1960s Fender Stratocaster Value Guide

Expert Appraisals • Pre-CBS / CBS Identification • Top-Dollar Offers for Vintage Fenders

Garrett Park Guitars has been a trusted vintage guitar authority since 1991, appraising instruments daily for collectors, individuals, estates, and insurance companies. If you want to know the current value of your 1960s Fender Stratocaster, this page will walk you through the key factors — and our experts can provide a professional appraisal within 24 hours via our Appraisals page.

If you'd like to compare your instrument to others on the market, you can also browse our current inventory of Vintage Fender Electrics.

📞 Call Us: 410-571-9660
📧 Email: info@gpguitars.com   
💬 Live Chat: Available on our website during business hours
🌐 Serving: MD, VA, WV, DC, PA, OH, the rest of the U.S., and Canada (we often travel to buy guitars)

We also buy vintage instruments and pay top dollar — and in many cases, we can come directly to you. If you prefer, we offer consignment services to help you sell your guitar for top dollar while we handle the entire process. Learn more on our Consignment page.

 

1965 Fender Stratocaster in custom Lake Placid Blue

How Much Is a 1960s Fender Stratocaster Worth?

Based on over 30 years of appraising and buying vintage Fender guitars, 1960s Fender Stratocasters typically range in value from $4,500 to over $100,000.

Because many visitors research value by comparing similar instruments, you’re welcome to explore our full selection of Vintage Fender Electrics for a sense of real-world market pricing.

This wide value range reflects differences in:

  • Year

  • Originality

  • Condition

  • Finish and color

  • Fingerboard type

  • Electronic originality

  • Pre-CBS vs. CBS era

  • Provenance, paperwork, and case

  • Rarity and modifications

Like the stock market, vintage guitar values change over time, making professional appraisal essential.

📞 For an exact valuation: 410-571-9660
📧 info@gpguitars.com
Or request a full evaluation on our Appraisals page

 

1963 Fender Stratocaster in custom Olympic White

Understanding Pre-CBS and CBS era Stratocasters

One of the most important distinctions in the Fender world is the 1965 transition, when Leo Fender sold the company to CBS.

What “Pre-CBS” Means

Pre-CBS refers to guitars built before January 1965. These models are especially prized for:

  • Brazilian rosewood fingerboards

  • Fuller neck profiles

  • Early ’60s craftsmanship

  • Vintage pickup winds

  • High build consistency

Pre-CBS Stratocasters from 1960–1964 generally command the highest values of the decade.

Pre-CBS (1960) Strat featuring a Brazilian rosewood fingerboard, "mint-green" pickguard, original small headstock, and faded 3-tone sunburst finish 

What “CBS Era” Means

CBS Era refers to guitars built after the 1965 sale.

CBS-era changes included:

  • Slimmer necks

  • Different production methods

  • Material changes

  • New finishes and hardware evolution

Many 1965–1969 CBS Stratocasters remain extremely collectible, especially custom colors and clean examples — but they typically bring lower prices than their Pre-CBS counterparts.

If you want a deeper dive into the full history of the Fender Stratocaster, check out our Fender Stratocaster History page.

If you’re unsure which era your guitar belongs to, we can identify it quickly based on serial numbers, neck stamps, pickup codes, and internal components. Schedule a professional evaluation via our Appraisals page page.


CBS-era (1969) Strat in Olympic White with white pickguard, rosewood veneer fingerboard, and larger headstock 

Factors That Determine Your Stratocaster’s Value

1. Serial Number & Date Codes

  • Neck heel date

  • Potentiometer codes

  • Pickup dates

  • Body stamps and shop markings

All help verify authenticity and year.

2. Originality of Parts

Original pickups, plastics, hardware, and finish dramatically impact value. Replaced or missing parts can lower it.

3. Fingerboard Type

  • Slab Brazilian rosewood (1960–62)

  • Veneer Brazilian rosewood (1962–65)

  • Indian rosewood (mid/late ’60s)

  • Maple cap (introduced in late ’60s)

Brazilian rosewood examples command a premium.

4. Functionality & Playability

We examine:

  • Truss rod function

  • Neck angle

  • Originality of solder joints

  • Fret condition

  • Nut replacement

  • Tuner performance

5. Color & Rarity

Original custom colors can multiply a guitar’s value.

High-demand finishes include:
Shell Pink, Dakota Red, Cimarron Red, Lake Placid Blue, Olympic White, Foam Green, Burgundy Mist, and others.

6. Condition

Wear, structural health, and originality matter significantly. Clean examples bring top dollar.

7. Original Case & Accessories

Original case, tags, paperwork, tremolo arm, strap, and other accessories can substantially increase value.

8. Hardtail vs. Tremolo

Some hardtail Stratocasters fetch more than tremolo models depending on color and year.

We Buy 1960s Fender Stratocasters — Top Dollar Paid

We regularly travel to:

  • Maryland

  • Virginia

  • West Virginia

  • Washington DC

  • Pennsylvania

  • Ohio

  • And anywhere in the U.S. and Canada

We may even come directly to you to purchase your guitar.
If you’d like, we also offer consignment services to sell your instrument for top dollar while we handle the sale. Learn more on our Consignment page.

📞 Call us today: 410-571-9660

FAQ: Common Questions About 1960s Stratocaster Values

Can you appraise my guitar online?

Yes — send photos to info@gpguitars.com or request a full evaluation on our Appraisals page.

What if some parts are replaced?

We can assess originality and determine how modifications affect value.

I don’t know the exact year — can you tell me?

Yes. Year can be determined through multiple internal and external features.

Browse Vintage Fender Electrics

If you want to compare your guitar to current market offerings, browse our curated inventory of Vintage Fender Electrics, including Stratocasters, Telecasters, Jaguars, Jazzmasters, Mustangs, Duo-Sonics, and more.

Get Your 1960s Fender Strat Appraised or Consigned Today

 

Appraisals & Consignment Services

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Get a professional evaluation of your vintage Stratocaster in 24 hours.

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Consignment Services

We handle selling your instrument safely and efficiently, maximizing your return.

Learn About Consignment

Call us: 410-571-9660
Email: info@gpguitars.com
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