1983 Fender Stratocaster Elite

About this instrument

1983 was the first year of production for the Fender Stratocaster Elite. Production started at the half-year mark and ended just a year and a half later, in early 1985.

Yes, the candy apple green is very beautiful. But there are many undesirable things about this guitar. I made some very important discoveries with this particular Stratocaster Elite. First, it appears that Fender used solid colors to cover less aesthetically appealing wood. It also can be said that that less aesthetically appealing wood was significantly heavier than the swamp ash that they used in transparent-finish models. As a result, this guitar weighs an extremely heavy 13 lbs. It is uncomfortable and tiring to have strapped around your neck. The other interesting thing that I discovered is that the preamp circuit in these early models was a Revision A board. Even though the Stratocaster Elite was only around for a year and a half, they ended up having three different revisions of this preamp circuit. The third revision is the most desirable one. To my ears, it sounds the best. To be fair, I’ve only had a guitar with revision A and revision C, so I can’t compare what revision B sounded like.

The gold finish on the bridge and tuners has long since worn off in many places. This guitar does sound good. But the aforementioned problems with weight and the preamp circuit made me sell it. My transparent red finished Strat Elite is not only in near-mint condition, but it plays better, feels better, and weighs at least 2 to 3 lbs. less.

Specs

• Year / model1983 Fender Stratocaster Elite (first production year)
• SerialE 321226
• FinishCandy apple green (solid color)
• Weight13 lbs
• ElectronicsActive preamp, Revision A board
• HardwareGold bridge and tuners (plating worn in places)

Personal instrument — not for sale.