Máistir Nádúraí: '65!

5.23.2025

'65!

"Once I got my hands on a Stratocaster, I never wanted to let go. It was like that guitar could talk."

— Buddy Guy

Well, I did it again. But this time I went with a trade instead of an outright purchase. There are a few guitars in my collection that might be on the chopping block, but it's not the right time to sell them. Anyway, my 2021 Ultra HSS wasn't quite as good as my newer Ultra II HSS, so I used that guitar to acquire Fender's recently released American Vintage II 1965 Stratocaster, which is available in Sonic Blue, Shoreline Gold, and Candy Apple Red.

The 1965 Fender Stratocaster holds a significant place in guitar history as a transitional model that bridged the gap between the original Leo Fender era and the corporate ownership under CBS. Though many instruments made in early 1965 were assembled from parts produced before the sale, subtle but meaningful changes began to emerge as CBS implemented mass-production techniques. These included the switch from the "spaghetti" Fender logo to the bolder "transition" logo on the headstock:

Collectors and players alike often view 1965 Strats as the last of the "pre-CBS" quality, especially those manufactured in the first few months of the year. Naturally, mine is a 2025 reissue. However, there's a mint condition original '65 Candy Apple Red for sale on Reverb.com for $55,552.39. That's just a tad out of my price range!

Bio:

Mike McDowell has been documenting southern Wisconsin’s flora and fauna since 1987 and began leading field trips in 2002. While he is most prolific at Pheasant Branch Conservancy, his explorations extend to other natural gems like Pope Farm Conservancy, Spring Green Preserve, and the Baraboo Hills. His nature photography has graced numerous publications, including newspapers, magazines, a Wisconsin Endangered Resources license plate, a Capital Brewery beer label, and even a National Geographic feature. Since 2005, Mike has been journaling his nature observations on his blog. He is the recipient of the 2012 Bronze Passenger Pigeon Award from the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology, presented to individuals who have made outstanding contributions in their local communities or state to promote the field of ornithology. A skilled digiscoper, he was a multiple-time finalist in Swarovski’s Digiscoper of the Year photography contest. Mike’s interests span insect macro-photography—focusing on tiger beetles, treehoppers, and robber flies—fossil collecting, botany, natural history, amateur astronomy, and long-range rifle marksmanship. A former gigging musician, he has rekindled his passion for collecting Fender Stratocasters, with his prized possession being a 1957 Vintage Custom Shop 'Mary Kaye' White Blonde. After a career in IT, Mike has spent the past 24 years in the sport optics industry.

Disclaimer:

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