1981 Fender All-Walnut Stratocaster "THE STRAT" + OHSC

1981 Fender All-Walnut Stratocaster "THE STRAT".
Made in USA
Heavy 24K Gold Plated Hardware (100 Microns worth)

Up for sale is a very rare and unique Fender Stratocaster made during the "Dan Smith" Era. Fender has not released the exact # of units produced, but a conservative # is less than 500 units TOTAL of the Walnut Strat.

Overall guitar condition is very good. Some natural vintage wear, mainly some oxidation on the gold hardware. Some superficial scratches and marks from play. Some pickguard marks and swirls. Some minor indents on the first 3 frets (previous owner was a Cowboy Chorder from what I can tell). Has no affect on playability.. simply visual.

The condition of the body and neck is very very good. All the previous owners (including myself) have taken great care of this guitar.. as it should be.

No cracks, no repairs. Pickups are original Fender. Never exposed to smoke, etc. I am the 3rd owner and has been always owned by adult. Comes from pet/children free household. Always been kept inside original HSC when not played.

Some history behind "The Strat Series"... Fender released this model during 1980-83 only.. it was released as the highest level Fender Stratocaster that one could purchase during those years. It was a similar concept to Gibson's Les Paul Custom... but a Stratocaster version.

In fact, Fender actually spent so much $$$ on the Gold Plating + other features, that they had to eventually stop production because they were losing too much $$$ per guitar made. 

For "The Strats" models, Fender released them in several different colorways, and all with matching headstocks... Some in Candy Apple Red... Some in Lake Placid Blue.. Some in Yellow... Some in White.. However the All-Walnut is the rarest and arguably most sought after release of the entire "The Strat" series.

Other than the unique All-Walnut combination, another interesting feature of this guitar is the "X-1" selector switch located on the bottom Tone Knob. There is 1 Master Volume... 1 Master Tone... and then a "X-1" switch that gives you 2x amount of different sounding tones. You can truly get some very interesting and quality sounds from this guitar.. which makes playing very enjoyable.

However one of my favorite (yet subtle) feature of this guitar is the beautiful Maple Single Skunk Stripe behind the neck. It truly gives a very unique yet elegant touch to a guitar. The Walnut Color + Maple Skunk Stripe is an excellent combination that I always love on Natural Wood Guitars. Walnut Woods is just one of my favorite tonewoods simply from a VISUAL perspective... looks so clean.

Anyways... aside from the interesting history behind the guitar, I decided to purchase this due to the sheer playability and quality sounding pickups. If you don't care about the rarity/history... but more into actually PLAYING the guitar... then do not worry... this guitar will fit that category as well with ease...

Comes with:
- 1981 Walnut Stratocaster
- Original Gold Whammy/Trem Bar
- Original Fender HSC

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Payment must be completed 24 hours upon purchase.

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FENDER HISTORY FACTS:

Fender Stratocaster: The Iconic Guitar

The Fender Stratocaster, often referred to simply as the Strat, is one of the most recognizable and influential electric guitars in history. Introduced in 1954 by Fender Musical Instruments Corporation, the Stratocaster has become a staple for guitarists across genres, from blues and rock to funk and pop.

History and Development

• Design and Innovation:

  • Designed by Leo Fender, George Fullerton, and Freddie Tavares, the Stratocaster built on the success of Fender's earlier model, the Telecaster.
  • Introduced features like a double-cutaway body for easier access to higher frets, a contoured body for player comfort, and an innovative synchronized tremolo system.

• Release:

  • First introduced in 1954, the Stratocaster quickly gained popularity for its sleek design, versatility, and playability.

• Evolution:

  • Over the years, Fender has released numerous variations of the Strat, including signature models, reissues, and modern updates.

Key Features

1. Body:

   • Made from woods like alder, ash, or poplar.
   • The double-cutaway design and contoured edges make it ergonomic and visually striking.

2. Neck:

   • Typically made of maple, with either a maple or rosewood fingerboard.
   • Bolt-on neck construction for easy maintenance and repairs.

3. Pickups:

   • Traditionally features three single-coil pickups, providing a bright, crisp tone.
   • Many models now offer variations, such as humbuckers or noiseless pickups, for expanded tonal options.

4. Controls:

   • Five-way pickup selector switch: Allows players to combine pickups for a wide range of tones.
   • Two tone knobs and a master volume knob for sound shaping.

5. Tremolo System:

   • The synchronized tremolo (or "vibrato") bridge allows for pitch modulation and expressive playing.

Tone and Versatility

The Stratocaster is celebrated for its versatile tone, capable of producing:

• Bright, glassy highs: Ideal for clean tones and funk rhythms.
• Warm, rounded mids: Perfect for blues and rock solos.
• Dynamic responsiveness: Suited for everything from subtle fingerpicking to aggressive strumming.

Notable Players

The Stratocaster has been the guitar of choice for countless legendary musicians, including:

• Jimi Hendrix: Known for his innovative use of feedback and effects, Hendrix made the Strat synonymous with rock and psychedelia.
• Eric Clapton: His "Blackie" Strat defined the tone of his solo career.
• Stevie Ray Vaughan: Used a Strat for his fiery blues performances.
• David Gilmour: Created iconic tones with his Strat in Pink Floyd classics like “Comfortably Numb.”
• Buddy Holly: One of the first rock stars to popularize the Strat in the 1950s.

Famous Models

1. 1954 Original Stratocaster:
   • The first production model, featuring ash bodies and maple necks.
2. American Standard Stratocaster:
   • A modern classic with updated hardware and electronics.
3. Stratocaster Elite:
   • High-end features like noiseless pickups and locking tuners.
4. Signature Models:
   • Custom designs inspired by players like Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and John Mayer.

Cultural Impact

• The Stratocaster has been featured on countless iconic recordings and stages, symbolizing the spirit of innovation and creativity in music.
• Its sleek design and versatility have made it a favorite for players of all skill levels, from beginners to professionals.

Why Choose a Stratocaster?

1. Playability:
   • Comfortable neck profiles and lightweight body make it ideal for long playing sessions.
2. Versatility:
   • Suited for virtually any genre, from country to metal.
3. Customization:
   • Easily modifiable, with a vast array of aftermarket parts available.
4. Legacy:
   • Owning a Strat connects you to a rich history of musical innovation.

Fun Facts

• The Stratocaster was one of the first guitars to feature a three-pickup configuration, which was groundbreaking at the time.
• The guitar's design has remained largely unchanged since its debut, a testament to its timeless appeal.
• Jimi Hendrix often played a right-handed Strat upside-down to accommodate his left-handed playing style.