1965 Fender Stratocaster in Factory Black 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 magic. 

This guitar certainly looks the part. The factory black finish has seen some action over the years with wear on the back on some dents and knocks all over. There is a little square that's been cut out and filled in near the selector switch underneath the guard. There is no other sign that any more modifications have been carried out. 

Some seam separation has occurred on the back but it is not going anywhere and is purely cosmetic.

The neck has worn comfortably. The fretboard is in excellent shape with the original frets still present.

The plastics as you’d expect have faded a little but there is not too much wear. 

The grey bottom pickups are still present with the original windings. The bridge pickup has been corrected by Montys as it appeared to be overwound. The guitar has had a different switch in it at some point and a different pickguard but the correct items are in it now. The pots are original Stackpole.

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.

These mid 60's Strats have so much to offer, this one is a prime example from that transition era. It is also original factory black and is pretty rare and somewhat desirable...!