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Post subject: Anyone here OWN a Fender Sambora?
Posted: Wed Dec 14, 2016 3:03 pm
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I've been researching the various Sambora strat threads here (and info elsewhere), and I can't seem to find a definitive answer to a question:

What was the neck radius on the Fender Sambora strats? Not the later MIM ones, but the original, Floyd-equipped ones?

I have found info -supposedly from Fender- that it had BOTH a 9.5" and a 12" radius. (Meaning, one or the other, not compound LOL). But Fender has a reputation of not even having correct info on their own gear, so...

I was hoping to find someone who actually OWNS one and could tell me if it is a 9.5" or 12" radius?


[edit]: and to add to the curiosity, it seems his Kramers Sigs and ESP Sigs were both 12"

here's a link to an ebay seller, selling an MIJ Sambora (Black Paisley), spec'ing a 12" radius:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ultra-Rare-Fend ... 2003976217


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Post subject: Re: Anyone here OWN a Fender Sambora?
Posted: Thu Dec 15, 2016 2:25 am
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From 1996 Twang! (= Japanese Fender brochure):

A Japanese Fender Stratocaster STR-140RS (= Richie Sambora Artist model in Black Paisley) from 1996 has a 305mm radius, that's 12(.007874) inches.
Alder body, "rounded" (=contoured) heel, two RS-Special single coils and a DiMarzio PAF-Pro humbucker, and the original should have 1Vol/1Tone/1TBx (so that's different from the MIM's).
And, it's a "Craft Premium" class instrument.


According to interweb pravda, only 100 or 200 (or whatever) were made. Still, the ebay 6000$ price tag seems either hopeful or desperate. :wink:


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Post subject: Re: Anyone here OWN a Fender Sambora?
Posted: Thu Dec 15, 2016 5:19 am
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Someone on another forum who owned an MIJ Sambora Black Paisley confirmed the 12" radius... so now I'm wondering what the USAs ACTUALLY were... I have found info (Fender specs) saying the USAs were 9.5" radius, but seeing as how Richie's MIJ's were 12", his Kramers were 12", his ESPs were 12"..... I'm wondering if this is Fender inaccurate information.... we've seen it before from Fender...


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Post subject: Re: Anyone here OWN a Fender Sambora?
Posted: Thu Dec 15, 2016 6:57 am
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Look at it from the Floyd Rose perspective.
It was supplied with a set of saddle shims that if used would give a 10 inch radius.
There's no mention of a 9.5 inch radius, which indicates that the bolts that lock the saddles down might run out of thread if the radius is tighter than 10 inches.
Remove the shims, and it's 12 inch radius.

I can't see Fender mucking about unnecessarily with a brought in tremolo system, so I'll stick out my neck and say that they're likely to have gone for the 12 inch radius option.

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Post subject: Re: Anyone here OWN a Fender Sambora?
Posted: Thu Dec 15, 2016 9:01 am
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I tend to suspect the same. But everytime I've seen specs for a USA Sambora, it lists a 9.5 radius. Probably wrong, as I said, I've seen Fender get their own specs wrong several times, especially on stuff that's discontinued....


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Post subject: Re: Anyone here OWN a Fender Sambora?
Posted: Fri Dec 16, 2016 1:03 pm
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stratmangler wrote:
Look at it from the Floyd Rose perspective. (etc...)

The info you give on the Floyd Rose radius is correct.
I just don't think it's significant regarding the neck radius issue...

First of all, flattening the (neck/nut) radius at the bridge is a common set up trick - especially on tighter radii.
Second, the difference between 9.5" and 10" radii at the bridge (at about string spacing distance) is only about 0,08mm (~.003"). Combined with #1, the difference is no cause of alarm.
Third, I believe Mr. Schwartz - on this, his post many moons ago agrees with the official Fender info.
And fourth, the US Sambora has been described as a modified HRR Strat, so the 9.5" would make sense.

So, my imaginary wager is on 9.5"...
:wink:


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Post subject: Re: Anyone here OWN a Fender Sambora?
Posted: Fri Dec 16, 2016 1:29 pm
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Still don't trust Fender. Official Fender sources have reported the Fidelitrons as having alnico AND ceramic magnets... so which is it? LOL


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Post subject: Re: Anyone here OWN a Fender Sambora?
Posted: Mon Dec 26, 2016 11:37 am
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The Sambora Strat expert is MIA! I measured my original American Sambora with the strings still on it and it look's like it's 12.


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