Hi All.

I'm very new here, but do have a few questions regarding a recent purchase, which almost seems to good to be true.
I found a USA Strat at an auction recently, that based on the serial number on the headstock would appear to be a 1996 model (N6 + 5digits) but there were a few markings on the front of the headstock that I hadn't seen before. I'm not completely clueless, I did work in a music shop for four years, but I am actually a drummer.. yes I can hear the sighs and groans.. lol
On the headstock, underneath the Fender Stratocaster logo it says 'with synchronized tremolo', plus on the end the 'original contour body'. So from what I can find out it does seem to be an early 60's re-issue. What I'd like to know from anyone, is if there is a way to determine exactly what re-issue this is, and what would the difference in terms of the electronics and the actual body parts be?
I was actually loking at buying a Martin N-20 at the auction when I stumbled across this one and picked it up for £175, no case, and no back plate, but the guitar doesn't even look like it's been played, absolutely zero fret wear, and two very small dings, one on the headstock and one on the body, but when I say small, I mean small.. The only other thing I can find wrong with it is that where the back plate goes there is unfortunately an extra set of holes that have been made. I'm guessing that the previous owner either put on a none fender plate or put the right one on the wrong way round resulting in the original holes not lining up and he just decided it would be okay to make new holes??

and how do you upload pics...?

..

Try this:http://www.guitardaterproject.org/fender.aspx

Pics and a full S/N help too though.

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-Classic 50's Strat.
-Std. Telecaster.
-Mike Dirnt P-bass.
-Custody of SE Strat.
-Peavey Predator/Dean Evo/Epiphone DR150/Gibson Slide (much older than me).

Rellik Productions Inc.

Hi thanks very much, I was beginning to think that no one was willing to help cause I'm a drummer/guitarist, I know how people don't take other musos seriously when they venture out of their own areas. Okay, I can't figure out how to post pics, I have tried even creating a link to a myspace page, no luck though, and forgive my ignorance but what is S/N?

serial number