Surfing around the net I found many players talking about the thickness of their strats.
The most common measurement I saw was 44mm (1.73") and some others like 42mm (1.65") and 40mm (1.57").

So just out of curiosity I took a calliper (or micrometer or whatever it's called) and measured the thickness of my 2010 AMSTD.
To my surprise the thickness of the upper horn is 47mm (1.85") and the thickness of the body near the bottom strap screw (is this called "the heal"?) is 46.5mm (1.83").


Is there something I should worry about? I mean is this normal or is it an evidence of refinishing at the factory? I mean could it be a case of an instrument originally painted with another color and then repainted over resulting a thicker body?
Or is the Candy Cola laquer thicker than the others?

Any measurements from other Candy Cola owners would be most appreciated.

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Alexander
AMSTD Strat RW Candy Cola +Callaham + Texas Specials +Tortoise shell pickguard/Fender Blues Junior III SN FSR
Salonica-Greece


Macedonia IS GREECE the last 2500 years

Another question too. I thought that kind of hole like the one in the photo is characteristic of the Mexican Strats.
Am I wrong?

_________________
Alexander
AMSTD Strat RW Candy Cola +Callaham + Texas Specials +Tortoise shell pickguard/Fender Blues Junior III SN FSR
Salonica-Greece


Macedonia IS GREECE the last 2500 years

Some of my American Strats have that hole under the pick guard. Not quite sure what it's for...

So...Was my initial question so trivial or was it a big fuss to take a measurement and/or give an answer? I wonder....

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Alexander
AMSTD Strat RW Candy Cola +Callaham + Texas Specials +Tortoise shell pickguard/Fender Blues Junior III SN FSR
Salonica-Greece


Macedonia IS GREECE the last 2500 years

2004 american series.

not got a clue what its for. something for routing?

Nice, MIMs also have routs for humbuckers too.

What many of us suspected was confirmed by a Fender employee right back in 2007 near the beginning of this very Forum. The "mysterious" holes in guitar bodies beneath the pickguard and in the neck pocket are for alignment on the CNC routing machine.

Far as body depth is concerned, my Fenders are all 44 to 45 mm deep. I find it hard to believe that a refin over the top of a previous finish could add two or three mil - but who knows? And extremely gloopy color coat, perhaps.

A glance in the neck pocket may well provide useful evidence on that point (paint layers). Show us some photos of that if you want.

Cheers - C

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Just for grins, I measured my MIM 1998 Strat.
Horn 1.845"
Back by the end pin 1.823"

Looks like it's in the same realm of yours.

Jeff

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Alexander
AMSTD Strat RW Candy Cola +Callaham + Texas Specials +Tortoise shell pickguard/Fender Blues Junior III SN FSR
Salonica-Greece


Macedonia IS GREECE the last 2500 years

The small amount of difference in the measurement from the upper horn to the lower bout of your strat may be due to thickness of the poly finish. It is sprayed on, and it may just be there is more material sprayed on the upper portion No, it is nothing to worry about. If you can't see it with your eye, then no one "should" notice it, unless they be creepin' around your guitar with a caliper, LOL!

The above neck pocket photo shows absolutely no sign of the guitar having been refinished. So extra paint layers is not the explanation for this Strat's surprising thickness in the body department.

Cheers - C

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