1968 Fender Stratocaster

The 1968 Stratocaster — Jimi Hendrix territory. CBS-era large headstock, Indian rosewood board, but still an excellent rock and blues instrument. The guitar that defined Woodstock.

Current Market Value

Excellent
$6,000$12,000
Very Good
$4,000$6,000
Good
$2,500$4,000
Fair
$1,200$2,500

* Prices are estimates based on recent market data. Actual value depends on originality, condition, and provenance. Pricing methodology

Specifications

Body WoodAlder (two-piece)
Neck WoodMaple
FingerboardRosewood (veneer — Indian rosewood)
Scale Length25.500"
Frets21
Pickup ConfigSSS
BridgeSynchronized tremolo
TunersF-stamped Kluson-style
Finish OptionsSunburst, Custom colors, Natural (new)
Est. Production12,000

Pickups & Electronics

Three single-coil pickups. Gray-bottom style. CBS-era but still very playable.

What Changed in 1968

Jimi Hendrix's Woodstock performance in 1969 (with a 1968 Strat) would define the instrument's image forever. Indian rosewood now standard. The Strat was at the center of psychedelic rock and blues.

Notable Examples

Jimi Hendrix played a 1968 Fender Stratocaster (Olympic White) at Woodstock — the most famous guitar performance in history.

Collector's Notes

Hendrix association makes late 1960s Strats culturally significant beyond their strict collector value. Olympic White Strats from this era command premiums. CBS-era quality is often underestimated.