1965 Fender Stratocaster Olympic White

In January of 1965, Fender was acquired by CBS (yes, that CBS). There is a widely held belief that the suits came in and started messing with the product literally on day one. That has, unfortunately, given some early post CBS guitars a bad rap. It actually took CBS a few years to mess up the Fender brand but mess it up they did but not this one. Changes to the Strat really took off in 64, some a full year before CBS took over. Clay dots went to pearl dots, the logo was changed, grey bottom pickups replaced the black bottom ones that had been in use since 1954. The green guard was now white. So, this mid year 65 really has some 64 changes but no post CBS features. It has the new logo, grey bottom pickups and the pearl dots as do many pre CBS Strats. It has a factory tortoise guard which is pretty rare on a Strat. This Strat is 99% original (including the frets) and in excellent condition. Only the bridge cover is replaced. The Olympic White finish has yellowed a bit which is to be expected due to the yellowing of the nitro clear coat. It is bone stock but has a couple of issues that should be disclosed. There is a small, well executed repair to the pickguard from a now gone mini switch. It's hard to see. There is a spot of clear coat that either wore off or was perhaps sanded off for some reason on the back mostly under the trem cover (see the photo). No idea why anyone would do that purposely. There is one touched up solder joint (pickup ground wires). A great player in collector clean condition. Weigh 8 lbs 2 ounces.