The Fender Stratocaster is without a doubt the most recognisable guitar in rock and roll history, and vintage examples are now being sought after by both players and collectors. This 1965 Fender Stratocaster is a unique example of a Stratocaster from the mid '60s 'transitional' era with a particularly cool story!
This guitar is constructed from the typical Alder body used on Stratocasters at the time, and has been refinished in Dakota Red at some point in its life. There is evidence of a white finish beneath the refinish, and supporting photos of the previous owner playing both a white and red Strat that match the looks of this guitar. The Rosewood veneer fretboard and pearl dot inlay markers on the Maple neck, which was first introduced in late 1964, are in excellent condition, with the neck featuring a typical mid '60s 'C' shaped profile that is well played in with plenty of neck wear. The single coil grey bottom pickups are lively and produce the expected clarity and bell-like chime. The "transition" period logo features on the headstock, replacing the spaghetti font Fender logo with a thicker gold decal, although retaining the smaller pre-CBS headstock shape.
This guitar was previously owned by Larry Wallis, founding member of Motorhead and the Pink Fairies and in house producer for Stiff Records, and was one of his main guitars throughout most of the 1970’s & 1980’s. This guitar can be seen on the cover of the Pink Fairies 1987 album 'Kill 'Em and Eat 'Em' and the solo single 'Police Car' in 1977.
This guitar is in very good condition, and sports plenty of play wear around the edges of the body and rear of the neck, having spent the majority of its life being used on stage. It is in internally and externally original, with a JULY 65 neck heel stamp, with the exception of the previously mentioned refinish. The electronics are original, with all pots dating to the 14th week of 1965 (137 6514), although they have of course been resoldered in places due to the refinish. The pickups are the original grey bottom single coils, with a hand written date of August 65. All hardware including the double line Kluson tuners, 3 way switch, bridge, saddles and pickguard are original. This guitar also includes a non original hard case with 'Pink Fairies' stencilled logo.
This guitar has been given a full service by our luthiers at the Vintage Instrument Workshop, and includes a 3 year warranty.
