1983 MIJ Strat Needs Some Help

Video Description

In this video, the owner first talks about his convictions concerning the origins and authenticity of this Strat. We then discuss the poor condition of the tuners, corroded hardware, as well as playability issues. Of particular concern are the volume and second tone pots, which are damaged and need to be replaced.

Upon disassembling the Strat, we notice a penciled date on the neck heel. This indicates that the neck was manufactured on September 1, 1983. We also examine the hardware and electronics, which largely conform to US specifications. The only exception are the A250K mini pots, commonly found on Asian guitars. As for the body, it appears to conform to vintage specifications, such as the "worm route" leading from the bridge pickup cavity into the control cavity. The owner also shows me an image of the original neck plate (and serial number), which has somehow been lost. Finally, we take a closer look at the body, which appears to be a two-piece.

Time Stamps

00:00 Introduction

00:30 Condition of Tuners

01:20 Playability Issues 

02:44 Pickups and Bridge - First Look 

03:15 Damaged Pots

04:37 Failed Pickup Tap Test  

05:50 Strat Taken Apart 

06:08 Neck Pocket

06:15 Neck Heel 

07:09 Control Cavity Electronics

08:39 Output Jack  

09:35 Body Cavities  

10:27 Discussion on Body Wood 

11:06 Large Tremolo Block

11:19 Where's the Original Neck Plate?