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Fender 81' International Series Stratocaster

Fender 81' International Series Stratocaster

$1,250.00 Price Tier: High-end

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Page last updated Jun 29, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated June 29, 2026.

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4.0 (4)

$1,250.00 28 available Used

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Average Price: $1,250

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Solid Body Electric Guitars category, Fender 81' International Series Stratocaster is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

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High-end

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Description

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The Fender 81' International Series Stratocaster is a guitar that speaks to both nostalgia and innovation, capturing the essence of a unique era in music history. Renowned for its distinctive finishes and limited production run, this solid body electric guitar is a coveted addition to any serious collection. Crafted during a time when Fender experimented with vibrant aesthetics, this Stratocaster features a three-bolt neck plate and is available in both hardtail and vibrato bridge configurations.

The black plastic knobs and pickup covers provide a striking contrast against the classic laminated white pickguard, offering both style and function. This guitar is not just about looks; it delivers the signature Fender tone that has defined countless records. The International Series was crafted to cater to musicians seeking something a little different, and this model delivers in spades. Whether you're a collector or a performer, this Stratocaster offers a unique blend of history and playability that is hard to resist.

Key Features:

Three-bolt neck plate design
Available in hardtail and vibrato bridge configurations
Black plastic knobs and pickup covers
Laminated white pickguard
Produced between 1979 - 1982

Product specs

Brand	Fender
Model	International Series Stratocaster with Maple Fretboard, International Series Stratocaster with Rosewood Fretboard
Finish	Arctic White, Capri Orange, Cathay Ebony, Maui Blue, Monaco Yellow, Moroccan Red, Sahara Taupe
Year	1979 - 1982
Made In	United States
Categories	Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Shape	S-Style
Body Type	Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type	Tremolo Bridge
Color Family	Black, Blue, Brown, Orange, Red, White, Yellow
Finish Style	Gloss
Fretboard Material	Maple, Rosewood
Model Family	Fender Stratocaster
Neck Construction	Bolt-On
Neck Material	Maple
Number of Frets	21
Number of Strings	6-String
Offset Body	Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration	SSS
Right / Left Handed	Right Handed
Scale Length	25.5"
Series	Fender International Series

FAQs

What is the neck profile like on the Fender 81' International Series Stratocaster Capri Orange?: The Fender 81' International Series Stratocaster features a comfortable C-shaped neck profile, providing a smooth and familiar feel that is ideal for both rhythm and lead playing styles.
What kind of tones can I expect from the pickups on this Stratocaster?: The Stratocaster's SSS pickup configuration delivers classic Fender tones, offering bright and clear sounds perfect for genres like rock, blues, and pop, with a versatile range from crisp cleans to biting leads.
Is the Fender 81' International Series Stratocaster suitable for beginners?: While the Fender 81' International Series Stratocaster is a high-quality instrument with vintage appeal, it may be more suited for intermediate to advanced players due to its collectible nature and specific tonal characteristics.
Does the Capri Orange finish affect the guitar's value or playability?: The Capri Orange finish is part of the distinctive International Series color palette, which can enhance the guitar's aesthetic appeal and potentially its collectible value, but it does not impact playability.
How does the tremolo bridge on this Stratocaster affect playing style?: The tremolo bridge allows for expressive pitch modulation, making it ideal for players who enjoy adding vibrato effects to their playing, characteristic of many classic rock and blues styles.

Reviews

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PROS

Unique color options like Capri Orange add visual appeal
Part of Fender's historic limited "special run" series
Made in America, contributing to superior sound quality
Sleek, slender neck design enhances playability
Produces a distinctive chime and heavy bottom sound
Nostalgic connection to 70's Stratocaster models

CONS

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender 81' International Series Stratocaster.

Build quality

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The thick poly finish on the Capri Orange Strat can be susceptible to fading and color shifts, especially under UV light.
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Some guitars from this era may have a maple body due to wood shortages, potentially contributing to heavier weight.
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Concerns about the authenticity of parts, such as pickguards and decals, suggest potential for counterfeit or modified guitars.
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Setup and maintenance

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Some owners suggest raising the bridge and filing down the nut to eliminate fret buzz on the low E string.
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Features and functionality

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CBS-era Stratocasters include unique triple single-coil pickups and a whammy bar, distinct to this series.
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The neck profile of 70s Strats is polarizing; some users love it, while others find the weight excessively heavy, likening it to a "boat anchor."
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Owners appreciate the Capri Orange color for its uniqueness, even considering it for their go-to single-coil guitar, highlighting its visual and functional appeal.
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Comparisons

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The Capri Orange model shares a similar Ash body with the late 70s natural finish Strats, often resulting in a weight exceeding 9 lbs.
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User experience

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Many users find the color combination of Capri Orange highly appealing, despite generally disliking Stratocasters.
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It's observed that Capri Orange models tend to become more sought after once discontinued, with some users planning to sell at a premium.
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Mods and upgrades

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There's speculation that the orange finish may be a respray, suggesting possible refinishing history for some models.
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A user upgraded their Capri Orange Strat with Custom Shop '69 pickups and a pearl guard, enhancing its aesthetic and tonal appeal for single-coil enthusiasts.
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Value and pricing

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Depending on condition, a 1979-1982 International Series Strat in Capri Orange is valued between $2,500 - $4,000, especially with original case and accessories.
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Use cases and applications

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The Capri Orange finish remains a favorite among fans of bold color schemes, often being compared favorably to other Fender color options like Shell Pink and Pacific Peach.
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Artist usage

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Wong Ka Kui

Singer, Guitarist

Beyond

Verified via Photo

Wong Ka Kui used a Fender 81' International Series Stratocaster in Capri Orange, which he famously smashed during a concert in 1989, as captured in a user-uploaded photo.