Fender Serials

This website, True Vintage Guitar, offers a comprehensive guide to understanding Fender guitar serial numbers. It provides valuable information about how to decode these serial numbers to determine the manufacturing date and other relevant details about Fender guitars. Whether you’re a collector, enthusiast, or just curious about the history of Fender instruments, this resource can help you navigate the complexities of dating these iconic guitars.

https://truevintageguitar.com/blogs/tvg-blog/fender-serial-numbers

FuzzFaced.net provides insights into dating Fender Stratocaster necks based on their serial numbers. The website offers a detailed guide on how to interpret the codes found on the neck plate and decipher the manufacturing date of a Fender Stratocaster. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a beginner enthusiast, this resource can help you determine the age and authenticity of your instrument.

https://www.fuzzfaced.net/stratocaster-neck-date.html

Stratocaster 1966 PDF-Info at grandguitars.de

https://www.grandguitars.de/index.php?eID=dumpFile&t=f&f=6077&token=6b6f2463e8fa738fda5ed6cc281ad6919d4ae173

The document provides an in-depth analysis of the 1966 Fender Stratocaster Sunburst, a classic guitar model that underwent significant design changes after CBS acquired Fender. Here’s a detailed summary of the key points:

  1. Construction and Design Evolution: The document highlights the evolution of the Stratocaster’s design, noting significant changes that started to appear at the end of 1965. These changes include the introduction of larger headstocks and adjustments in the body and neck constructions to reflect CBS’s influence on Fender’s manufacturing processes.
  2. Material and Component Modifications: There was a shift in the materials used for various components:
  • The body material changed from ash to alder in 1956.
  • The necks began to feature larger headstocks and moved from one-piece to separate fingerboards with different types of inlays transitioning from clay to pearloid dots.
  • Pickguards evolved from single-layer to three-layer configurations.
  • Pickup constructions were modified to include different magnets and enamel-coated copper wire, enhancing their performance and consistency.
  1. Technical Details and Specifications:
  • The document details specific components such as the type of rosewood used for the fretboard, the introduction of gray-bottom pickups, and the consistent use of certain types of bridges and tremolos that remained unchanged through the end of 1966.
  1. Sound Characteristics: The Stratocaster is noted for its clear, focused sound with less overtone, attributed to the pickup designs and the plain enamel wire used. The document also mentions how the physical attributes of the guitar, such as the neck profile and fret dimensions, contribute to its playability and sound quality.
  2. Market Reception and Legacy: It discusses how these guitars, despite the changes, retained much of their beloved characteristics and how they are valued in the market today, especially for collectors and musicians who appreciate the blend of vintage appeal with modern enhancements.

The summary captures the essence of the 1966 Fender Stratocaster’s design evolution, technical specifics, and its standing in the guitar community, highlighting both the historical significance and the continued legacy of this iconic model.

1965-1966 Fender STRATOCASTER – Blue Ice Metallic at ebay

https://www.ebay.de/itm/305257677195?chn=ps&_ul=DE&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=707-168915-069958-0&mkcid=2&itemid=305257677195&targetid=293946777986&device=c&mktype=pla&googleloc=9114121&poi=20272&campaignid=20364266623&mkgroupid=153968497089&rlsatarget=pla-293946777986&abcId=&merchantid=7364532&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw88yxBhBWEiwA7cm6peDmYlBebfwm4svkAUsy9c0go0bnkEOqQA9Wh0VcEq1YUT8wdmjBGBoChOgQAvD_BwE

1966 Fender Stratocaster

The 1966 Fender Stratocaster stands as an iconic symbol of musical history and craftsmanship. Built during a pivotal era of guitar innovation, it embodies the quintessential features that have made the Stratocaster a timeless classic.

Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the ’66 model boasts a sleek double-cutaway body design, offering players unparalleled comfort and access to the upper frets. Its alder or ash body, depending on the model, delivers a balanced tonal profile with rich resonance and sustain.

Equipped with three single-coil pickups, the ’66 Strat produces a signature sound that’s characterized by its bright, articulate highs, tight bass response, and versatile midrange. Players can explore a wide range of tones, from sparkling cleans to gritty overdrive, thanks to the pickup selector switch and tone controls.

The maple neck, adorned with a rosewood or maple fingerboard, provides smooth playability and stability, while the iconic headstock design adds to its aesthetic appeal. The ’66 model often features vintage-style hardware, including a synchronized tremolo system, which allows players to add subtle vibrato or dive-bombing effects to their playing.

Renowned for its versatility, reliability, and timeless design, the 1966 Fender Stratocaster continues to inspire musicians across genres and generations, cementing its status as one of the most beloved electric guitars of all time.