Originally strutting out of Fullerton factory in 1981 wearing eye-searing  Moroccan Red as part of Fender’s short-lived and wonderfully weird International Color Series, this Strat has since been professionally refinished in dreamy, classy Burgundy Mist—because honestly, even rebellious ‘80s guitars grow up eventually.
 
The original alder body is resonant and the finish quality is truly excellent. Inner cavities have been slightly enlarged but still retain their SSS design. We've made sure to apply full copper shielding to the cavities to reduce the chances of unwanted noise sneaking in. The original white 3-ply pickguard with full back shielding is exhibiting age-related wear and scratches, but it still looks sweet.
 
The maple neck has all the quirky charm of CBS-era builds: slim C-shape, Bullet truss rod, MicroTilt adjuster, and a narrow nut width (40.5 mm) that makes fast runs feel extra slick. The dark rosewood fretboard (7.25" radius) is paired with new vintage-style frets—freshly installed and ready for another four decades of action. At some point in its life the neck heel depth has been slightly reduced - possibly to achieve better string angle. The MicroTilt discs are still intact in the neck pocket.
 
The S9 serial number will suggest 1979 year of production, but Fender kept using these headstock decals in the very early 1980s as well. X1 bridge pickup, 3-ply white pickguard as well as the remnants of Moroccan Red on the body place this guitar firmly in the International Colour series that was only available in 1981.
 
Original Fender/Schaller sealed units are still solid and have that ultra-cool "Made in West Germany" stamp inside. The hardtail bridge with block steel saddles (stamped 027037 underneath) keeps tuning rock-solid and sustain singing. One low E saddle was swapped out (original included, but seized).
 
Under the hood, you’ll find the full original pickup set, including the super cool overwound X1 bridge pickup—a sleeper gem of the era that pushes around 7K for more growl and bite than your average ‘70s single-coil. Flat pole AlNiCo V magnets provide all the sparkle and chime you want with a bridge pickup that snarls when you dig in. Flat pole magnet design allows for these to be raised closer to the string without the mid-range poking holes in your speakers. These pickups are the earliest prototypes of what became the legendary American Standard AlNiCo V single-coils, used by Fender on USA-made modern Stratocasters from 1987 to 2012.
 
The wiring's been subtly upgraded with new CTS USA A250K "dimple" pots and a vintage-correct new 5-way switch (the original 5-way is in the case if you’re feeling particularly purist). Original ceramic disc tone cap and Switchcraft jack still serve this Strat well and the treble roll-off via the Tone knobs is smooth and versatile.
 
Two hinges of the original USA ABS plastic hardcase are busted, but all 3 latches work and the case holds together when closed. Let’s call it “seasoned.”
 
This is a rare and righteous early-‘80s USA Strat that walks the line between collector cool and gigging workhorse. With a killer refin, slick neck profile, legendary flat pole pickups and hardtail stability, it’s equal parts underdog and secret weapon.
 
Plug in. Play loud. Burgundy never looked so punk.
 
This instrument received a full professional setup with deep body cleaning, body polish, neck deep clean, lemon oil fretboard treatment, 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. We also ship to USA, Canada, Japan, Australia and many other places, but at the moment we don't ship to EU or Northern Ireland - but please drop us a message if you are in the EU as we might be able to deliver in person.