For your consideration, Garrett Park Guitars presents an early-1965 Fender Stratocaster with a rare and compelling pedigree: this L-series example was personally modified by Cesar Diaz, the legendary amplifier tech and guitar whisperer best known for his work with Stevie Ray Vaughan, Bob Dylan and others. The Diaz-connection was made when the guitar's former owner was recording in San Diego in the '90s. Though subtle, Diaz's touch on this instrument — a later 5-way switch and a carefully selected 0.008 µF capacitor to preserve tonal integrity at all volumes — represents a meaningful piece of Stratocaster lineage, linking this guitar to one of the most respected ears in vintage Fender history.

Built the month after CBS acquired Fender, this Stratocaster retains all the classic construction and appointments that define the period. Its alder body wears the original Sunburst finish; the comfortable medium-C maple neck is dated February 1965 and capped with a Brazilian rosewood fingerboard and pearloid dots; and a trio of original gray-bottom pickups dated April 20, 1965 deliver the unmistakable chime and articulation of mid-’60s Fender. At 7lbs 9oz, it has the lively acoustic presence that makes the best vintage Strats feel resonant before they ever meet an amplifier.

Cosmetically, this is a guitar with true stage-worn character: heavy, honest playwear, fine lacquer checking, and a few personal touches — stickers on the original 3-ply guard and a small jewel on the headstock — hint at a long and spirited life onstage. A recent professional refret with medium-jumbo wire ensures a smooth, modern playing experience. Aside from the Diaz-installed switch and capacitor, all electronics remain original, including the pots, cloth wiring, and master tone cap.

The three original gray-bottom single-coils all retain their factory windings and measure 4.98k (bridge), 5.89k (middle), and 5.74kΩ (neck) — well within range for 1965 and delivering the lively, harmonically rich response players associate with this era. Paired with the untouched early-’65 CTS pots, the guitar offers a dynamic, expressive tonal range with excellent clarity and warmth.

Structurally, the instrument is solid and free of cracks or repairs, and its fresh setup with 10s provides low action, clean bending, and the kind of responsiveness that makes a great mid-’60s Strat feel like a natural extension of the player.

This 1965 L-series Stratocaster stands as a compelling opportunity for the Fender enthusiast: a largely original, player-grade example with exceptional tone, undeniable mojo, and the added provenance of Cesar Diaz’s own hand — a subtle but powerful link to one of the most iconic eras in Stratocaster history. Includes the original hardshell case.

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Specifications

Model & Year

• Model: Fender Stratocaster

• Year of manufacture: 1965

• Serial Number: L68579

Body

• Material: Alder

• Finish: Sunburst

• Weight: 7lbs 9oz

Neck

• Material & Construction: Maple, 4-bolt

• Profile shape: Medium C

• Neck depth: .77" (1st fret) / .91" (12th fret)

• Nut width: 1.65"

• Fingerboard material: Brazilian Rosewood

• Inlays: Pearloid dots

• Frets: Medium Jumbo (.101” W × .040” H) Refret — Excellent Condition

• Headstock: Transition decal-somewhat faded

• Tuners: Original Kluson Deluxe double line

Hardware

• Bridge / Tailpiece: Original 6-screw synchronized tremolo with steel block and pressed-steel saddles

• Pickguard: Original 3-ply (WBW)

• Knobs: Original 

• Strap buttons: Original

Electronics

• Pickups: Original gray-bottoms, dated 4/20/65

• Impedance / DCR readings:

  • Bridge: 4.98kΩ

  • Middle: 5.89kΩ

  • Neck: 5.74kΩ

• Pots & caps: Original CTS pots, dated Jan/Feb 1965 (1376505); .008µF cap installed by Cesar Diaz; other cap original

• Wiring: Original cloth wiring, modded for 5-way switch

• Switch: Aftermarket 5-way installed by Cesar Diaz

Condition: Very Good Player-Grade

• Heavy play-wear and fine checking throughout, free of breaks and cracks

• Four stickers applied to pickguard; a jewel glued to headstock

• Set up excellently with 10s
  

Case & Accessories

• Case type: Original hardshell