Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $17,427

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

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High-end

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Description

For many collectors, 1964 was an absolute peak year for Fender Stratocasters. CBS took control of the firm in early 1965, and the original quality associated with the brand eventually began to deteriorate. In some cases, the CBS-era drift towards more mass production techniques already started creeping in in late 1964. While changes such as a new headstock logo and a switch from clay to pearloid inlay dots can be found in some late '64 instruments, early and mid-'64 Stratocasters remain extremely sought-after guitars. In some ways the '64 Strat can be seen as the culmination of the initial era of Fender design and production.

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model Stratocaster
Finish Black, Blonde, Burgundy Mist, Candy Apple Red, Charcoal Frost, Dakota Red, Fiesta Red, Firemist Gold, Inca Silver, Lake Placid Blue, Olympic White, Seafoam Green, Sonic Blue, Sunburst
Year 1964
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 Black, Blue, Brown, Gold, Green, Grey, Red, Silver, 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

What is the neck profile of the 1964 Fender Stratocaster like?

The 1964 Fender Stratocaster typically features a "C" shaped neck profile, which provides a comfortable and familiar grip for most players, making it suitable for various playing styles.

What kind of tones can I expect from the pickups on a 1964 Fender Stratocaster?

The 1964 Fender Stratocaster is equipped with single-coil pickups that deliver bright, clear tones with a bell-like quality, ideal for genres like rock, blues, and surf music.

Is the 1964 Fender Stratocaster suitable for beginners?

While the 1964 Fender Stratocaster is a vintage model prized by collectors and experienced players, its playability and iconic sound make it a valuable instrument for any guitarist, though beginners might find it more challenging to acquire due to its vintage status.

What is the fretboard radius of the 1964 Fender Stratocaster?

The 1964 Fender Stratocaster features a 7.25" fretboard radius, which is conducive to comfortable chording and a vintage playing feel.

Does the 1964 Fender Stratocaster come with a tremolo bridge?

Yes, the 1964 Fender Stratocaster is equipped with a tremolo bridge, allowing for pitch modulation and expressive playing techniques.

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Joe Bonamassa 1964 Fender Stratocaster | Guitar of the Day

Video thumbnail for Joe Bonamassa 1964 Fender Stratocaster | Guitar of the Day by Normans Rare Guitars

Joe Bonamassa 1964 Fender Stratocaster | Guitar of the Day

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Guitar of the Day: Original 1964 Fender Stratocaster | Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: Original 1964 Fender Stratocaster | Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for The CLEANEST 1964 Fender Stratocaster We Have Ever Seen by PREMIER GUITARS

The CLEANEST 1964 Fender Stratocaster We Have Ever Seen

PREMIER GUITARS

PREMIER GUITARS

Video thumbnail for 1964 Fender Strat played by Hudson Davis by Carter Vintage Guitars

1964 Fender Strat played by Hudson Davis

Carter Vintage Guitars

Carter Vintage Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1964 Fender Stratocaster played by Corey Congilio by Carter Vintage Guitars

1964 Fender Stratocaster played by Corey Congilio

Carter Vintage Guitars

Carter Vintage Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1964 Fender Stratocaster played by Nick Planer by Carter Vintage Guitars

1964 Fender Stratocaster played by Nick Planer

Carter Vintage Guitars

Carter Vintage Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1964 Fender Stratocaster Olympic White | GuitarPoint Vintage Guitars by GuitarPoint

1964 Fender Stratocaster Olympic White | GuitarPoint Vintage Guitars

GuitarPoint

GuitarPoint

Video thumbnail for 1964 Fender Stratocaster - Fiesta Red | GuitarPoint by GuitarPoint

1964 Fender Stratocaster - Fiesta Red | GuitarPoint

GuitarPoint

GuitarPoint

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Stratocaster 1964.

Value and pricing

  • It's suggested that the guitar could fetch $25,000-$30,000 if it has original parts and finish in good condition.

    Source
  • Selling in the U.S. might yield a higher price than in South Africa; appraisals from U.S. dealers are recommended.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The guitar's classic faded white look is appealing to collectors and can enhance its vintage appeal.

    Source
  • The guitar is noted for recording nicely, with a clear and thick tone suitable for a variety of musical styles without brittleness.

    Source

User experience

  • The guitar plays exceptionally well and maintains tuning stability even with tremolo use similar to Jeff Beck's style.

    Source
  • Despite non-original saddle adjustment screws, the guitar maintains high aesthetic and functional value among enthusiasts.

    Source

Build quality

  • The neck profile is thick at the heel and tapers to a thinner shape towards the nut, contributing to a comfortable playing experience.

    Source
  • The neck is noted as a slim, speedy design, contrasting with thicker necks from the late '50s.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • The fretwire has been upgraded to 6105 wire, enhancing playability while retaining a vintage feel.

    Source

Other

  • The original neck pickup cavity was rerouted to flip the pickup, a modification inspired by Jimi Hendrix's setup preferences.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Owners describe a brighter high end and more prominent mids compared to a 90's Japanese Strat, highlighting distinct tonal differences.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The guitar has a Brazilian rosewood fretboard, valued for its quality and distinct feel.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

5 star
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1 star
skylinerr

i got it back

i sold this to a friend years ago and he wanted to sell it recently do I bought it back all standard the most beautiful finish you could ever see

Genres:

Artist usage

Add artist
See how John Frusciante uses Fender Stratocaster 1964

John Frusciante

Guitarist

Red Hot Chili Peppers

...
Verified via YouTube

On BSSM tour 1991/92 Frusciante had 4 Fender Stratocasters , 1965-3 tone ( first time seen on this tour ), 1970-3 tone (used from 1989 after 1968 strat was stolen), his most used 1960 - faded red 3 tone as seen on SNL 92 and Canal Studios France 92 and this Candy Apple Red used rarely.

See how Jimmy Page uses Fender Stratocaster 1964

Jimmy Page

Guitarist

Led Zeppelin

...
Verified via YouTube
Color/Finish: Lake Placid Blue Year: 1964

Jimmy Page acquired his 1964 Fender Lake Placid Blue Stratocaster in April 1975 from Sam Ash in New York City and used it at the 1975 Earls Court shows for "No Quarter" and "Over The Hills And Far Away". It was also used in 1979 and 1980 for "In The Evening". You can see it around the 1:50 mark.

In the studio, Page used the Fender Stratocaster in the Presence sessions, on "For Your Life" and "Hots On For Nowhere".

Page continued to use the Stratocaster into the 1980's with The Firm.

jimmypage.co.uk/equipment.htm https://www.groundguitar.com/jimmy-page-gear/

See how Keith Urban uses Fender Stratocaster 1964

Keith Urban

Guitarist, Bassist

Artists of Then, Now & Forever

...
Verified via Photo
Color/Finish: Black Year: 1964

Keith commonly uses a black ‘64 Strat.

Modifications include just a master and volume tone. 250K Riboloff Engineering pots. DiMarzio Injectors in the bridge and neck. DiMarzio Area ‘67 in the middle.

He normally plays this with a capo on the first fret and uses NYXL 11s.

See how Wayne Sermon uses Fender Stratocaster 1964

Wayne Sermon

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Imagine Dragons

...
Verified via Guitar World

In an interview with Guitar World, Wayne Sermon mentioned that he used a 1964 Fender Fiesta Red Stratocaster to record the "Loom" album.

See how Steve Gaines uses Fender Stratocaster 1964

Steve Gaines

Guitarist

Lynyrd Skynyrd

...
Verified via Scribd

Steve Gaines, during his tenure with Lynyrd Skynyrd, utilized a 1964 Fender Stratocaster featuring a sunburst finish and a white pickguard. This information is substantiated by the document titled "Lynyrd Skynyrd - Steve Gaines Equipment History" authored by Sean, available on Scribd.

See how Dann Huff uses Fender Stratocaster 1964

Dann Huff

Guitarist, Music Producer

White Heart

...
Verified via Premier Guitar

"Huff had hardly played this 1964 Fender Stratocaster for 20 years when he walked by it before recording his latest solo album and deciding it was time to reconnect. It was heavily modded by builder James Tyler. The lower tone knob is also a push-pull switch to modify the pickup configurations; the middle tone knob is a mid-boost circuit, which can be toggled on or off with a push-pull function; and the volume pot is, well, just a volume pot. Huff explains the series of three switches, each assigned to one of the three pickups: 'Down is louder, up is softer.'"

See how Tom Keifer uses Fender Stratocaster 1964

Tom Keifer

Singer, Guitarist

Cinderella

...
Verified via Photo
Color/Finish: Sunburst Year: 1960s

In the 80’s, Tom used a couple of Strats. The years are unknown but I’m saying ‘60s because of the single string tree and smaller headstock and logo.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Fender Stratocaster 1964, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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1

Community setups

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trifuntlo

trifuntlo

Gear IQ 186

1 alternative for Fender Stratocaster 1964, curated by the Equipboard community.

Fender Custom Shop '64 Reissue Stratocaster Relic

$4,750.00

newer similar sound cheaper alternative

This guitar captures the '64 Strat down to the last detail with its 2-piece alder body, "C" profile neck, vintage hardware, and round-lam rosewood fingerboard that improved upon old-school “slab” fingerboards.

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