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Post subject: Is my 68 CIJ reissue Ash or basswood???
Posted: Fri Nov 07, 2008 7:05 pm
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I own a crafted in Japan 68 strat in Vintage white with maple neck. I believe its actually a 67 because of the gold transition logo and small stratocaster writing on the headstock, but Fender labelled it a 68 back in 1999 in the Frontline catalogue when i bought it. So its not one of the newer 68 Japs reissues which are non export only and do have an Alder body. Mine is the late 90s 68 reissue.

Anyway, it said in the description of the 1999 frontline catalogue, which i still got, that it has an Ash body. It was made in Natural, Vintage white and 3-colour sunburst. I have gained a general understanding that Fender would only use an Ash body when using a natural finish but would resort to cheaper woods if it has a solid colour.

So my question is, does my vintage white strat have an Ash body or cheaper wood such as basswood or poplar?

Any ideas, is there anyway of checking? I've had the pickguard off recently to upgrade pickups anyway, but whilst it was off i couldn't see any writing and to be honest i don't know how to tell which wood is which??? :roll:


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Posted: Fri Nov 07, 2008 7:11 pm
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Ash can be very very heavy. My mexican tele weighs about 3 lespauls.

How heavy is it. Basswood and poplar are very light.


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Posted: Fri Nov 07, 2008 7:16 pm
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7.75 Lbs (seven and three quarter Lbs)

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Posted: Fri Nov 07, 2008 7:20 pm
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Thats a very usuall weight. It could be basswood or alder. I think it may be a bit light for ash though.


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Posted: Sat Nov 08, 2008 12:54 pm
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nikininja wrote:
Thats a very usuall weight. It could be basswood or alder. I think it may be a bit light for ash though.


Basswood is a bit lower quality than alder for Fender isn't it? Even the cheap Squiers are made from alder. Of course I could be wrong. :?


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Posted: Sat Nov 08, 2008 1:02 pm
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Ash has open grain like oak. If it's poplar or basswood the raw wood will be totally smooth. Been a cabinetmaker all my life. 8) Mike-

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Posted: Sat Nov 08, 2008 1:28 pm
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My natural finish Tele weighs a touch under seven pounds. That's very light: but in my experience of dealing with raw ash timber the weight can vary enormously. You ain't going to ID a body's wood that way.

In fact, the only way to be certain is to strip the lacquer and take a look. Is it worth it?

Cheers - C

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Posted: Sat Nov 08, 2008 1:45 pm
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Yeah, i'm not gonna sand me beloved strat down to bare wood! :lol:

Anyway, i guess theres no way of knowing, but i got a gutt feeling its made of Ash, the 60s model states that it has a basswood body in Frontline catalogue summer 98. But the '68 model description states All the Japs reissues were known as the 'Collectable Series'. 'This beautiful reproduction has it all - vinatge tuners and tremolo, three-ply white/black/white pickguard and an ash body in all the right finishes.



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