We’re very proud to present this exceptional “L-Series” 1965 Fender Stratocaster. A true example of a pre-CBS transition guitar, in outstanding condition and 100% original. Wonderful resonance before even plugging it in, a true delight once it is plugged: bell-like tones –but grumpier than the 50s’-, aggressive, with those unmistakable rich mids and clean highs.

Completely original, they’re not an easy find in this excellent condition. No repairs. All electronics is original, pickups are all correctly hand-dated, and the neck is properly stamped “2 JUL 65 B”. All pots are from the 14th week of 1965. Pictures of the cavities and interior will be provided upon request.

It currently has a reissue mint green pickguard, but the original white one is included. It has shrunk in some areas (which is quite common for these pickguards), where it has cracked (cleanly) near the screw holes, but it should fit if you’re looking for bone-stock condition.

As you can see in the photos, it has various dings here and there, but the overall condition is great, especially the front (really clean). It has very nice checking all over, as one would expect in 50-year-old nitro finish.

The finish is completely original and it blacklights perfectly. There are two pen-tip sized dings on the back edges that have been touched apparently with a marker very long ago (they’re hard to spot).

Frets seem to be original, thought they have been levelled at some point. The “L” neckplate is unmistakably original, as there are some fragments of the finish attached to it that match perfectly with the body. The neck is a very comfortable medium “C” neck, with all the finish present. No “wood” feel on this one, since the finish has barely worn off.

It has been adjusted using one of the original neck shims (the spare one is included). Also, the 2 remaining original tremolo springs are included. It also includes the original leather strap (!!) and the original whammy bar.

The original hard case with orange interior is in great shape. Latches work perfectly. The Fender logo is still there, but most of the silvered mold is gone.

The guitar is up to any serious player’s expectations, as well as to any collector’s. This is one of the good ones, folks, and at a great price, too! How many do you find in this condition? This is THE Strat you’ve been dreaming of for years.

Details:

Model: Stratocaster
Year: 1965
Body: Alder
Neck: Maple, "medium C" profile, nitro finish
Weight: 7lbs 8.2oz (3,408 gr)
Fretboard: Rounded "veneer" rosewood
Radius: 7.25" (184mm)
Frets: 21 (vintage frets)
Scale: 25.5"(648mm)
Nut width: 1.650"(42mm)
Hardware: Nickel/Chrome
Tuners: Kluson
Bridge: Synchronized Tremolo
Pickguard: 3-Ply White (currently green mint reissue is installed, original white one is included, has shrinking)
Pickups: Original (dated 1965, day and year, perfectly legible)
Switching: original 3-way switch
Controls: Master Volume, Tone 1.(neck), Tone 2.(middle)
Color: 3-Tone Sunburst
Finish: Nitro
Accessories: OHSC with orange interior, original whammy bar, original tremolo springs, original leather strap