Author Topic: How are 1980s USA Fender Strats? (Read 2924 times)

Brow · « **on:** February 17, 2007, 07:30:44 PM »

Hey guys.

I may have a chance to buy a 1983 US Fender Strat for around £325, and just wondered if anyone had experience with 1980s Strats, good/bad points about them etc?

Not that I really NEED another guitar, but I really like Cream/Off white guitars (which this 1 is), and it was made in the same year I was born, which I think is a cool thing :D

Just wondered if anyone here has any experience with 80s US Fenders :)

Thanks.

Craig

Elliot · « **Reply #1 on:** February 17, 2007, 11:56:18 PM »

Well, if it helps, in 1983 I went to buy a white USA Fender Strat and after playing them came back with a Squier JV series, twice the quality for half the price. In MO the CBS-FMIC transition US stuff was cobbled together from what was left in the factory before people knew FMIC would be a viable concern.

38thBeatle · « **Reply #2 on:** February 18, 2007, 12:51:36 AM »

I'd agree with Elliott.I have seen good and bad 1980's Strats.I think at the end of the day the obvious thing is to give this one a going over bearing in mind that you can always do it up if you have a good body/neck. Hmmm so you were born the same year as my eldest son-all of a sudden I feel old.

Brow · « **Reply #3 on:** February 18, 2007, 11:48:57 AM »

Thanks for your posts :)

As I bought the Gretsch a few weeks ago, and want to buy an Orange 1x12 cab, I may give this guitar a miss for the time being and concentrate on things I need 1st.

I may just build a white/cream maple necked guitar as a project in the future, then I get the finish that I like and I can make sure it uses good parts etc, which is the opposite of alot of things I've heard about 80s Fenders :roll:

Philly Q · « **Reply #4 on:** February 18, 2007, 04:35:43 PM »

Is it one of the '83 Strats with the jack socket on the scratchplate? That would be interesting as a curiosity, but they weren't very good.

Brow · « **Reply #5 on:** February 18, 2007, 05:29:54 PM »

Quote from: Philly Q

Is it one of the '83 Strats with the jack socket on the scratchplate? That would be interesting as a curiosity, but they weren't very good.

I'm not sure to be honest :roll:

I've heard a few good and may bad points about 70's and early 80s Fenders, sounds like it's a bit of a mine field to be honest, so I think I'll give this 1 a miss for the time being.

Thanks anyway guys :)

FELINEGUITARS · « **Reply #6 on:** February 18, 2007, 06:41:53 PM »

In 1982 Fendr had a last ditch attempt to get it right and the 82 series wee well thought of.

But in 83 when they mounted the jack on the front, the quality was considered to be not so good. However like all guitars - there will be good and bad in all years. Also for a 20+year old guitar it may have been worked on and set up etc and play great

The early 82-84 Squier by Fender series - the JV ones were a very well made guitar and I have often become filled with desire for one if it comes through my workshop as they just feel nice to play

Also the last 80s Fender Jap strats were great - may just want to upgrade the pickups though

Twinfan · « **Reply #7 on:** February 18, 2007, 08:49:01 PM »

Quote from: FELINEGUITARS

The early 82-84 Squier by Fender series - the JV ones were a very well made guitar and I have often become filled with desire for one if it comes through my workshop as they just feel nice to play

Yep - couldn't agree more. I still have my first electric guitar and I'll never part with it - a 1984 60s reissue Squire JV Strat in Fiesta Red:

Elliot · « **Reply #8 on:** February 19, 2007, 05:43:24 PM »

SNAP! - I agree, here's mine, expertly set up by Jonathan from Feline and powered by BKP Mother's Milks!

Philly Q · « **Reply #9 on:** February 19, 2007, 06:29:41 PM »

Is that a Sessionette 75, Elliot?

I've got one I've had since '82 or '83, but it's been knackered for a few years.

Brow · « **Reply #10 on:** February 19, 2007, 06:32:13 PM »

Yeah, I always hear great things about the MIJ Squier Strats :)

On Ebay they're starting to go up in value too!

Those 2 Red 1's look great btw 8)

Elliot · « **Reply #11 on:** February 19, 2007, 10:27:04 PM »

Not a Sessionette but a Rockette 30 - the smaller version. Sessions seem to be laid out like valve amps in design but with mosfets - the power mosfet went a year ago and it cost a £55 to change, I have to say they have a great sound, really like a valve amp (it gives the Fender above it a run for its money) and not tranny in any way.