FENDER 1966 STRATOCASTER

This instrument, bearing a 1965 neck date, features a very rare specification: a small headstock with a maple veneer. While maple veneers were originally an option available from 1967 onwards, this particular model also features a maple veneer, and was produced from 1966 onwards.RecruitThe patent number on the headstock and the black bobbin pickups suggest that this is an irregularly assembled unit due to a time lag.
1965 was a year of major change for Fender, with its acquisition by CBS, and significant changes were made to its specifications. First, the "spaghetti logo," which had been used since the company's initial release in 1954, was retired in late 1964 and replaced by the "transition logo," which featured gold lettering with a black outline.RecruitThe pickguard, commonly known as the "Green Guard," was also changed from celluloid to hard polyvinyl chloride, significantly impacting its appearance. From 1968 onwards, the "CBS logo (Modern Logo)" became even larger, featuring black lettering with a gold border.Recruit。

While the body back still retains a significant amount of red, the red on the top has almost completely faded, resulting in a yellowish, two-tone appearance. The "S" on the front pickup appears to indicate a paint specification. Body dates are no longer found on guitars from 1963 onwards, so this particular guitar also lacks a date inscription.

The wiring groove for the rear pickup remains round and elongated, but instead of being straight, it curves towards the middle pickup.

There's still a slight reddish tint in the jack cavity. There's no post-painting work, and the edges haven't been sanded. The pin holes for jig fastening disappear around 1965.

From 1963 onwards, a handle was attached to the neck pocket for painting, so only half of it would be painted. The brown shim attached to the pocket is a genuine Fender spacer.

The back contour is deep, but the length from side to side is shorter. The top contour, in particular, is considerably shallower, and the difference is clear when compared to the '63 model.

This pickup features a so-called "black bobbin," using black fiber paper on both the top and bottom of the bobbin. While typically the bottom of the bobbin changed to gray fiber paper from late 1964 onwards, this particular unit is still assembled with the black bobbin, a rare specification seen between 1966 and 1967. It can be distinguished from other black bobbin pickups from those made before 1964 by differences in DC resistance and coil wire.
◎For your reference

(F)5.77kΩ (M)5.51kΩ (R)5.59kΩ
*For models manufactured before 1964 (the figures are for models manufactured in 1963).
(F)6.11kΩ (M)5.84kΩ (R)6.23kΩ

While serial numbers are generally an important factor in determining the year of manufacture, they don't always match. This is because errors can occur due to changes in the manufacturing process and other systems, and for various reasons, some items may have serial numbers and manufacturing dates that are extremely far apart. Since parts can be easily replaced, determining the actual year requires a comprehensive assessment that includes all the parts.

The potentiometer is a round-groove type made by "Stackpole". The potentiometer date is "304-6608", which indicates it was the 8th week of 1966.
(※Only the front tone pot is "304-6610", so it's from week 10 of '66)
The capacitor is an orange ceramic type, characterized by a yellow tube wrapped around it for insulation. The switch is an original 3-way switch made by "CRL," and the circuit board shape has changed from the trapezoidal (rice ball-shaped) shape of the 1950s to a round shape. White and black wires are usually used for the leads, but it seems that lead wires of the colors shown in the photo were occasionally used as well.

Around 1965, the material of the pickguard changed from celluloid to rigid polyvinyl chloride, which is less prone to deformation.

The neck date is '65, but it features a rare maple cap. Normally, laminated maple was an option available from '67 onwards, so it's possible this is a prototype. The "2" is the Stratocaster code number, and "JUN (JUNE)" and "65" represent the month and year of manufacture, so in this case it's June 1965. The final "B" indicates the neck size (thickness).

It has an average oval-shaped neck grip. There is some fine weather checking on the back of the headstock, but the grip itself is in good condition with only minor dents.
◎For your reference

Nut width: 42mm, 12th fret width: 52mm
Neck thickness: Approximately 22mm (at the 1st fret), approximately 26mm (at the 12th fret)

The tuning pegs are covered type made by "Kluson". From 1964.RecruitThese are double-line Kluson twill boots with the "KLUSON DELUXE" engraving in two rows.

From late 1964, the "spaghetti logo" was replaced with the "transition logo." It looks like the 1965 specification with a small headstock... but then you notice the patent number. It includes "169,062 (see below)," which should have been added from 1966 when the headstock was changed to a large one. This suggests there was a time lag between the completion of the neck and the application of the decal.

The string guide spacers, which were originally made of metal, were changed to nylon around 1964.

The shape from the fretboard to the headstock has a large, gentle curve.
◎For your reference

1st string side: approx. 15mm, 6th string side: approx. 15-15mm

This separate-type tremolo block integrates the "bridge" and the "inertia block," which functions as a tailpiece. The name "Synchronized Tremolo," which realized this innovative idea, comes from the fact that the integrated bridge plate and inertia block move in sync during arming. From around 1957, there were also types with a deeper groove for the "FENDER PAT.PEND." inscription on the saddle.RecruitHowever, it seems that there are quite a few individuals where both are confused.

After being sold to CBS in 1965, a large "F" began to be stamped on the neck plate. The serial number was stamped on the top of the plate.