Can anyone tell me what this is?

[already1]

Hi,

I just traded in my old 1993 Guild lefty acoustic for my first electric guitar, used, but in great shape, and also lefty.

I have no idea what it is other than that, based on the serial number, it was made in the US in 2003 (possibly 2004). It says "Fender Stratocaster, Made in the USA, original contour body," on the head stock, and that's it.

The body color is like dark purple, maybe wine? The pick guard is white and has a mother of pearl look to it.

The fret board is dark in color (maybe rose wood?) And the neck is a light wood, with a darker stripe running down the middle.

There are three pickups. The two on top are single pickups, the one on the bottom is double and the lower of the two says "Seymour Duncan."

There are two knobs, and the pick selector has four positions. There is also a bar.

Any ideas on what this guitar might be and what a used price may be?

Thanks, and all the best,

Robert

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: Can anyone tell me what this is?

Welcome to the forum.

Your guitar has some features of a genuine 2003 Fender American Standard Stratocaster. It also shows signs of modification.

The Original Contour Body decal would not normally appear on an Am Std model. The paint colour is slightly odd for a US-made model.

The screw holes next to the machinehead gear casings suggest that Schaller-esque locking 'heads were fitted at some time. The vibrato tension springs are fitted in a somewhat unconventional manner.

It would help to see under the pickguard before commenting any further.

 

[already1]

Re: Can anyone tell me what this is?

Thank you so much, Funkfingers, for taking the time to answer, I really appreciate it.

This is my first electric guitar, as I mentioned. I assume all I have to do to get under the pickguard is to remove the knobs and screws. Is there anything I need to be mindful of? I will do this tomorrow and take some more pictures to post.

Thanks again, and all the best,

Robert

 

[already1]

Re: Can anyone tell me what this is?

Oh, I should mention, re the paint, that one of the pictures looks very pinkish. The color in real life is much more like the other pictures. Not sure if this matters!

 

[already1]

Re: Can anyone tell me what this is?

Well, I got the pick guard off. Wasn't too difficult at all...
Here are some pictures. The pick guard itself has received 2003 in felt marker. It is also a triple laminate, not sure if they all are.
Thanks again for your help!
All the best,
Robert

 

[dominus]

Re: Can anyone tell me what this is?

Fender USA Stratocaster body, late 90s. Purple Metallic.

 

[already1]

Re: Can anyone tell me what this is?

Hi Dominus,
Thank you for taking a look and helping me identify it. I really appreciate it!
I have a question. How far should I screw in the screws on the pickups on reassembly? If I screw them in all the way it reaches the strings.
So, if I traded in a Guild and gave them 250, do you think I made out ok? I've been seeing similar Guilds going for 500 to 600.
I can't wait to pick up an amp tomorrow and try this out!
Thank you again, and all the best,
Robert

 

[Zerberus]

Re: Can anyone tell me what this is?

Looks to me like a left-handed Burgundy Red USA Std strat that has an aftermarket pickguard (Pearloid, only 2 knobs, humbucker rout) and at least one aftermarket pickup (the bridge humbucker).

BTW, next time you remove the pickguard, loosen / remove the strings and just remove the 8 screws along the outer rim. This leaves the pickups and electronics attached, preserving the setup, and in this case would have actually allowed us to closely identify the pickups from the "back of pickguard" pic.

Nice score either way, price seems fair for both, if maybe a hair steep for you. You didn`t get shafted, but you didn`t make an über-killer deal of the century, either.

 

[dominus]

Re: Can anyone tell me what this is?

Depending on the condition, used USA Strats can go from $700-$850. (Occasionally you'll find someone blowing one out for less, but that's not a realistic price.) Technically that one is put together from parts (the neck and body are a few years apart, meaning they didn't come from the factory that way), but it's a cool color and the bridge pickup shows that someone put it together to play and sound great. I'd say you came out even on the trade.

 

[already1]

Re: Can anyone tell me what this is?

Thank you, Zerberus and Dominus, I appreciate your taking the time to help me.

Well, it looks like I totally screwed up the set up. I was afraid to mess with the strings since I have no idea of how I would put them back on, so I removed all of the screws and got the pick guard off by sliding it under the strings. Since set up is going to have to be done again anyway, would it be helpful to remove the strings, take out the eight screws and remove the assembly so I can get pictures of it from the bottom? How do I remove the strings? I apologize for being such a novice, but I guess this is how you learn. Thank you for your patience!

Also, I really only wanted to make a fair deal. My old Guild was just gathering dust so I didn't mind trading it in and adding $250 in cash. As long as I didn't get "screwed," I am happy with what I've got.

All the best,

Robert

 

[Jocelyn]

Re: Can anyone tell me what this is?

I think you got a very good deal. Don't worry about asking questions. No question is stupid IMO. I have asked loads of Q here. And whne I look back they seem silly.

Do you have any one who could do that for you? Its not too diff, but it can be if you are new to it. And you dont want to undo any wiring and pull the ground unknowingly. I suggest taking it to some tech . But if you wanna do it your self. You need to get the strings out. I will try tomake this as simple as possible.

1st Push the tremelo down There would be slight space under the tremolo bridge, Push the tremolo bar down and put a piece of cardboard under it and release the bar. ( this is done so that when you remove the strings the tremelo springs do not pull the tremolo back in such away as to scratch the finish.

2 Unwind the strings as you would on your old Guild. the strings will come out from the back of the guitar. You can see the ball ends of the strings, even right now if you flip it over. I you wanna change you can change them now. You would want to change them as it might be pain to restring the same strings again.

With the strings out of the way slowly and carefully take off the pickups and controls and screw them back on to the pickguard. BE sure not pull anything to much or you might undo some soldering. once you have them all back on the pickguard. Go ahead and screw the pickguard back. Makes sure you use the correct screws.



I still think it is better you take it to some one who cold do it for you.

Hope that helps...




EDIT: after looking at the pics again, and reading your post once again I think you better take it to someone who could do it for you, It will save you a lot of trouble.. And again Nice guitar.

 

[already1]

Re: Can anyone tell me what this is?

Thank you, Jocelyn, I appreciate your take on my guitar. I need to pick up an amp anyway, so I am heading on down to guitar center and will have them change the strings and set it up as well. Probably the smartest way to go
Thanks again, and all the best,
Robert

 

[Jocelyn]

Re: Can anyone tell me what this is?

Hey Any time.... and welcome to the forum.....