1966 was the first full year of the larger headstock on the Stratocaster—a significant enlargement that notably changed the look of the guitar and, many believe, enhanced its resonance. Under new CBS ownership since the previous year, Fender production was still top notch, and the company was still producing highly sought-after, high-quality instruments. The Custom Shop 1966 Strat Deluxe Closet Classic re-creates the sought after large-headstock Strat in detail, with the perfect customizations for players and aficionados alike. The two-piece select alder body wears a polished but slightly aged Deluxe Closet Classic lacquer finish, while the quartersawn maple neck has a ’66 “oval C” profile, 9.5”-radius round-lam rosewood fingerboard and 21 medium jumbo (6150) frets for classic comfortable play.

Custom Shop hand-wound ’65 Strat gray-bottom pickups (with reverse-wound/reverse polarity middle pickup) deliver thick tone, with Vintage Modified #2 wiring with Tone-Saver bleed circuitry and five-way switching, all on a three-ply parchment pickguard. Other features include a Custom Shop vintage synchronized tremolo, vintage-style tuning machines, bone nut, and wing string tree with nylon spacer. Also includes deluxe hardshell case, strap and certificate of authenticity.