The Fender Custom Shop Limited Edition 1963 Stratocaster in Olive Drab was made for Namm and is a striking blend of modern craftsmanship and vintage inspiration. Created by Fender's Custom Shop—known for producing meticulously crafted instruments—this limited edition model brings the 1963 Stratocaster's iconic features to life while offering a unique, faux 'military' -inspired colorway in Olive Drab.

The original 1963 Fender Stratocaster was part of the golden era of Strat production, known for its sought-after tone, playability, and aesthetic. By 1963, the Strat had firmly established itself as the go-to guitar for musicians across various genres, from rock to blues. The Custom Shop’s 2014 reissue pays homage to this pivotal year, offering a model that not only reflects the key specs of the time but also embodies the spirit of innovation that Fender was known for.

Specifications

This 2014 Namm Limited Edition** model boasts historically accurate features alongside some modern touches for enhanced playability and performance. Some key specs include:

- Body: Alder body with a nitrocellulose lacquer finish in a rare Olive Drab color. 
- Neck: Maple neck with a “C” shape profile, modeled after the 1963 original specs. The neck features a rosewood fretboard, adding warmth and depth to the guitar's sound.
- Frets: 21 vintage-style frets with a 9,5” radius, reflecting a more popular take on the era's original specs
- Pickups: Hand-wound Fender Custom Shop single-coil pickups, designed to mimic the tonal characteristics of early 1960s Strat pickups. These pickups deliver a clear, bell-like tone with plenty of spank and snap, ideal for blues, rock, and even funk styles.
- Hardware: Vintage-correct hardware, including a synchronized tremolo bridge, nickel/chrome tuners, and period-accurate pickup covers, knobs, and switch tip.
- Wiring: 5-way pickup selector switch (an upgrade from the original 3-way) allowing for more tonal versatility.

Vintage Vibe

The Olive Drab finish is a key feature that sets this 2014 Limited Edition apart. The color, inspired by military gear, adds a rugged, utilitarian aesthetic to the classic Strat design, making it stand out among typical sunburst, black, and white finishes. Combined with the aged nitrocellulose lacquer, the guitar takes on a vintage, worn-in look that gives the player a sense of history right out of the case. The relic treatment by the Custom Shop adds subtle wear marks, checking, and patina, evoking the feel of a well-loved guitar that's seen years of gigging and playing.

Playability and Tone

Whether you're looking for classic Strat quack in the in-between positions or glassy lead tones from the bridge pickup, this guitar covers a wide tonal range. It works beautifully for players looking to evoke classic sounds from artists like Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, or Stevie Ray Vaughan.

Value and Collectibility

As a **limited edition Custom Shop model**, the Olive Drab Stratocaster holds significant value in both craftsmanship and collectibility. The attention to detail, hand-wound pickups, and Fender Custom Shop relic treatment make it a standout among more mass-produced instruments. Limited numbers also ensure that it becomes increasingly desirable as a collector’s item.

While its initial retail price was in the higher range typical of Custom Shop instruments, the guitar’s value has held steady over the years. In the pre-owned market, models like these often fetch premium prices, especially given the rarity of the Olive Drab finish.

For collectors, players, and Strat enthusiasts, the Fender Custom Shop Limited Edition 1963 Stratocaster in Olive Drab** represents an exceptional blend of history, tone, and aesthetic appeal, making it a coveted piece for those seeking a distinctive and highly playable vintage-inspired instrument.