1967 Fender Hollowbody Stratocaster Prototype – Zebrawood

This gorgeous 1967 Fender Stratocaster in its original red Zebrawood finish is a semi-hollowbodied prototype from Fender’s experimental era in the late 1960s! This is truly a remarkable part of Fender’s history, as this original piece is most likely a one-of-one example. Fender had quite a lot of dense, heavy wood in their stockpiles at this time, so the R&D Dept began experimenting with methods to reduce the overall weight. You will even see these efforts outside of prototypes like this one, with the “smuggler” Telecaster design and ultimately the Thinline Telecaster. This particular instrument was their attempt to make a lightweight Stratocaster, and at 6 lbs 7 oz, we think they did pretty great! The guitar has a center block of what appears to be alder, two thin layers of Zebrawood for the top and back, painted alder sides, and double binding hiding the seams. The neck features nicely flamed maple, a dark rosewood fretboard with block inlays, and a larger CBS-style headstock. The strap button is attached along with a metal plate for support, much like we would see on a Coronado. Although hollow, the guitar is extremely resonant acoustically, and even more vibrant plugged in due to these three beautifully voiced, grey-bobbin single coils. This guitar is fully original, and would be an incredible addition to any collection! 

In the Late ’90s, Fender Japan actually reissued a replica based on the iconic photos of this Stratocaster featured in Yasuhiko Iwande’s The Galaxy of Strats. As not to be confused with one of the replica examples, this is the original 1967 Strat on which they are based.

Overall Condition: 8.5, light wear, notably to the sides