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Post subject: Need help locating hardware for 1980 Lead II
Posted: Sun Apr 28, 2013 3:22 pm
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I bought a modified Lead II several years ago that I'd like to reconfigure to be as close to the original as possible. Right now it's got a Washburn tremolo bridge on it, some Grover tuners, and a locking nut above the original one. The problems I'm trying to address are as follows:

1. I want to put a hardtail bridge back on it but am unsure of what size to get. The only reference I can find online about that size is from Wikipedia which says that the string spacing is 0.404". If I measure from point to point on one of the pickups, it looks like the total spread of the strings should be 2-1/16". This doesn't match up to the info I found online. Can anyone verify? If my measurement is right, can I just get any 2-1/16" spread bridge online and have it fit?

2. The tuners aren't original, and it's left me with some excess screw holes in the back of the headstock. Any idea as to what the original Lead II tuners were?

3. The locking nut is apparently not the right size for the spread of the strings as it's left the low E and the A strings not in the appropriate grooves on the original nut. They just kind of ride on top of the nut. I'm assuming that will right itself when I take the locking nut off.

4. There are two missing string ferrules on the back (because of this existing bridge it's no longer a through-body setup, it's not an issue right now but will be with the hardtail bridge), and of the four that are left, two are sort of overlapping and not sitting flush with the body. Not sure if they are original or not. How are these secured into the body (or are they at all?) and what's the best way to go about taking them out so I can replace them with a matching set of 6?

5. I have played the guitar in the past, but it's not my main go-to so it spends a fair amount of time in the case. Recently when I got it out again I noticed that the frets seem to be corroded a little and it's causing the strings to grind when I bend them. Is this something that can be addressed with some 0000 steel wool if I tape out the fretboard or is it something that will need to be done professionally?

With "original" hardware, it will leave me with several undesired screw holes in various places on the body and headstock which I may or may not address right away. I have done some refinishing work on cheapo guitars in the past but I'd rather double check my info before going at this one.

Aside from all that garbage the sound is great and the body and neck seem to be in great shape otherwise.


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Post subject: Re: Need help locating hardware for 1980 Lead II
Posted: Fri May 31, 2013 7:42 pm
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sounds like somebody tried to make a piece of junk out of a very quality guitar. Maybe I can help you. first does it have the original pick guard?If so that may help you replace the bridge plate. If not my e to e strings measure 2 and 1/32 at the bridge at the nut they are 1 and 10/16. the demensions of my bridge plate is 1 and 7/16 by 2 and 15/16. Each of my 6 bridges has a fine threaded machine screw about 3/4 of an inch long with a locking nut on each one of the six that lock the bridges in places length ways. Adjusting the intonation can be a $@!&*. with the strings off, no tension on the bridges, there is just a little side ways movement. I just read the early leads were sealed tuners. And they discontinued that style when they decided to end production. I don't know that much about them but mine have 2 screws holding on each cap and each cap has the fender logo and they are snug as a drum skin. No slop even with the strings off. I saw a Youtube video that said just take your guitar with the nut and have the guitar guy make one . I say this because they mentioned in the vid that you must have different width files and they ain't cheap. Good luck with the ferrels I have all mine. sounds like another reason to see the guitar shop guy. I hope this info and my measurements help. I measured everything with a precision metal shop ruler.I will give you my email if you want to sell it or just talk. mine is all original except for the bridge pickup . about 20 years ago it failed and I put an EMG Humbucker in it's place. Now if I would have know that the lead sereis were gonna come back in style ...well. does yours still have the X1's?? I still got the classic strat clear tone from the neck and bunches of crunch from the bridge and the in/out phase still works. "taylormd@wowway.com" . You said it's not your go to guitar. I got a strat, a yamaha aes720 a couple acoustics but the one I love to play is the Lead. I just gotta force myself to put it up. 34 years old and still in great shape. It would be good if you got back with me>. Like to know how your's is turning out. thanks Matt


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Post subject: Re: Need help locating hardware for 1980 Lead II
Posted: Sat Jun 01, 2013 7:29 am
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Joined: Fri Oct 10, 2008 6:45 pm
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Wow - how did I miss this one? I usually find the Lead threads and post on them.

taylormd has you covered on the bridge size. However I can definitely tell you that his info source about early Leads having sealed tuners is backwards; my Lead II is from 1979 (not sure of the exact build date but it was purchased on 11/23/79) and it has the "F" tuners. It was a few of them from very late in 1982 that had sealed tuners; this was right before the line was being discontinued. I think that Fender does sell the "F" tuners as replacements.

The original nut might still be okay - that locking string clamp above the regular nut was part of the Wonderbar - at that time Floyd Rose held the patent on an actual locking nut and when that Wonderbar came out they weren't yet licensing their technology. I suspect the strings are coming off the regular nut because the Lead necks are slightly more narrow than a normal Fender neck and the clamp may be sized for either the normal Fender neck or for a Gibson neck.

The ferrules were just friction fit but they often do get stuck in the finish when they are first installed; three of mine stick in the body and the other three come out easily. I'll echo the suggestion to get the ferrules measured by a tech.

Good luck restoring your Lead.


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