Pre-CBS Strats are commonly divided into 50s and 60s types, or maple-'board and rosewood'board models, but there were plenty of variations within those categories. Vintage Strats can have a mix of features and parts, which don't always coincide with the 'official' specs for any given year. Even so, for this overview of the pre-CBS years, we're focusing on four years that mark key stages in the evolution of the Stratocaster: 1954, 1956, 1959 and 1962.
1954: The Story Begins
Like the earliest Broadcasters and Esquires, the very first Strats, made between March and May 1954, are often described as 'prototypes' - but, in comparison, they were fully formed. Fender sold a significant number before the 'official' launch in October, with a few minor changes having been made over the intervening months. 'Prototype' neck plates were blank because serial numbers were stamped into spring covers with circular string-access holes. There's often a notch on the bottom of the bridge pickup cavity to create clearance for the wires. They simply chiselled out the wood and the 'worm rout' came later.
At first, Strats had solid-shaft 100k potentiometers fitted with narrow skirted control knobs. Made with marbled plastic, these 'tall boy' knobs were soon replaced by polystyrene versions in the shape we know today, and pots were changed to 250k units. Early switch tips were a different shape, too, and are called 'football' tips - American football, naturally. Pickup covers from this era tend to have round rather than square top corners, but they were brittle meaning many cracked apart.
1954 Stratocasters feature rounded-over headstock edges and the necks felt quite full, but the 'one-piece' construction with the rear truss-rod channel was unchanged from the Broadcaster's design.
Bu hikaye Guitarist dergisinin Summer 2022 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Guitarist dergisinin Summer 2022 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Sonic Shaper
Electro-Harmonix revisits the effect that launched the company with the LPB-3 Linear Power Booster and EQ
Platinum Blonde
PRS has updated its Texas-voiced David Grissom signature amp with more features, lower wattage and a more approachable price tag
TAN LINES
Many of us regard straps as a bit of an afterthought, but to find one that matches the quality of a custom or vintage guitar, Rod Boyes of Pinegrove Leather can help
ELECTRIC STRINGS
Your tone starts with your strings - strike a balance between sound, tuning and durability with six of our favourites
DIFFERENT WINDS
While there's no end to repros of all the classic pickup styles, more and more pickup makers are mixing things up to move forward - Cream T is a good example
Long termers
A few months' gigging, recording and everything that goes with it - welcome to Guitarist's longterm test report
Top Guns
Chapman's new factory move coincides with a bit of a rethink. We track down the key players all around the world
the Wishlist
Dream gear to beg, borrow and steal for...
Reach For The Star
Earlier this year Guild reorganised its 70s-era Polara range. We spent some time with this mid-range 2024 model: a modern pawn-shop prize or a copy too far?
HIGH FLYER
Adrian Thorpe of ThorpyFX remembers the flight path - and turbulence behind Chris Buck's Electric Lightning overdrive/boost, named after a fighter jet and packing a bona fide valve
