FENDER 1966 STRATOCASTER

　Although this instrument bears a '65 neck date, it features a very rare specification: a small headstock with a maple veneer. Normally, maple veneer was an option introduced in '67, but this model combines that feature with the headstock patent number Recruit—which appeared in '66—and black-bobbin pickups. Given the time lag between these changes, it is believed to be an irregularly assembled instrument.
1965 was a year of major upheaval, marked by Fender’s acquisition by CBS, which led to significant changes in subsequent specifications.First, the "Spaghetti Logo" used since the model's debut in '54 was phased out by late '64, replaced by the "Transition Logo" with gold lettering and black outlines. Additionally, the pickguard—commonly known as the "Green Guard"—was changed from celluloid to hard PVC, which had a major impact on the guitar's appearance.From 1968 onward, the "CBS logo (Modern Logo)"—featuring larger black lettering with gold trim—was introduced.

　Although the body back still retains a strong reddish hue, the red on the top has almost completely faded, giving it a two-tone appearance with a strong yellowish tint. The letter "S" marked on the front pickup appears to indicate a specific paint specification. Since body dates ceased to be used after 1963, this particular instrument does not bear a date.

　The groove for the wiring harness near the rear pickup remains long and rounded, but it is curved toward the middle pickup rather than running straight.

　There is still some reddish tint remaining in the jack cavity as well. There is no post-painting modification, and the edges have not been sanded down. The jig-mounted pin holes ceased to be used around 1965.

　Starting in '63, the neck pocket was painted with a handle attached, so only half of it is covered in paint. The brown shim attached to the pocket is a genuine Fender spacer.

　While the back contour is deep, the width from side to side is shorter. The top contour is quite shallow, and the difference is clearly evident when compared to a '63 model.

　This is a pickup commonly known as a "Black Bobbin," featuring black fiber paper on both the top and bottom of the bobbin. Normally, starting in the latter half of 1964, the color of the paper beneath the bobbin changed to gray, but this particular instrument was still assembled with the Black Bobbin, a specification rarely seen from 1966 to 1967.Even among Black Bobbin pickups, this one can be distinguished from those made before 1964 due to differences in DC resistance and coil wire.
◎For reference:

(F)5.77kΩ (M)5.51kΩ (R)5.59kΩ
*Prior to 1964 (values are for a 1963 model)
(F)6.11kΩ (M)5.84kΩ (R)6.23kΩ

　While the serial number is generally a key factor in determining the year of manufacture, it does not always correspond exactly to the actual production date. This is due to variations in the manufacturing process and other system changes, and there are also units where the serial number and production date differ significantly for various reasons. Since parts can be easily replaced, determining the actual year of manufacture requires a comprehensive assessment that takes all components into account.

　The potentiometer is a round-groove type manufactured by "Stackpole." The pot date is "304-6608," which indicates the 8th week of 1966.
(Note: 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 tube wrapped around it for insulation.The switch is an original 3-way "CRL" model; the circuit board shape has changed from the trapezoidal (rice-ball-shaped) style of the 1950s to a round board. While white and black wires are typically used for the leads, it appears that colored leads like those shown in the photo were occasionally used as well.

　Around 1965, the pickguard material changed from celluloid to rigid PVC, which is less prone to warping.

　Although the neck date is '65, it features a rare maple cap. Since maple onlays were originally supposed to be an option starting in '67, this could be a prototype. The "2" is the Stratocaster code number, and "JUN (JUNE)" and "65" indicate the month and year of manufacture, so in this case, it is June 1965.The final "B" indicates the neck size (thickness).

　The neck has an average oval-type profile. While there is some fine weather checking on the back of the headstock, the grip itself is in good condition with only a few minor dents.
◎For reference
＜Neck Dimensions＞
Nut width: 42mm, 12th fret: 52mm
Neck thickness: approx. 22mm (at the 1st fret), approx. 26mm (at the 12th fret)

　The tuners are covered "Kluson" types. These are double-line Klusons, featuring two rows of the "KLUSON DELUXE" engraving that was introduced in '64.

　From late '64, the "Spaghetti Logo" was replaced by the "Transition Logo." It appears to be a '65 model with a small headstock... but the patent number is... It bears the number "169,062 *see below*," which was supposed to be added starting in '66 when the headstock was changed to a large one. Therefore, it is believed there was a time lag between the completion of the neck and the application of the decal.

　The metal string guide spacers were changed to nylon around 1964.

　The shape from the fingerboard to the headstock features a large, gentle curve.
◎For reference

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

　A separate-type tremolo block that integrates the "bridge" and the "inertia block," which functions as the tailpiece. The name "Synchronized Tremolo," which brought this innovative idea to life, was given because the integrated bridge plate and inertia block move in sync (synchronously) when the tremolo arm is moved.Starting around 1957, a version with a deeper "FENDER PAT.PEND." groove engraved on the saddle also began to appear, but it seems there are quite a few instruments where the two versions are mixed.

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