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Post subject: Designer Series Stratocaster
Posted: Sun Oct 20, 2013 9:51 am
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Greetins all, new here, 1st post.
I have attached some photos of my 2000 Designer Series Strat (s/n DZ0065220).
I purchased it new from Guitar Center in early 2001.
The QMT is close to a half inch thick, and I have not ever seen any of these Strats for sale in the Crimson Red!
It's been a great guitar, years ago I swapped out the original pickups and electronics for a complete Harmonic Design setup.
Anyone know how many of these had been made?
Thanks

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Post subject: Re: Designer Series Stratocaster
Posted: Sun Oct 20, 2013 11:23 am
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Hi,

These American Deluxe Designer Stratocasters were a Limited Edition run of 340 pieces (160 were finished in Crimson Red Transparent and 180 in Tabacco Sunburst) commissioned by Guitar Center in 2000.


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Post subject: Re: Designer Series Stratocaster
Posted: Sun Oct 20, 2013 12:05 pm
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That's a beauty.

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My other guitar is a Strat.

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Post subject: Re: Designer Series Stratocaster
Posted: Sun Oct 20, 2013 12:27 pm
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Gorgeous!


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Post subject: Re: Designer Series Stratocaster
Posted: Sun Oct 20, 2013 12:28 pm
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Thank you Chomeface & Orvilleowner.

Been really happy with this Strat since purchasing it.
She is really bright with the maple top, the Harmonic Design electronics/pickups help tame that a bit (tone controls are an EQ and a tone roll-off setup).

Only 160 made in Crimson Red, that might explain why I never see any like it for sale.....

Thanks again


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Post subject: Re: Designer Series Stratocaster
Posted: Sun Oct 20, 2013 12:37 pm
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HK,

At first I was going to take offense that you thanked Orville and Chrome for their comments and not me. :( Then I saw that you posted one minute after I did so I figured you didn't see mine and didn't feel so bad. Still, that's an amazing looking, not to mention rare Stratocaster!

Cheers!


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Post subject: Re: Designer Series Stratocaster
Posted: Sun Oct 20, 2013 1:21 pm
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Thanks Highline :wink:


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Post subject: Re: Designer Series Stratocaster
Posted: Sun Oct 20, 2013 5:49 pm
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@HKStrat

You told us the Harmonic Design electronics are consisting from an EQ and a tone roll-off.

Normally the HD EQ circuit is active and battery-powered.

I'm pretty certain there's a battery compartment in the back - unless you chose the Clapton method to discreetly hide the battery in the tremolo cavity.

I would be particularly happy if you post a video showing this tone monster in action.


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Post subject: Re: Designer Series Stratocaster
Posted: Sun Oct 20, 2013 7:47 pm
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Chomeface,
It's a completely passive EQ/tone setup (no battery).
The setup from HD consisted of a complete pickguard assembly wired up with the pups I selected (a hot vintage in the bridge and vintage pups in the middle and neck positions). I purchased the setup back in 2003.
It's actually pretty cool because you can almost get a humbucker fullness with the tone (I think HD called it a "swell control") maxed out.
I will have to get setup for a video, but I think I can manage it.
At the time (2003) HD was about the only solution offered, I don't see the complete pickguard assemblies for sale on their site anymore.
As I stated earlier, she was pretty bright soumding before I swapped in the HD system, too bright sounding if you ask me. I think all that maple on top is too much with the alder body.
As stated, the QMT is about a half inch thick as measured along the sides of the body.
Harmonic Designe was awesome to work with, if i remember correctly I even received a hand written note from the individual who hand would my pickups!
HK


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Post subject: Re: Designer Series Stratocaster
Posted: Mon Oct 21, 2013 1:10 am
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Both the EQ and Tone Roll-Off circuits are similar to Fender's own TBX and Greasebucket systems.

I'm pretty certain HD had pickguard assemblies for an HSS setup.


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Post subject: Re: Designer Series Stratocaster
Posted: Mon Oct 21, 2013 2:42 am
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Chromeface,
Yes, I believe I do remember HD having a HSS setup at one time.
I did consider the HSS at the time but figured I would leave it all singles and just use the LP when needed.


HKStrat


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Post subject: Re: Designer Series Stratocaster
Posted: Mon Oct 21, 2013 3:34 am
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HKStrat wrote:
Greetins all, new here, 1st post.
I have attached some photos of my 2000 Designer Series Strat (s/n DZ0065220).
I purchased it new from Guitar Center in early 2001.
The QMT is close to a half inch thick, and I have not ever seen any of these Strats for sale in the Crimson Red!
It's been a great guitar, years ago I swapped out the original pickups and electronics for a complete Harmonic Design setup.
Anyone know how many of these had been made?
Thanks

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Wow! I Like That :)

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Post subject: Re: Designer Series Stratocaster
Posted: Mon Oct 21, 2013 4:46 am
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There's a Super 90 Strat bridge pickup giving you that screaming fat humbucker sound without making any major alteration in your guitar.

The STP injects a healthy dose of Tele twang and bite into the mix.

For the versatility sake I'd recommend a Super 90 in the bridge, a Vintage Plus in the middle and an STP in the neck.

With this configuration and the proprietary tone-shaping circuits you can honestly imagine having three guitars in one: creamy Les Paul bark in the bridge, sparkling Strat snap in the middle and twangy Tele bite in the neck.

Your butterscotch American Standard truly deserves this calibrated pickup set!


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Post subject: Re: Designer Series Stratocaster
Posted: Mon Oct 21, 2013 5:41 am
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Thanks Donny.
Chromeface, I didn't have the Butterscotch Strat for very long. :(
I don't have many guitars, but I do cherish the few I have (all gifts from my Wife).
Reading through this forum I marvel at all the fine instruments everyone has, as well as how many some of you have.
I have only three (3) guitars.
The 2000 Designer Series Stratocaster
A 1986 special order LP Custom w/maple fretboard and factory installed Seymour Duncans and a Martin JC-16KWS acoustic.
The LP was all natual when I purchased it. I had the top refinished in cherry and re-wired the pickups to the Jimmy Page specs.
My amps are an old 1976 Fender Twin I purchased new (only paid $399.00) and a new Fender Excelsior my Wife and Son gave me for my 50th Birthday (love the 6V6s running Class "A").
[imgImage[/img]
The heavily modded reissue Jazzmaster is my Son's guitar.
Do you know how difficult it is to take a young man shopping for his first guitar when all he has ever played are Dad's old LP & Strat!
HKStrat


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Post subject: Re: Designer Series Stratocaster
Posted: Mon Oct 21, 2013 9:34 am
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The Jazzmaster lacks off correct-period headstock decals.

Bound tuxedo necks didn't came into surface until late 1965/early 1966.


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