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Post subject: Re: What year were Strat models introduced?
Posted: Fri Mar 06, 2015 6:20 pm
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lomitus wrote:
I didn't see anyone mention this, so I thought I'd add it as an interesting antidote...

Ok...it's been YEARS since I read it, but sometime ago I had ran across an book at the local library written by George Fullerton about (or including) the early days of Fender. It -may- have been "Guitars From George and Leo", however I can't swear to it...I remember the book being an older hard bound (not the book I'm seeing on Amazon at the moment). In any case, there were some interesting details about the first production Strat...the REAL first Strat.

I don't remember exact dates, however I remember Fullerton having said that there was a rather significant delay with the Stratocaster going into production. Apparently when the very first Strat rolled off the assembly line, something was seriously wrong...I think Fullerton said something along the lines of "sonically dead". He said he had taken the guitar into Leo Fender's office and he and Leo examined it, only to find they had mis-designed something with the bridge/trem...the trem was basically killing the string vibrations. Production was immediately halted and it was several months before they started again as new dyes and such had to be cast for the redesigned bridge.

At the time the book was published, Fullerton said he still had that very first Strat stashed in a closet (I think he said he had the first Dakota red as well). Since I'm not sure when the book was published and since Fullerton is clearly deceased, I don't know what ever happened to that guitar, but I thought it was an interesting story.

Next time I'm up at the library, I'll see if I can find the book again...if nothing else, I remember it was a very interesting read.

Hi lomitus,
Looks like an interesting book. Google is a wonderful thing. just type in "George Fullerton book" and I guarantee you'll get a hit.
Cheers!
FRR35

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Post subject: Re: What year were Strat models introduced?
Posted: Sat Mar 07, 2015 5:20 am
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FRR34 wrote:
Hi lomitus,
Looks like an interesting book. Google is a wonderful thing. just type in "George Fullerton book" and I guarantee you'll get a hit.
Cheers!
FRR35


Actually...I tried that. That's how I ran into the George and Leo book, but I'm still not sure that was the actual book. It's been a few years since I read it and my memory is...well...let's just say too many late night jam sessions, but I would have sworn the book was a hardbound and was titled something like "Inside Fender" or "Fender The Early Years" or "The History of..." or something like that.

That said, I also suspect that Fullerton didn't write many books either...like I said, I'll have to see if I can find it up at the library next time I swing by there........


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Post subject: Re: What year were Strat models introduced?
Posted: Sat Mar 07, 2015 7:30 am
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lomitus wrote:
. . . Apparently when the very first Strat rolled off the assembly line, something was seriously wrong . . .


Another great addition to the discussion. It's stories like this that add to the legend of the Strat :D

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Post subject: Re: What year were Strat models introduced?
Posted: Sat Mar 07, 2015 8:28 am
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lomitus wrote:
FRR34 wrote:
Hi lomitus,
Looks like an interesting book. Google is a wonderful thing. just type in "George Fullerton book" and I guarantee you'll get a hit.
Cheers!
FRR35


Actually...I tried that. That's how I ran into the George and Leo book, but I'm still not sure that was the actual book. It's been a few years since I read it and my memory is...well...let's just say too many late night jam sessions, but I would have sworn the book was a hardbound and was titled something like "Inside Fender" or "Fender The Early Years" or "The History of..." or something like that.

That said, I also suspect that Fullerton didn't write many books either...like I said, I'll have to see if I can find it up at the library next time I swing by there........


Fullerton wrote 2 books - one back in the mid-90s, a few years after Leo died. Then he wrote a second book a few years ago, shortly before he died. It's been a long time since I read the original book - got it from the library but didn't buy it :oops: . I think that story is from the first book; I haven't come across the second book yet.


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Post subject: Re: What year were Strat models introduced?
Posted: Sat Mar 07, 2015 10:16 am
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John C wrote:
Fullerton wrote 2 books - one back in the mid-90s, a few years after Leo died. Then he wrote a second book a few years ago, shortly before he died. It's been a long time since I read the original book - got it from the library but didn't buy it :oops: . I think that story is from the first book; I haven't come across the second book yet.


That's my recollection too. In addition, Bill Carson and Forrest White both have books with some interesting stories in them as well, although (being diplomatic about it) I don't believe Bill C necessarily agreed completely with Forrest W.'s version.

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Post subject: Re: What year were Strat models introduced?
Posted: Sun Mar 08, 2015 2:01 am
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John C wrote:
lomitus wrote:
FRR34 wrote:
Hi lomitus,
Looks like an interesting book. Google is a wonderful thing. just type in "George Fullerton book" and I guarantee you'll get a hit.
Cheers!
FRR35


Actually...I tried that. That's how I ran into the George and Leo book, but I'm still not sure that was the actual book. It's been a few years since I read it and my memory is...well...let's just say too many late night jam sessions, but I would have sworn the book was a hardbound and was titled something like "Inside Fender" or "Fender The Early Years" or "The History of..." or something like that.

That said, I also suspect that Fullerton didn't write many books either...like I said, I'll have to see if I can find it up at the library next time I swing by there........


Fullerton wrote 2 books - one back in the mid-90s, a few years after Leo died. Then he wrote a second book a few years ago, shortly before he died. It's been a long time since I read the original book - got it from the library but didn't buy it :oops: . I think that story is from the first book; I haven't come across the second book yet.


Maybe this is the elusive book discussed ?

Go to Google, Google Books ... In the search engine of Google Books type or cut and paste:

The Fender Stratocaster: The Life & Times of the World's Greatest Guitar ...
By Dave Hunter

After the book appears you can tap pages or turn the pages with arrows above the book. The problem with the first production line Strats is mentioned with regards to the sound and the vibrato/tremolo, etc. You'll find it on page 24. Other posted detail reference can be found as well.

In the book is a mention that Fender made an effort for introduction of the Stratocaster in June 1953 at NAMM. Didn't make it though.

Original 1954 prices:

Stratocaster with synchronized tremolo.
$249.50

Stratocaster with no vibrato.
$229.50

Telecaster $189.50

Hard shell case $39.95

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