ped Posted January 31, 2016 Share Posted January 31, 2016 Hi guys I'm no Fender expert by any measure so wondered if someone more knowledgeable could give me some info on this Strat. Looks like it has a different bridge, possibly top loading. I'm thinking about buying it so what should I be asking the seller, anything in particular to check? He's French so keep it simple. I'm not after anything special, just rather like the look of this one but I hear QC was iffy in the 80s? Guessing this is an American strat? Cheers ped [attachment=211165:back of headstock.jpg] [attachment=211166:body 1.jpg] [attachment=211167:body.jpg] [attachment=211168:bridge.jpg] [attachment=211169:full.jpg] [attachment=211170:neck.jpg] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RhysP Posted January 31, 2016 Share Posted January 31, 2016 (edited) Quality was very hit & miss in the early 80s. How much are you paying for it? Chances are you could get a much better Strat for less money. I'm not sure but I think that particular model Strat might one of the Special versions, like the Precision Special that was released in 1980/81 with the active circuit. Just had another search around online & the body & hardware looks very much like the model that was released in 1980 as "The Strat". These had matching painted headstocks though so there is a chance that the neck is from a different guitar. Edited January 31, 2016 by RhysP Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3below Posted January 31, 2016 Share Posted January 31, 2016 (edited) As suggested by RhysP Might be one of these [url="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_STRAT"]https://en.wikipedia.../wiki/The_STRAT[/url] More info and helpful pics [url="http://www.guitar-list.com/fender/electric-guitars/fender-strat-cbs-models-1980-83"]http://www.guitar-li...-models-1980-83[/url] I have x3 late 80s very early 90s USA standards (Strats / Tele) and they are all very good in terms of fit and finish, one is an outstanding guitar to play, one is good and the other is just ok (somehow it does not inspire me). Edited January 31, 2016 by 3below Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
backwater Posted January 31, 2016 Share Posted January 31, 2016 That bridge and gold hardware were used on "The Strat" in the early 80s but it only came with a painted, slightly odd-shaped headstock. [url="http://www.guitarsplus.com.au/fender-strat"]http://www.guitarsplus.com.au/fender-strat[/url] The neck looks more like a 57 reissue neck with the early logo, single string guide, nickel/chrome vintage tuners (I would expect the tuners to be gold to match the rest of the hardware) and body-end truss rod adjustment. Might be a bitsa? Andy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ped Posted January 31, 2016 Author Share Posted January 31, 2016 [quote name='3below' timestamp='1454265435' post='2968050'] Might be one of these [url="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_STRAT"]https://en.wikipedia.../wiki/The_STRAT[/url] More info and helpful pics [url="http://www.guitar-list.com/fender/electric-guitars/fender-strat-cbs-models-1980-83"]http://www.guitar-li...-models-1980-83[/url] I have x3 late 80s early 90s USA standards (Strats / Tele) and they are all very good in terms of fit and finish, one is an outstanding guitar to play, one is good and the other is just ok (somehow it does not inspire me). [/quote] Interesting, thanks. It does appear similar but the headstock isn't matching and it doesn't say 'Strat' on it. Perhaps it was one of the parts bin ones... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ped Posted January 31, 2016 Author Share Posted January 31, 2016 [quote name='backwater' timestamp='1454265661' post='2968054'] That bridge and gold hardware were used on "The Strat" in the early 80s but it only came with a painted, slightly odd-shaped headstock. [url="http://www.guitarsplus.com.au/fender-strat"]http://www.guitarspl...au/fender-strat[/url] The neck looks more like a 57 reissue neck with the early logo, single string guide, nickel/chrome vintage tuners (I would expect the tuners to be gold to match the rest of the hardware) and body-end truss rod adjustment. Might be a bitsa? Andy [/quote] Thanks Andy you posted as I was typing! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RhysP Posted January 31, 2016 Share Posted January 31, 2016 Any reason why you're looking at this particular guitar Ped? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ped Posted January 31, 2016 Author Share Posted January 31, 2016 [quote name='RhysP' timestamp='1454266211' post='2968066'] Any reason why you're looking at this particular guitar Ped? [/quote] Well ideally I'd like a Vigier Passion guitar, carbon neck thru, but as I'm not very good on the guitar (yet, lol) I wondered if I had better start with something more conventional. And I liked the idea of the super strat having the extra pickup switch options and hotter pickups. Quite fond of the colour and general look of this one too. But yes open to other thoughts as I'm looking with my eyes rather than my brain! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ped Posted January 31, 2016 Author Share Posted January 31, 2016 [quote name='RhysP' timestamp='1454264856' post='2968040'] Quality was very hit & miss in the early 80s. How much are you paying for it? Chances are you could get a much better Strat for less money. I'm not sure but I think that particular model Strat might one of the Special versions, like the Precision Special that was released in 1980/81 with the active circuit. Just had another search around online & the body & hardware looks very much like the model that was released in 1980 as "The Strat". These had matching painted headstocks though so there is a chance that the neck is from a different guitar. [/quote] Sorry missed this. It'll work out about £700 I think. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JapanAxe Posted January 31, 2016 Share Posted January 31, 2016 [quote name='ped' timestamp='1454276855' post='2968232'] Sorry missed this. It'll work out about £700 I think. [/quote] That strikes me as a bit of a gamble. You'd probably be better off with one you could try before parting with any dosh. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ped Posted January 31, 2016 Author Share Posted January 31, 2016 [quote name='JapanAxe' timestamp='1454277068' post='2968235'] That strikes me as a bit of a gamble. You'd probably be better off with one you could try before parting with any dosh. [/quote] Indeed, however buying a Vigier will definitely be a buy before I try job. Think I will go and try some 'strats' in town before going any further. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Si600 Posted January 31, 2016 Share Posted January 31, 2016 (edited) I don't know if it's any help but GAK have got MiM Strats for £440 and USA ones for £650 or so. £700 strikes me as a lot for one that no one is sure of the provenance. I may have missed something in the thread that says I'm wrong though If it were me, I'd be looking at a super Strat, HSH pickups, Floyd Rose etc, but then you are talking money Edited January 31, 2016 by Si600 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ped Posted January 31, 2016 Author Share Posted January 31, 2016 One day I want one of these but the series II model with full carbon neck, to match my bass https://www.zikinf.com/annonces/dispannonce.php?annonce=1247281 Kind of feel I should work my way up to one though Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leftybassman392 Posted February 1, 2016 Share Posted February 1, 2016 (edited) [quote name='Si600' timestamp='1454277521' post='2968242'] I don't know if it's any help but GAK have got MiM Strats for £440 and USA ones for £650 or so. £700 strikes me as a lot for one that no one is sure of the provenance. I may have missed something in the thread that says I'm wrong though If it were me, I'd be looking at a super Strat, HSH pickups, Floyd Rose etc, but then you are talking money [/quote] Definitely lots of options at that sort of price - can you link the USA strat for £650, as I couldn't find a US one at that price. Ped, any reason why it can't be a MIJ/CIJ model? I used to have a '90s MIJ '57RI Strat and a '90s MIJ '72RI Tele; both were exceedingly good instruments. I don't know what the market is for 80s/90s MIJ Fenders right now, but I'd be surprised if you can't get a good one well within your budget (with plenty left to explore hotter pup options...) ETA: Plenty to choose from it seems... [url="http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2050601.m570.l2632.R2.TR3.TRC1.A0.H1.XMIJ+Stratocaster.TRS0&_nkw=mij+stratocaster&_sacat=3858"]http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from=R40& _trksid=p2050601.m570.l2632.R2.TR3.TRC1.A0.H1.XMIJ+Stratocaster.TRS0&_nkw=mij+stratocaster&_sacat=3858[/url] Edited February 1, 2016 by leftybassman392 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Si600 Posted February 1, 2016 Share Posted February 1, 2016 Sorry, that was a mistake on my part. I saw this: http://www.gak.co.uk/en/fender-standard-stratocaster-2011-candy-apple-red-maple/52846 and the bit halfway down that said upgrade to American Standard for however much it is thinking that that was the price, not that it was on top of the price for what I assume is the MiM one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ped Posted February 1, 2016 Author Share Posted February 1, 2016 Hm I would rather like a red one with maple neck... Also tempted with a 'Roland Ready' one as I'm a real Vbass/Vguitar fan. The idea was always to install the GK system to the guitar I buy. I've asked more about the Vigier guitar linked above... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Schnozzalee Posted February 24, 2016 Share Posted February 24, 2016 (edited) EDIT: Didn't read the rules. I've got a G&L Invader in Redburst with a Maple Neck - HSH model with a Schaller Floyd Rose - Looks a bit like this: Edited March 5, 2016 by Schnozzalee Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tedmanzie Posted March 2, 2016 Share Posted March 2, 2016 I'd recommend a Charvel Pro Mod, basically a super strat, which is what you seem to be describing. £476 [b]new![/b] HH, floyd rose maple https://guitarvillage.co.uk/products/charvel-pro-mod-san-dimas-hh-fr-red-burst £456 new! HS hardtail rosewood https://guitarvillage.co.uk/products/charvel-pro-mod-san-dimas-hs-ht-black lots of colour options, fantastic necks, big frets, honestly you can't go wrong! They are now MIM, I've got an older MIJ but I read the MIM are very good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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