1965 Fender Stratocaster - Original Olympic White

For your consideration, Garrett Park Guitars presents this all-original 1965 Fender Stratocaster finished in its original Olympic White.

1965 represents a fascinating and historically significant moment for the Stratocaster—marking the transition from Fender’s pre-CBS era while still retaining many of the features, materials, and build practices that defined the company’s golden age. With its alder body, gray-bottom pickups, and transitional headstock, this Strat captures the unmistakable feel and sound that made mid-’60s examples so enduringly desirable.

This particular guitar was discovered in a storage unit and shows every indication of having been a true case queen for much of its life. The result is an instrument that presents in excellent overall condition, with remarkably light play wear for its age and a striking pattern of consistent, well-developed lacquer checking across the finish. The original Olympic White has gently mellowed to a warm cream in places, creating the visual depth and character that only decades of natural aging can provide.

The maple neck with Brazilian rosewood fingerboard features a comfortable medium C profile, measuring .83" at the first fret and .98" at the 12th, offering a substantial yet highly playable feel. Original narrow-tall frets remain in excellent condition, and the guitar plays effortlessly up and down the neck with low action and no buzzing or dead spots. The transitional headstock and original Kluson double-line tuners complete the classic mid-’60s Fender aesthetic.

Electronics are entirely original, anchored by a set of gray-bottom pickups that have never been rewound or repaired. With DCR readings ranging from 5.99kΩ to 6.46kΩ, these pickups deliver the articulate highs, scooped mids, and piano-like low end that define great vintage Strat tone. Original CTS pots, cloth-bound wiring, and CRL switch preserve the instrument’s authenticity and dynamic response.

This 1965 Stratocaster represents a rare opportunity to acquire a highly original, beautifully preserved example from a pivotal year in Fender history—perfectly suited for the serious player, discerning collector, or anyone seeking an honest, unmolested vintage Strat with exceptional feel and tone.

It comes complete with its original Fender hardshell case, along with the original bridge cover, tremolo arm, two additional tremolo springs, and a vintage white leather strap.

Payment terms: Due to the value of this instrument, payment is accepted via wire transfer only.

Specifications

Model & Year

• Model: Stratocaster

• Year of manufacture: 1965

• Serial Number: 107631

Body

• Material: Alder

• Finish: Original Olympic White nitrocellulose lacquer

• Weight: 7lbs 11oz

Neck

• Material & Construction: Maple with rosewood fingerboard, 4-bolt

• Date Stamp: 2SEP65B

• Profile shape: Medium C

• Nut width: 1.65"

• Neck depth:

  • 1st fret: .83"

  • 12th fret: .98"

• Inlays: Pearloid dots

• Frets: Original narrow tall, excellent condition

• Headstock: Transitional

• Tuners: Original Kluson double-line

Hardware

• Bridge / Tailpiece: Synchronized tremolo

• Pickguard: Original 3-ply (W/B/W)

• Knobs: Original

• Strap buttons: Original

Electronics

• Pickups: Original gray-bottoms (no repairs or rewinds)

• Impedance / DCR readings:

  • Bridge: 6.46kΩ

  • Middle: 6.32kΩ

  • Neck: 5.99kΩ

• Pots & caps: Original CTS (137.6549)

• Wiring: Original cloth-bound

• Switch: Original CRL

Condition: Excellent

• Excellent cosmetic condition with less-than-average play wear and extensive, consistent checking

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

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

• Original Olympic White finish has aged gracefully, with subtle cream hues enhancing visual character

Case & Accessories

• Case type: Original Fender hardshell case

• Extras: Original bridge cover, tremolo arm, two additional tremolo springs, vintage white leather strap