1965 Fender Stratocaster
The pivotal 1965 Stratocaster — the CBS acquisition year. Early 1965 examples are effectively pre-CBS in quality; later 1965s show CBS changes. Knowing the production date (from neck date) is crucial for accurate valuation.
Current Market Value
* Prices are estimates based on recent market data. Actual value depends on originality, condition, and provenance. Pricing methodology
Specifications
| Body Wood | Alder (two-piece) |
| Neck Wood | Maple |
| Fingerboard | Brazilian Rosewood (veneer) |
| Scale Length | 25.500" |
| Frets | 21 |
| Pickup Config | SSS |
| Bridge | Synchronized tremolo |
| Tuners | Kluson Deluxe (transitioning to F-tuners) |
| Nut Width | 1.65" |
| Finish Options | Three-tone Sunburst, Custom colors |
| Est. Production | 8,000 |
Pickups & Electronics
Three single-coil pickups. Transition-era pickups — some still excellent pre-CBS quality, some showing early CBS cost-cutting.
What Changed in 1965
CBS purchased Fender in January 1965 — the most significant event in Fender's history. Early 1965 guitars may be fully pre-CBS quality. Late 1965 begins showing CBS-era changes: larger headstock on some, different tuners beginning. A transitional year.
Collector's Notes
The neck date stamp is essential for 1965 guitars. Pre-January 1965 = pre-CBS quality. The large headstock began appearing in late 1965/1966 and is the most visible CBS-era identifier. Small-headstock 1965 Strats at near-pre-CBS prices represent value.