Beautiful Fender Stratocaster from 1982 for sale at Guitar Garage London! Lovingly know amongst Fender enthusiast as the "Dan Smith" Stratocaster, this model was company's first attempt to rejuvenate and reinvigorate Fender line-up after the stagnant 1970s.
 
These were only made for a couple of years in the early 1980s, when Fender was going through management change. Under the wise supervision of now legendary Dan Smith Fender reinvented themselves and by mid 1980s were back in at the top of their game with new guitars and new ideas. This model was also the first time when Fender returned to the smaller headstock since the mid 1960s and also brought back the 4-bolt neck mount.
 
This Stratocaster came out of Fullerton Factory in 1982 with the neck heel date of 20 September 1982 and with piano black finish. At some point in it's 42 years it has been refinished in Wine Red transparent nitro finish and has a satin feel and no clear coat. All inside cavities are original and haven't been modified, even the original grounding lug is still present. Unlike so many guitars from the 1980s, this one avoided being butchered for a humbucker. The body is in good condition with no dramatic bumps. The nitro finish has sunk into the wood so you can feel the grain through the thin finish. These models were coveted for their very deeply sculpted body curves (this guitar hugs you when you play it).
 
Original neck is straight as an arrow and the truss-rod works smoothly. Original frets are low, but even, allowing for low action and comfortable playing. Slim C-shape maple neck retains it's original gloss finish. Fretboard wear and some small bumps here and there - but nothing that affects playability. Original 1970s style tuners still hold tuning well and the original nut is nicely cut.
 
Original Alnico V pickups were Fender's first attempt at making "contemporary" and versatile set. These went on to be used on American Standard series for the next 20 years or so. Original bridge pickup is called X1 - and it is slightly hotter wound, so no more nasal-sounding bridge tones! Original wiring still works well, although the second tone pot has been replaced with a newer equivalent.
 
The original bridge still has that true 1970s design with the one-piece steel sustain block and the bridge plate. All height and intonation adjustment screws work well and the guitar comes with it's original tremolo arm and back cover. 
 
Original Fender USA moulded plastic hardcase is still holding well, although two out of three latches were replaced, leaving a couple of holes from the original latches. We probably wouldn't go touring the world with this hardcase, but it is nice to have the original case. Vintage 1980s Fender strap is also included.
 
This instrument received a full professional setup with deep body cleaning, body polish, neck deep clean, full electronics check, truss-rod and action and intonation adjustment. Restringed with D'addario 10-46 Nickel-plated steel strings.
 
This guitar will be shipped around UK with Parcelforce courier, safely packed into a sturdy guitar cardboard box. 24h courier service provided to UK customers. Worldwide shipping provided as well.