I'm looking in to getting one of these. The one I'm looking at is a black body with an ebony fret board with the black covered Texas Special pickups. Could I assume that this is the original factory setup and does anyone know if this model is any good.
FM

Dig this!

http://www.fender.com/community/forums/viewtopic.php?t=44771

Hmm - if it is a 1997 then it sounds modded to me.

Back in '97 there was a model called the Roadhouse Strat - essentially an American Standard with Texas Specials instead of the regular American Standard pickups. These did come in some special colors and with special pickguards, but a black one would have come with a pearloid pickguard and white pickup covers (in fact, all of them had white pickup covers, even if the color got a tortoise shell pickguard like the sunburst and the vintage white).

Also these only had maple or rosewood fingerboards - in 1997 the only Strat with an ebony fingerboard was the Strat Ultra - which would have a roller nut, locking tuners, maple capped body, and Lace Sensor pickups (blue in the neck, gold in the middle, dual red in the bridge) and a Fender/Floyd Rose locking trem (without fine tuners). Could it be that the '97 you're looking at just has a very dark rosewood board?

Here is what I'm looking at getting. Not sure if it is actually all original. I spoke to the guy this morning and found out that he is not the first owner so who knows what it is. All the info. I can get would be great before I pull the trigger.
Thanks,
Here is his listing.

Up for sale a 1997 American made Fender Strat with Texas Special pickups, perloid pickguard, ebony fretboard, tremolo and OHC. Plays and sounds great. One tone knob replaced but otherwise she's all original and in great condition.

$850 or trade for USA Strat w Maple neck

http://i396.photobucket.com/albums/pp50/RU63R762X39

This is a picture of the guitar.
FM[/img

The photos aren't llarge enough or clear enough to see the headstock decal on this one. Also, given the lighting I can't tell if the fingerboard is ebony or just very dark rosewood.

I can tell you that the knobs and pickup covers are not stock; assuming the fingerboard is dark rosewood the pearl pickguard would be standard on a Roadhouse Strat, but it would have had white pickup covers and knobs.

Just as an FYI Fender has "recycled" the Roadhouse name; it was used for a USA model from 1995-2000; it is now used for an MIM model.

Thanks John C,

I spoke to the guy earlier and he told me it was in fact a dark rosewood fret board. He also said the only non orig. piece on this guitar was one of the tone nobs, Now I'm not sure what else is not orig.

Could you tell me if the neck plate on a 97 American Std. or Roadhouse for that matter would only have FENDER stamped on it or would it also have CORNA CALIFORNIA.
Thanks,Glen

I just did a quick google search because I wasn't sure when they started with the "Corona California" part on the neck plates - I believe that probably happened in 2000 when the American Series came out.

From what I've turned up a 1997 should just have the "modern" Fender logo written at an angle on the neck plate (plus there should be the small hole for the Micro Tilt at the bottom).

Maybe the current owner only replaced a tone knob, but I think that all the knobs and the pickup covers have been changed - there were Roadhouse Strats in black with rosewood fingerboards and pearl pickguards, but they had white pickup covers and knobs. Make sure the pickups have staggered polepieces - American Standard pickups have flat polepieces and Texas Specials have staggered ones like vintage Strat pickups. I will say that I like the black covers and knobs on this guitar - very cool look.

You could also try to get the serial number and email Fender consumer relations for more info on the guitar - they can usually tell you the basics and even the dealer the guitar was originally shipped to when it was new. Here is the address:

consumerrelations@fender.com

Hi
The 1996-97 california series strats are a most excellent guitar. Fender did such a good job that the 62 reissue of those years were getting blown away by these beauties.
The reason being is the body is based on a 62 and the pickups are creamy blues and can growl right nice. They almost play as clean as Lindy Fralins. It is very versitile and kicks the blues house door off its hinges.
That is why fender stopped making them cuz the reissues of those years werent selling. (this is of course the rumor that has been perpetuated by many)
I have a roadhouse with texas specials in it. Candy apple red, rosewood fingerboard.

I love it. alas I am parting with it. but it is only because I got a deal on a Jeff Beck with all kinds of upgrades.

I got to tell you... It has taken me over a month to choose between them and it was very hard.

and that being said... the msrp on the JB stat is 2100 and the aftermarket stuff was over $600 and I am still messed up about letting the California go.

It is probably the best edition for the price bar none. If i were a bit richer or a collector i would keep it.

Hope this helps...

Ressurrection of an old thread!

_________________
"Epitaph on a blues musician’s tombstone: “I didn’t wake up this morning”" Davy Knowles


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