Fender Stratocaster 1965 - Three Tone Sunburst

1965 Fender Stratocaster

A late example Strat from the "L Series" of serial numbers, on the neck plate, with a neck stamp of March of 1965. This guitar has many of the iconic '65 features. The 3 ply white pickguard, pearl dot neck inlays, the gold "Transition" logo, and the double line Kluson Deluxe tuners are all present and many of these specs would change over the next few years. The sunburst on this guitar is very vibrant, with a nice transition between the three shades on the top and the back. Serial number on the guitar is L84286, it weighs in at 7 lbs 4 oz. It has the classic mid 60s neck shape with a depth of .79" at the first fret to .96" at the twelfth fret.

This one is in great shape, escaping the "heavily modified" fate of many of the guitars from this era. The pickups, electronics and hardware are all original. The solder joint for the ground wire was touched up, most likely having worked loose from a rotating jack that put tension on the joint and wires. The guitar displays the pleasing amount of wear of a well played instrument that the current Relic builds are trying so hard to emulate. There are plenty of dings, dents, and scratches on the top. The edges and sides show more chips and exposed wood. The finish is worn away on the bass side of the neck pocket and the outer edge of the treble side horn has a spot worn through the finish. The back edge of the treble side waist has a good amount of finish worn away, along the body downs towards the jack with a few slightly deeper dings. The back shows plenty of buckle rash and wear, although nothing unsightly, and the back plate is no longer with the guitar.

The neck is in overall great shape with the slightly matted feel of a played in neck finished in nitro cellulose. The front and back of the headstock show a good deal of checking with some chipping to the edges of the decal. There are two dings on the bass side at the first and second fret near the fretboard and another at the edge of the fretboard, with some more minor dings along the edge of the headstock. The nut is original and the original low and wide frets are in good shape. The bass side of the fretboard edge, along the plane of the A & E strings, had some of the frets leveled from the 15th fret on up. Although though some might consider this a candidate for a refret with more modern fret wire, the guitar plays beautifully up and down the neck and voices out nicely across its range.

The guitar is housed in its original case, with black tolex and an orange interior. The original bridge cover, tremolo arm, and hang tag/manual with matching serial number written in pen are included. This guitar certainly has the vintage Fender magic and would surely make a fine addition for a collector or the main instrument for a Strat player.