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Vintage 1966 Fender Stratocaster 3-Tone Sunburst with OHSC

SKU 80FEN121
by Fender
Sold out
Original price $ 17,999.99 - Original price $ 17,999.99
Original price
$ 17,999.99
$ 17,999.99 - $ 17,999.99
Current price $ 17,999.99
Used And Vintage Electric Guitars

 Truetone Music has been selected to take in a special collection of instruments from a very special long-time customer and friend of ours.  A collector of only unique, rare, vintage and high-end guitars & amps, he amassed a serious collection of these years.  For the first time, these pieces are available on the market for the first time.

They're all special, but one that really stands out is this: an all-original 1966 Fender Stratocaster.  We've seen a lot of vintage Strats come through here, but this is one of the rare treats that plays as good as it looks.   It's in great condition, especially considering its age, and has been setup to play perfectly by the techs in our shop.   The guitar is fully original, including the finish, other than the trem arm (it came to us without an arm).  Also, there is no backplate - that went missing years ago.  The original hardshell case is included.  


After Fender was sold to CBS in 1965, the beginning of the "transition era" ushered in larger headstocks, a different logo, and other smaller changes.  This is before quality went down, and over the years these mid 60's Strat have grown in popularity.  The desire for these exceeds the late 60's and 70's versions, and they are much more affordable than the early 60's examples.  They are often seen as a great value - and while a vintage guitar like this is an investment, it's one that's meant to be played!   

 We are actually calling this a "Transition 1966 - 1967" piece, as it has all of the elements of a 1966, but with pickups dated January 1967.  Since the guitar would have hit the retail market in 1967, that could be the year but we felt it was more accurate to call it a 1966 in terms of specs, body & neck creation, pot dates, tuners, etc.    The pots have a date code 6618, the neck is stamped "13OCT66B"; the pickups are dated 1-19-67.  The guitar has the Kluson tuners, which are more associated with a 1966 (switch in 1967).  

Everything on the guitar is fully original with the finish intact - it's that perfect mid-60's sunburst that is really vibrant, even after fading over the decades.  There are dings & dents on the body, as to be expected, but overall it's in really good shape.  Be sure to check out the photos to see everything.  The neck shape is a very comfortable C shape, accurate to 1966, and while it's not super slim in the first position, it doesn't get too big as you go up the neck.  It's super comfortable to play.  The nut width measures 1.594", the depth at the 1st fret is .870" and the depth at the 123th fret is .920".   The frets are in good shape (measuring .080" wide and .031" high).  

But how does it sound?  Exactly like a mid 60's Strat should - clean, clear, kind of mellow, with scooped mids, with a bit of darkness.  It has great sustain and a sweet tone that fits a variety of styles.  The gray bottom pickups are lower output, as per the norm for that era.  All of us were really impressed with the overall tone of this guitar and think you will be too.

We've had a ton of Strats here over the years, from vintage to brand new, and have seen some amazing historic pieces - this has to be one of the best to add to any collection.

 

 

 7.3lbs

Serial #: 181817