Stunning 1966 Fender Stratocaster in Candy Apple Red 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.

The finish is stunning and has kept that deep nitro gloss that makes the candy apple finish pop. Red over gold, this is surely the classic Candy apple finish. There are a few dinks and some forearm and lower bout wear though this doesn’t seem to detract from the overall look. Back also has some nice buckle rash for good measure.

The neck has worn along the back, the headstock shows no real signs of wear. The fretboard is in excellent shape and has been refretted. 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 hardware shows some signs of corrosion but nothing too extensive. The electronics are mostly correct. The volume pot has been changed and the pot dates are week 32 1965.

The guitar comes with a hardshell case.

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 instruments in this condition so when we do find one its always a joy. Grab it before it gets away…