Stunning 1966 Fender Stratocaster anyone?

As with many historic events, the transition of the Fender brand over to CBS was not like flipping a switch and even though the pre-CBS instruments are held in high regard, post 1965 instruments still hold a lot of that Leo Fender magic. Here is a case in point, 1966 Fender with larger headstock and transitional logo with a lot going for it.

We often see and seek out guitars here at ATB that defy all expectations and this one is no exception. The finish is stunning and has kept that deep nitro gloss that really accentuates shades of the sunburst. Interestingly, this body is painted using the older, some would say more elegant, traditional method by spraying the yellow part of the sunburst rather than dipping the body in yellow stain to create the ‘target burst’. There are a few small dinks and some forearm and lower bout wear though this doesn’t seem to detract from the overall look. 

The neck too has retained its high gloss finish with only the slightest of wear around the 3rd and 5th frets, the headstock shows no such signs of wear. The fretboard is in excellent shape and has been refretted, work carried out by a luthier for the previous owner. This work has been done well and very sympathetically.

The plastics as you’d expect have faded a little but there is not too much wear. The electronics are all correct, the pickups black bottom variety which we sometimes see right up to 1968. The pot dates are week 10 1966. Serial number is 1966 and everything matches up perfectly. All the solder joints are undisturbed.

The guitar comes with its correct Black Tolex case which like the guitar is in mighty fine condition.

Many of those classic Strat tones live in these mid-60’s guitars. These guitars really deliver a fantastic tone that hasn’t yet drifted too far towards the thinner end of the spectrum and still retains some of the fullness of the earlier incarnation Fender singe coils. 

Its getting increasingly harder to find instrument in this condition so when we do find one its always a joy. You get to glimpse how the instrument should have looked when it was first hanging in a shop window. We do not think this is going to last long so don’t rabbit just grabbit before it gets away..!