Fender Stratocaster, Sunburst 121884 (1966)
S-Style · Single Coils Pickups · Vintage
This early '66 is one of the most lovingly restored examples of a CBS-Era Strat we've come across, combining many original parts with a beautiful era-correct Sunburst body refinish and high quality refret.
Though it did in fact leave the factory as a Sunburst guitar, its original finish was altered a decade or so later, with someone stripping the front of the guitar and applying a rather crude black finish on the front of the body. The original Sunburst finish was actually left along on the back! We've never heard of such a thing before.
Rather than trying to blend old with new, the body was expertly refinished by Steve Ryder in South Portland, ME, who frankly nailed the look of a mid 60s Fender Sunburst finish. The guitar was then gone through by the folks over a Buckdancers in Portland, which involved replacement of the volume pot, refretting the fingerboard, replacing the nut, and adding some tremolo springs along with a replacement back plate. The original pickguard remains, and even more critically, the pickups are original! The original bridge, saddles, and tremolo block remain as well. Mid 60s Strats tend to have a punchier, brighter tone, and this one is no different. Combined with a very nice full Oval C neck with the typical low taper profile, it's quite resonant and has great sustain for a bolt-on. The recent refret feels awesome, too! Playability is really nicely dialed in, and our repair shop didn't have to do much to get this guitar firing on all cylinders.
Some other small parts have been replaced, like strap buttons and the volume knob. The original tremolo arm is included, but broken at the threaded stem. The original tone knobs are present, and the original back plate is included as well. Overall, though, this is a player-grade+ level Strat that has all the ingredients that make up a great vintage electric.
Paired with its original hardshell case.
| Style | Solidbody |
| Body | Alder |
| Finish | Nitrocellulose |
| Color | Sunburst (Refin) |
| Pickups | Original Grey Bottom | 5.79k Neck / 5.72k Middle / 5.92k Bridge |
| Electronics | Original CTS tone pots | 137 6549 / Original 3-Way Switch / Replaced volume pot |
| Controls | Volume (x1) / Tone (x2) |
| Bridge | Original |
| Tuners | Original Kluson Double Line |
| Pickguard | Original White 3-ply |
| Neck | Maple | 13JAN66B Stamp |
| Carve | Medium/Full Oval C | .89"-.90" |
| Fingerboard | Rosewood Laminate |
| Radius | 7.25" |
| Inlays | Dots |
| Frets | 6105 |
| Nut | Bone |
| Scale Length | 25 1/2" |
| Serial # | 121884 |
| Weight | 8lb |
| Case | OHSC |
Every instrument is thoroughly checked and set up before shipping fully insured via UPS with tracking to your door. We reuse boxes and materials to cut waste when they meet our protection standard.
Inspect it, play it, and if it isn't right, contact us within 48 hours of delivery to arrange a return or one-time exchange. Returns are subject to a 5% restocking fee, and the buyer covers shipping both ways.
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