1966 FENDER STRATOCASTER

1966 Fender Stratocaster Sunburst 

Serial # 177255

Condition: near MINT – only very light play wear at the back of the body.

Upgrades: None / modifications: professionally repaired little strap button hole, almost not visible, you can check it at the neck heel picture.

Description:

1966 Fender Stratocaster in original 3 tone sunburst finish. This guitar is a beautiful, pristine example of an mid 60’s Strat and by far the cleanest and nicest Fender Stratocaster I’ve ever seen, it’s in incredibly well preserved, and in near mint condition. This guitar features a medium C shaped maple neck with a beautiful rosewood fingerboard, pearl fingerboard inlays, Kluson double line tuners, large headstock with transition decal, F serial plate, and white 3 ply pickguard. The neck is stamped 13 OCT B., the visible Stackpole pot codes read 250K 035-865 / AUD304-6608 and are dated to the 8th week of 1966, the original grey bottom pickups are dated to December 22 of 1966 (12-22-66). Condition wise this instrument is incredible, light finish checking on the headstock only, the frets are quite thin, they are still fine though and play well. Included is the original hard case, bearing the name of a former owner/musician named “Ray Charles”, also included is the owners booklet with matching serial number.

This particular guitar is documented in the book; fender-the golden age 1946- 1970 (p. 210)

History:

The 1966 Fender Stratocaster Sunburst is a highly coveted vintage electric guitar that embodies the iconic design and timeless appeal of the Stratocaster model. This particular instrument features a stunning sunburst finish, which is characterized by a combination of vibrant hues ranging from a rich, deep brown in the center to golden shades at the edges.

The body of the 1966 Stratocaster is crafted from alder, a tonewood known for its balanced tonal characteristics and excellent resonance. Its sleek, double-cutaway design allows for easy access to the upper frets, enabling guitarists to unleash their creativity across the entire neck.

The sunburst finish on the body of the guitar is meticulously applied and showcases the natural grain of the alder wood, adding depth and visual allure. The guitar’s three single-coil pickups are positioned in the traditional Stratocaster configuration, with one pickup near the bridge, one in the middle, and one near the neck. These pickups produce the distinctive Stratocaster tone, offering a versatile range of clean and bright tones, as well as the renowned “quack” in the in-between positions.

The maple neck of the 1966 Stratocaster features a smooth rosewood fretboard with pearloid dot inlays, providing a comfortable playing experience and a touch of elegance. The neck is bolted to the body, contributing to the guitar’s sustain and resonance. The headstock displays the classic Fender logo and is fitted with vintage-style tuning machines, ensuring stable and precise tuning.

In its original incarnation, introduced in 1954 and largely solidified by 1957, the Stratocaster had what is referred to in the modern era as a small headstock. That design was in production through late 1965. CBS bought Fender in a deal that took effect on January 5, 1965. To the chagrin of many longtime Fender employees, the Tiffany Network started messing with the Stratocaster almost immediately. Only a slight change at first—the guitar got a new neck plate stamped with a large stylized Fender “F.” In the words of one observer quoted in author Tom Wheeler’s The Stratocaster Chronicles, this small move by itself served as “an adequate symbol of the CBS invasion. But in December 1965, an even more significant—and visible—change was implemented. The Stratocaster’s headstock was enlarged and slightly re-shaped. “The rationale was simple,” noted author Richard Smith in Fender: The Sound Heard ’Round the World. “The new design allowed a bigger decal.”

Other notable features of the 1966 Fender Stratocaster Sunburst include a synchronized tremolo bridge system, allowing players to add expressive vibrato effects, and a three-ply white pickguard that contrasts beautifully with the sunburst finish. This guitar captures the essence of the ’60s Stratocaster, with its timeless aesthetics, iconic sound, and legendary playability, making it a cherished piece of musical history for guitar enthusiasts and collectors alike.

Specifications:

• Solid alderbody in 3-tone Sunburst
• 1-piece maple-neck w/medium C profile
• Rosewood veneer fretboard with 21 frets poearloid dot inlays
• Neck depth is 89″ at 1st fret / 91″ at 12th fret 89″
• Nut width is 1.610” or 4.10 cm
• Scale length is 25 1/2″
• 3x grey bobbin Fender single coil pickups dated to 12-22-66
• Pickup Measurements = neck 6.16k / middle 6.00k / bridge 5.80k
• Stackpole pot codes are dated to the 8th week of 1966
• 6x orig. Kluson “single-line” tuners
• Fender “synchronized” tremolo w/6x “Pat.nr.stamped” steel-saddles
• Weight; 3650 kg / 8.050 lbs
• Original Fender case with Orange Plush Interior

All guitars are professionally inspected and set up, ensuring optimal playability and performance.

* Manufacturing date codes and interior pics are available per request: e-mail