GGJaguar's Guitarium and Ampeteria 1966 Fender Stratocaster

All images and text copyrighted and property of Greg Gagliano.

FACTOIDS & TRIVIA

The Fender Stratocaster was designed by Leo Fender, with input from George Fullerton, Bill Carson and Freddy Tavares. It first appeared in 1954 as an upscale alternative to the Telecaster. It sported three pickups which reflected the American attitude that "more is better" and provided a solid body alternative to three-pickup archtops like the Gibson ES-5, Guild X-350, and the Epiphone Emperor Zephyr Regent. Unlike those other models, the Stratocaster had a modern, double cutaway, solid body and six in-line tuners that was radical for 1954. From 1954 until 1958, the Stratocaster was at the top of the Fender line. Early rock and roll endorsers of the Stratocaster included Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and Howard Reed. During the 1960s, the Stratocaster received a rosewood fingerboard, and was considered a mid-line guitar behind the Jaguar and Jazzmaster. In the late 1960s, with the popularity of Jaguar and Jazzmaster waning, the Stratocaster became one of the preeminent rock and roll guitars by virtue of it's use by Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton. Cosmetic details changed through the years, including the large headstock introduced in December 1965 as seen on this particular guitar. Many spin-off models were borne of the standard Stratocaster in the 1980s and 1990s. Yet, it is the basic, classic Stratocaster that has been identified as a rock and roll icon.

FENDER STRATOCASTER (January 1966)

Body: Solid, alder