Friday, June 11, 2021

2002 Fender Standard Stratocaster | Part 4

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4

The Home Stretch


Preamble

Nice to see you again folks, and thanks for dropping by. We're still on the topic of the ageless beauty that is this 2002 Sunburst Fender Standard Stratocaster. Here are close-ups of the headstock decal and neck pocket stamp, undeniable proof that this Strat is the real deal.



Serial Number MZ1184946

"Mar 13 2002" Neck Pocket Stamp



If you will recall, Part 3 was dedicated to the refret job carried out on this guitar. Now, in this post, I'll briefly describe what else was done to revitalize this fine specimen of MIM-ness. However, before going any further, I must point out the attractive checking that had developed naturally over the years on both the front and back of this guitar. The checking has a surreal almost 3D quality to it if viewed at a certain angle. It's one of those little things about a guitar that's been around the block many a time and been played by countless people over the years; that you'll not find on a brand-new instrument.



Attractive Finish Checking



Electronics Upgrades

Alright then, let's talk about electronics. The stock electronics in this Strat comprised three ceramic single-coil pickups, three CTS 250K pots, an Oak Grigsby switch; and a Switchcraft #11 output jack. Not surprisingly, the owner requested that the stock ceramics be upgraded to Fender Custom Shop Fat '50s Stratocaster® Pickups. The pots and switch were also replaced, while the output jack was retained after servicing. Additionally, all connections were soldered with vintage style push-back wire.



Pots, Switch and Vintage Style Wiring

Completed Pickguard Wiring

Underside of Fat '50s Pickups

Switchcraft #11 Output Jack

Tremolo Claw Ground



Cosmetic Upgrades  

The owner felt that the pure white Fat '50s pickup covers didn't quite fit in with the vintage vibe of the guitar. He was also not too fond of the pearloid pickguard, maybe it was a little too mother-of-toilet-seat for his tastes.



Pure White Fat '50s Pickup Covers

Unfavored Pearloid Pickguard



As luck would have it, a kindred spirit on the wrong side of 59 was able to procure three pre-loved white US Strat pickup covers and matching pickguard. The covers and pickguard had naturally aged into a dusky shade of yellow after numerous nights in smoky bars.



Aged Pickup Covers and Pickguard



Photo Shoot 

Here's a photo shoot of the upgraded 2002 Sunburst Fender Standard Stratocaster. The owner was overcome with joy upon seeing the various cosmetic upgrades; and thanked his lucky stars that the mojo of his beloved instrument had now grown by leaps and bounds.



Upgraded 2002 Fender Standard Stratocaster

Headstock - Front and Back View

Fretboard and Back of Neck

Close-Up of Upper Fretboard Edge

Body - Front and Back View



Owner's Demo

Fender isn't kidding when it says that these Custom Shop Fat '50s Stratocaster® Pickups "deliver the single-coil 1950s Stratocaster sound you know and love." Now, as hearing it with your own ears is believing; here's a demo by the proud owner of this Strat, Aduka Sariat.






Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4

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