This instrument bears a '65 neck date, but it features a very rare specification: a small headstock with a laminated maple top. Laminated maple was originally an option starting in '67. Beyond this laminated maple feature, it also incorporates elements like the patent number on the headstock (introduced in '66) and black-bobbin pickups. Given this time lag, it's likely an irregularly assembled individual unit.
The year 1965 saw a major change with the acquisition of Fender by CBS, which led to significant changes in subsequent specifications.First, the "spaghetti logo" used since the initial release in '54 was discontinued in late '64, replaced by the "transition logo" with gold lettering and black outlines. The pickguard, commonly known as the "Green Guard," was also changed from celluloid to hard vinyl, which greatly affected the look. From '68, the "CBS logo (modern logo)" with larger black lettering and gold outlines was adopted.
FENDER 1966 STRATOCASTER
The body back still retains significant redness, but the top's red has largely faded, creating a strong yellow-toned two-tone effect. The letter "S" marked on the front pickup appears to denote a specific paint specification. Body dates are no longer found on models after '63, so this particular instrument also lacks a date marking.
The groove for the wiring harness at the rear pickup section remains round and elongated, but it is curved toward the middle pickup rather than straight.
The jack cavity still retains some redness. There is no post-painting machining, and the edges have not been ground down. The jig-holding pin holes disappear around the '65 model year.
Starting in '63, handles were attached to the neck pocket and painted, so only half the surface would be coated. The brown shim attached to the pocket is a genuine Fender spacer.
The back contour has depth, but the length on both sides is shorter. The top contour is notably shallower, and the difference is clearly apparent when compared to the '63 model.
Pickups commonly known as "black bobbins" due to the use of black fiber paper on both the top and bottom of the bobbins. Typically, starting in late '64, the color of the paper beneath the bobbin changed to gray fiber paper. However, this particular unit is still assembled with black bobbins, a specification rarely seen from '66 to '67.Even among Black Bobbin pickups, this one can be distinguished from pre-1964 models due to differences in DC resistance and coil wire.
For your reference
＜Pickup DC Resistance Value＞
(F) 5.77 kΩ (M) 5.51 kΩ (R) 5.59 kΩ
※Prior to 1964 (The figures are for the 1963 model.)
(F) 6.11 kΩ (M) 5.84 kΩ (R) 6.23 kΩ
Serial numbers are fundamentally one of the key elements for identifying the year of manufacture. However, discrepancies can occur due to variations in the production system, including the manufacturing process itself. Furthermore, there are instances where the serial number and the actual manufacturing date are significantly different for various reasons. Therefore, they do not always correspond exactly. Since parts can also be easily replaced, determining the actual year of manufacture requires a comprehensive assessment, including all components.
The potentiometer is a round-groove type manufactured by Stackpole. The potentiometer date code is "304-6608," identifying it as Week 8 of 1966.
(※Only the front tone pot is "304-6610," indicating the 10th week of 1966)
The capacitor is an orange ceramic type, characterized by a yellow insulating tube wrapped around it. The switch is a three-point original made by "CRL," with the board shape changing from the 1950s trapezoidal (onigiri-shaped) form to a round board. While white and black lead wires are typically used, it appears that lead wires of colors like those in the photo were occasionally used as well.
Around 1965, the material for pickguards changed from celluloid to rigid vinyl chloride, which is less prone to warping.
The neck date is '65, but it features a rare maple cap specification. Since maple caps were supposedly an option starting in '67, this could be a prototype. The "2" is the Stratocaster code number, while "JUN (JUNE)" and "65" indicate the month and year of manufacture, meaning this one was made in June '65.The final "B" indicates the neck size (thickness).
Average oval-type neck grip. Fine weather checking is visible on the back of the headstock, but the grip itself remains in good condition with only minor impact marks.
For your reference
＜Neck Size＞
Nut width: 42mm, 12th fret: 52mm
Neck thickness: Approx. 22mm (at the 1st fret), approx. 26mm (at the 12th fret)
The pegs are Kluson-brand covered types. They feature the "KLUSON DELUXE" engraving adopted from '64 onward, arranged in two parallel lines—a double-line Kluson.
From late '64, the "Spaghetti Logo" changed to the "Transition Logo." It appears to be a '65 model with a small headstock... but the patent number... Since it includes "169,062 ※See below," which should have been added starting in '66 when the large headstock was introduced, it seems there was a time lag between the neck finishing and applying the decal.
The spacer for the string guide, which was originally made of metal, was changed to nylon around 1964.
The shape from the fingerboard to the headstock features a large, gentle curve.
For your reference
＜Head Thickness＞
1st string side: approx. 15mm 6th string side: approx. 15–15mm
A separate-type tremolo block that integrates the "bridge" with the "inertia block" functioning as the tailpiece.This innovative design earned the name "Synchronized Tremolo," reflecting how the integrated bridge plate and inertia block move in sync during arm operation. From around 1957, a type with deeper grooves for the "FENDER PAT.PEND." stamp on the saddles was also adopted, though many instruments appear to have both types mixed.
After the sale to CBS in '65, a large "F" stamp was added to the neck plate. The serial number is stamped on the upper part of the plate.