1966 Fender Stratocaster
The first full year of CBS-era Strats with the large headstock. While the 'CBS era' has a negative reputation, these are still excellent instruments — just different from the pre-CBS models. Large headstock Strats have their own fans and slightly different tonal character.
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 | Rosewood (veneer — transitioning to Indian rosewood) |
| Scale Length | 25.500" |
| Frets | 21 |
| Pickup Config | SSS |
| Bridge | Synchronized tremolo |
| Tuners | 'F'-stamped tuners (large Fender F logo) |
| Nut Width | 1.65" |
| Finish Options | Three-tone Sunburst, Custom colors |
| Est. Production | 10,000 |
Pickups & Electronics
Three single-coil pickups. Gray-bottom or black-bottom. CBS-era pickups.
What Changed in 1966
The large headstock became standard — the most visible CBS change. 'F'-stamped tuners. The Stratocaster's character began shifting under CBS management, though these are still excellent guitars.
Collector's Notes
Large headstock = CBS era — a significant value difference from small-headstock models. Custom colors from this era are still quite valuable. The transition from Brazilian to Indian rosewood begins in 1965-1967.