Hello,
I am brand new to this forum.
I have been messing around with guitars since High School; what seems a few lifetimes ago! Anyway, as of late, last couple of years I have been collecting guitars, but hate to admit it, am not as knowledgiable as I should be, but hey, one has to start somewhere.

I just picked up a mint 1980 Fender "Strat" which is what is written right above or past "Fender" on the head of the neck. The body is a candy apple red with a white pick guard. From the wha wha? bar, knobs, coard plug and where the strings are inserted on the body, all components are in a gold tone, as well as the rectangular cover on the back just below the neck base. The keys on the head are chrome plated.
The guitar is in superb to mint condition, other then some light oxidation on the gold plated screws on the rectangular plate on the back of the guitar.
I have never seen a "Strat" before, is this a rare item?, is it a custom guitar?

Am I in the right forum?
Thank you

"The Strat" was an early 80's CBS attempt reinvigorate slumping sales. I believe it differs from the traditional Stratocaster in that it only has one volume and one tone knob and a rotary control; that in combination with the 5 way switch would give the player 9 different pickup combinations instead of 5. It also had a hotter bridge pickup than normal. If it is in good condition you have a nice addition to your collection. They also made a walnut Strat with the same specs. Enjoy it.

Thank you.
Yes, it does have the 3 knobs and the 5 way switch.
But I am confused by the mixed gold plating and silver plated? hardware. By the way, the tuning keys on the head are marked with "Fender" on the back of each one.
I will try and post a pic of it later, if I can figure out how to do it from my iPhone.

Thanks again

Stefano the original tuning pegs would have been gold as well. Most likely they were replaced at some point. Post some pics I'd like to see it.

I had one just like it. CAR with all gold hardware except the tuners were chrome. These varied a lot. See link.

http://www.stratcollector.com/newsdesk/ ... 00273.html