1983 Fender American Vintage Reissue AVRI '62 Stratocaster 3-Tone Sunburst (Fullerton Plant)

1983 Fender American Vintage Reissue '62 Stratocaster – Fullerton's Finest

The Altitude Summary
This 1983 Fender AVRI '62 Stratocaster represents the best of Fender’s early American Vintage Reissue series, built at the original Fullerton, CA factory using Pre-CBS equipment. This iconic reissue faithfully captures the essence of the legendary 1962 Stratocaster with its alder body, nitrocellulose lacquer finish, slab rosewood fretboard, and original black bottom pickups. Period-correct details like potentiometer date codes from the 48th week of 1982 and a pencil-dated neck stamped 6-21-1983 ensure its authenticity. With its bell-like tones, authentic playability, and historical significance, this Stratocaster is a collector’s dream and a joy to play.

Fullerton, CA – Original Plant, First Reissues
Fender’s first American Vintage Reissue Stratocasters (1982–1984) were essentially the precursor to Custom Shop instruments. Built in Fullerton, CA, on the same machinery used to produce the revered Pre-CBS models, these guitars represent Fender’s dedication to replicating the sound and feel of their most iconic designs. Led by the Dan Smith-era team, Fender chose the 1957 and 1962 Stratocasters as templates for their historical and musical importance, capturing the timeless playability and tone of Leo Fender’s original creations.

Authentic Vintage Craftsmanship
The slim C-shaped maple neck and 7.25-inch radius rosewood fretboard offer the smooth, comfortable playability of a true vintage guitar. Its 21 vintage-style frets and Fullerton-crafted curves deliver the feel of an original 1962 Strat. The pickups provide quintessential Strat tones:

• Neck Pickup: Iconic bell-like chime and clarity for clean, soulful playing.
• Bridge Pickup: Twangy, punchy tones perfect for rock, blues, and early surf sounds.

Era-Correct Features

• Body: 2-piece alder with nitrocellulose lacquer finish, stamped and dated in the tremolo cavity (12-20-1982) with "Robles" marking in the pickup cavity.
• Neck: Pencil-dated and stamped 6-21-1983, with light finish checking and original waterslide logo.
• Electronics: Original black bottom pickups, potentiometer dates from the 48th week of 1982, CTS pots, and a 5-way blade switch.
• Condition: Excellent with lacquer checking, minor dings, and minimal fret wear.
• Extras: Includes the original case with two springs and whammy bar.

Key Highlights:

• Vintage-accurate construction using original Fullerton equipment.
• Bell-like tones from the neck pickup and bright, twangy bridge tones.
• Original AVRI pickups, electronics, and hardware for authentic sound and feel.
• Nitrocellulose lacquer finish that ages gracefully over time.

A Piece of Fender History
This Fullerton-built AVRI '62 Stratocaster captures the heart of Fender’s golden era, combining unparalleled craftsmanship with authentic vintage tones. Perfect for players and collectors alike, it’s a rare opportunity to own a historically significant guitar that plays and sounds as good as it looks.

Add this timeless Strat to your collection and experience the sound of Fender’s legacy.