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Post subject: Stratocaster Identification help and Restoration
Posted: Fri Jul 18, 2014 12:26 pm
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I'd appreciate some additional information on this guitar. I picked up this REALLY BEAT UP Stratocaster at a pawn shop for $100 today. The serial numbers on the body and neck match. Serial # E851656. Seems to either by an 1988-1989 American Stratocaster or an 1984-1987 Japanese Stratocaster. The neck is super straight. At first, I only bought the guitar for the neck alone. After thinking about it, I now would like to keep the body and neck together.

I'm going to do the minimal amount of restoring possible. It will need a new loaded pick guard and the horrible paint job will be stripped, possibly strip it to bare wood if I can't take off the black. Then some puddy, sanding, and paint will be needed.

I'd appreciate any thoughts, Info, or value of the guitar as-is. :D


The guitar used to be blonde before it was painted. It also used to have a SSS configuration before the hacked pickup job. It Has Kahler bridge and nut with gotoh tuners which seem to be stock.

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Post subject: Re: Stratocaster Identification help and Restoration
Posted: Fri Jul 18, 2014 1:17 pm
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It looks like it started life as one of those models from the late 1980s that have all the markings of an MIJ (including the stamps on the neck heel and in the neck pocket) but has no "country of origin" decal on it. They came from the FujiGen factory as SSS models; this one was modded to be HSS as well as being refinished. They had some USA hardware, such as the Kahler Spyder trem (one of Kahler's Floyd Rose-licensed models).

Here's a long thread discussing these models:

viewtopic.php?f=6&t=50058


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Post subject: Re: Stratocaster Identification help and Restoration
Posted: Fri Jul 18, 2014 7:30 pm
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Thank you very much for the info =)

John C wrote:
It looks like it started life as one of those models from the late 1980s that have all the markings of an MIJ (including the stamps on the neck heel and in the neck pocket) but has no "country of origin" decal on it. They came from the FujiGen factory as SSS models; this one was modded to be HSS as well as being refinished. They had some USA hardware, such as the Kahler Spyder trem (one of Kahler's Floyd Rose-licensed models).

Here's a long thread discussing these models:

viewtopic.php?f=6&t=50058


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Post subject: Re: Stratocaster Identification help and Restoration
Posted: Fri Jul 18, 2014 8:35 pm
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Got to love the knobs. A Gibson speed knob, a Telecaster knob, and an unidentified knurled knob (Gretch, perhaps?). I'm surprised the switch tip seems to be genuine Strat.


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Post subject: Re: Stratocaster Identification help and Restoration
Posted: Sat Jul 19, 2014 1:09 am
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The mojo in that guitar is amazing, congratulations.

I'd be really envious, but in a crooked way it comforts me to know you'll eventually compensate that 100$ purchase value by paying for those parts missing or otherwise in need of upgrade :mrgreen:

On that refinish you're going to do: it's IMHO safe to assume that the factory finish is poly. Idea: how about just gently sanding that refin black off and giving the blonde base color a light protective laqcuer topping?

BTW, here's a stepsister to your Strat; note the imaginative stringing in the headstock pic:
'88 Strat


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Post subject: Re: Stratocaster Identification help and Restoration
Posted: Sat Jul 19, 2014 7:31 am
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jmattis wrote:
BTW, here's a stepsister to your Strat; note the imaginative stringing in the headstock pic:
'88 Strat


I've only had one Floyd equipped guitar - a Peavey Wolfgang - and it was strung that way from the factory so I kept doing it the same way. That way you don't have to trim both ends of the strings during restringing. That being said I only kept that guitar for about a year, and only played it enough to change the strings 2-3 times before getting tired of it and letting it go.


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Post subject: Re: Stratocaster Identification help and Restoration
Posted: Sat Jul 19, 2014 8:07 am
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Good buy. I'd restore it... the poly finish will be the expensive part. PLUS, you'll need a custom pickguard. There's an extra screw hole in those, and the guard is cut to accommodate the Kahler.

P.S. it's a 1988. Probably Japanese, but many were sold to people in the USA as American models. At best these are (mostly) Japanese parts, possibly assembled and set up in America. I bought one new in 1988, and I was specifically told it was American.


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Post subject: Re: Stratocaster Identification help and Restoration
Posted: Sat Jul 19, 2014 7:43 pm
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Well I have 2 of the 3 original pickups...haha in need of a new bridge pick-up. I'll put my electrical engineering degree to use because the wiring was badly done...

I might as well keep track of my progress on this forum.

Todays progress was the cheap and quick fixes.

Dissembled the complete guitar

Image
Had to remove the spraypaint...
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This stuff is amazing! Takes off the spray paint with a little patience and elbow grease without ruining the original finish! I only did part of the back side in the photo.
Image

Cleaned and polished the headstock and back of the neck. Rubbed some extra fine steel wool (with the grain) applied lindseed oil on the neck. Removed an amazing amount of residue.
Image

I have some e-bay items I'm bidding for
1983 Japanese Strat Bridge pickup with cream cover.
Gohol Tuners.
Aged cream pot knobs and

Thinking I'm going to buy a gold pearloid fender pickguard . I'll have to trace and cut out the Kahler Sypder bridge hole. I'll have to do some research to do it in a way that looks like it belongs.

That's it for now. I'll try and keep up with my progress.


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Post subject: Re: Stratocaster Identification help and Restoration
Posted: Sat Jul 19, 2014 7:54 pm
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Yeah...haha I'll be putting a few dollars into this project. I wish I could know the life this guitar has had. It seems like has been gigged and traveled with. Thinking it played a few crash symbols in it's day from the chip in the head stock haha. I can live with the beaten look because it adds character to me. The neck is amazingly straight! I'm also happy after taking the paint off there are no cracks that go into the wood.


jmattis wrote:
The mojo in that guitar is amazing, congratulations.

I'd be really envious, but in a crooked way it comforts me to know you'll eventually compensate that 100$ purchase value by paying for those parts missing or otherwise in need of upgrade :mrgreen:

On that refinish you're going to do: it's IMHO safe to assume that the factory finish is poly. Idea: how about just gently sanding that refin black off and giving the blonde base color a light protective laqcuer topping?

BTW, here's a stepsister to your Strat; note the imaginative stringing in the headstock pic:
'88 Strat


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Post subject: Re: Stratocaster Identification help and Restoration
Posted: Sat Jul 19, 2014 7:56 pm
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Thanks for the response. I couldn't find pickgaurds for the syperbridge.. I'm going to look into modifying a standard strat pickguard

Geckochameleon wrote:
Good buy. I'd restore it... the poly finish will be the expensive part. PLUS, you'll need a custom pickguard. There's an extra screw hole in those, and the guard is cut to accommodate the Kahler.

P.S. it's a 1988. Probably Japanese, but many were sold to people in the USA as American models. At best these are (mostly) Japanese parts, possibly assembled and set up in America. I bought one new in 1988, and I was specifically told it was American.


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Post subject: Re: Stratocaster Identification help and Restoration
Posted: Sat Jul 19, 2014 8:00 pm
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ahhh flipping the guitar string 180 degrees, I like it! Taking the guitar apart last night I was surprised to find that little surprise at the end of the string


John C wrote:
jmattis wrote:
BTW, here's a stepsister to your Strat; note the imaginative stringing in the headstock pic:
'88 Strat


I've only had one Floyd equipped guitar - a Peavey Wolfgang - and it was strung that way from the factory so I kept doing it the same way. That way you don't have to trim both ends of the strings during restringing. That being said I only kept that guitar for about a year, and only played it enough to change the strings 2-3 times before getting tired of it and letting it go.


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Post subject: Re: Stratocaster Identification help and Restoration
Posted: Sat Jul 19, 2014 9:22 pm
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FYI, I saw an allegedly correct pickguard for these on reverb.com today. I'd check carefully to make sure it's right though. They wanted $79 I recall, but I'd bet you could get it for less.


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Post subject: Re: Stratocaster Identification help and Restoration
Posted: Sat Jul 19, 2014 11:43 pm
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G;day Joshwaburke, I also have the rosewood/white version of this model. Good Strats. I see you've found the thread I started years ago. You can easily modify a pickguard to suit the Spyder. It looks like what you have is the original, so you can use it as a template. The cut for the bridge is not beveled, so it can be done quite well using hand tools. You just need a three ply with the correct screw holes.

Image

As you can see, I have not followed my own advice regarding screw holes when I restored mine. The original PG was long gone and I settled for what was convenient. It's something I'd like to do properly one day though. I'll watch the thread with interest.

Goodonya ...Mark.


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Post subject: Re: Stratocaster Identification help and Restoration
Posted: Sun Jul 20, 2014 6:51 am
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Nice job JoshwaBurke, love the careful recording of your restoration. Keep the pix and commentary coming to the end and we'll include it in the "Build Thread". http://forums.fender.com/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=93631

You might find the correct pickguard pattern at Chandler Pickguards who will cut to order for you. It's tough looking through all the models, but often you find the one you need. Barring that send a picture and instructions. http://pickguards.us/pgordinst.htm

There are a lot of small (and large) pickup winders who will match your bridge pup to the neck/mid. Not sure where you are, so I hesitate to recommend someone across the world.

As for value, I'm sure it's invaluable to you and there's no doubt in my mind that you could easily DOUBLE YOUR MONEY on that one. :lol:

In truth, value depends on rarity, condition and the current market. More expert advice than mine can be had here.

I consider your purchase a "STEAL"! Take me to your Pawn Shop. 8)

- Dan

_________________
Took me a long time to learn that a Good Set-Up is the best Parts money can buy


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Post subject: Re: Stratocaster Identification help and Restoration
Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2014 8:36 am
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Here are some picture updates to the $@!/USA Strat!
Neck Serial Number
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All that black spray paint.
Image
New pickguard had to be ordered and modified.
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Had to clean up the messy wiring. Installed new pots
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I was able to use the original neck and bridge pick ups
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Some of the parts laid out before soldering
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Almost done soldering all the electrical components
Image
Needed new Bridge pick up
Image
Getting close!
Image

I need to order a couple of screws, polish and re-install the tuning machines, put some strings, and give the guitar a proper setup for it to be finished. All Fender parts except the pickguard. Couldn't find the correct locking nuts. Ordered the wrong ones...

$75 for parts and cleaning products (+$25 for future strings, screws, and setup)
Going to put her up for sale next week.

I'll post the finish product when I get a chance with a possibly a video of my mediocre playing haha.


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