I have a 97 Strat Plus that I am trying to decide what wood the body is made of. Info I have found seems to be conflicting; some say ash and some say alder. It is very close to matching my just acquired 76 Stang which I am 99% positive is ash based on what I have been told here. I also have a 2011 Tele MIM that is ash and it doesnt look anything like it. I also realize the Tele hasnt aged much either. I would appreciate your help clearing this up. Thanks!

Pictures would be really nice. Most of the time if your body has a see through finish - sunburst, natural etc. it is probably Ash. If it has a solid color its Alder.

its natural finish

If I'm remembering it correctly Strat Plus and Strat Plus Deluxe guitars with the natural finish had a solid ash body back in the day.

You should be able to Google woods and see what ash and alder look like, especially the grain patterns. There is a lot of difference in both the grain and the weight of those two wood species.

I'm always amazed at how crazy people on these Forums are about what wood their Fender guitar is made of... especially when it's under paint.

Yes, I know your guitar is finished natural, so identifying the wood should be easy-peasy.

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Dennis in CR
Rockin' since 1963

John C is right. All the natural finished Plus' came in solid Ash. If it is a burst finish with transparent top and back, then it is Ash caps on Alder.

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Xhefri's Guitars
www.xhefriguitars.com