Vintage Fender L-Series Stratocaster Refin - USA 1965

This 1965 Fender Stratocaster is a vibey, road-worn, player-grade pre-CBS L-Series example - professionally refinished in a stunning Lake Placid Blue-style nitro that’s aged naturally with grace. It’s not just a looker - it’s a tonal machine.

The neck is dated 2SEP65B, and all three grey-bottom pickups are original and factory-marked in pencil (“F”, “M”) with inspection initials “JM.” The tone is everything you'd hope for: bold, airy, and responsive, with vintage chime and bite. This Strat plays like butter - with a straight neck, clean professional refret, and exceptional resonance.

The potentiometers are dated 6549 (49th week of '65). It features staggered pole pieces, springs instead of rubber O-rings, and plastic-coated silver wire - some service work has been done, but the heart of this Strat remains authentic and full of life.

The body has been professionally refinished in vintage-correct Lake Placid Blue, now aged to a tasteful patina. The job was clearly done long ago, with lacquer sink into the grain and soft, authentic wear at the edges. The neck wears a gorgeous Brazilian rosewood veneer fingerboard, true to the spec of late ’65.

Tuners are upgraded Grover Deluxe, and the original trem block and hardware show natural ageing but are fully functional. The original 3-way switch has been replaced with a 5-way switch, it also has replaced knobs and nut.

If you’ve been hunting for a real-deal L-Series Stratocaster but can’t justify the $40–50K price tags, this is your opportunity. With many original components, exceptional tone, and a stunning vintage-style refin, this is the perfect guitar for players and collectors who prioritise feel and sound. It’s a stage-ready, studio-approved Strat that punches way above its price point.

Comes in non-original Fender HSC without a handle.

Features:

Action at 1st Fret: 0.25mm

Action at 12th Fret: 2.5mm

Neck Depth at 1st Fret: 21.27mm

Neck Depth at 12th Fret: 25.22mm

Nut Width: 42.5mm

Width at 12th Fret: 51.98mm

Weight: 3.8kg / 8.38lb

Year: 1965

Finish: Lake Placid Blue (refin)

Body: Alder

Neck: Maple

Fretboard: Brazilian rosewood

Neck Date: 2SEP65B

Pickups: Original grey-bottom single coils

Pots: CTS, coded 6549

Frets: Professional refret

Nut: Replaced

Tuners: Grover Deluxe (replaced)

Case: Non-Original Fender HSC