Fender Stratocaster Model Solid Body Electric Guitar (1965), made in Fullerton, California, serial # 108023, Blonde lacquer finish, ash body, maple neck with rosewood fingerboard, original black tolex hard shell case. This is a very fine original example of a rare blonde finished, ash-body 'transition' early-CBS era Stratocaster, with some typical play wear but original and unmodified. The body is made of ash; this was used only on blonde finished instruments in this period and was only available as a custom-ordered option on the Stratocaster (standard sunburst versions and other custom color variants used the common alder). The neck is dated to November 1965 and still features the old smaller "Pre-CBS" headstock with gold "transition" logo and Kluson tuners, with the newer pearl dot rosewood fingerboard that was introduced in the beginning of that year. The heavy 3-ply white plastic pickguard on this guitar was a new feature as well, dating to right around the same time. All other features are still to the Pre-CBS standard, including the thinner lacquer on the body and neck, grey-bobbin pickups and steel stamped-saddle bridge and trem block. The weight is fairly light for this period at just under 8 LB 4 Oz.; this is a great-feeling and sounding Strat with a killer vibe, from surf to Hendrix and beyond.Overall length is 39 3/4 in. (101 cm.), 12 3/4 in. (32.4 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 1 3/4 in. (4.4 cm.) deep. Scale length is 25 1/2 in. (648 mm.). Width of nut is 1 5/8 in. (41 mm.). This guitar remains in nice original condition but does show some typical wear, like many old Fenders it has been well played but not abused. The finish has numerous small dings and dents to the body edges mostly on the bottom and around the strap button, and there is decent size spot of buckle wear down to the wood on the back. The top is relatively clean with the armwear area showing less rubbed-away finish than many similar instruments. The finish on the back of the neck IS mostly rubbed away, resulting in that "played in Fender" feel that is a popular condition to attempt to re-create on new instruments today. The Kluson tuners and headstock decals are original and in very good shape. The guitar has been neatly refretted with the correct period style wire; this looks to have been done some time ago and the frets show minimal wear, with many years of life left. The "wide bevel" white ABS plastic pickguard shows very little shrinking, there are typical scrapes from truss rod adjustment in the expected spot. All hardware appears correct and original including the bridge unit, pickups, covers and the wiring rig with the 3-way switch-the pots are dated to the 32nd week of 1965. The pickups appear to have been wax potted resulting in re-done solder joints to the pots and switch. The blonde finish has yellowed as usual but shows only light checking, with playwear as noted above. Played but not abused, This old Strat sounds like it should and is ready for the next 50 years. Excellent - Condition.