The Fender Stratocaster is arguably the most iconic, most played, and most copied electric guitar design of all-time. Fender launched the Strat in 1954, and the model evolved throughout the '50s and '60s. With the CBS purchase of Fender in 1965, the classic era of Strat production ended, and subsequent Strats are of considerable less interest to collectors than pre-cbs examples. Those from 1966 are considered "transition" era Fenders, and are much more desirable than Strats from the end of the '60s and the '70s. 

Years of Production: 1954 - present

Unique to this Year: Larger headstock size starting at end of 1965, transition continues in 1966.

Body Style: Offset solidbody 

Wood Composition: Alder body, Maple neck with veeneer Rosewood fingerboard

Design Elements: Bolt-on neck, dot inlays, 3 single-coil pickups, 3-way pickup selector

Finish Specifications: Sunburst was the standard finish for '60s Strats.

Notable Players:  Bob Dylan, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, David Gilmour