The early 1960s marked a turning point in music—rock and roll evolving, the British Invasion on the horizon, and electric guitar tone beginning to define generations. The Stratocaster was at the center of it all. Artists like Jimi Hendrix would later lean heavily on early-’60s Strats, while Stevie Ray Vaughan’s legendary “Number One” carried the DNA of a ’63 body.

At Willcutt Guitars, we’ve had the privilege of owning an exceptional original 1963 Stratocaster—one that became more than just an instrument. It was a reference point. A benchmark. A guitar that consistently inspired anyone who picked it up, delivering unmistakable clarity, warmth, and that slightly sharper edge that defines the best early-’60s Strats.

“The 63” Masterbuilt Strat is the ultimate tribute to that instrument.

Crafted at the Fender Custom Shop by Master Builder Dale Wilson—one of the most highly sought-after builders in the world—this version represents the highest level of detail, feel, and tone replication possible. Every element has been carefully studied and refined—from the response of the pickups to the overall resonance and feel—to capture not just the specs, but the soul of the original guitar Bob Willcutt held onto for years.

The result is a Strat that feels instantly familiar yet undeniably special. Tonally, it lives right between sweetness and bite—offering glassy cleans, woody midrange, and a touch more edge than a typical ’62-style Strat. It’s articulate, dynamic, and incredibly responsive to the player.

Finished in a thin skin nitrocellulose lacquer and brought to life through detailed aging, each guitar reflects decades of natural playwear, enhancing both resonance and feel. From the hardware to the plastics, every component is selected and treated to mirror the character of a well-loved vintage original.

This Masterbuilt run represents the pinnacle of our “The 63” series—an uncompromising recreation of one of the most inspiring guitars to pass through our shop.

Each guitar includes a special Willcutt “The 63” Strat certificate of authenticity and comes housed in a Willcutt Guitars badged case.

Body Wood: Alder (2-Piece)
Body Style: 1960 Stratocaster
Finish: Nitrocellulose Lacquer (Thin Skin)
Color: Surf Green
Neck Wood: Rift Sawn Maple
Neck Finish: Medium Tint Nitrocellulose Lacquer (Heavy Relic)
Neck Shape: 60's Style Oval “C”
Fingerboard Material: AAA Rosewood (Round Lam)
Fingerboard Radius: 9.5"
Number of Frets: 21
Fret Size: Narrow Tall (6105)
Nut Width: 1.650"
Neck Depth: .875"–.950"
Inlays: Vintage Clay Dots
Side Dots: Vintage Clay
Truss Rod: Early ’60s Style
Headstock: Small (’63 Strat Decal, 3 Patent Numbers)
Tuning Machines: Vintage-Style Fender (Relic)
Bridge: Vintage-Style Strat Tremolo (Relic)
Bridge Saddles: Vintage-Style
Neck Plate: Vintage “R” Series (Relic)
Back Plate: Vintage Strat Eggshell (.060, Relic)
Pickguard: 3-Ply (Greenish/Black/Green Nitro Relic)
Controls: Strat Vintage Modified Wiring #2
Switching: 5-Way Lever (CRL)
Knobs: Vintage White (Relic)
Pickups: The '63 Pickups (Neck | Middle | Bridge)
Pots: 250K 10% Taper Split
String Tree: Vintage 59–64 Metal (Relic)
Trem Arm: Vintage Upgraded ’60s
Notes: Thin Skin Lacquer | Heavy Relic Neck | No Finish from 1st–12th Fret