1965 Fender Stratocaster in Lake Placid Blue

For your consideration, Garrett Park Guitars presents this 1965 Fender Stratocaster in a striking Lake Placid Blue finish.

By 1965, the Stratocaster had firmly established itself as one of the most influential electric guitar designs ever produced. Originally introduced in 1954 as Leo Fender’s flagship solidbody model, the Strat combined futuristic styling, ergonomic contours, and innovative electronics into a platform that would define the sound of modern popular music. Mid-1960s examples remain especially desirable for their blend of pre-CBS construction characteristics and evolving cosmetic appointments, offering players and collectors a uniquely compelling snapshot of Fender’s golden era.

This particular example features a beautifully preserved Lake Placid Blue nitrocellulose lacquer finish, retaining excellent color vibrancy and visual depth throughout. Cosmetic wear is minimal overall, consisting primarily of light checking and isolated blemishing consistent with age. The most notable wear is located along the side of the lower bout near the output jack, where a sizable ding extends through the finish and into the wood, likely the result of an impact. Despite this, the instrument presents exceptionally well and retains outstanding vintage character.

The maple neck, stamped 2SEP65B, is paired with a Brazilian rosewood fingerboard featuring pearloid dot inlays, a hallmark specification of mid-1965 production. Carved into a comfortable medium C profile, the neck measures .85” at the first fret and .10” at the twelfth, offering a familiar and substantial feel without excess bulk. Original frets remain intact and the guitar has been professionally set up for smooth playability with low action and excellent response across the register. Original Kluson Deluxe tuners remain fitted, preserving both the instrument’s functionality and period-correct appearance.

Electronically, the guitar retains its complete set of original single-coil pickups, dated to November 1965, along with the original CTS potentiometers, cloth-bound wiring, and CRL switch. The pickups deliver the unmistakable tonal character associated with mid-’60s Stratocasters: articulate highs, woody midrange response, and dynamic clarity throughout all pickup positions. Measured outputs read 6.14kΩ in the bridge position, 5.89kΩ in the middle, and 6.20kΩ in the neck, providing a balanced and lively tonal palette well-suited for everything from clean rhythm work to driven lead tones.

Additional original features include the synchronized tremolo, 3-ply pickguard, and original knobs. Structurally, the instrument remains in excellent condition with no cracks, breaks, or repairs noted. It is accompanied by its original hardshell case, tremolo arm, bridge cover, and additional tremolo springs.

Overall, this 1965 Fender Stratocaster represents an outstanding combination of originality, playability, and iconic vintage Fender tone. With its vibrant custom-color finish, transitional mid-’60s appointments, and highly preserved condition, it stands as a superb example from one of the most historically significant eras of Stratocaster production.

Specifications

All components original unless specified

Model & Year

• Model: Fender Stratocaster
• Year of manufacture: 1965
• Serial Number: L70975

Body

• Material: Alder
• Finish: Lake Placid Blue nitrocellulose lacquer
• Weight: 7lb 4oz

Neck

• Stamp: 2SEP65B
• Material & Construction: Maple, bolt-on
• Fingerboard: Rosewood
• Profile shape: Medium C
• Radius: 7.25"
• Nut Width: 1.66"
• Depth: .85" (1st), .10" (12th)
• Inlays: Pearloid dots
• Frets: Original
• Tuners: Kluson Deluxe

Hardware

• Bridge / Tailpiece: Synchronized tremolo
• Pickguard: 3-ply
• Knobs: Original

Electronics

• Pickups: Single-coils, dated 11-16-65
• Impedance / DCR readings
  • Bridge: 6.14kΩ
  • Middle: 5.89kΩ
  • Neck: 6.20kΩ
• Potentiometers: CTS (137)
  • Volume: 6523
  • Neck Tone: 6510
  • Middle Tone: 6501
• Wiring: Cloth-bound
• Switch: CRL

Condition: Excellent

• Excellent cosmetic condition with minimal wear
• Original Lake Placid Blue remains vibrant
• Excellent structural condition with no cracks, breaks, or repairs
• Professionally set up for low action with no buzzing or dead spots
• Comes with original hardshell case, tremolo arm, bridge cover, and additional tremolo springs