Description

Fender Custom Shop Limited Edition 1965 Stratocaster Closet Classic – Lake Placid Blue

Rare limited-edition run • Abby Red Hot Pickups • Modern Playability with Vintage Soul

Here’s a truly special and extremely limited take on a classic Stratocaster. The Fender Custom Shop Limited Edition ’65 Stratocaster Closet Classic pays tribute to one of the rarest variations in Fender’s history. Back in 1965, bound-fretboard Stratocasters could be ordered only as a short-lived special request — today the originals are highly collectible and command significant prices on the vintage market.

This limited edition recreates the look and vibe of those rare early examples, while adding a few smart modern upgrades in terms of feel and playability. Finished in the stunning Lake Placid Blue Closet Classic, the guitar features subtle, tasteful aging with fine finish checking throughout — just like an instrument that has spent decades safely stored under the bed, waiting to be rediscovered.

One of the absolute highlights is the set of hand-wound “Abby Red Hot” pickups by Abigail Ybarra.
These are the real, fully hand-wound Red Hots — not the simpler initialed versions. Sets of these pickups routinely sell for over $1000 on the secondary market because of their exceptional tone, clarity and responsiveness. The output is hotter and brighter than standard Strat pickups, delivering everything from classic Strat quack to snappy, aggressive, singing lead tones. Abigail Ybarra is widely regarded as one of the finest pickup winders in Fender history, and this guitar is a perfect example of why.

The modern 9.5″ fingerboard radius and Dunlop 6105 frets make bending effortless and provide smooth, comfortable playability across the entire neck. The 1965 Large “C” neck shape is substantial yet ergonomic, offering the perfect blend of vintage feel and modern stability. The round-lam rosewood fingerboard adds warmth, sustain and excellent articulation.

This model is limited to just 30 pieces worldwide, making it not only a fantastic player’s guitar, but also a highly collectible piece of Custom Shop history.

Specifications

Body

• Alder

• Finish: Closet Classic – Lake Placid Blue

• Style: 1965 Stratocaster

Neck

• 1965 “C” Shape

• Maple (plain grain), Medium Tint Nitro

• Round-Lam Rosewood Fingerboard

• Scale Length: 25.5″

• Fingerboard Radius: 9.5″

• Frets: 21 × Dunlop 6105

• Nut Width: 1.65″

• Nut: Micarta

• 65 Strat-style headstock with period-correct decal

Pickups – Hand-Wound by Abigail Ybarra

• Neck: Abby Red Hot

• Middle: Abby Red Hot (RWRP)

• Bridge: Abby Red Hot

Electronics

• Master Volume

• Two Tone Controls

• 5-Position Selector Switch

• Modern Strat wiring

Hardware

• American Vintage Synchronized Tremolo

• Gotoh Vintage Style Tuners

• 63–69 Parchment Relic Pickguard

• Closet Classic white knobs and covers

Weight

• 7 lbs 14 oz (approx. 3.56 kg)

Why the “Abby Red Hots” are legendary

The moment you plug this guitar in, you’ll hear it — these pickups are different.
The Abby Red Hots offer:

• hotter, brighter output

• exceptional clarity and note separation

• expressive dynamics

• instantly recognizable Fender character with extra punch

• true collector value (fully hand-wound by Abigail Ybarra)

Simply put: these pickups define what a premium Custom Shop Strat can sound like.

Summary

The Fender Custom Shop ’65 Stratocaster Closet Classic is a rare opportunity to own an instrument that blends vintage authenticity, collectible value and modern comfort. Produced in a very small batch for the entire world, real Abby Red Hot pickups, a smooth-playing 9.5″ radius and the timeless beauty of Lake Placid Blue, this guitar is equally suited for discerning players and serious collectors.

If you’re looking for a Stratocaster with a unique voice, historical significance and superb craftsmanship — this is the one.