When you say "those bridges" do you mean the Tremsetter thing-ama-jig? I' guessing because I've read some about them and was under the impression that that's what would be installed on this guitar but I'm not sure.

Would you please explain your indifference to them.

Why do you say that, strauboids?

I just preferred working on either the "vintage style" 6-screw trem or the "American Standard" style 2-point. Didn't want to give you the wrong idea... the bridge on there (which may be a "Floyd Rose II") works just fine and I'm sure there are plenty of players who would see it as an upgrade or collectors who would see it as a rarity, but it's just not my cup of tea.

As far as the preamp preexisting.... I just don't think any of the Strat Pluses came with any sort of active circuit.
If you want to give it a shot, you can contact Fender with the serial # and they may be able to give you a better idea of what the stock specs were. I know I've had a lot of luck with newer USA strats and teles, and this one isn't all that old, so you might get lucky. Send them the info and let us know what they tell you... might take a few days to hear back, but I've always gotten a response. Either way if it's in decent condition, $650 is a pretty nice deal. consumerrelations@fender.com

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RoscoeBeckV
USA AshStrat HH HT(X2)
Spalted Maple Custom Tele
60'sReverseStrat
SpruceTele
BigAppleStrat
USAStratHH
USAStratHH HT(X2)
Highway1 Fat
USA P-Bass DeluxeIV(X2)
P-BassLyte
US P-BassDeluxeV
BG29
DG22S
'78 Strat
'79 Strat HT
CS'60 Strat
CS'52Tele HR

Bottom of this page.

http://xhefriguitars.com/page3.html

I reckon the preamp is a mod.

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No no and no

nik i have put my differnces aside so
i'm asking what that web site is that dates
fenders i have somthing here i want to check

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sombody get me a doctor!

Do you mean this:

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

Thats what I was thinking nik with it being a deluxe plus because I can not find it in any of My catalogs like that.

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The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government.

Thomas Jefferson

Doesn't the description say it's an EMG pre-amp? If so, it's likely a PA-2... a tiny little clean boost that goes inside the guitar. It has a microswitch (although I see TWO switches in the pics), and the amount of boost is preset by an on-baord pot... anywhere from 1db to 20db.

I have mine set at about 3db of boost... just enough to goose an amp that's on the edge of breakup right into overdrive.

Yes, it would be a mod. Note that it does not require active pickups.

http://www.emgpickups.com/products/index/135

Well, here's some food for thought, not that it answers any questions:

http://www.stratcollector.com/scn/model ... tplus.html

I'm on my way out right now to go check this thing out and possibly return with it in my possession. I hope all goes well.

Alwaysstrat its
http://www.guitardaterproject.org/fender.aspx

It doesnt cover customshop and some japanese numbers can be a bit misleading through that site. Sometimes your better off to email customer relations and wait for a reply from them. Sometimes their not quick to get back.

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We need Zzdoc on this one. I need to know what the precursor to the clapton strat was. That had a preamp and a name like ultra or elite. Darn this pickled brain of mine.

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No no and no

There definitely was a "Strat Ultra" but I don't remember the specifics off the top of my head. May have to get back to you on that one. I think it was similar, but with a Humbucker and a mini toggle, but don't remember what the toggle did...... Time for sleep. Tomorrow's a long day. 8 hours of work.... 3 Hours of band practice..... 8 hours of drinking... If all goes well.

_________________
RoscoeBeckV
USA AshStrat HH HT(X2)
Spalted Maple Custom Tele
60'sReverseStrat
SpruceTele
BigAppleStrat
USAStratHH
USAStratHH HT(X2)
Highway1 Fat
USA P-Bass DeluxeIV(X2)
P-BassLyte
US P-BassDeluxeV
BG29
DG22S
'78 Strat
'79 Strat HT
CS'60 Strat
CS'52Tele HR

Well, I got a good look at this thing last night and it's a pretty nice feeling guitar. Nice finish, though some chunky battle scars along the lower bout. But beautiful red translucent finish that shows a very nice wood grain. It also has a metallic-y red burst that added a nice aesthetic. I guessing Ash but not really certain. Nice neck, not too much fret wear and electronics are okay. A bit of scratch in one of the tone pots.

Pickguard has been modded. Still has the original Lace Sensors and 5-way switch but has what the seller called a "Tele Switch" added, which basically changed the tone to a bit of a twangy sound reminiscent of a Telecaster. It actually worked as described, though I really have no idea what the heck it was.

The control knob in the middle is a split tone control. I'm not sure exactly how it's wired but the combination of all these controls made for a wide variety of sounds. BTW, the little red switch is a cut-off.

It has the Floyd Rose trem but it's been blocked and the factory installed Hipshot Tremsetter has been removed to make space for the 9-volt battery used by the pre-amp. It also had the LSR Roller nut and brushed metal, locking tuners and strap locks installed.

I kinda froze and suddenly was unsure of weather or not I was able to really determine the value of the guitar from a strictly monetary stand point but the seller (very nice guy) said he'd give some time to think it over. I accepted his offer and left without the guitar.

Now, of course, I'm wondering if I should plunk my hard earned cash down or pass because I'm not sure how to appraise the thing. Anyway, that being said, I'd be interested in any follow up comments that other forum members might have.

Thanks.

For my tastes its not going to keep value like a untouched example would but if the thing plays nice, does what I want, I'd be getting it.
The floyd and pre-amp could be a problem. Why hasnt it been modded to use both. With the swimingpool route of a plus theres absolutely no need for the battery to go inbetween the trem springs. The guy over at the areyouexperienced site can get a 9volt and a clapton circuit in a regular strat. http://areyouexperienced.net/fender_clapton_mid_boost_kit.htm. Ok i tried and couldnt do it, but would have if i'd persevered.

Essentialy if its a nice guitar that you enjoyed playing get it, with the mods it will only ever be a players guitar.

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No no and no

I'm pretty sure the "Floyd" bridge was stock for a while on these. It's not what you're thinking of, it's a Floyd Rose II (I think). Like I said earlier, I was never a big fan, but it should be stock. The preamp would be easy enough to reverse to stock specs... along with the pickguard, but if you're looking for a guitar to play, you're not going to find USA Fenders for much less than $600.... That being said, I only paid $300 for my Highway 1 Fat Strat (another Craigslist find) so I guess deals are out there to be found.


As far as the body, it is probably an ash veneer over alder. I guess it was more cost effective.

_________________
RoscoeBeckV
USA AshStrat HH HT(X2)
Spalted Maple Custom Tele
60'sReverseStrat
SpruceTele
BigAppleStrat
USAStratHH
USAStratHH HT(X2)
Highway1 Fat
USA P-Bass DeluxeIV(X2)
P-BassLyte
US P-BassDeluxeV
BG29
DG22S
'78 Strat
'79 Strat HT
CS'60 Strat
CS'52Tele HR