'62 Stratocaster Vintage Series - Guitar amplifier FENDER - Free user manual and instructions

Product Type	Electric Guitar
Model	'62 Stratocaster Vintage Series
Body Material	Alder (contoured)
Neck Material	White Maple
Fretboard Material	Rosewood
Number of Frets	21 (deep cutaway for access)
Pickups	3 single-coil: Rhythm, Normal Tone, Lead
Pickup Selector Switch	3 positions: Forward (rhythm), Middle (straight rhythm), Rear (lead)
Controls	1 Volume, 2 Tone (for rhythm and straight rhythm pickups)
Tremolo	Fender built-in tremolo with tension springs
Tremolo Arm	Conveniently located, swings out of the way
Bridge	6 individual micro-adjustable bridges with height and length adjustment
Truss Rod	Adjustable neck truss rod
Tuning Keys	Modern styled head, keys on one side, steel and brass gears
Hardware Finish	Case hardened, chrome plated metal parts
Case	Fender hard shell case with plush lining
Warranty	Limited 1 year from date of original retail purchase
Manufacturer	Fender Musical Instruments, Brea, California

Frequently Asked Questions - '62 Stratocaster Vintage Series FENDER

How do I adjust the neck truss rod on my Stratocaster?

Lay the guitar on a flat surface. Insert a small standard-head screwdriver into the nut at the end of the neck near the pickguard. Turn counterclockwise if the neck bows up (convex), clockwise if it is concave. Have someone hold the body while you depress or raise the neck to ease pressure. Adjust in quarter-turn increments.

How do I adjust the string length (intonation) on the bridge?

Each bridge bar has a longitudinal screw. If the note at the 12th fret is flat compared to the harmonic, turn the screw counterclockwise to move the bridge toward the neck. If sharp, turn clockwise. Adjust fractionally and check repeatedly.

How do I change the pickup height for tone balance?

Use the two end screws on each pickup to elevate or lower it. Adjust to accentuate or lessen treble or bass string response according to your playing needs.

How do I adjust the tremolo spring tension?

Remove the bottom cover plate. The tremolo springs are attached to a bracket with two Phillips head screws. Tighten or loosen these screws to adjust spring tension. Proper tension ensures the tremolo block has about 3/16" clearance from the body cut-out when strings are at standard pitch.

How do I install new strings without upsetting the tremolo?

Replace strings one at a time. Remove and replace one string, tune it to pitch, then move to the next. This maintains tension balance and avoids needing to adjust the tremolo spring bracket.

What if I remove all strings at once?

Install a new complete set. Tighten strings until the tremolo block touches the rear of the body cut-out. Then pull back the tremolo arm, insert a 3/16" spacer between the block and cut-out, tune to standard pitch, adjust spring bracket for snug fit, then remove spacer. Test tremolo action.

How do I clean and maintain my Stratocaster?

Wipe the body and neck with a soft, dry cloth. For chrome parts, use a non-abrasive polish. The case is resistant to moisture, heat, and cold – clean with a damp cloth if needed. Avoid harsh chemicals.

What is covered under the limited warranty?

Defects in material and workmanship for one year from original retail purchase. It covers all components except strings and transportation charges. Warranty is void if serial number is defaced or product is altered or damaged.

How do I contact Fender for service?

Service can be performed by an authorized Fender dealer, authorized service technician, or the Fender Service Center at 1130 Columbia, Brea, California 92621.

What type of pickups does the '62 Stratocaster have?

It has three single-coil pickups: Rhythm (neck), Normal Tone (middle), and Lead (bridge). Each has elevating screws for height adjustment. The selector switch allows choosing between them: forward for rhythm, middle for straight rhythm, rear for lead.

USER MANUAL '62 Stratocaster Vintage Series FENDER

Black and white photo of a vintage electric guitar with visible grille, body, and fretboard (no text or symbols)

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

MODERN STYLED HEAD

Places keys all on one side for easier tuning. Provides straight pull on all strings. Safety string posts with steel and brass gears (non-slip).

FAST ACTION NECK

Neck, of white maple, designed and graduated for fast action and more comfortable playing. Employs adjustable truss rod. Rosewood fretboard Deep cutaway for access to all twenty-one frets.

PICKUPS

(1) Rhythm Pickup
(2) Normal Tone Pickup
(3) Lead Pickup
Pickup elevating screws located at either end of pickups for tone balance adjustment.

TREMOLO ARM

Conveniently located for use while playing and may be swung around completely out of the player's way when not in use.

PICKUP SELECTOR SWITCH

(a) Forward position for deep soft rhythm work.
(b) Middle position for straight rhythm work.
(c) Rear position for lead work.

VOLUME CONTROL

Functions in all positions of lever switch and tone control.

TONE CONTROLS

(1) Functions as rhythm pickup modifier — selector switch in forward position.
(2) Functions as straight rhythm pickup modifier — selector switch in middle position.
Lead pickup does not require additional tone modification.
Recessed plug receptacle easily accessible and positioned to provide longer cord life.

COMFORT CONTOURED BODY

guitar . . .

The many remarkable design features incorporated in the Stratocaster, including many "Fender Firsts" have resulted in making it the choice of the country's leading musicians. It features the advanced neck design, the contoured curves of the body, the improved adjustable pickups, the new method of tone control, the micro-adjustable two-way bridges, and one of the most outstanding Fender developments--the exclusive Fender built-in tremolo.

The Stratocaster contoured body design offers considerably greater playing comfort. This is accomplished by curving and relieving the guitar body so that it snugs into the player's body. Also, the front of the guitar is dressed away, providing a firm comfortable arm rest.

The Fender built-in tremolo is a simple fool-proof and extremely effective method of obtaining any degree of tremolo one might desire. When the tremolo effect is not required, the tremolo lever swings completely out of the player's way. This is yet another remarkable "Fender First".

The Stratocaster is truly an artist's guitar, combining all the fine features of the original Fender solid body guitar plus many of the developments which make it one of the most advanced instruments on the market.

This manual is provided to acquaint you with the various features employed in the design of your Stratocaster Guitar. Each contributes to the fine performance of your guitar, and understanding their function will enable you to enjoy the ultimate in playing comfort and satisfaction.

MICRO-ADJUSTABLE BRIDGES

(See photo "A")

Six individual bridges are located under the snap-on bridge cover. Each has two height adjusting screws (use allen-wrench provided) and one longitudinal screw which adjusts the string length.

Fast comfortable playing action is achieved by lowering the strings, turning each set screw with the allen-wrench the desired amount. With proper neck alignment, this low action is readily achieved facilitating fast playing action and playing comfort. Higher action is achieved by raising the bridges.

STRING LENGTH ADJUSTMENT

(See photo "A")

An extremely important feature of any guitar is the ability to achieve accurate string intonation so that chords are in tune throughout the frets. You will note that each bridge bar is held in place by the longitudinal screws which are used to vary their position (string length).

Close-up of a mechanical component with multiple cylindrical components and mounting holes (no visible text or symbols)

PHOTO "A"

If a string plays flat at the 12th fret when compared with the harmonic at the fret, turn the longitudinal screw counterclockwise so as to move the bridge bar toward the neck. If the note at the 12th fret is sharp when compared with the harmonic then the string length is too short and the bridge bar should be adjusted clockwise. These adjustments will be fractional and should not be necessary except in unusual circumstances. Check the harmonic and the 12th fret note several times while making the string length adjustments to be sure the bridge is not moved past the proper position.

ADJUSTABLE NECK TRUSS ROD

(See photo "B")

A well-known feature of all Fender Electric Guitars is the adjustable neck truss rod which maintains perfect neck alignment. If for any reason the neck of your Stratocaster appears to require further adjustment, you can make the correction without the necessity of returning the instrument to your dealer or the manufacturer.

Lay the instrument on a table or other flat surface and insert a small standard-head screwdriver in the nut exposed at the end of

the neck near the pickguard edge. If the neck bows up in the center, turn the slotted screw counterclockwise a quarter turn. If the neck is concave in the center, turn the slotted screw clockwise. To ease the pressure on the nut, have another person hold down the body of the guitar and with your left hand depress or raise the end of the neck according to the adjustment required. With the right hand turn the nut in the appropriate direction.

If at any time you have any question concerning any of the various adjustments described, please do not hesitate to contact your dealer or write Fender, Fullerton, California.

TREMOLO ADJUSTMENTS

The following is a brief description of the Fender Built-in tremolo and the adjustments that can be made, if necessary.

Removing the cover plate from the bottom of the guitar will expose five accurately engineered and tested, tension springs attached to the tremolo block with the opposite end of the springs attached to a bracket. This bracket is fastened to the guitar body with the use of two Phillips head wood screws. It will readily be seen just how the adjustment of the bracket, by tightening or loosening, will compensate for the tension of the tuned strings. The spring tension then is equal to the tension of the strings tuned to natural pitch. It will be observed that a pivot action of the bridge and tremolo mechanism is obtained when using the tremolo. This pivot action is accomplished by the method in which the anchor screws hold the bridge tremolo unit to the top surface of the guitar.

THESE FACTS MUST BE CAREFULLY CONSIDERED

1. Loosening any one string considerably decreases the tension on the combined set of strings approximately 1/6.

Therefore, the spring tension will have a tendency to raise the pitch of the remaining five strings.

1. In tuning the guitar to higher than normal pitch, assuming that the factory adjustment of the spring holding bracket is not changed, then the lower rear edge of the tremolo block will be forced too close or possibly up against the rear part of the cut-out in the body.

2. If the guitar is tuned lower than normal pitch, the tremolo block will be pulled forward until the tremolo top plate rests flush on the top surface of the guitar body.

Bear in mind that the tremolo block will remain in the position it happens to be in the instant the tension between the strings and springs becomes equal. Because of this, the following must be observed:

1. In installing a new set of strings, remove only one string at a time; replace it and tune the new string to natural pitch before removing the next string. With this method, it should not be necessary to remove the back cover of the guitar.

2. If all the strings are removed from the guitar at the same time or if for some reason the guitar is very much out of tune, either high or low, or if the tremolo will not work, it will be necessary to proceed as follows:

(a) Remove the bottom cover plate.

(b) If the strings are off, install a new set complete. Tighten the strings until the lower rear edge of the tremolo block is forced against the rear part of the cut-out in the body.

(c) With tremolo handle in playing position, pull back until the lower part of the tremolo block is pulled away from touching the edge of the guitar body. Insert a small piece of 3/16" plywood or dowel between the block and the edge of the cut-out.

(d) It should now be possible to tune the guitar to standard pitch while the block of 3/16" wood holds the tremolo block in position.

(e) After getting the guitar tuned to natural pitch, touch the piece of 3/16" wood to see how tight it fits between the tremolo block and the edge of the cut-out. It should fit snug, but not tight. Tighten or loosen the two Phillips head screws, holding the tremolo spring bracket to assure the proper 3/16" spacing.

(f) Remove the 3/16"block of wood and test the action of the tremolo. It is then ready to have the back cover replaced.

If the strings are replaced one at a time and the guitar is not tuned above or below standard pitch, it should not be necessary to make all of the afore-mentioned adjustments. If other brands are used, it should be understood by now, that it will be possible to compensate for any difference in tension by adjusting the tremolo spring bracket.

PICKUPS

You will find the new Fender pickups employed on the Stratocaster are extremely versatile and provide a wide tone range. If at any time you desire to change the balance of the strings, you may do so by elevating or lowering the two end screws on each pickup. The response of the treble or bass strings may be accentuated or lessened according to your playing needs.

CASE HARDENED . . . CHROMED METAL PARTS

All parts of the Stratocaster Guitar exposed to the player's hand or body are heavily chrome plated and will retain their new-like appearance for a long period of time. In addition, the parts which are subject to mechanical wear are made of case hardened steel, thereby providing ruggedness and durability and eliminating breakdown or malfunction.

CASES

(See Photo "D")

The Fender Stratocaster hard shell case is made of the finest 100% spun rayon Twill with heavy latex backing and Scotch-Guarded top surface. This material is resistant to moisture, heat and cold and is extremely attractive.

Each case is lined with a beautifully textured plush lining. This case will give long and satisfactory wear and will protect your instrument from damage.

PHOTO "D"

Black-and-white photo of an open guitar case with a white electric guitar resting on its neck (no visible text or symbols)

LIMITED WARRANTY

This limited warranty against defects in material and workmanship begins at the date of original retail purchase and lasts for one (1) year from that date. It applies to all components and is limited to the original retail purchaser. You may prove date of purchase by completing and mailing the registration card to Fender Musical Instruments or retaining a copy of your sales invoice.

Strings and transportation charges are not included in this warranty. If any component of the product is found to be defective, we will furnish a replacement part without charge if it is returned to an authorized Fender dealer, an authorized service technician or Fender Service Center at the address provided below. Any damage or defect resulting from unauthorized parts or service is excluded. Any service performed by other than an authorized Fender Dealer, an authorized service technician or Fender Service Center is not reimbursable under this warranty.

The warranty is void if the serial number is defaced or removed, or the product has been visibly damaged by alteration, misuse, accident or neglect. THE COMPANY ASSUMES NO LIABILITY FOR PROPERTY DAMAGE WHICH MAY RESULT FROM THE FAILURE OF THIS PRODUCT. Any warranties of MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS implied by law are limited to the duration of this express limited warranty.

Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitation may not apply to you. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you.

This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.

Have your service performed by:

An authorized Fender dealer, authorized service technician or,

Fender Service Center

1130 Columbia

Brea, California 92621

WARRANTOR:

FENDER MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS

Brea, California 92621

Vintage Series

'62 stratocaster

Black and white photo of a vintage electric guitar with visible grille, body, and fretboard (no text or symbols)

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

Litho in U. S. A.

BREA, CALIFORNIA