Fender American Vintage 1965 Stratocaster - Sonic Blue w/Rosewood FB

The Fender American Vintage II series presents a remarkably accurate take on the revolutionary designs that altered the course of musical history. Built with period-accurate bodies, necks and hardware, premium finishes and meticulously voiced, year-specific pickups, each instrument captures the essence of authentic Fender craftsmanship and tone.

Relive the sound and spirit of 1965 with the American Vintage II 1965 Stratocaster. Smack in the middle of one of music’s most electrifying decades, the Stratocaster in 1965 was an instrument on its way to becoming rock’s greatest electric guitar. A perfect example of a Strat in a transition year, the 1965 Stratocaster features a 1965 “C”-shaped maple neck, this time with a round-laminated rosewood fingerboard and larger pearl dot inlays. Other authentic features include an 11-hole three-ply white pickguard, the incredibly cool transition logo with larger lettering, and a set of amazing “gray bottom” Pure Vintage 1965 pickups.

Gloss Nitrocellulose Lacquer Finish

Nitrocellulose lacquer, as used on ‘50s and ‘60’s Fender instruments, is a premium finish that reveals the instrument’s true tonal character.

Alder Body

Alder has a well-balanced tone with beefy mids and a robust low-end.

7.25” Radius Round-Laminated Rosewood Fingerboard

The 7.25”-radius fingerboard provides the comfortable playing feel of a vintage instrument, while vintage-tall frets make it easier to bend notes without fretting out.

1965 “C”-Shape Neck

In vintage years, the shape and thickness of Fender guitar necks varied tremendously. The American Vintage II Series features authentic neck profiles from Fender’s past.

Pure Vintage '65 Stratocaster Pickups

Specially voiced to reproduce the authentic sound and performance of individual model years, Pure Vintage pickups are constructed just like pickups from Fender’s golden years. Materials include cloth-covered wire, fiber bobbins and alnico magnets.

Vintage-Style Hardware

From the bridge to the string tree and tuning machines, every piece of American Vintage II hardware is manufactured to look, sound and function just like it did on the originals. Much of the American Vintage II hardware is still manufactured on the original ‘50s and ‘60s era Fender factory machines.