Does Fender still offer factory refinishes? We all know that back in beginning people could send their Strat in and have it refinished but does Fender still practice this?

I have a 1978 Strat that was refinished to Natural some time in it's past and I'd like to have it re-refinished to it's original color. I know there are many places that can do the job but who'd be better than the guys who built the guitar?

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Tune Low, Play Hard & Floor it!

Doc do you wanna tell him?

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No no and no

Check the FAQ's?

I saw the answer there but was hoping that since it's one of their vintage instruments they might make an exception as most companies do.

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Tune Low, Play Hard & Floor it!

Its not that mate. Doc had a 58 he sent for refinish in the 60's that came back with a different body on it.

Personaly i wouldnt trust em.

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No no and no

I thought Fender marked the neck and bodies that came in for refinish to ensure they were matched up later on?

Doc sent in a '58 and got back a _____?

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Tune Low, Play Hard & Floor it!

Ah, be clear: this was a very long time ago. Before age meant anything in the electric guitar world. And a goodly time before the Custom Shop existed.

I suspect things are a little different today.

VooDoo Blues, why don't you send a quick email to consumerrelations@fender.com and ask about it? Then you'll know for absolute certain.

But as you say, this is a job you could get done perfectly well locally. Well worth seeking out the best guy you can find, with a proven track record.

Good luck - C

I read that on Stratcollector.com in his "Note about early Fender factory finishes" section:

"Likewise, a set of large block numbers were often stamped into the body and neck heel to indicate a guitar returned by a customer for a color re-finish. The large stamped numbers would give the factory a way to track the neck and body so they could be returned together to their rightful owner after the new finish was applied."

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Tune Low, Play Hard & Floor it!

Sure. But see if ZZDoc drops by to tell you his story. It'll make you weep.

- C