender 1962 Stratocaster features a "C"-shaped neck profile, which is comfortable for most players, allowing for smooth transitions and easy playability across the fretboard.
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Is the Fender 1962 Stratocaster suitable for beginner guitarists?
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While the Fender 1962 Stratocaster offers exceptional build quality and sound, it is typically favored by experienced players due to its vintage specifications and price point. Beginners might find more affordable options in the Fender range that offer similar playability.
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How does the tremolo bridge on the Fender 1962 Stratocaster affect playability?
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The tremolo bridge on the Fender 1962 Stratocaster allows for subtle pitch modulation, adding expressive vibrato effects to your playing. It maintains tuning stability well, making it a versatile choice for various playing styles.
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What are the standout features of the Fender 1962 Stratocaster's sound?
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The standout features of the Fender 1962 Stratocaster's sound include its bright and articulate single-coil pickups, vintage tonal characteristics, and the ability to cut through mixes with clarity, making it a favorite for rock, blues, and surf music.
Videos
Wildwood Guitars
Vintage October 1962 Fender Stratocaster • Wildwood Guitars
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender 1962 Stratocaster.
User experience
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Owners find the tone warmer and darker than modern Strats, credited to the slab Brazilian Rosewood neck.
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Owners mention that having historical documents or item provenance can attract higher offers than market value.
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Owners note that rigorous playing styles, such as attacking the strings, contribute to faster wear and unique character development in the guitar's finish.
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Comparisons
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It's noted that playing vintage models live offers a richer experience than what comparison videos convey.
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Setup and maintenance
Mods and upgrades
Build quality
Value and pricing
Other
5.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 3 Ratings
5339
Main strat
This has been my main for years for sessions but I decided to put all I own on my board and this is my number one since 1978, tuners broke replaced with nicker klusons pickups died from being not looked after for years replaced with ssl 1s and its always going to be my best axe!
Artist usage
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In this video, at minute 4:53, Frusciante can be seen using the Fender Stratocaster in a sunburst tone with a white pickguard and three single coils of the same color.
Neste https://youtu.be/35nJewbonbI?si=oNhh5yokUCmIA82d Jimmy Page play 1962 Fender Stratocaster
During the reading and Leeds festival 2022 we can see Matt Healy playing a fiesta red Strat that looks pretty old. doing some research he seems to have acquired it from here.
https://truevintageguitar.com/blogs/tvg-blog/fender-stratocaster-1962-fiesta-red
The article confirms all of the details of the guitar. As well as it's history.
"I picked up the '62 Fiesta Red Strat out of its case and saw a 5 digit serial number, spaghetti style logo, faded mint green pickguard, and worn custom color Fiesta Red finish. The 5 digit serial number beginning with 82xxx falls right in line with the range we would expect for 1962 (More: Fender Serial Numbers). The spaghetti style logo with three patent numbers was introduced late 1962 and lasted until mid 1964. The celluloid pickguard, which most collectors refer to as mint green because of the look it gets after fading over time, was updated to a pure white ABS material in 1965. "
He then talks about how he sold it to "fellow guitar collector, and Dirty Hit [1975's Label] record label owner Jamie Oborne"
And later
"I received a picture from Jamie recently of Matty Healy of The 1975 playing this exact '62 Fiesta Red Stratocaster at the Reading Festival 2022. Jamie was able to have nice refret completed and have the middle pickup rewound to original spec."
«My Fiesta Red Strat is a ’62 with a small headstock and spaghetti logo» (Mick Mars)
In a performance on MTV's "120 Minutes" on November 5, 1993, Kim Deal of The Breeders played a 1962 Fender Stratocaster, tuned half a step down.
in this video titled "SAME GUITAR, 4 BUDGETS! (Can you hear the difference?)" by Paul Davids on YouTube, he uses an original 1962 Fender Stratocaster although its not stated if he owns it or not.
Performance on The Word playing Really Scrape the Sky https://youtu.be/b0MU2UewsVQ
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Fender 1962 Stratocaster, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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