This 1968 Fender Stratocaster is a strong, honest example from a transitional period in Fender’s history. Finished in 3 tone sunburst, the red has naturally faded across the front, a trait often seen on guitars from this era, with some of the original colour still visible beneath the pickguard.
The guitar retains a high level of originality. It features its original black bottom pickups, all dated January 1968, along with original CTS pots dated to 1966. The electronics remain largely untouched, aside from the selector switch which has been upgraded to a 5 way. The original round ceramic capacitor is still present.
The birdseye maple neck with rosewood fingerboard feels comfortable and familiar, with pearl dot inlays and its original finish intact. The headstock decal shows some wear, consistent with age. It is fitted with original F-style tuners, original frets, and the original nut, all contributing to the overall integrity of the instrument.
Hardware remains largely original throughout, including the bridge and pickguard with its aluminium shielding. The tremolo cover is original, though the screws have been replaced. The guitar is housed in its original hard shell case.
In the hands it feels settled and responsive, with that familiar late 60s Strat character. The pickups read in a balanced range, offering clarity and definition with enough output to cover a wide range of styles.
Overall, this is a well preserved and original 1968 Stratocaster that shows the natural ageing and features expected from the period, without losing its usability as a player.
Specs:
Action at 1st Fret: 0.25mm
Action at 12th Fret: 1.25mm
Neck Depth at 1st Fret: 22.00mm
Neck Depth at 12th Fret: 23.95mm
Nut Width: 41.0mm
Width at 12th Fret: 50.98mm
Weight: 3.740kg
Model: Fender Stratocaster
Year: 1968
Serial Number: 218373
Finish: 3 tone sunburst (faded)
Body: Alder
Neck: Birdseye maple
Fingerboard: Rosewood
Pickups: Original black bottom single coils (dated Jan 1968)
Pickup Readings: Bridge 5.67k / Middle 6.08k / Neck 5.87k
Electronics: Original with ceramic cap
Pots: Original CTS (1966, 18th week)
Switch: 5 way (replaced)
Tuners: Original F style
Frets: Original
Nut: Original
Pickguard: Original with aluminium shielding
Bridge: Original
Case: Original hard shell case
Crafted in: USA
