Hi gang.

I do stringed instrument tech at a local music store here in mid Michigan.

Last week, I had a customer stop in to see if we serviced guitars (we/I do).

Long story short, he stops back in with a gorgeous vintage strat. He swears up and down that he bought it in '59.

However...

All signs point to it being more in the area of '63-'65 (L series s/n, rosewood fingerboard, 3 ply pickguard, etc.)

What I'm looking for is a little more ammunition to try to explain where I'm coming up with my date vs. his memory. Mainly, does anyone know approximatley when the switch was made from 1 ply to 3 ply guards, or when rosewood fingerboard became an option?

He's a nice guy, and I hate to come off sounding like "you're old and just don't remember". He's also a little leery about pulling the neck off although I assured him it's safe if done properly and will probably end our debate altogether.

Anyway, if he's totally unwilling to pull the neck, what else could I use to help him to understand that it's a little younger than he thinks? All input is appreciated.

Rosewood was introduced in 59.
3 ply in 1960.

I suppose it could be the latter end of 59, but it's a longshot.

Have you tried dating the pot codes?

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No no and no

The change to 3ply rosewood fretboard came in ´59 as long as I know, so that could well be a ´59 Stratocaster.

Four years are half of the life for an 8 year old boy, it´s nothing for an old man.


Cheers,
Robin

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http://www.youtube.com/robinstrower
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Awesome. Thanks guys! I did mention to my customer about pot codes as well as neck/body dates, and he's just nervous about digging in to his axe, which I understand.

I'm not trying to argue with the guy, I just like to make sure my customers have correct information if or when they decide to part with their instrument or in some cases for insurance purposes.

Those dates will definitly help. I appreciate it!

If Robin says 59 was the introduction of the 3ply scratchplate, then I defer to his greater knowledge.
So other than something being very wrong. I'd say the old fella is right.

Lots of great info here, which does indeed prove Robin right about the scratchplate date.
http://home.provide.net/~cfh/fender.html
L series strats have a serial number beginning with L.

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No no and no