SOLD 5/17/18! I believe 1997 was the first year for the '63 Reissue and of course, these early ones were Made in Germany. This one is in very fine condition with only a bit of handling wear and absolutely no belt buckle wear. It has a beautiful book-matched flame maple back with fully bound body on both the front & back. Pearloid pickguard and control plate to go along with two staple pole pickups. All the hardware is nickel-plated. The set neck has the proper unbound fretboard with pearl button tuners and dot markers. It's 3-piece maple with the slim profile, the true indication that this is a 1963 Reissue. The neck is straight and (more importantly) the neck angle is perfect for proper playing position & intonation. These very early Reissues are as much n demand as the originals! The bass weighs only 6 1/2 lbs and comes with the original silver Reissue hard case.