1967 Fender Stratocaster

"If Dan Smith’s revitalization of Fender in the early 80s serves as an inspirational tale of an American icon redeemed, CBS’ handling of Fender in the decade prior could be considered the polar opposite. Turns out the creative genius that brought you The Red Skelton Show couldn’t quite figure out the intricacies of the electric guitar. Before CBS could fully dig in their claws, though, the late 60s saw some of the last golden-era magic that would ever come out of Fullerton. Features like a large headstock and Indian rosewood fretboard may put one in mind of the horrors of the 70s, but the high quality of build and excellent tone would have been right at home during Leo’s tenure.

1967 saw some of the lowest Stratocaster production numbers that the company would ever see. The model’s popularity was at an all-time low in the days immediately leading up to the rise of Hendrix. This specific example is uncommonly clean and original, the only modifications being a tidy period-correct refret and a slightly shimmed original nut. Even though it falls on the chronological cusp, this thing feels, sounds, and plays exactly like the best 60s Strats from the middle of the decade."