ARCHIVED • SOLD
1966 Fender Telecaster Sunburst
A beautiful example of a Fender instrument from the company's "transition era" of the mid 1960s, this 1966 Telecaster boasts an incredibly clean and unfaded Sunburst finish. Pot codes of the 17th week of 1966 (304-6617), a July of 1966 neck date (3 Jul 66 B), and a bridge pickup date of July of 1966 (7-18-66), mark this guitar as a mid '66 build.
A nearly completely original instrument, this Telecaster retains its original circuitry with the "dark cap" installed. Some new solder joints on the original components suggest that the dark cap was removed at some point over the last six decades and was much more recently reinstalled. The output jack has been replaced, and the two flat-head screws fixing the three-way switch to the control plate are not original.
The original and unmodified bridge pickup (6.5K) delivers a rich voice with clarity and bite which is complemented perfectly by the creamy and airy tone of the original neck pickup (6.9K). The dark-cap offers a warm and woolly tonal quality when engaged.
With a 1st fret depth of 0.851" and a neck taper to 0.934" at the 12th, the typical Fender 1-5/8" nut width and full-feeling shoulders, the neck has an incredibly comfortable carve that fills the hand nicely without being cumbersome. Weighing in at a light 7.25lbs, this Telecaster can easily be played for hours on end.
Original lacquer finish throughout without any touchups or excessive wear. Original double-line Kluson tuners, original nut (which has never been removed) and original frets which show very little playwear. Indian rosewood fretboard with pearloid dots, three-ply parchment pickguard, and original hardware throughout with next to no rust.
With original hardshell case
