My Fender Stratocaster 1972 (Carlo) Restoration

This Stratocaster was rebuilt in the style of the Schecter guitars in the early 80s. My goal is to restore it to its original appearance. Because the 1972 Stratocaster is a testament to Fender’s relentless pursuit of innovation and craftsmanship. With its bold design and unrivalled playability, it represents a unique chapter in the history of the electric guitar. The ’72 Stratocaster features a distinctive design with a large headstock and three-bolt neck plate that sets it apart from its predecessors. Contrary to the legends of the unsuspecting, this design not only provides more sustain and stability, but also contributes to its iconic aesthetic. In addition, the ’72 Stratocaster is known for its incisive tone, which it owes to its excellent pickups. Whether you crave crisp cleans, gritty blues or searing leads, this guitar delivers with unrivalled clarity and dynamics. The 1972 Stratocaster epitomises the spirit of Fender, combining tradition with innovation to create an instrument that continues to inspire musicians around the world today.

Work is still in progress…

# Neck stripped from red stain and refinished with new Decal and aged
# Tuner Original F-stamped Fender
# Tuner Holes drilled to 10 mm
# String Tree Original Fender
# Nut Original Fender
# Trussrod with full function
# Neck Plate & Screws Original Fender
# Neck professional refretted
# Vibrato with all screws, clamp and springs Original Fender
# New Pickguard, new Pickup-covers, new aged Screws from Crazyparts
# Volume & 2 x Tone Knobs Original Fender
# Bridge, Middle & Neck Pickup Original Fender with leadcable-rewired
# Pots, cap, cables and 5-way-switch are new CTS and Fender and are rewired with no-tone-mod for the Neck-Pickup, Volume-Pot selected with 270 KOhm for the little Brightness-Kick
# Jackplate Original Fender
# Body stripped from red stain and refinished and aged

Gibson Les Paul Standard 54/58 Reissue 1971/72, converted at grandguitars.de

https://www.grandguitars.de/index.php?eID=dumpFile&t=f&f=7794&token=64708b11fad8e94412fa00ae77b4a2c263064de4

The PDF file discusses the Gibson Les Paul Standard models from the early 1970s, specifically focusing on the unique characteristics and sound quality of these guitars during Gibson’s phase of innovation to remain competitive. Here’s a summary of the main points:

  1. Model Variations and Evolution: The document talks about how Gibson Les Paul guitars evolved from the earlier ’54, ’58, and ’60 models into what was known as the “Deluxe” model by 1969. This evolution was partly due to Gibson’s response to modernization and competition, transitioning the famous Les Paul from its original design to variations that included different neck constructions and finish materials.
  2. Special Order Guitars: It highlights the rare “Special Order” Les Pauls from 1971 and 1972, which were produced in very limited quantities (20-30 pieces for some models). These guitars featured a blend of vintage qualities with modern adjustments, like different bridge types and pickup configurations. Notably, these models were equipped with features from their ’54 and ’58 predecessors but were crafted to meet specific musician requests outside of standard production lines.
  3. Construction Details: The guitars discussed include a return to some traditional features such as the one-piece neck and body, which were preferred for their classic sound quality. Changes in materials and design aimed to produce guitars with improved sound dynamics closer to Fender models, enhancing their appeal and marketability.
  4. Sound and Playability: The document elaborates on the sound quality of these guitars, noting their versatility and rich tonal characteristics. It describes the sound as capable of producing a deep blues tone and also adapting well to rock music, with modifications like switching from P-90 to humbucker pickups enhancing their sonic capabilities.
  5. Personal Reflections: Finally, the text includes personal notes from the author about the emotional and aesthetic appeal of these guitars, emphasizing how their sound and design contribute to a musician’s enjoyment and creative expression.

Fender Serials

This website, True Vintage Guitar, offers a comprehensive guide to understanding Fender guitar serial numbers. It provides valuable information about how to decode these serial numbers to determine the manufacturing date and other relevant details about Fender guitars. Whether you’re a collector, enthusiast, or just curious about the history of Fender instruments, this resource can help you navigate the complexities of dating these iconic guitars.

https://truevintageguitar.com/blogs/tvg-blog/fender-serial-numbers

FuzzFaced.net provides insights into dating Fender Stratocaster necks based on their serial numbers. The website offers a detailed guide on how to interpret the codes found on the neck plate and decipher the manufacturing date of a Fender Stratocaster. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a beginner enthusiast, this resource can help you determine the age and authenticity of your instrument.

https://www.fuzzfaced.net/stratocaster-neck-date.html

Stratocaster 1966 PDF-Info at grandguitars.de

https://www.grandguitars.de/index.php?eID=dumpFile&t=f&f=6077&token=6b6f2463e8fa738fda5ed6cc281ad6919d4ae173

The document provides an in-depth analysis of the 1966 Fender Stratocaster Sunburst, a classic guitar model that underwent significant design changes after CBS acquired Fender. Here’s a detailed summary of the key points:

  1. Construction and Design Evolution: The document highlights the evolution of the Stratocaster’s design, noting significant changes that started to appear at the end of 1965. These changes include the introduction of larger headstocks and adjustments in the body and neck constructions to reflect CBS’s influence on Fender’s manufacturing processes.
  2. Material and Component Modifications: There was a shift in the materials used for various components:
  • The body material changed from ash to alder in 1956.
  • The necks began to feature larger headstocks and moved from one-piece to separate fingerboards with different types of inlays transitioning from clay to pearloid dots.
  • Pickguards evolved from single-layer to three-layer configurations.
  • Pickup constructions were modified to include different magnets and enamel-coated copper wire, enhancing their performance and consistency.
  1. Technical Details and Specifications:
  • The document details specific components such as the type of rosewood used for the fretboard, the introduction of gray-bottom pickups, and the consistent use of certain types of bridges and tremolos that remained unchanged through the end of 1966.
  1. Sound Characteristics: The Stratocaster is noted for its clear, focused sound with less overtone, attributed to the pickup designs and the plain enamel wire used. The document also mentions how the physical attributes of the guitar, such as the neck profile and fret dimensions, contribute to its playability and sound quality.
  2. Market Reception and Legacy: It discusses how these guitars, despite the changes, retained much of their beloved characteristics and how they are valued in the market today, especially for collectors and musicians who appreciate the blend of vintage appeal with modern enhancements.

The summary captures the essence of the 1966 Fender Stratocaster’s design evolution, technical specifics, and its standing in the guitar community, highlighting both the historical significance and the continued legacy of this iconic model.