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About This Listing
Clean and tidy 1965 Fender Sunburst Stratocaster with original case. L series. Small headstock. Bridge cover still in tact. All original except for; Original pickguard replaced with period correct eggshell white guard. 1 extra screw hole in body from previous incorrect pickguard, (noted in photos), and NOS new in box '65 Centralab 1452 3 way switch. No other modifications or alterations whatsoever. Case is very clean and functional. Guitar is issue free, The elderly owner received it from his uncle. A super clean example of a very desirable, vintage, 56 year old collectable. Please feel free to submit any questions you may have. Shipping to lower 48 states only.
Perhaps more than any other year, 1965 marks a major turning point for Fender and Stratocaster production. It was in 1965 that CBS took control of the company, and brought the first wave of changes to a more mass production based model. Key indicators for Stratocasters of this transition era are a larger headstock compared to previous years as well as a script 'F' on the neck plate. In 1965, Fender also brought back the maple fingerboard as an option on a two-piece neck. While most collectors and players consider post-CBS Strats to be of an inferior quality to older models, these instruments remain very collectable on the vintage market. A key determining factor is the serial number: CBS switched from numbers starting with an L to numbers starting with an F. Those starting with an L are from earlier in the year and are generally more sought-after.
Years of Production: 1954 - present
Unique to this Year: Switch from clay to pearloid dot inlays on fingerboard, enlarged headstock, and a somewhat less dramatic contouring shape on the body.
Body Style: Offset solidbody
Wood Composition: Alder body, Maple neck with veeneer Rosewood fingerboard