Fender Stratocaster, Walnut (1966)

Despite some of the atrocities great 50s and 60s guitars were subject to in the 70s and 80s, there always seems to be a good percentage of "survivors" that sound and play great while wearing their undeniable history for better or worse.

This 1966 Fender Stratocaster was subject to the "hippie refin" craze of the 1970s, where natural wood tone aesthetic boomed and DIY guitar work was nearly as common as mowing your own lawn. We can celebrate, however, that the crude but vibey refinish work was about the most notable change made. Some modified plastics (pickguard and trem cover), a replacement tremolo block (the original is included for those wondering), and the always-popular replacement of the original 3-way switch for a 5-way switch round out some parts changes, while an old pro refret completes the player-grade prerequisite. We'll also point out that the original decal had been removed at some point, with a repro decal added and a light refinish of the peghead face.

Still, with its original Alder body, Maple neck w/ Rosewood fingerboard, and fabulous sounding grey bottom pickups, it's got a distinctive mid 60s Stratocaster voice and feel. These '66 necks are a joy to play, with what is basically a zero-taper profile that is still round and full. Coming in a couple of ounces under 8lbs, it's quite balanced and has a deep, low-midrange resonant quality about it.

While 60s Strats continue on their meteoric market rise, great player-grade examples like this achieve nearly all of the tone of an original example but at a fraction of the price.

Priced with original hardshell case.