{"product_id":"fender-stratocaster-solid-body-electric-guitar-1966-688","title":"Fender Stratocaster Solid Body Electric Guitar (1966)","description":"Fender Stratocaster Model Solid Body Electric Guitar (1966), made in USA, Lake Placid Blue lacquer finish, alder body, maple neck, rosewood fretboard, black original hard shell case. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis unusual 1966 Stratocaster features not only a beautiful Lake Placid Blue custom-color finish but also the rare option of gold-plated hardware as well, making it a flashy standout even among vintage Fenders. This is a nice example of an early-CBS era guitar, built before the \"bean counters\" had begun to severely impact the quality and appearance of Fender instruments. And yes, there is a story�\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAt some point, this guitar went through what used to be called (at least around here) the \"NY Studio\" setup -- it was equipped with two humbucking pickups and a Gibson-style toggle on the lower horn. This of course required a certain amount of routing to the body cavities, fortunately only in areas covered by the pickguard. At present, the guitar is equipped with a fully original dated 1966 pickguard and electronics assembly, although whether the original perpetrator was prescient enough to save these parts for re-installation or they are from another same-era guitar is impossible to determine. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAt any rate, the 1966 pickguard, pickups (dated on the middle pickup), pots (dated 1966), and cloth wiring (including original 3-position switch) are all fully intact with original solder joints and tape, connected to the jack with more modern plastic-covered wire. The original tuners were also at some point superceded by something with a larger bushing, creating some slight dimpling in the headstock face, but original gold-plated Klusons have been re-mounted with minimal fuss.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn appearance, playability, and sound, this is a most impressive Stratocaster, despite its apparently checkered past! The March '66 B-neck has the original larger frets, nut, and early large headstock with the gold \"transition\" logo with five patent numbers. The thick 3-ply white plastic pickguard, shielding plate, knobs, and pickup covers and tremolo backplate are all 100% period correct. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eALL metal hardware on this guitar is original gold plate: tuners, string tree and spacer, \"F\" neckplate and screws, pickguard and pickup screws, bridge, saddles, strap buttons, jack cup, and tremolo arm. This was a Fender catalog option but is rarely seen on Stratocasters, as it added quite a bit to the cost -- on top of the 5% for the custom color! \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe guitar plays effortlessly and has the typical great period Fender sound. Due to the previous work performed on it, this rare and particularly attractive mid-'60s Stratocaster is a relative bargain for either a player or collector in search of a unique Fender.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eOverall length is 39 1\/4 in. (99.7 cm.), 12 5\/8 in. (32.1 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 1 3\/4 in. (4.4 cm.) in depth at deepest point. Scale length is 25 3\/8 in. (644 mm.). \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis guitar appears fully and correctly set up to 1966 specs, with the exception that the extra routed areas in the body have been left unfilled -- some folks might even feel this results in an \"airier\" sound! The small piece of wire leading to the jack is more recent; this is the ONLY non-period part. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThere are small dings and chips in the finish but no checking or beltbuckle wear, the most noticeable area being on the back upper bout near the forward strap button. The neck and frets are in excellent condition, with minimal fret or finish wear. The gold-plated hardware is worn in some places, most notably the bridge saddles, tremelo arm (completely worn off most of the bar), and the neckplate near the cutaway. Overall light playing wear and no damage, except of course the hidden routing. Original black case is also excellent.","brand":"Fender","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46853285118092,"sku":"688","price":7600.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0672\/8702\/3756\/files\/01_6ac06d61-eaaf-48b3-8741-189b118602a3.jpg?v=1774333050","url":"https:\/\/retrofret.com\/products\/fender-stratocaster-solid-body-electric-guitar-1966-688","provider":"RetroFret","version":"1.0","type":"link"}