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Average Price: $9,553

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$400

$1001+

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Description

Step back into the golden era of rock 'n' roll with the 1965 Fender Stratocaster, a true hallmark of vintage craftsmanship and sonic excellence. This iconic solid body electric guitar embodies a pivotal moment in Fender's history, marking the transition under CBS's ownership. The result is a guitar that balances between the classic Fender sound and the era's emerging mass-production techniques.

At first glance, you'll notice the enlarged headstock, a distinctive feature introduced in this year, which not only adds to its vintage appeal but also contributes to the guitar's unique tonal resonance. Crafted with an alder body and a maple neck topped with a rosewood fingerboard, this Stratocaster delivers that rich, full-bodied sound that has been cherished by legends like Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton.

This model features three single-coil pickups and a 3-way pickup selector, allowing for a versatile range of tones that can adapt to any playing style. The switch from clay to pearloid dot inlays adds a subtle touch of elegance to its design, making it as visually striking as it is sonically impressive. Whether you're a collector or a player, the 1965 Fender Stratocaster holds a timeless allure, capturing the essence of a transformative era in music history.

Key Features:

  • Enlarged headstock for enhanced tonal resonance
  • Alder body and maple neck with rosewood fingerboard
  • Three single-coil pickups with 3-way selector for versatile sound
  • Pearloid dot inlays adding a classic aesthetic touch
  • Notable players include Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model Stratocaster
Finish Black, Blonde, Candy Apple Red, Daphne Blue, Fiesta Red, Firemist Gold, Ice Blue Metallic, Inca Silver, Lake Placid Blue, Ocean Turquoise Metallic, Olympic White, Shoreline Gold, Sonic Blue, Sunburst, Teal Green Metallic
Year 1965
Made In United States
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Shape S-Style
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Tremolo Bridge
Color Family Black, Blue, Brown, Gold, Red, Silver, Teal, White, Yellow
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss, Metallic
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Fender Stratocaster
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 21
Number of Strings 6-String
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration SSS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 25.5"
Series Fender Vintage Pre-CBS Era

FAQs

What makes the 1965 Fender Stratocaster unique compared to other Stratocaster models?

The 1965 Fender Stratocaster is notable for its vintage Pre-CBS era craftsmanship, featuring a solid alder body with a Journeyman Relic finish, a quartersawn maple neck, and hand-wound Custom Shop '65 Strat pickups that deliver classic, sought-after tones.

How does the 1965 Fender Stratocaster perform for blues and rock music?

The 1965 Fender Stratocaster's hand-wound Custom Shop '65 pickups and rosewood fretboard provide warm, rich tones ideal for blues and rock, with a smooth playability that enhances expressive bends and intricate solos.

What is the neck profile like on the 1965 Fender Stratocaster?

The 1965 Fender Stratocaster features a 25.5"-scale quartersawn maple neck with a round laminated rosewood fingerboard, offering a comfortable grip and smooth playability that suits a wide range of playing styles.

Is the 1965 Fender Stratocaster suitable for collectors?

Yes, the 1965 Fender Stratocaster is highly desirable for collectors due to its vintage Pre-CBS era status, iconic design, and the unique tonal characteristics of its hand-wound pickups.

Does the 1965 Fender Stratocaster have a tremolo bridge?

Yes, the 1965 Fender Stratocaster is equipped with an American Vintage synchronized tremolo bridge, allowing for expressive vibrato effects and enhancing the guitar's versatility.

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1965 Fender Stratocaster | Guest Host: Joe Bonamassa

Video thumbnail for Guitar of the Day: 1965 Fender Stratocaster | Guest Host: Joe Bonamassa by Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1965 Fender Stratocaster | Guest Host: Joe Bonamassa

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Reviews

Critic Reviews

Vintage Vault: 1965 Foam Green Fender Stratocaster - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

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Artist usage

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See how Brian Setzer uses 1965 Fender Stratocaster

Brian Setzer

Singer, Guitarist

The Brian Setzer Orchestra

...
Verified via reverb.com
Color/Finish: Surf Green Year: 1965

A Reverb listing identifies this 1965 Fender Stratocaster in Surf Green as being owned by Brian Setzer, and notes the neck code as “2 Dec 64 B.”

See how Tyler Armstrong uses 1965 Fender Stratocaster

Tyler Armstrong

Guitarist

The Band Feel

...
Verified via YouTube

In the Premier Guitar video titled "A Vintage Guitar Parade with The Band Feel's Tyler Armstrong | Rig Rundown," Tyler Armstrong is documented at 8:03 showcasing a 1965 Fender Stratocaster from his guitar vault.

Genre Usage

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Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use 1965 Fender Stratocaster, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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