Diminished Triad
New member
Looking to buy a 1962 Fender Strat in good condition. I'm more interested in great play than I am great looks - and really hoping neck and body in good condition. I can deal with problem pups or tuners. I found a short write up of what went on in 1962 and some changes to look for (see below). If you don't have a '62 for sale would appreciate your pointing me in the right direction. THANKS!
1962 brought a number of changes to the Fender Stratocaster. The most mentionable is the change of the neck. In August 1962 Fender felt the "slab" rosewood fingerboard was too thick, and changed to a thinner "veneer" style. Instead of the bottom of the fingerboard being flat, it was now radiused just like the top playing surface of the fingerboard (making the rosewood much thinner). This changed the Strat's sound a bit, making it less full and less warm. Also in March 1962 Fender changed from a hand-written neck date on the butt of the neck to a rubber stamped date. The neck width was also part of the stamp, most commonly the "B" width. Paint procedures also changed in late 1962 with Fender now using a "stick" to hold the guitar in the neck pocket while painting the Stratocaster.
1962 brought a number of changes to the Fender Stratocaster. The most mentionable is the change of the neck. In August 1962 Fender felt the "slab" rosewood fingerboard was too thick, and changed to a thinner "veneer" style. Instead of the bottom of the fingerboard being flat, it was now radiused just like the top playing surface of the fingerboard (making the rosewood much thinner). This changed the Strat's sound a bit, making it less full and less warm. Also in March 1962 Fender changed from a hand-written neck date on the butt of the neck to a rubber stamped date. The neck width was also part of the stamp, most commonly the "B" width. Paint procedures also changed in late 1962 with Fender now using a "stick" to hold the guitar in the neck pocket while painting the Stratocaster.
