Fender case question

Pete McAvity · Post by **Pete McAvity** » 4 Nov 2022 10:08 am

I'm sure this has been threaded to death, but I'm in search of a quick (cheat) answer. Who knows approximately what year Fender changed from the tweed to black tolex covered cases for instruments? Same time they changed amp coverings? I'd guess '64-ish?

Dave Hopping · Post by **Dave Hopping** » 4 Nov 2022 11:51 am

Fender went to brown Tolex(a few blonde) six-string and bass cases right about the same time the brown Tolex amps started mass production. Can't recall seeing steel cases in brown Tolex, but it makes sense Leo would spec the same thing across the board from their case supplier. Black Tolex started appearing on amps in late '63 so very probably cases changed over to black in the same general timeframe.

Donny Hinson · Post by **Donny Hinson** » 4 Nov 2022 2:33 pm

I think the tweed cases were gone by 1959, being replaced by light brown tolex with dark brown ends. The '63 and '64 cases were blond. (My '64 Jaguar has a blond case with black ends.) I've been told the black cases started in late '64, but I never saw any until '65 or '66.

Brint Hannay · Post by **Brint Hannay** » 4 Nov 2022 2:55 pm

My '63 Strat (neck date Nov. 2, 1963), bought from the original owner in 1974, came with a well-worn black Tolex case (no Fender logo).

Bob Carlucci · Post by **Bob Carlucci** » 6 Nov 2022 9:31 am

Be carefully trying to get specific with "transition dates" with anything made by Fender.. They were notorious for using up whatever they had left, and letting nothing go to waste... In their steels, guitars, amps, cases, effects, whatever, you will find mixes and matches that were not supposed to be.. They would not throw out dozens of cases that were tan/brown because they had switched to black, that old inventory would be used.. Just as they would not throw out small headstock necks because they had switched to large headstocks... Its that way with a LOT of stuff, and was very prevalent with musical instrument builders.. bob