It is currently Tue Mar 17, 2020 12:18 am

All times are UTC - 7 hours



Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 1510 posts ]  Go to page Previous  1 ... 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46 ... 101  Next
Go to page Previous  1 ... 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46 ... 101  Next
Author Message
Post subject: Re: Fans of Strat Plus and Strat Ultra
Posted: Mon May 28, 2012 1:21 am
Offline
Professional Musician
Professional Musician

Joined: Sun Nov 20, 2011 3:16 am
Posts: 2337
John C wrote:
Xhefri's the real expert on these but I'll take a crack at answering these for you:

Toppscore wrote:
Do, ALL Ultras have an ebony fretboard? Any exceptions for Ultras?


The production spec for the Strat Ultra was an ebony fingerboard. But this is Fender; I'm sure that one or two happened to come out with a rosewood board by accident that made their way through QC - I've just seen too many oddities to say that 100% of any Fender model fits the "official" specs or any rule of thumb.

Toppscore wrote:
Between the Plus, Plus Deluxe, and the Ultra,
which ones and which years did they use the LSR roller nuts?
Were there other factory installed nuts buy other mfgs used?


Fender has used 3 different roller nuts from two manufacturers on these guitars during different time frames - there were two versions of the nut made by Wilkinson and then they used the LSR nut (which is still used today by Fender on some models):

1. Wilkinson Roller Nut version 1 - also called the "Split Nut"; these are wider than the LSR nut and have rollers that the strings go over - there are double rollers for the plain strings (the string goes over the roller at the fingerboard side of the nut and under the roller at the headstock side of the nut) while the 3 wound strings only have the roller at the fingerboard side of the nut. Jeff Beck still uses this version of the nut. Fender used them from the introduction of the Strat Plus in 1987 and were only used for about a year.

2. Wilkinson Roller Nut version 2 - the nut now has dual rollers for all 6 strings. This nut was used on Strat Pluses from say early 1988, Strat Plus Deluxe from it's introduction in 1989, and Strat Ultra from it's introduction in 1990. Fender used these until mid-late 1993.

3. LSR nut - used on all 3 models from mid-late 1993 until they were discontinued.

Toppscore wrote:
Were all of the Fender Plus, Deluxe Plus & Ultra guitars made from 1989? to 1999?
None in 1988 or 2000? Please correct me if I am wrong.


The Strat Plus was introduced in 1987, the Strat Plus Deluxe in 1989, and the Strat Ultra in 1990. So there were Strat Plus models in 1987 and 1988.

Technically these models were all discontinued in 1998 with the introduction of the American Deluxe series but Fender did make a few of them in 1998-1999 - likely using up existing parts. By 2000 these were completely gone. Also due to a mix-up at Fender some "N9xxxxx" serial number decals - which would translate to a 1999 guitar - were used in 1990 by accident. However, you can tell that these are really circa 1990 guitars because they have the silver modern Fender logo and the serial number on the front of the headstock. A "real" 1999 Fender would have the vintage-style logo and the serial number on the back of the headstock.

Toppscore wrote:
If an Ultra or Plus Deluxe has a changed nut, swapped Lace Sensors with a humbucker,
or changed pickups with normal pole magnet pickups while removing Lace sensors . . . . .
Are these items (LSR nut and Lace Sensors) easy to replace?

I have seen the LSR nuts and Lace Sensor pickups for sale on EBay
and many other online sources. Are the new LSRs & Laces acceptable
as replacements in Plus, Plus Deluxe & Ultra guitars? Same specs?


LSR nuts are still available - Fender still uses them on American Deluxe Strats with HSS pickups. Now if the guitar should have had a Wilkinson nut you're probably out of luck unless you turn up a replacement on ebay or something like that.

I believe that Lace still makes Sensors to the same specs as they did for Fender, but they will only have a "Lace Sensor" logo instead of a "Fender-Lace Sensor" logo. You would only be able to find "Fender-Lace Sensor" models on ebay. There is also the possibility that none of the current Lace models match up with the old ones used by Fender.
Hope this helps.


Definitely. Your input and comments really helps.
I put in a bid for one. Will see if I become a "member".
I will let you know. Thanks again. Toppscore 8)

_________________
Image


Top
Profile
Fender Play Winter Sale 2020
Post subject: Re: Fans of Strat Plus and Strat Ultra
Posted: Mon May 28, 2012 2:20 pm
Offline
Professional Musician
Professional Musician

Joined: Sun Nov 20, 2011 3:16 am
Posts: 2337
I will start a NGD New Guitar Day thread, as well.
After investigating the Stratocaster Plus, Plus Deluxe & Ultra guitars
and the Telecaster Plus & Telecaster Plus Deluxe guitars,
I purchased the below linked Fender Strat Ultra.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/280890192783?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649

PLEASE HELP ME TO IDENTIFY and VERIFY WHAT I HAVE PURCHSED.


I believe it is a 1990 Fender Stratocaster Ultra (I am guessing)

Reading Xhefri's website, some of the following is open for discussion of advice:
It has the word "Ultra" on the neck plate = is this right for a 1990 first year Ultra?
What kind of tremolo is installed, certainly not a Floyd Rose, right?
Does it have the Wilkerson roller nut or the LSR roller nut?
Locking tuners = which manufacturer ~ Schaller?

Am I missing anythng? Anybody notice anything unusual? Thanks.

With the Stratocaster Ultra's four Lace Sensor pickups, the mini toggle switch and
the extremely unique five switch wiring, makes this Ultra a fantastic tone monster.
Thanks for your help. Toppscore 8)

_________________
Image


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Fans of Strat Plus and Strat Ultra
Posted: Tue May 29, 2012 2:23 am
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist

Joined: Thu Mar 22, 2012 2:43 am
Posts: 21
John C wrote:
(...)Also due to a mix-up at Fender some "N9xxxxx" serial number decals - which would translate to a 1999 guitar - were used in 1990 by accident. However, you can tell that these are really circa 1990 guitars because they have the silver modern Fender logo and the serial number on the front of the headstock. A "real" 1999 Fender would have the vintage-style logo and the serial number on the back of the headstock.(...)


You can also differenciate a 1990 Strat Ultra from a 1999 one thanks to the nut. The 1990's have the Wilkinson nut (second generation) and the 1999 have he LSR Roller nut.


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Fans of Strat Plus and Strat Ultra
Posted: Tue May 29, 2012 1:58 pm
Offline
Professional Musician
Professional Musician

Joined: Sun Nov 20, 2011 3:16 am
Posts: 2337
Graon wrote:
John C wrote:
(...)Also due to a mix-up at Fender some "N9xxxxx" serial number decals - which would translate to a 1999 guitar - were used in 1990 by accident. However, you can tell that these are really circa 1990 guitars because they have the silver modern Fender logo and the serial number on the front of the headstock. A "real" 1999 Fender would have the vintage-style logo and the serial number on the back of the headstock.(...)


You can also differenciate a 1990 Strat Ultra from a 1999 one thanks to the nut. The 1990's have the Wilkinson nut (second generation) and the 1999 have he LSR Roller nut.

Thanks. I say one on EBay that had no roller nut and no "Ultra" on the neck plate.
I feel it is a fake Ultra.

_________________
Image


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Fans of Strat Plus and Strat Ultra
Posted: Thu May 31, 2012 6:51 am
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist

Joined: Tue Jan 25, 2011 8:31 am
Posts: 31
Hi all:
Just picked up this beauty on ebay.. It is supposed to be taos turquoise 1989 strat deluxe, one of the first. Two silver lace and one blue, E4 serial number..It seems to me that the color, whatever it is, has faded quite a bit as you can see from the pickguard that has also faded. The color varies greatly with the indoor and outdoor light. Take a look at the pics I have included one next to my bahama green plus. I'm wodering if I am looking more at sea foam green or taos. Would love to hear your opinions. either way its a keeper.

Image
Image
Image


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Fans of Strat Plus and Strat Ultra
Posted: Thu May 31, 2012 8:19 am
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist

Joined: Tue Jan 25, 2011 8:31 am
Posts: 31
Now the same guitar photographed in the indoor light..

Image


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Fans of Strat Plus and Strat Ultra
Posted: Thu May 31, 2012 8:28 am
Offline
Professional Musician
Professional Musician
User avatar

Joined: Thu Oct 11, 2007 3:31 pm
Posts: 2638
Location: Pacific North West, USA
nh_strats wrote:
Now the same guitar photographed in the indoor light..

Image

Hey Mr NH, I am 100% sure this is Taos Turquoise. This is an early Strat Plus Deluxe as you might already know. If you read the section on colors on my website you will see where I explain the "yellowing" of the clear coats on some of these colors and how that affects the look. See: http://xhefriguitars.com/page2.html and go to the near bottom of the page. The color is pretty rare. I saw one of these sell on eBay for around $950 not long ago, not sure if that is the one you got. If it was I unknowingly bid against you! Here are two different ones I have posted on my site. You can see the smaller picture how the color is yellowed some (and I changed the pickguard on that years ago like a dummy!)

Image
Image Image

_________________
Xhefri's Guitars
www.xhefriguitars.com
Image


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Fans of Strat Plus and Strat Ultra
Posted: Thu May 31, 2012 8:46 am
Offline
Rock Icon
Rock Icon
User avatar

Joined: Thu Dec 31, 2009 10:34 pm
Posts: 10760
Location: Athens, Greece
I recalled Fender did an EC strat in taos turquoise in late 1988/early 1989.

Image


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Fans of Strat Plus and Strat Ultra
Posted: Thu May 31, 2012 8:57 am
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist

Joined: Mon Jul 18, 2011 12:55 am
Posts: 4
Definitely taos turquoise i have one myself and the colour is identical to it.


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Fans of Strat Plus and Strat Ultra
Posted: Thu May 31, 2012 9:13 am
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist

Joined: Mon Jul 18, 2011 12:55 am
Posts: 4
For something a little bit different - 35th Anniversary Stratocaster - lace sensor pickups 1 of 500 with birdseye neck!

Image

Image


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Fans of Strat Plus and Strat Ultra
Posted: Thu May 31, 2012 9:26 am
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist

Joined: Tue Jan 25, 2011 8:31 am
Posts: 31
Nice I was hoping it really was taos turquise, that was my holy grail color for these. I lov ethose 35th anniversary strats, big bucks but they look really nice.. Like a custom shop strat plus. Thanks for the comments gents..


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Fans of Strat Plus and Strat Ultra
Posted: Thu May 31, 2012 1:14 pm
Offline
Professional Musician
Professional Musician

Joined: Sun Nov 20, 2011 3:16 am
Posts: 2337
nh_strats wrote:
Hi all:
Just picked up this beauty on ebay.. It is supposed to be taos turquoise 1989 strat deluxe, one of the first. Two silver lace and one blue, E4 serial number..It seems to me that the color, whatever it is, has faded quite a bit as you can see from the pickguard that has also faded. The color varies greatly with the indoor and outdoor light. Take a look at the pics I have included one next to my bahama green plus. I'm wodering if I am looking more at sea foam green or taos. Would love to hear your opinions. either way its a keeper.


NH. I have been studying these and the ULTRA.

I just bought the following 1990 Fender Ultra:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/280890192783?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649
Should arrive next week.

Question, NY & Xhefri. Is not an "E4xxxxxx" serial number for 1984????
PLMK. It is important as I study Fender guitars and serial numbers.

Thanks. Toppscore 8)

_________________
Image


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Fans of Strat Plus and Strat Ultra
Posted: Thu May 31, 2012 10:59 pm
Offline
Rock Icon
Rock Icon
User avatar

Joined: Thu Dec 31, 2009 10:34 pm
Posts: 10760
Location: Athens, Greece
The 35th Anniversary sported three Silver Lace Sensors with TBX and MDX tone shaping circuits. The icing to the cake was the active/passive toggle switch which allowed the player to turn off the MDX preamp. This midboost bypass switch was also featured on a few earlier EC Strat prototypes, but Clapton was apparently unhappy with that feature and told the R&D team to remove the switch from the final product.

This model served as a basis for the Strat Ultra.


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Fans of Strat Plus and Strat Ultra
Posted: Thu May 31, 2012 11:41 pm
Offline
Professional Musician
Professional Musician

Joined: Sun Nov 20, 2011 3:16 am
Posts: 2337
chromeface wrote:
The 35th Anniversary sported three Silver Lace Sensors with TBX and MDX tone shaping circuits. The icing to the cake was the active/passive toggle switch which allowed the player to turn off the MDX preamp. This midboost bypass switch was also featured on a few earlier EC Strat prototypes, but Clapton was apparently unhappy with that feature and told the R&D team to remove the switch from the final product.
This model served as a basis for the Strat Ultra.


Is the 35th anniversary strat a Plus, Plus Deluxe, neither?
Did it have two Lace Sensor pickups at the bridge?

_________________
Image


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Fans of Strat Plus and Strat Ultra
Posted: Fri Jun 01, 2012 12:25 am
Offline
Rock Icon
Rock Icon
User avatar

Joined: Thu Dec 31, 2009 10:34 pm
Posts: 10760
Location: Athens, Greece
The 35th Anniversary was a souped-up version of the Plus with three Silver Lace pickups and switchable TBX and MDX tone controls. It also shared many of the features found on the Strat Ultra such as the abalone-inlaid ebony fretboard, Hipshot Tremsetter, Sperzel locking gears and quilted maple top, but lacked off a Wilkinson roller nut.

Why not asking John C and Xhefri? :roll:


Top
Profile
Display posts from previous:  Sort by  
Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 1510 posts ]  Go to page Previous  1 ... 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46 ... 101  Next
Go to page Previous  1 ... 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46 ... 101  Next

All times are UTC - 7 hours

Fender Play Winter Sale 2020

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 2 guests


You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum

Search for:
Jump to: