FENDER STRATOCASTER - 1964 pre-CBS "L" SERIES WITH OHSC SERIAL # L279XX Start Price USD 6,500.00 Current Price USD 6,500.00 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Saturday, September 27, 2008 End Time Tuesday, October 07, 2008 Location Valparaiso, Indiana See more about 'FENDER STRATOCASTER - 1964 pre-CBS "L" SERIES WITH OHSC' Description FENDER STRATOCASTER 1964 PRE-CBS "L" SERIES SERIAL # L279XX Before we even get started, I would like you to know that I inspected this guitar and noted everything I could find in this listing. I honestly don't believe that I left anything out but in case I did, I'll apologize in advance. As it is, I've taken three days to do all this and took a lot of pictures for you to study to see exactly what it is I'm talking about. And when you're talking about spending this kind of money on something you can't hold in your hands, see for yourself or be able to discuss face to face, I think it's best for all concerned to be open and honest up front. As you're reading the description I'd like you to bear in mind that I received this guitar as a present for my 14th. birthday. I can remember my father taking me to the music store and allowing me to pick out the guitar I wanted. He passed away shortly thereafter, but I'll still have those memories. Also keep in mind, that I was young and also did some really stupid things in my youth. One of which, was not knowing what I had and that these things would be worth what they are today. Otherwise, I'd not have done what I did with this guitar. Of course, as I got older I began to `see the light' and started to correct some of my mistakes. On top of it, I tried to do it right, or as right as I was able, given the time period and materials available. And thus begins the journey.... "I swear to tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth..." OK, yeah, I messed with the guitar...bigtime. Then as I had previously said, I also realized the errors of my ways. So I took it to someone who knows more than I do about finishes and the like and started having the mistakes corrected. The first was to have it refinished. I went to Stewart-Macdonald and purchased the correct acetate paints for having it redone, but I also had to buy some additional parts to replace the ones I'd carelessly lost. But what I didn't know at the time was that someone whom I thought to be a trusted friend, was secreting parts of my Stratocaster out of my house, one part at a time! Of course by the time I had realized it, it was really too late to do anything about it. Besides, we're talking several hundred miles and over 20 year's worth of time now and I know that I can't get those parts back, and that's where we are now. I'm still missing a pickup, and many of the parts aren't original. (But at the same time, even the parts I've purchased would now probably qualify as `vintage" simply because they were purchased in the early 70's.) What started all of this was that I had decided that I wanted to tinker around with the guitar, and when I got done, I had two Gibson humbucking pickups and a Bigsby vibrato tailpiece mounted on the thing and even had it refinished to a different color. It worked fine and sounded good too. And then something happened: `Common sense' kicked in, and it's still kicking me hard every time I think about it, much to my chagrin. Now, we can look at this from both sides now that a full confession has been made. Yeah, `technically" it's still a pre-CBS Fender Stratocaster. The original neck and the original body. And yes, I still have two out of the three original pickups and the select switch (the little weaseling thief just wasn't quite fast enough....but I had lost a few parts myself). The strap buttons are also original. So's the jack plate and jack, and I still have the original spring cover plate for the back (plus a replacement). And that's about all. What this instrument is missing parts wise, is one pickup. So OK, it's not completely original. But it still can be completed and restored as close as possible to the original item. It's going to be stretching the truth a bit, but you could probably say (for the most part ;) that it's a pre-CBS Fender Strat. Sometimes, what someone else doesn't know can be your `own little secret'. Besides, I'm not asking 15 to 20 grand for it either (not that I don't wish I couldn't be doing that right now). I hope I'm being reasonable with this starting price, all things considered, and you'll see the value of this offering. (I know someone `smart' will....) So let's talk about the guitar itself, mainly the neck and the body. This is the original neck and body. The neck is dated "2FEB64B". The serial number plate, which I still have, has the serial number L279XX stamped on it and it too, is original. BUT, the string tuners were replaced with Grovers, mainly because the original tuners would slip out of tune if you looked at it for more than a second or two. OK, so Grover AND Fender said they wouldn't fit. (Strange, I think they fit quite nicely and it's something I don't regret. I like they way they look, but you might think other wise.) The nut is the original, too and it has never been re-fretted. And as you can see in one of the pictures, it also still has the original Fender decal on the headstock, with the three patent numbers as well as the original string retainer. The frets show some wear, but that's the original clay dots you see and not pearl inlays and yes, when I had the guitar refinished, I requested that the neck was to be re-coated in the original style of acetate. For the most part, it looks close to being newer in appearance. Anyway, the neck appears to be straight and other than the normal wear from use, the rosewood fret board doesn't appear to have any unusual cracks or damage that I can readily detect. It's as it was when I got it new.. Ok, let's talk about the guitar's body. It is the original body that came with the guitar, and some of the original markings remain inside. (I also think that the guy that did the refinishing did an astonishing job.) Now, here's the 'other bad part": When the humbuckers were installed, part of the wood was cut out to make room for those monsters, leaving a big, gaping area. I could have left it as it was, but instead, chose to have it filled in and restored as close as possible to the original shape of the original wood. It's some type of resin filler and that's about all I can tell you about it, but the pick guard covers the entire area and it's completely hidden from view. The filler has shrunk a bit from the wood as it aged, but the job was done so well that the filer is still strongly attached in place. WILL IT AFFECT THE SOUND??? I don't know. Probably, but most likely not so much that anybody, even with a trained ear, could ever notice. I still think it'll sound like an original Strat. If you recall, I mentioned that it had a Bigsby tailpiece attached to it. It was rather large and of course, it screwed into the body. Rather than use a filling compound, the screw holes were drilled out and it had wooden plugs fitted into the places the holes were. (The guy that did this also did an awsome job here, too.) I bring this up, so that when you look at the photos, you will know what it is that's being pointed out by the guitar pick tips in the photo. Most of the time you can't even see it unless the light plays on it from a certain angle, and I almost overlooked it completely until it caught my eye as I was moving the body around in the sunlight. To me, it's trivial and much better than some `obvious off-colored filler' and then painted over where they'd stick out like sore thumbs. And of course, there still are some wear marks from being moved about from city to city over the last 20 years, and the usual dings and dents, but I think the pictures can speak louder than this description. About the pickups. As you can see in the photo's, I have two of the original pickups, plus several other parts, mostly which aren't original. Now, there's really a couple of options here that I can think of to solve this problem. One is to purchase an original from Ebay. Another is to go to Stewart-Macdonald and purchase a replacement, for around $50.00. Or, you can go a bit further, and purchase a complete, pre-wired pick guard with the pickups and controls for somewhere between $150-200.00, depending on the model you choose. What this all boils down to, is that it's going to take another fifty or so in parts at the minimum, to get this guitar back on its feet and playing again. Again, we're also talking about several thousands of dollars less than some of them are getting on Ebay, even as we speak. If you need a copy of the wiring digram for a 60's Strat, you can get it from Fender's website. I'll also throw a copy on a separate CD-rom and send it along, just to be sure you have it. It'll have the wiring diagram, parts placement diagram and parts list in .pdf form (Adobe Acrobat). If you're a Fender Stratocaster purist, then this instrument isn't for you. If on the other hand, you want to say that you own a pre-CBS strat, then maybe this is the way for you to go. After all, it also has the original case which to some, says most everything for you. It's the right color and style for the '64 Strat. The serial number plate is '64 Strat, the neck is '64 Strat and so's the body and some other parts. And it looks really good, considering everything that it's been through, but I'll let the pictures speak for themselves. If you're wondering why I'm selling it, it's because I'm `gettin' up there' in age and I don't think I'll be joining another band any time soon ;) Remember, I got this when I was 14, in 1964. Also, I really don't feel much like playing any more, so maybe someone else could get the enjoyment of music that I had for so many years. I can't begin to tell you how many professional gigs I had played, or the countless bars and dance venues, or even how much money I made while having fun doing it. Yeah, I was a union musician for several years, too. Don't knock the unions, either. They kept us busy, and that's because we worked with them, out playing rather than thinking we were some type of musical `stars' and too good for their wages. Had a lot of fun and played a lot of music (not to mention, I really don't even remember getting home from a few of the gigs. LOL =) Yeah, the guitar has a history and so do I. We had a lot of fun together....BIGTIME! Look at the pictures and be sure you've read everything I've said. Be sure that you would like to finish this guitar and put it to good use, getting as much enjoyment from it as you're able. I'd finish it, but my life's taken a direction that neither provides me with enough free time to even pick a guitar up to play, let alone, remember to get around to finishing the project because of the things going on with my work and other things I'm working on at the present. So look at it this way: Here's a chance for you to get a pre-CBS Strat and not spend 15 to 25 grand while doing it. Ok, so it's not completely 100 percent original. So what? It still is what it is, and even the replacement parts I'll be sending to you along with it are over 25 years old. Maybe that's `close enough'? Ok, this is a ten day auction. That's plenty of time to think about it before bidding, check shipping charges, customs and ask questions. The question is whether or not you believe that this really is a great opportunity for you to own Pre-CBS Stratocaster that's going to look good for its age and that should sound like it should. Yeah, it's not perfect and yeah, it's not completely original, but is that enough to stop you from taking advantage of an opportunity like this? You really could have something that someone else can only dream about and do so for a reasonable price, as compared to the asking prices on some of these guitars. The great thing is that most people will be none the wiser and will only see that it's a pre-CBS Strat you're playing, and who's going to know otherwise unless you tell them yourself? Isn't that the point? SHIPPING AND HANDLING: When this guitar is packed for shipment, I want you to know that just because I'm selling it, doesn't mean that I still don't care about it. It's been a loyal, true friend and I will be treating it that way. And just because you're buying it, doesn't mean that I don't care whether or not it arrives safely, so I'll be packing it carefully for shipment. Don't plan on my building a special shipping case for it, but I'll be hitting you up for another $50.00 for packing materials, handling and drop off to the shipper. (Just to give you an idea: Two heavy duty shipping boxes ($17.50 each) plus shipping peanuts ($12.00 worth), plus one smaller box ($2.50) and a roll of tape ($3.00) with a total of $52.50 in real costs.) Also figure in about three days to get all the materials together and get it packed up, but only after the purchase funds are successfully transferred into my bank account (that also takes two to three days). And if I get a bid on the guitar a few days before the auction ends, I'll start getting the materials together sooner, than later. What I'm planning to do, is to pack the spare parts separately in another box rather than put them in with the guitar to bang around inside the case during shipment. Besides, the shipping boxes need to be quite a bit bigger to provide a good buffer zone between the guitar and the outside world. That also means that it'll be what's considered as an `over sized package' and of course, it may require an additional fee by the shipper. But for this kind of money, I think it's worth every additional penny and well spent. As for the shipping charges, you'll only be required to cover the actual shipping costs. I've never tried to profit from the shipping costs and in reality, it seems to cost more than what the shipping calculator says it should. IMMEDIATE PAYMENT IS REQUIRED: As much as it pains me to do this, I'm only going to accept payment through PayPal. Yeah, I should probably just go ahead and bend over between Ebay's new fee structure and PayPal's handling fees, but it's going to save some time for the transaction to be completed. Please don't ask me to accept any other forms of payment 'cause I won't, and I really do expect an immediate payment at the auction's end. People already know I'll re-list an item if these terms aren't met, so if you're serious, you'll also be ready to start the ball rolling and not delay in making your payment. You also have the choices of using your VISA/AMEX/DISCOVER/MASTERCARD and BANK CARD through PayPal. All sales are final and I believe I've disclosed information that's accurate and truthful in the description. Yes, I may have missed something, but it's unlikely. If I did, I apologize in advance and let me assure you, it wasn't intentional. You have several pictures to study as well, so take the time to look at them carefully before you make your purchase. AND ABOVE ALL, BE SURE TO ASK QUESTIONS IF YOU DON"T UNDERSTAND SOMETHING OR NEED SOMETHING EXPLAINED. Of course, if you wait until the auction's almost over because the chances of your getting a replay in time will be greatly lessened. (Usually on the last day of the auction if I'm able, I'll try to give return answers on questions that are simple and quick to answer but only if they don't require any research on my part, like shipping rates to some place I didn't even know existed until you made it known to me. And please don't come at me with any wacky, off the wall or low-ball offers in hopes of circumventing the system. First of all, I'm not interested, and secondly, I'll turn it over to Ebay to deal with. It is what it is: A straight, ten day auction. If the first bidder flakes out and doesn't pay on time, then I'll look at the `second chance' options available to me at the time. What that means, is that if you're the `runner up bidder', you may still have a chance. INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING: Yes, I'll ship this item internationally, but you should be aware that it can be very expensive. Maybe even more than it's worth to do, but if you want the guitar badly enough I'm not going to presume preventing you from having your wishes fulfilled. BUT, you do the shipping calculations and it's also your responsibility to determine if it's acceptable to ship through customs before bidding. Also be aware that there `may be other limitations on shipping' too, so be sure to research it completely. Then, if there's some question, let me know and I'll try to help if I'm able. Of course, with enough additional time if you choose a different shipping method, we'll do what we can to work it out with you.  <u>Payment will be expected at the auction's end and I'll only do this for up to two days before the auction's end.</u>  It's time consuming and with the time differences, weekends, etc.,  it could possibly mean that you won't get your answer soon enough that you could get your bid in on time. (Just thought you should know....) INSURANCE AND WARRANTY: Insurance will be required and is not included as part of the purchase price. There's no way that I'm going to ship this guitar without having it properly insured, and it'll be insured for the full amount for which it sold. If you're an international bidder, I will not falsify documents stating that the guitar was worth less than what you paid for it, so please don't ask: It protects me and your investment. In addition, this item is being sold as is, as shown and described. All sales will be final, so be sure you want to buy this item before bidding on it. There will be no refunds, replacements or returns. No warranty is expressed or implied. Just a quick note about the photographs. For instance, I took about twice as many pictures but even with a tripod and flash, I couldn't get my camera to properly focus on items like the end of the neck with the date stamp on it. Rest assured that it really is stamped with the date code as indicated in the text. The picture of the two original pickups show the date code of May of 1964. You can be sure that the information is correct here, too. All of the original parts and all of the additional parts are shown in two separate pictures. As far as I can determine, I left out one part in the non-original parts picture and that was the capacitor. It'll be included with your shipment. Otherwise, except for a missing original pickup and some wire, I think you have everything else you need to complete a restoration. This would be one nice axe for someone who takes their time and does it right. So now you've read the descriptions and seen the pictures and hopefully, have read and understand the terms for this auction. Here's your chance and it won't last long. Trust me, I have no doubt someone will take advantage of this phenominal opportunity. Will it be YOU? THANKS FOR LOOKING! BID EARLY AND BID OFTEN!!! DON'T LET THIS OPPORTUNITY PASS YOU BY.... Place a Bid!