More Stratocasters!
While the primary focus of this website is to showcase my collection of vintage Fender instuments, the fact remains that I also have many "non-vintage" guitars in my collection... to be more precise, I have A LOT of Strats. Most are factory original American made guitars, but over the past few years I have also developed an interest in "strat-building", and have put together several very nice looking, sounding, and playing Stratocasters from various pieces, parts, and components I've scrounged, hoarded, and collected. All in all I've owned over 35 Stratocasters(!) but I've actually sold quite a few of them to fund my vintage cravings. I still consider the Fender Stratocaster to be the ultimate electric guitar, and below are a few of my current favorites. As with the rest of this site, its a work in progress, so please check back often for updates as I add more guitars from my collection as time permits. Click on any photo to enlarge. Hope you enjoy! -JB
1983 American Stratocaster-my 1st Fender!
1983 '2 knob' American Stratocaster
Here she is, my very FIRST Fender electric guitar ever. I am the original owner of this one, and received it as a Christmas gift from my parents in December of 1983. If not for this guitar, none of the others on the preceeding or following pages would have ever happened, as it started a life-long addiction to Fender Musical Instuments. 1983 was a very unique year for USA Stratocaster production. Fender was losing sales to the Japanese imports and Strat copies, and in a "last-ditch" effort to keep afloat, and maintain a USA-made Stratocaster, several major changes were made to the basic strat platform that had been widely unaltered since its inception in 1954. The basic 6 screw bridge and tremolo system was changed to a newly designed "Freeflyte" tremolo/bridge. This was a major departure from Leo Fender's original design, and utilized top-loading strings, with the tremolo springs hidden under the pickguard, rather than on the back side of the guitar. This eliminated the need to route the rear of the body at all. As a result, the backside of a 1983 Strat is completely smooth, with no tremolo cover or string ferrules. The tremolo arm was also a "push-in" type, with a chrome tip. This was the first time a Strat was ever offered with this type of arm, as they had been threaded (and with a plastic tip) every prior year since the guitar's debut 30 years earlier.
Another major change involved the removal of the second tone knob, instead placing the input jack on the pickguard, and in turn eliminating the traditional chrome recessed oval "football" jack. The single tone knob controlled all 3 pickups, in all 5 switching positions, something no strat ever featured before. The headstock was also revised, going from the CBS era large shape back to a smaller, more traditionally styled one. The shape was not 100% accurate to the original 50's design, but was a definite nod to that era. The headstock logo was revised this year, eliminating the large block lettering of the "Stratocaster" name with a new, more modernized font. Frets were jumbo, the neck radius was a rather flat 12", and profile was slightly chunky. A very good feeling neck, and considered by some to be the nicest Strat necks of the 1980's. In spite of all of these changes, the guitar was essentially a financial flop, and Fender production was moved almost entirely to Japan from late 1984 until the introduction of the American Standard in late 1986, making these "2 knob" Strats a short-lived model.
I learned to play the guitar on this one and have played it for countless hours throughout the 80's and 90's. It has been tucked away under a bed for more than a decade, and remains in excellent condition. I've still got the original package of strings that came in the case, as well as the inspection tag and warranty booklet that was never filled out. There are a lot of guitars in my collection that I'd be reluctant to sell, but I can honestly say I plan to keep this one forever!
Another major change involved the removal of the second tone knob, instead placing the input jack on the pickguard, and in turn eliminating the traditional chrome recessed oval "football" jack. The single tone knob controlled all 3 pickups, in all 5 switching positions, something no strat ever featured before. The headstock was also revised, going from the CBS era large shape back to a smaller, more traditionally styled one. The shape was not 100% accurate to the original 50's design, but was a definite nod to that era. The headstock logo was revised this year, eliminating the large block lettering of the "Stratocaster" name with a new, more modernized font. Frets were jumbo, the neck radius was a rather flat 12", and profile was slightly chunky. A very good feeling neck, and considered by some to be the nicest Strat necks of the 1980's. In spite of all of these changes, the guitar was essentially a financial flop, and Fender production was moved almost entirely to Japan from late 1984 until the introduction of the American Standard in late 1986, making these "2 knob" Strats a short-lived model.
I learned to play the guitar on this one and have played it for countless hours throughout the 80's and 90's. It has been tucked away under a bed for more than a decade, and remains in excellent condition. I've still got the original package of strings that came in the case, as well as the inspection tag and warranty booklet that was never filled out. There are a lot of guitars in my collection that I'd be reluctant to sell, but I can honestly say I plan to keep this one forever!
1986 E3 serial Early Production American Standard
I've really been a fan of the early American Standards. The story on how these guitars were developed and essentially hand built in small quantities in the beginning is actually very
interesting, and if anyone wishes to read about it there is a great article here that details how the original American Standards were created and details some of the oddities and early production differences.:
http://www.stratcollector.com/newsde...es/000204.html
Anyhow, this one is definitely one of the early ones, with some interesting features i
have not seen on any other American Standards, even other early guitars. For
example... it has an E3 serial number, which usually would be found on the
83/84 "2 knob" strats. This is not the same neck though, as it is a 9.5"radius
with 22 frets, vs. 21 and a 12" radius on those 2 knob guitars from earlier in
the decade. Another unique feature is that the neck and headstock is finished
in FULL gloss, unlike the usual satin commonly associated with the American
Standard series. The 2 post bridge pins are screwed directly into the wood of
the body, rather than into brass inserts, which I have never seen before. Also
the bridge block is very shiny, possibly chrome plated. There is also a name
ink stamped in the tremolo cavity, under the clear coat.
I have not taken then neck off yet to check for dates, but I would guess this is one of
the first ones made, likely in the fall of 1986. The body is about 7.5lb, and
is a center seamed 2 piece with deep contours. The neck is very dark and
appears to possibly be Brazilian, although I'm not sure how to verify that. I
do know that it plays astonishinly well, is set up perfectly, and has a fit and
finish that is as good as any guitar i have owned. It's in pretty great
condition too, right down to the original hardshell Fender case with flip
latches. I plan to eventually take it apart and investigate more, but for today
I'm just gonna plug it in and rock out! Hope you enjoy the pics... -JB
interesting, and if anyone wishes to read about it there is a great article here that details how the original American Standards were created and details some of the oddities and early production differences.:
http://www.stratcollector.com/newsde...es/000204.html
Anyhow, this one is definitely one of the early ones, with some interesting features i
have not seen on any other American Standards, even other early guitars. For
example... it has an E3 serial number, which usually would be found on the
83/84 "2 knob" strats. This is not the same neck though, as it is a 9.5"radius
with 22 frets, vs. 21 and a 12" radius on those 2 knob guitars from earlier in
the decade. Another unique feature is that the neck and headstock is finished
in FULL gloss, unlike the usual satin commonly associated with the American
Standard series. The 2 post bridge pins are screwed directly into the wood of
the body, rather than into brass inserts, which I have never seen before. Also
the bridge block is very shiny, possibly chrome plated. There is also a name
ink stamped in the tremolo cavity, under the clear coat.
I have not taken then neck off yet to check for dates, but I would guess this is one of
the first ones made, likely in the fall of 1986. The body is about 7.5lb, and
is a center seamed 2 piece with deep contours. The neck is very dark and
appears to possibly be Brazilian, although I'm not sure how to verify that. I
do know that it plays astonishinly well, is set up perfectly, and has a fit and
finish that is as good as any guitar i have owned. It's in pretty great
condition too, right down to the original hardshell Fender case with flip
latches. I plan to eventually take it apart and investigate more, but for today
I'm just gonna plug it in and rock out! Hope you enjoy the pics... -JB
1987 E4 American Standard Strat
1987 American Standard Stratocaster in Vintage White
.I'm always on the lookout for exceptionally clean examples of cool Fenders, and this one spoke to me.It's a first year "E4" American Standard Strat in my all time favorite Strat color of Vintage White which has further yellowed to the perfect shade of "banana pudding".
The condition of it is incredible, and aside from the nice aged/yellowed look of the original plastics and amber shade the neck has turned over the years.. it otherwise looks like it came out of the factory yesterday. It's a one owner Strat that has never been gigged, and still has all the original hang tags, inspection card, and assorted case candy. Even the original Strap and cord were included, although I forgot to include them in the pics below. The really amazing part about this guitar is how it plays! I have had literally dozens of American Standard and American Series Strats from the one I bought new in 1991 through present day models... but NONE have a tone like this one. I can't explain it, but it has the perfect Strat sound to my ears. I was in love with it within 30 seconds after getting it tuned up. I may be crazy, but I think these early American Standards are destined to be classics, and are a blast to play and enjoy in the meantime!
The condition of it is incredible, and aside from the nice aged/yellowed look of the original plastics and amber shade the neck has turned over the years.. it otherwise looks like it came out of the factory yesterday. It's a one owner Strat that has never been gigged, and still has all the original hang tags, inspection card, and assorted case candy. Even the original Strap and cord were included, although I forgot to include them in the pics below. The really amazing part about this guitar is how it plays! I have had literally dozens of American Standard and American Series Strats from the one I bought new in 1991 through present day models... but NONE have a tone like this one. I can't explain it, but it has the perfect Strat sound to my ears. I was in love with it within 30 seconds after getting it tuned up. I may be crazy, but I think these early American Standards are destined to be classics, and are a blast to play and enjoy in the meantime!
1991 American Standard Stratocaster
1991 'Midnight Wine' American Standard Stratocaster
This is my 1991 American Standard in "Midnight Wine" metallic. I am the original owner of this one, and it holds a special place in my collection as this was the second Strat I've ever owned, and the very first Stratocaster I ever bought for myself. In 1991 I was a Sophomore in high school, and worked a part time job after school, "saving my pennies and dimes" as they say. Over the holiday break, sometime between Christmas and New Years, my dad took me to Chuck Levin's Washington Music Center in Wheaton, MD. I had been shopping for an American made Strat at local stores for several weeks, and found that I could save almost 100.00 by making the trip to Maryland. I recall being in awe at the sheer size of the place, and drooled over the inventory for hours. I eventually settled on this one, as I loved the color and the rosewood fretboard. My "other" strat was a maple neck, and I really liked the unique feel of the rosewood. Since then almost every guitar I've ever bought has had this type of fretboard construction. I recall the guitar was $525.00 in December of 1991, a huge sum of money for a high school student to spend on anything that didn't have 4 wheels and an engine. My dad agreed it was a nice guitar, and a good investment. Throughout college this was my "main axe" and probably has more play time on it than all of my other guitars combined. Nearly 20 years have passed since I bought it. I still play it often, it's still in pristine condition, and consider it one of my favorite guitars, with plenty of pleasant memories associated with it.
1996 Fender "Lone Star" Stratocaster
1996 Fender 'Lone Star' Stratocaster
This is another one I purchased new. Much like my Midnight Wine 1991 American Standard, this one was the result of a road trip to Chuck Levin's Washington Music Center with my dad over the Christmas holiday. In 1996 I had 2 guitars, the black 1983 Strat and my '91 Strat. I had been saving my money, and wanted to add a 3rd Strat to my "collection". The original plan was to buy another American Standard, but when we arrived I spotted this one hanging on the wall and was intrigued by it. I had never seen a Stratocaster with a humbucker in the bridge, and when my salesman explained that it was a brand new "upgraded" model of the American Standard I had to try it out. To say I was impressed would be an understatement. The Seymour Duncan "Pearly Gates" pickup screamed, and the Texas Specials in the neck and middle complimented it so well that it seemed the combination was made for each other. I also really liked the classic brown tortoise pickguard and creamy white finish. While the Lone Star came from the factory with a black Tolex case, I really thought the guitar would be better suited in a classic tweed case, and the salesman allowed me to switch for a few extra bucks. 1996 was also Fender's 50th Anniversary, and to celebrate this milestone all Fender guitars sported and attractive gold foil decal on the back of the headstock. While I have played this one a bit, it remains in perfect condition. For whatever reason the neck on this one is a bit chunkier than any of my American Standards, and has a unique feel.
1997 American Standard Stratocaster (NOS/Unplayed)
1997 'Inca Silver' American Standard Strat 'NOS'
This one is a 1997 USA Stratocaster, in "unplayed" condition. I saw Robert Cray playing an Inca Silver Strat on late night TV one evening and really liked the color. When I realized the American Standard was being offered in this hue I had to have one. I bought it sometime in 1998, but the serial number dates it to 1997, so it likely was already a year old when I bought it. I plugged it in and found it to feel very much like my Midnight Wine 1991, but with a slightly thicker neck. The original idea was to "save" this one until my '91 started showing wear. Well, here is sits in NOS (New Old Stock) condition 13 years later, with the protective plastic still on the pickguard and all hang tags intact. Maybe someday this will be a classic and I can retire off the proceeds of its sale, or maybe one day I'll just rip all the plastic off of it, plug it in and start banging on it... Quite honestly, neither scenario is very likely! In any case, it was good to get it out into the sunlight for some photos. I still like this color. Subtle, yet beautiful.
1997 American "Roadhouse" Stratocaster
1997 Fender USA 'Roadhouse' Stratocaster in 'Teal Metallic'
In the summer of 1997 Fender USA introduced a new lineup of "hotrodded" American Standard Stratocasters. This new trio of guitars included the "Lone Star", the "Big Apple" and the "Roadhouse". The "Lonestar" featured 2 overwound "Texas Special" Custom Shop pickups and a Seymour Duncan "Pearly Gates" humbucker in the bridge position. The "Big Apple" utilized a pair of humbuckers, and the "Roadhouse" was comprised of 3 "Texas Special" pickups in the traditional Stratocaster configuration. All three models had other various upgrades beyond the American Standard of which they were based, including pearloid or tortoise pickguards, Tolex hardshell cases, exclusive colors, and the choice of either a rosewood fretboard or fretted maple neck. The guitar shown here is a "Teal Metallic" Roadhouse from the first year of production. It is currently one of only 3 guitars in my collection with a fretted maple neck, and is in near perfect condition. It even retains the original and seldom seen "Sounds of Summer" promotional hang tag! The Texas Special pickups offer a very accurate "SRV" type tone, and were actually developed for use in the Stevie Ray Vaughan Signature Series Stratocaster that debuted back in 1992. The Teal color was originally introduced in approximately 1966, and is a seldom seen factory Fender color. It is also unique to this model, as it was not offered on any other USA production Stratocasters in 1997.
2003 American Series Stratocaster (NOS/unplayed)
2003 'Chrome Blue' American Series Stratocaster
This one dates back to 2003, and is a pretty one! A fairly rare color, "Chrome Blue" was offered only for a couple years, and dropped. I've heard it was a difficult color to paint at the factory, due to the several stages/layers needed to achieve the "candy" effect. I've seen people mistakenly refer to this color as "Lake Placid Blue", but in person this is a MUCH more vivid and translucent finish than L.P.B., which was a non candy custom color originally introduced in the early 1960's. In any case, it's a neat shade of blue, and this one hasn't been outside of its original hardshell case for any longer than it took to snap these pictures. I bought this a few years ago, after someone else had already preserved it for about 5 years. My original intentions were to use it, but I could'nt bring myself to peel the plastic off of it, and the case candy bags have never even been opened. The Fender strap still has the rubber band around it and has never been out of the case. Heck, even the foil circular sticker over the tremolo cover is in place, holding the tiny spring inside for nearly a decade now. Now I know the obvious question is "Will this one be a collectors item in the future?" Well, I'm a collector, and it's an item I have, so I guess it sort of already is!
2001 American Series "Hard Tail" Stratocaster (NOS)
2001 American Series' Trans- White' Hard-Tail Stratocaster
Here's a bit of an oddball... This is a 2001 American Series Stratocaster in "White Blonde Transparent", which was a very rare color offered for a little over a year. It was available only on the American Series Strat, and when this color was selected the body was made of ash rather than the usual and much more common alder. Pictures do not do this finish justice, as it's hard to photograph the subtle grain patterns that show through the translucent blonde surface. As cool as this color is, that's not what makes it odd... that would be the non-tremolo bridge. "Hardtail" strats have been offered ever since the beginning of production in the 1950's... but they have ALWAYS been severely outnumbered by the tremolo equipped models. By the turn of the new millenium very few players were opting for a tremolo-free stratocaster, and as a result production of hardtail versions of the American Series Stratocaster stopped entirely in 2003. As you already know, i have ALOT of Strats, but had never owned or even played a hardtail model prior to purchasing this one. While there is no vibrato, the bridge still incorporates a "string-through" design similar to the one used on modern Telecasters. As a result, these guitars have amazing sustain and a "solid" feel that even a blocked tremolo can't duplicate. While this one is in essentially unplayed/NOS condition I am not its original owner. I heard about this guitar through the grapevine about a year ago... the story was that a few years ago a local guy won the lottery for a considerable amount of money and bought a large quantity of high-end equipment and stashed it all away. The story was that he had fallen on hard times and recently sold alot of it for a fraction of the original price. Based on this info I took a 75 mile trip one snowy afternoon in January of 2009 that could have easily been a wild goose chase. Luckily it was not, and what I found when I arrived at the small used guitar shop was a totally untouched 2001 hardtail strat that still had the original strings, hang tags, and sales receipt in the case. My enthusiasm for it likely cost me a bit of money, but I couldn't contain my excitement when i saw it. Needless to say it went home with me that evening and has been safely stored in my collection ever since. I HAVE played it a few times, and it's a very nice sounding Strat. I love the color, the rosewood neck, and the solid feel of the hardtail bridge. I don't know if this one will ever be considered a collectors item, but if any modern Stratocaster has a chance to become a future collectible I'd say this one has a good chance!
2000 American Series Stratocaster "The Twin"
2000 American Series Stratocaster
This guitar is an identical twin to the above 2001 "hardtail, including the "Translucent White" finish, ash body, rosewood fretboard, and immaculate "new old stock" condition. I really don't have a good reason why this one is in my collection other than the fact that I found it very ironic that another guitar so similar to one I laready owned was also out there in virtually unplayed condition. The thought of having a "matching pair" got the best of me, and this one became a part of my collection earlier this year. I have heard this one was "lost" in the back room of a music store for years, and by the time it was discovered as unsold merchandise it was already a classic! As far as I know I am the first official owner of this, even though I didn't get it until 2009. It was an impulse buy, as many of my guitars were... but I'm glad I was able to add it to my collection of interesting Stratocasters. Here are a few photos of it alone, and with the above hardtail. Enjoy!
'62 Reissue Stratocaster
'Surg Green' 1962 Reissue
"Surf Green" has always been my favorite 60's Fender custom color. When I set out to build my own "dream strat" this was the obvious color choice. I put this one together myself, starting with a routed but undrilled swamp ash body, and a Fender licensed neck by WD. I hand selected the parts, and found a slab board rosewood '62 style neck, with a bit flatter radius and bigger frets. The maple neck has a medium "C" profile, and some nice "flame" in the grain, which is really attractive yet subtle. All of the hardware is from an American Vintage Fender, and features nickel plated saddles, large tremolo block, and Kluson style tuners. The plastic parts are aged white with a '60s style "mint green" 3 ply laminated pickguard. The pickups are a bit of a mystery, I had another "parts strat" they were taken from, as I really liked the vintage tone, but I'm honestly not sure who wound them. They have staggered poles like original 60's Fender pickups, and sound great, so I guess their origin really isn't that important. This one isn't the lightest Strat I have, and is probably close to 8lbs total weight. It has great sustain, and plays as good as any other strat I own, which makes me happy since I built it myself! I wanted this to look like an original '62, but didn't want a "relic" or worn appearance, so this one is "NOS" condition. To complete the project, I bought a brown tolex/orange lined G&G case for this, which is very similar to the cases Fender shipped their guitars in back in '62. Overall I think this one turned out beautifully, and met all of my expectations. Take a look!
60's style Olympic White "Partscaster" Strat
Olympic White 'Partscaster' Strat
This is another Strat I built from parts. The theme of this one was "1962Vintage Hot Rod on a budget" . I looked long and hard to find all the right parts at the right price, and put a lot of time and effort into making it look the way I wanted. With that said, i will also tell you I am still totally amazed at how nice it plays and sounds. The body is an aftermarket Strat copy, and the mystery neck was bought on ebay. I stripped the neck to bare wood, sanded the neck profile to my own personal liking, and tinted the maple with an amber stain to give it a retro aged look. It's sprayed with multiple coats of nitrocellulose lacquer and hand buffed to a brilliant shine. The headstock has some really unique grain patterns that really came to life when the finish was applied. For the pickups I spluged and installed a Fender Custom Shop set of Abby "AY" signed '69 pickups that sound insanely good... Perhaps the best strat pickups I've heard. I upgraded the bridge and saddles to vintage style Fender pieces, added a Fender mint green pickguard and aged white plastics. I hand finished and polished the frets, and set it up for .010 gauge strings. The tuners were upgraded to Kluson vintage style and a single string tree was installed. It's a really lightweight guitar, and very well balanced overall. I'm very pleased with it, and believe it plays and sounds way better than it has a right to. $695.00
60's Classic Stratocaster
2002 'Lake Placid Blue' 60's Classic Stratocaster
This is another "budget" Stratocaster that I added to my collection recently. This is currently the only Mexican made Stratocaster in my collection. I admittedly have always been sort of a USA Fender "snob", but I gotta tell you I am thoroughly impressed withthis one. It is a 2002 60's Classic, but you'd swear it was brand new judging by the condition. Not a mark on it anywhere! I've never owned a LPB Strat, and generally always think the color looks too dark or too "metallic" or something... but the shade on this one just seems "right" to me. When I played it I was hooked. I know many folks scoff at true vintage specs, opting for a flatter radius or bigger frets, etc. But I personally love the feel of this, and actually prefer the classic strat neck
specs. The neck has a really nice factory tint, glossy finish that's not "sticky" at all, and a nice dark rosewood fretboard. The factory pickups have a nice warm tone too, and after some slight tweaking of the heights of each I'm really diggin' the tone. The previous owner modified the wiring to the "EJ style" with tone control of the bridge pickup. This single modification makes all 3 pickups very usable and something I should consider doing to a few other strats I own. Overall I am very impressed with this and can't really see anything it's lacking when compared to guitars I've paid LOTS more for. Anyhow, enough blabbing... here are a few pics!
specs. The neck has a really nice factory tint, glossy finish that's not "sticky" at all, and a nice dark rosewood fretboard. The factory pickups have a nice warm tone too, and after some slight tweaking of the heights of each I'm really diggin' the tone. The previous owner modified the wiring to the "EJ style" with tone control of the bridge pickup. This single modification makes all 3 pickups very usable and something I should consider doing to a few other strats I own. Overall I am very impressed with this and can't really see anything it's lacking when compared to guitars I've paid LOTS more for. Anyhow, enough blabbing... here are a few pics!
2010 American Special FSR (Fender Special Run) Stratocaster
2010 American Special FSR Stratocaster
This is my 2010 Fender Special Run USA Stratocaster in creamy Olympic White with a white pickguard, ala Hendrix... These were produced in limited quantities in 2010 for Guitar Center stores and were only available for a short time.
This one is as new as you'll find, and has never been gigged or played outside of the living room. I have all of the original tags and manuals, warranty card, etc. as well as a perfect Fender hardshell case with TSA latches... the original keys are still in the paper envelope and are inside the case pocket. Big late 60's/early 70's style headstock, vintage style tremolo, deeply contoured alder body, and a tinted maple neck with a perfect carve ... this is as sexy as a strat gets, and plays as well as many strats costing twice as much.
I should also note this was hand selected from several for its tone and light weight... (7.5 lbs) and has a great feeling neck that is chunkier than an American Standard, with jumbo frets and a satin finish maple neck. Pickups are the original Fender Texas Specials and sound great. The pics don't do the color justice, it's a super creamy white, not quite banana pudding, but much richer than it appears here. Olympic White is one of my favorite Fender colors and just keeps looking better with age. Check her out!
This one is as new as you'll find, and has never been gigged or played outside of the living room. I have all of the original tags and manuals, warranty card, etc. as well as a perfect Fender hardshell case with TSA latches... the original keys are still in the paper envelope and are inside the case pocket. Big late 60's/early 70's style headstock, vintage style tremolo, deeply contoured alder body, and a tinted maple neck with a perfect carve ... this is as sexy as a strat gets, and plays as well as many strats costing twice as much.
I should also note this was hand selected from several for its tone and light weight... (7.5 lbs) and has a great feeling neck that is chunkier than an American Standard, with jumbo frets and a satin finish maple neck. Pickups are the original Fender Texas Specials and sound great. The pics don't do the color justice, it's a super creamy white, not quite banana pudding, but much richer than it appears here. Olympic White is one of my favorite Fender colors and just keeps looking better with age. Check her out!