Looking for info on a strat . . .

[boltino]

Hey folks,

I'm looking for info on one of my strats. It's a 1996 50th Anniversary Stratocaster (S0009 of S2500). It's a flamed top/back sunburst finish with gold hardware and a rosewood fretboard. I know it's from a limited run to mark Fender's 50th Anniversary. I'm wondering a couple of things specifically (any info is appreciated though):

1) Is the neck shape of this guitar a Fender standard (C, V, U) or is it a custom job?

2) Are the pickups from a production series or are they custom to this guitar?

The guitar currently has CS '69 pickups installed but I'm thinking about putting the originals back in (I bought the guitar used with '69s in it; originals included).

Any thoughts or info would be appreciated. Thanks!

[John C]

That guitar was made for the 50th Anniversary of Fender's founding as a company (1946-1996) and was a dressed-up version of the American Standard of the day. You already mentioned the only differences if I'm remembering correctly - the figured maple top/back and the gold hardware.

In answer to you questions:

1. The neck is the same "modern C" as any other 1996 American Standard Strat. I'm 100% certain of that.

2. The pickups were likely American Standard pickups as well. I don't remember this one being speced with something else, but I'm not 100% sure.

I know that the 60th Anniversary of Fender models had different pickups (the 2006 models had 52/62 pickups with the middle one rwrp), but I believe the changes for the 50th Anniversary models were purely cosmetic.

[Kitarist]

Interesting :D :D

[boltino]

Thanks! I was thinking I read that the pickups were custom (based on the texas specials) but now I can't find that anywhere.

[boltino]

I had e-mailed Fender with these questions earlier and actually got a response back!

You were right John, the pickups are listed as "American Standard 50th Pickups."

Thanks again for the info!

For anyone interested (since I searched for complete specs and couldn't find any) here the are:

Model Name: Fender ‘50th Anniversary American Standard Stratocaster® (Limited Edition)
Model Number: 010-7400-(Color#)
Series: Limited Edition Series
Body: Alder with Highly Figured Flame Maple Top and Back
Neck: Maple
Fingerboard: Rosewood (9.5” Radius/241 mm)
No. of Frets: 22
Scale Length: 25.5” (648 mm)
Width @ Nut: 1.6875” (43mm)
Hardware: Gold (Special Commemorative Limited Edition Serial Numbered Neckplate)
Machine Heads: Gold American Standard
Bridge: Gold American Standard Tremolo
Pickguard: 3-Ply White
Pickups: American Standard 50th Pickups
Pickup Switching: 5 Position Switch
Controls: Master Volume, Tone (Neck), Tone (Mid-Bridge)
Colors: (837) Antique Burst
Strings: Fender Super 250L’s (.009 to .042) Nickel Plated Steel pn#073-0250-003
Unique Features: Flame Maple Top and Back,
Gold Hardware,
Commemorative Neck Plate
Source: U.S.
Accessories: Black Tolex Case, Strap, Cable
U.S. MSRP: $1,299.99
Specs: Prices and Specifications Subject to Change Without Notice
INTRODUCED: 1/1996
DISCONTINUED: 1/1997
DISCONTINUED COLORS:
COMMENTS: Only 2500 Pieces Made
WRENCH SIZES: Truss Rod Wrench #023811 (1/8” Hex)
Saddle Height Adjustment Wrench #018531 (.050 Hex)