1966 Fender Stratocaster — Original Lake Placid Blue

For your consideration, Garrett Park Guitars presents this 1966 Fender Stratocaster, finished in its original and highly sought-after Lake Placid Blue nitrocellulose lacquer.

By 1966, the Stratocaster had firmly established itself as one of the most influential electric guitars ever produced. Early CBS-era examples such as this retain much of the craftsmanship and tonal character that defined Fender’s golden years while introducing subtle visual changes that mark the transition into the mid-1960s. With its alder body, rosewood veneer fingerboard, grey-bottom pickups, and large CBS-era headstock, this Stratocaster perfectly captures the look, feel, and unmistakable sound that made the model a cornerstone of electric guitar history.

This particular guitar presents in excellent overall condition, showing below-average play wear for its age. The original Lake Placid Blue finish has aged beautifully over the decades, developing light lacquer checking across the top and more moderate checking on the back, giving the instrument the authentic visual character that collectors and players alike appreciate in vintage custom-color Fenders. Structurally, the guitar remains exceptionally clean, with no cracks, breaks, or repairs, and the finish retains excellent color depth and presence.

The maple/rosewood neck, which is stamped 13JAN66, features a comfortable medium C profile and a traditional 1.65" nut width, offering a familiar and versatile feel that accommodates both rhythm work and expressive lead playing. The original medium jumbo frets remain in excellent condition, allowing for smooth playability up and down the fingerboard. Paired with the classic pearloid dot inlays and large CBS-era headstock, the neck delivers both the aesthetic and tactile hallmarks of a mid-’60s Strat.

Electronics are entirely original, anchored by a trio of grey-bottom Stratocaster pickups dated February 10, 1966. These pickups read 5.81kΩ (bridge), 6.19kΩ (middle), and 6.09kΩ (neck), producing the clear, bell-like highs, focused midrange, and tight low end that have defined the Stratocaster’s voice for generations. Original CTS pots dated 6549, cloth-bound wiring, and the original 3-way CRL switch further confirm the guitar’s remarkable originality and contribute to its lively, responsive tonal character.

Hardware remains equally well preserved, including the original synchronized tremolo bridge, 3-ply pickguard, Kluson Deluxe double-line tuners, and original plastic appointments. Together, these elements complete the unmistakable visual identity of a mid-’60s Strat while providing excellent tuning stability and resonance.

This 1966 Fender Stratocaster represents a beautifully preserved custom-color example from a pivotal era in Fender history—offering the timeless tone, feel, and visual appeal that continue to inspire players more than half a century later.

Notable Stratocaster players include Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, Stevie Ray Vaughan, David Gilmour, and countless others who have shaped the sound of modern electric guitar.

It comes complete with its original Fender hardshell case, along with the original tremolo arm and bridge cover.

Specifications

Model & Year

• Model: Fender Stratocaster

• Year of manufacture: 1966

• Serial Number: 117193

Body

• Material: Alder

• Finish: Original Lake Placid Blue nitrocellulose lacquer

• Weight: 8lb 3oz

Neck

• Material & Construction: 4-bolt maple with rosewood veneer

• Profile shape: Medium C

• Nut width: 1.63"

• Inlays: Pearloid dots

• Frets: Original medium jumbo

• Headstock: Classic CBS-era 

• Tuners: Original Kluson Deluxe double-line

Hardware

• Bridge / Tailpiece: Original Synchronized Tremolo

• Pickguard: Original 3-ply (W/B/W)

• Knobs: Original 

• Strap buttons: Original

Electronics

• Pickups: Original grey-bottoms, dated 2-10-66

• Impedance / DCR readings

  • Bridge: 5.81KΩ

  • Middle: 6.19Ω

• • Neck: 6.09KΩ

• Pots: Original CTS (137 6549) 

• Wiring: Original cloth-bound

• Switch: Original 3-way CRL

Condition: Excellent

• Excellent cosmetic condition with below-average play wear throughout; light lacquer checking on top; moderate checking on back

• Excellent structural condition with no cracks, breaks, or repairs

• Professionally set up with .010s; low action with no buzzing or dead spots

• Original Lake Placid Blue finish has aged gracefully

Case

• Case type: Original Fender case; comes with original trem arm and bridge cover

• Accessories: Original trem arm and bridge cover included