Here we have an uncommon Fender Standard Stratocaster introduced during 1981-83 within the so-called Dan Smith Era in Fender. The guitar is finished in an aged cream with a white pick guard or blonde on blonde finish. This guitar has a common vol and tone arrangement for the 3 pickups with the jack socket flush and as part of the scratch plate on the front. While sharing many elements with a traditional Stratocaster, this model used a different style tremolo bridge and tremolo arm system. As for the sound the guitar has no major differences in sound from the more common 3-knob Stratocaster guitars. The 2-knob Stratocaster was only produced for two years from 1981-3. Another point from the DS era is the reverting back to 4-bolt neck joints and the original smaller headstock whilst retaining the larger decal transfer we know from ‘70s fender designs.
The 1981 Standard Stratocaster was produced until 1983, when it was significantly revised by placing the jack plug on the pickguard flush with the body and offering only one tone control instead of two. The CBS 70s style headstock decal was also changed to a smaller, silver logo style that would be subsequently used in the 1987 American Standard. These 1981-83 first version of the Standard Stratocaster have become known on the street (and in third party literature) as the “Dan Smith Stratocaster”. Smith’s name is not placed on the headstock, or anywhere else on the instrument, but it’s only fair that Stratocaster enthusiasts have dubbed this model the “Smith Strat” in homage to the man who brought the Stratocaster back closer to the original 1950s design. This guitar is quite a bonny looking machine with the aged cream finish. Guitar lives in its case.

Here an attractive Fender Stratocaster in an aged and yellowed Olympic white finish. Great 1979 vintage guitar; super heavy at 5.2 kgs The richly aged finish has remained crisp and clear and as result is stunning, especially in sun light. The guitar plays very well, all the hardware operates as it should, the electrics work flawlessly. Maple neck, rosewood fingerboard with real mother of pearls dot markers that stand out and reflect in the early morning sunlight. Great looker and a killer player, as you would expect from a classic fender guitar, lotsa vintage feel and mojo albeit a tad heavy.

Here a rare 1979 Fender Stratocaster electric Guitar in Monaco Yellow. Great looking Strat with killer appearance and a very versatile instrument and a joy to play. Chrome hardware which is slightly tarnished due to the use over the years, giving the guitar an attractive patina. Defo one of the best vintage Stratocasters kicking around. Very responsive guitar and easy to play. Lovely aged coloured finish. Good condition, no major marks or dents. Lives in  Fender hard-case

Here we have a Fender Stratocaster designed as part of the “Exotic Wood” series that came out in 2017. A departure from Fender’s usual wood choices, the 2017 Wood choices included reclaimed and recycled wood from a multi wood furniture factory nearby the Fender factory. Pine, Dark mahogany, African woods like Oukome and Shedua were amongst the materials used. Part of that range was a Shedua Top Stratocaster, it was thought the Oukome alters the typical Stratocaster tone. The okoume body is a hard wood and has a snappy, punchy attack while the Shedua top is classy looking.
 
This Stratocaster is loaded with three V-Mod single-coil pickups containing Alnico magnets for high output as well as clarity when adjusting the volume controls, thanks to the a treble-bleed tone circuit. The neck is made from flame maple and has a C-shape shaped neck profile with the narrow-tall frets make it easy to bend strings accurately. Pickguard and backplate are made from anodised aluminium. Guitar lives in its moulded hardcase

Here a cool Fender Stratocaster Custom Shop model in a red finish built by Fender Master Luthier Dennis Galuszka. One of my better guitars, completely unmolested and all original, although some of the fender decal transfer has come off. The DG autograph is visible on the rear of the headstock. The guitar features an ash body and a standard maple fretboard and simple classic Strat look.  It’s a light and responsive guitar and easy to play. Very good condition, no obvious marks or dents. Lives in its Fender case.

In 1979, Fender celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Stratocaster (introduced in 1954) with its first “anniversary” instrument, and the first Fender Guitar to be issued in a pre-determined and numbered, limited quantity. A small run of 500 or so instruments produced were finished in Pearl White. However, due to the instability and excessive checking of the finish, many were recalled and re-finished in Porsche Silver (though Fender refers to it as “25th Anniversary Stratocaster Silver”), the colour that was used in the rest of the production run. However, despite the recall some white issues survived, here we have one of these rare pearlesque models in a relatively good condition.

Here a smooth looking Fender Stratocaster Mary Kaye model made in USA 2019, in a cream white finish with factory fitted gold hardware. One of my finer fender signature model guitars, unmolested and pretty much unplayed. The Mary Kaye USA standard Strat. Standard maple fretboard and ash body comprising the simple but classic 1950s Strat look.  It’s a responsive guitar and easy to play. Lives in its Fender tweed case.

Mary Kaye was in the day known as the “First Lady of Rock and Roll” for her guitar-based, calypso mixed, swing music. Furthermore Mary Kaye was a musical innovator who helped pioneer Vegas originated lounge music. Although, one of the most surprising aspects of the story of the “Mary Kaye” Strat, is that Kaye never really owned, and rarely played, the guitar that informally bears her name as pictured on a promotional photo of the Mary Kaye trio from 1957.

Here a great looking Fender Stratocaster Eric Clapton model made in USA 2018, in a red finish with factory fitted noiseless pick ups. One of my latest fender guitars, unmolested and pretty much unplaced. It’s the standard Clapton Strat, not the custom shop but still a well playing instrument. Standard maple fretboard and alder body comprising the simple but classic Strat look.  It’s a light and responsive guitar and easy to play. Lives in its Fender tweed case.

Here a cool 2009 Fender Stratocaster Custom Shop Eric Clapton model in a light blue finish with factory fitted with noiseless pick ups. One of my better guitars, completely unmolested and all original. Standard maple fretboard and simple classic Strat look.  Defo one of my best guitars. It’s a light and responsive guitar and easy to play. Very good condition, no obvious marks or dents. Lives in its Fender custom case.

Here a 1974 Fender Stratocaster hardtail electric guitar in natural finish. The natural wood has a great and interesting grain  in parts and the overall result is stunning. The guitar plays very well, all the hardware operates as it should, the electrics work flawlessly. The guitar has only minimal play wear and shows signs of patina. You won’t find many early 1970s Strats in such a great nick. Great looker and a killer player, as you would expect from a classic fender guitar. The wood on the neck has also beautifully aged to a rich satin finish. So, here we have a very playable and functional guitar with ounces of mojo and a great vintage feel to it.

Here a 1979 Fender Stratocaster hardtail electric guitar in Antigua Burst finish. The finish has aged in parts and the result is stunning. The guitar plays very well, all the hardware operates as it should, the electrics work flawlessly. The guitar has minimal play wear and shows signs of developing patina. You won’t find many in such a great nick. Great looker and a killer player, as you would expect from a classic fender guitar. The wood on the neck has also beautifully aged to a rich colour resulting in a satin finish. So, here we have a very playable and functional guitar with ounces of mojo and a great vintage feel to it.