1963 Fender Stratocaster - '65 Factory Olympic White Refinish & Tortoise Pickguard

For your consideration, Garrett Park Guitars presents this 1963 Fender Stratocaster — a mojo-laden pre-CBS example with a rare factory refinish in custom-order Olympic White.

Originally finished in Sunburst, this Strat was returned to Fender in 1965, where it received a factory Olympic White refinish — a custom color that would soon become a defining aesthetic of ’60s Fenders. Evidence of its unique history remains visible beneath the surface: “SO White” (for “special order”) is stamped in the body cavity, alongside the marking “6559,” burned in with a soldering iron. Though Fender’s approach to marking factory refins was far from uniform, comparable examples from this period have shown similar identifiers. To complement the new finish, the guitar also received a factory tortoise-shell pickguard. (Please note: only the body was refinished; the neck retains its original 1963 nitro.)

The original 4-bolt maple neck, dated 2 JAN 63 B, features a Brazilian Rosewood fingerboard with clay dot markers and a shallow oval “C” profile (measuring .85" at the 1st fret and .97" at the 12th). When the body was refinished, Fender fitted the headstock with a transitional gold-silkscreen decal, bridging the early-’60s spaghetti logo era with the soon-to-follow bold CBS style. In 2009, the guitar received a professional vintage-correct 6105 refret, ensuring excellent playability while maintaining period-accurate feel. At 8lbs 3oz, this Strat is balanced and resonant, with the unmistakable acoustic liveliness that characterizes Fender’s golden era.

Electronics are original except for the potentiometers, which have been replaced with modern CTS units; 2 of the original Stackpole pots (304-6324) are included. The three original black-bobbin, staggered-pole single-coil pickups have never been rewound. Measuring 6.05k (neck), 6.03k (middle), and 5.92k Ω (bridge), they deliver the chime, snap, and harmonic richness that define early-’60s Strat tone. Although the bridge position cavity shows a shallow aftermarket rout, this modification was made at no expense to the guitar's set-up, playability, or sound. Additionally, a modern 5-way selector is installed for tonal versatility, though the original 3-way CRL 1452 switch accompanies the guitar.

Hardware is original throughout, including the “Pat. Pend.” bridge and saddles, Kluson Deluxe tuners, and the tremolo block and assembly (with a replacement trem arm). The finish exhibits tasteful checking, honest play-wear, and buckle rash — hallmarks of a well-loved instrument. There’s also a spot of pink paint near the rear strap button; limited to that area, it adds further character to the finish.

This 1963 Stratocaster represents an exceptional opportunity for the discerning player or collector seeking an authentic pre-CBS instrument with a documented Fender factory custom-color refinish — a historically significant and sonically inspiring example from one of Fender’s most celebrated periods.

It comes complete with its original brown Tolex hardshell case and case tag, as well as two of its original Stackpole pots and CRL switch.

Specifications

Model & Year

• Model: Fender Stratocaster

• Year: 1963

• Serial Number: 94095

Body

• Material: Alder

• Finish: Fender factory Olympic White (1965)

• Body Markings: “6559” (burned-in with soldering iron); “SO [Special Order] WHITE” stamped under finish

• Weight: 8lbs 3oz

Neck

• Material & Construction: Maple, 4-bolt

• Date: 2 JAN 63 B

• Profile: Shallow oval “C”

• Neck Depth: .85" (1st fret) / .97" (12th fret)

• Nut Width: 1.65"

• Fingerboard: Brazilian Rosewood with clay dot markers

• Frets: Vintage style 6105 refret (2009)

• Headstock: Transitional gold-silkscreen decal (installed during 1965 factory body-only refinish)

Hardware

• Tuners: Original Kluson Deluxe, 6-in-line

• Bridge: Original “Pat. Pend.” bridge and saddles; original tremolo block; replacement trem arm

Electronics

• Pickups: 3 original black-bobbin, staggered-pole single-coil pickups

  • Neck: 6.05k Ω

  • Middle: 6.03k Ω

  • Bridge: 5.92k Ω

• Wiring: Original cloth wiring

• Switch: Replacement 5-way selector (original 3-way CRL 1452 included)

• Pickguard: Original 4-ply white/black/white/tortoise shell

• Knobs: Original volume and tone controls

Condition

• Very Good — honest playwear, checking, and buckle rash consistent with age

Case & Accessories

• Original brown Tolex hardshell case

• Original Fender/Tolex hang-tag