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Post subject: 1983 Standard Stratocaster
Posted: Mon Sep 15, 2008 11:11 am
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I have a 1983 Standard Stratocaster that was produced with a patent- pending tremelo unit that is completely different than the one used for decades prior to that year, and is inferior. I like to use heavier guage strings, and because of this, it puts too much strain on the springs, and makes it impossible to keep in tune. I've tried putting on stronger springs, but there is only room for 3 springs, and that hasn't been successful. It has a solid back, and the only way to access the tremelo springs is by removing the strings and pickguard. Also, it has only one tone pot, and instead of an angled output jack, it has a straight-in jack where the second tone pot would be. I am considering eliminating the tremelo unit, and installing a hardtail bridge, which would require filling the cavity where the tremelo unit is, with a block of wood, so that the new bridge will have something to screw down to. I'm also considering routing out a cavity to install an angled output jack and adding a second tone pot where the existing output jack is. I think that this modification will much improve the playability of the guitar, but I'm wondering if it will de-value it. I have no idea if, because the years 1983-85 are completely different than previous and prior years, it has any intrinsic value to keep it stock. Any thoughts?


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Posted: Mon Sep 15, 2008 11:32 am
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Joined: Mon Jun 30, 2008 10:47 am
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ive seen that model strat fetch £800/$1600 on ebay. i wouldnt mess with it. If its such a problem sell it and get another.

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Posted: Mon Sep 15, 2008 12:17 pm
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Joined: Tue Mar 11, 2008 10:08 am
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That's a shame. It's hard to believe that they would give you no easy accsss to add or remove trem springs. I don't believe I've ever seen one like that. Take Nikiininja's advise. If it were normal it would be getting worth a good price and age! Sorry! :?


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Posted: Mon Sep 15, 2008 2:07 pm
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That would be a Smith Era Strat. That is the way they were made. They do tend to sell for around 900 or more so I would not mess with it. I would get some new Kahler springs for though like the originals.

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Posted: Mon Sep 15, 2008 7:18 pm
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Joined: Tue Jul 17, 2007 9:44 am
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It's your Strat, do whatever you need to make it more playable.

If you don't plan on ever selling it, then the mods are irrelevant.

I heard the same story from a dealer when it came to just refretting one old guitar. But I needed to refret it in order to play it! And that was the most important thing.

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