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Post subject: Is this normal when buying a new Stratocaster - no papers?
Posted: Sun Nov 17, 2013 9:20 pm
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I just purchased a 2012 Stratocaster from a local retailer (Guitar Center in Sacramento, CA) and the guy just pulled it off of the display rack and handed it to me. No manual or other paperwork of any kind.

It is a Mexican variant with a serial number of MX12304722. I've e-mailed Fender Consumer Relations, asking for any information they can provide, but I'm wondering if it's normal that a new instrument would come without any paper work - or did I do something bad?

Thanks,


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Post subject: Re: Is this normal when buying a new Stratocaster - no paper
Posted: Sun Nov 17, 2013 9:29 pm
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Most new Fender guitars will have a hang-tag attached, marked with the instrument's model type, serial number, and finish color. Usually some "case candy" is included (or "bag candy" where a gig bag is furnished) which provides an allen wrench to adjust the bridge, a small booklet that explains the guitar's features, a trem arm, and a Fender bumper sticker. If the store was the GC on Alta Arden, they're generally pretty conscientious about handing out the paperwork when a customer purchases a guitar.

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Post subject: Re: Is this normal when buying a new Stratocaster - no paper
Posted: Sun Nov 17, 2013 9:49 pm
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Yes, that's the store. No papers of any kind. Should I press them on it?


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Post subject: Re: Is this normal when buying a new Stratocaster - no paper
Posted: Sun Nov 17, 2013 9:53 pm
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I've got four lots of case candy somewhere still sealed in the bags. It may add slightly to the resale value when you come to sell the guitar but otherwise it's just drawer filler. If you want to bump the resale price up a little then score a set on ebay and leave it in the case.

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Post subject: Re: Is this normal when buying a new Stratocaster - no paper
Posted: Sun Nov 17, 2013 10:17 pm
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MarkEHansen wrote:
Yes, that's the store. No papers of any kind. Should I press them on it?



I would. As Frank (above) has mentioned, the paperwork is really of little import. But you'll need the bridge wrench and the trem arm.

Arjay

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Post subject: Re: Is this normal when buying a new Stratocaster - no paper
Posted: Sun Nov 17, 2013 10:31 pm
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Oh yeah, I should have said the paper stuff is pointless but you will need the hex keys. In fact you'll need about 6 of each hex key over the years as they all fall down cracks in stages or rattle up vacuum cleaners.

I'd guess the store would mail you those out if you phones and asked really nicely.

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Post subject: Re: Is this normal when buying a new Stratocaster - no paper
Posted: Mon Nov 18, 2013 9:17 am
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You bought the guitar, tell them you want the paperwork etc... that comes with the purchase. IMO, shoddy transaction practice to simply hand the guitar over without the accompaniments. Tell them you also want a Gig Bag thrown in for their less than professional behavior on your purchase. Having to make an unnecessary trip back to the store for thier oversight ;)

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Post subject: Re: Is this normal when buying a new Stratocaster - no paper
Posted: Thu Nov 21, 2013 7:28 am
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I'm so tired of hearing these box store tales about these $@!&#*% shitheaded sales staffers taking advantage of customers. The model of your guitar is as important as the year because, it addition to the aforementioned case candy, when it was shipped from the factory it may have been in an original hardshell case or a gig bag, which is part of the deal unless specified otherwise. You ought to establish that for your model before returning to the store.
FYI, in the future, a Fender guitar, right out of the shipping box, in its case, has its neck generally wrapped in a white paper, and the pickguard and trem cavity covers are protected by a clear peel off plastic covering. That's the difference between 'off the wall' and 'out of the box unopened' My Gilmour came that way, my '57VHR came that way. One of my Custom Shop orders did not.

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Post subject: Re: Is this normal when buying a new Stratocaster - no paper
Posted: Thu Nov 21, 2013 7:54 am
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If I buy a guitar of the shelf that every snot nose neighborhood kid played with, I aint paying full retail price.


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Post subject: Re: Is this normal when buying a new Stratocaster - no paper
Posted: Thu Nov 21, 2013 8:15 am
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atolleter wrote:
If I buy a guitar of the shelf that every snot nose neighborhood kid played with, I aint paying full retail price.

Well...that's been my philosophy for years. I consider them used. The other side is that some players like to audition several of the same model guitar and pick the one which sounds best to them. There's not a dealer I know who's going to crack five unopened cases for that purpose. Different strokes, I guess.

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Post subject: Re: Is this normal when buying a new Stratocaster - no paper
Posted: Thu Nov 21, 2013 8:33 am
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Thanks for all the help. I contacted Fender and was able to get the model number for my guitar. This actually made me feel a lot better - that the manufacturer knew about my guitar and that it wasn't some back-woods knock-off.

Also, the Fender rep sent me a current owner's manual. I guess the only thing I don't have are the tags. Other than the paperwork, I think I really love the guitar. This is my first Stratocaster so I'm not really sure what to expect. I'm guessing it has entry-level parts, like the bridge, pick ups and tuning machines, etc., but as I'm an entry level guitarist that is probably okay. After all, it cost $500, not $2500 :)

The pick guard and back cover are still covered with protective plastic - I haven't removed it yet just in case I decide to exchange it.

By the way, the salesman (he is the asst mgr for the store) said that the tremolo arm can be used to reduce the pitch of the strings (push down) but you can't pull up - he said it only goes one way. Is that right? Is a bi-directional tremolo something that comes with the more-expensive instruments?

Thanks,


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Post subject: Re: Is this normal when buying a new Stratocaster - no paper
Posted: Thu Nov 21, 2013 9:09 am
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MarkEHansen wrote:
By the way, the salesman (he is the asst mgr for the store) said that the tremolo arm can be used to reduce the pitch of the strings (push down) but you can't pull up - he said it only goes one way. Is that right? Is a bi-directional tremolo something that comes with the more-expensive instruments?

Thanks,



Glad to hear you are getting your stuff...as for the trem arm...if the springs are adjusted to factory norm, there should be a 1/8" gap between the top of the guitar and the bottom of the bridge...see pix. Some folk keep it 'decked' by adding more springs or inserting a block...but it should be able to raise or lower the pitch of all strings if you want it that way.

Check out the Fender support pages for trem spring and screw adjustements...or, take it to someone who knows how to adjust Strats and learn about your new instrument.

Cheers.

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Post subject: Re: Is this normal when buying a new Stratocaster - no paper
Posted: Thu Nov 21, 2013 9:17 am
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Thanks. That's how mine is too. I noticed this while I was at the store. It seemed to me that the strings were holding tension against the springs which held the bridge forward just a bit, allowing room to pull back on the tremolo arm. However, the salesman made it sound like pulling back on the arm would break it.

I really appreciate this site and all you folks. I've learned a lot already and am looking forward to learning much more.


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Post subject: Re: Is this normal when buying a new Stratocaster - no paper
Posted: Thu Nov 21, 2013 10:04 am
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Yep, your observations are spot-on. Changing string gauge may require an adjustment to the screws that attach the springs to the body as the tension changes...take off the back cover and check it all out. It is all designed to be very adjustable...

Makes you wonder if the salesman had ever played a Strat...

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1967 Epiphone Madrid EC-30
1975 Fender Stratocaster
1981 Rickenbacker 360
2002 BC Rich Bich
2007 Fender Standard Stratocaster
2012 Taylor GA3-12
2012 Squier Telecaster
2017 Les Paul Kit


"Make every song you sing your favorite tune."


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Post subject: Re: Is this normal when buying a new Stratocaster - no paper
Posted: Thu Nov 21, 2013 9:50 pm
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Jeff Beck's guitar is setup so he can slightly sharp as well as flat the strings. I expect that a knowledgeable tech could do that for you.

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