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Thread: Strat headstock changes

  1. #1
    Forum Member bluespower's Avatar
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    Strat headstock changes

    Anyone have a visual (images) link to the various headstock changes that the strat has gone through over the years? Not just the obvious big and small headstock changes, but a better view of the sublte changes).
    Last edited by bluespower; 06-06-2008 at 09:17 AM.

  2. #2
    Forum Member Don's Avatar
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    Re: Strat headstock changes

    Like when the completely screwed it up at first when they went back to the small headstock?

  3. #3
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    Re: Strat headstock changes

    I've posted pics before but usually I just drew them from eBay auctions or other links. There have been the obvious changes as you mention, but also the goofy "Strat" headstock that came out in the early '80s, I think.
    That french curve is where the real subtle changes occured in recent years. The originals are so graceful that once you notice it, then all the ones that are off begin to stick out like a sore thumb.
    I like the Cunetto Strats, but they all (& ANY Strat from that era, actually) have that dorked up curve. It's kind of pregnant looking.
    I'll try to hunt down some examples that can explain what I mean.

  4. #4
    Forum Member bluespower's Avatar
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    Re: Strat headstock changes

    I'm espeically interested in the smaller version that looks obviously longer and somewhat thinner than the rest. It may be an illusion that it's longer because it might not be as wide across as others.

  5. #5
    Forum Member phantomman's Avatar
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    Re: Strat headstock changes

    Quote Originally Posted by 71818 View Post
    There have been the obvious changes as you mention, but also the goofy "Strat" headstock that came out in the early '80s, I think.
    Wasn't that "The Strat" or "Strat Elite" or something equally forgettable?

    Like those single-celled zygotes couldn't drive down to a pawn shop in Garden Grove or Long Beach and take a look at a real Stratocaster to git the contours an' dimensions correct?

    Weird......jus' plain weird.

  6. #6
    Forum Member Wilko's Avatar
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    Re: Strat headstock changes

    1980-83 "strat"





    85 stratocaster:

  7. #7
    Forum Member bluespower's Avatar
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    Re: Strat headstock changes

    thanks,
    My '97 California Series and my 50's classic players have slightly different shaped headstocks. My guess is the final sanding can change the overall shape just a little bit. Also, I think the placement of the "original contour" decal on the end and the string tree placement can change the look.

  8. #8
    Forum Member sting7777's Avatar
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    Re: Strat headstock changes

    the best site for comparing years and changes:

    http://www.stratcollector.com/scn/base.html


    "Oh, Mister D.J.,
    I keep wondering why you don't play much blues anymore
    I don't know what you got against me
    Whatever it is, I sure would like to know"

  9. #9
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    Re: Strat headstock changes

    that "the strat" headstock makes me shudder every time i see it.

  10. #10
    Forum Member deepblue1963's Avatar
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    Re: Strat headstock changes

    I love the 70's large headstock.

    Last edited by deepblue1963; 11-14-2010 at 03:17 PM.

  11. #11
    Formerly joe mama
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    Re: Strat headstock changes

    Yeah me too on the CBS head, it rocks.

    This is f'ugly to me. I don't like the big logo on the little head, and it's too straight.

  12. #12
    Forum Member Gold Strat's Avatar
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    Re: Strat headstock changes

    Quote Originally Posted by 69strat View Post
    Yeah me too on the CBS head, it rocks.

    This is f'ugly to me. I don't like the big logo on the little head, and it's too straight.
    This is an Gold on Gold and I love it !! Looks perfect to me.

  13. #13
    Forum Member JestersTear1's Avatar
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    Re: Strat headstock changes

    Quote Originally Posted by 69strat View Post
    Yeah me too on the CBS head, it rocks.

    This is f'ugly to me. I don't like the big logo on the little head, and it's too straight.
    Agreed!
    Nothing's forgotten...nothing is ever forgotten
    ____________________________________
    Fender Stratocaster Gilmour Tribute 1 - Black/Maple, DiMarzio Vintage Solo, Area 61 & Area 58 pickups
    Fender Stratocaster Gilmour tribute 2 - Candy Apple Red / Maple, EMG DG20 pickups
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  14. #14
    Forum Member JestersTear1's Avatar
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    Re: Strat headstock changes

    This is my 2007 headstock :

    Nothing's forgotten...nothing is ever forgotten
    ____________________________________
    Fender Stratocaster Gilmour Tribute 1 - Black/Maple, DiMarzio Vintage Solo, Area 61 & Area 58 pickups
    Fender Stratocaster Gilmour tribute 2 - Candy Apple Red / Maple, EMG DG20 pickups
    Fender Classic Player 50's Stratocaster in 2 tone sunburst / maple

    B
    oss GT-100 COSM Amp Effects Processor & FS6 Dual Footswitch

    _________________________________

  15. #15
    Forum Member S. Cane's Avatar
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    Re: Strat headstock changes

    There ya go:



    P.S. The 80s were a crazy decade.


    And here's the logos. Later Fender came back to the old spaghetti logo, which I like.


  16. #16
    Forum Member Doc W's Avatar
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    Re: Strat headstock changes

    Melo, is that from the Strat book by Duchoissir? I just got his book on the Tele and he has a page just like that.
    "The beauty and profundity of God is more real than any mere calculation."

  17. #17
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    Re: Strat headstock changes

    Those two books (Strat & Tele) by Duchossoir are definitive, imo.
    Here's a photo of the dorked-up '96 Strat. Many reissues were just like this. Why?

  18. #18
    Forum Member S. Cane's Avatar
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    Re: Strat headstock changes

    I think they are indeed, Doc.

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