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Average Price: $1,253

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Description

The Fender '82-'83 Dan Smith Era Standard American Stratocaster is a true gem in the history of electric guitars. This iconic instrument emerged during a pivotal time when Fender was looking to revitalize its legacy. Spearheaded by marketing director Dan Smith, this Stratocaster embodies a blend of vintage charm and modern innovation. With its smaller headstock and pre-CBS inspired neck plate, the Dan Smith Stratocaster delivers a touch of nostalgia while offering the performance and reliability demanded by today's musicians.

Though its production was short-lived, lasting only three years, this guitar has carved out a niche for itself among collectors and players alike. It's renowned for its classic Strat tone, impressive playability, and the unique distinction of being associated with Dan Smith's influential tenure at Fender. The design choices made during this era highlight a return to Fender's roots, offering guitarists a vintage experience with the benefits of modern craftsmanship.

Whether you're a seasoned guitarist or a collector, the Dan Smith Stratocaster offers a piece of musical history with its distinctive features and unparalleled sound quality. Its enduring legacy and rarity make it not just a guitar, but a conversation piece that stands the test of time.

Key Features:

  • Smaller headstock design for a vintage aesthetic
  • Pre-CBS inspired neck plate
  • Classic Stratocaster tone and playability
  • Limited production run from 1982-1983, highly collectible
  • Renowned for its historical significance during Fender's revitalization period

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model "Dan Smith" Stratocaster
Finish Arctic White, Aztec Gold, Black, Black Stratoburst, Blonde, Blue Stratoburst, Bronze Stratoburst, Brown Sunburst, Candy Apple Green, Cherry Sunburst, Emerald Green, Mocha Brown, Natural, Pewter, Ruby Red, Sapphire Blue, Sienna Sunburst
Year 1980 - 1983
Made In United States
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Alder, Ash
Body Shape S-Style
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Tremolo Bridge
Color Family Black, Blue, Brown, Gold, Green, Red, Silver, Tan, White, Yellow
Finish Pattern Fade, Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss, Metallic
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 Vintage CBS Era

FAQs

What makes the Fender '82-'83 Dan Smith Era Stratocaster unique compared to other Stratocasters?

The '82-'83 Dan Smith Era Stratocaster is known for its high-quality craftsmanship during a transitional period at Fender, featuring a return to vintage specs such as a smaller headstock, four-bolt neck, and improved pickups, enhancing its playability and tone.

What type of pickups does the Fender '82-'83 Dan Smith Era Stratocaster have?

This Stratocaster features a single-coil pickup configuration (SSS), known for delivering the classic bright and clear Fender tone, ideal for genres like rock, blues, and pop.

Is the Fender '82-'83 Dan Smith Era Stratocaster suitable for beginners?

While it's a high-quality instrument appreciated by collectors and experienced players, beginners can also benefit from its excellent playability and classic sound, though it is typically more sought after by those with some playing experience.

What neck profile does the Fender '82-'83 Dan Smith Era Stratocaster have?

The neck profile of this Stratocaster is a comfortable "C" shape, which provides a smooth playing experience suitable for various playing styles and hand sizes.

What are the finish options available for the Fender '82-'83 Dan Smith Era Stratocaster?

This model comes in various finishes, including Arctic White, Aztec Gold, Black, and several sunburst and metallic options, offering a wide range of aesthetic choices to suit personal preferences.

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1983 Fender Dan Smith Stratocaster | Norman's Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Guitar of the Day: 1983 Fender Dan Smith Stratocaster | Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1983 Fender Dan Smith Stratocaster | Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for SelectGuitars - 1982 Fender Standard Stratocaster Dan Smith by SelectGuitars

SelectGuitars - 1982 Fender Standard Stratocaster Dan Smith

SelectGuitars

SelectGuitars

Video thumbnail for 1982 Fender Stratocaster "Dan Smith" TRASH? Or GREAT? by every single guitars.

1982 Fender Stratocaster "Dan Smith" TRASH? Or GREAT?

every single guitars.

every single guitars.

Video thumbnail for Fender '82-'83 Dan Smith Era Hardtail Natural Strat - Used by soundpurestudios

Fender '82-'83 Dan Smith Era Hardtail Natural Strat - Used

soundpurestudios

soundpurestudios

Video thumbnail for 1982 Fender Dan Smith Stratocaster by Guitar Bazaar

1982 Fender Dan Smith Stratocaster

Guitar Bazaar

Guitar Bazaar

Video thumbnail for Fender American Standard Dan Smith Era 1983 | Sound Sample by Gear Station

Fender American Standard Dan Smith Era 1983 | Sound Sample

Gear Station

Gear Station

Reviews

PROS

  • Built in Fullerton factory, known for superior craftsmanship

  • Original X-1 pickup provides extra bite and clarity

  • Lightweight at approximately 7.2 pounds, enhances playability

  • Slim neck profile allows for easy thumb bass notes

  • Improved design and materials post-CBS era

  • Limited production makes it a collectible instrument

  • Superior action and sweet Stratocaster tone

  • Easier access to jack outlet compared to traditional angled jack

  • Resonates better due to reduced wiring, enhancing tone

  • Great value for a vintage Stratocaster, often priced around a grand

CONS

  • Heavier than some other Stratocasters from the same era

  • Neck may feel too slim for those accustomed to chunkier profiles

  • Tremolo may not suit those seeking extensive use

  • Lack of back plate might not appeal to all users

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender '82-'83 Dan Smith Era Standard American Stratocaster.

Features and functionality

  • Some users find the tremolo system poorly designed, with springs inside the pickup cavity, leading to frequent criticism.

    Source
  • The 1983 Strat features a unique 2-knob configuration, which some owners associate with Dan Smith's design improvements during his tenure at Fender.

    Source
  • The bridge pickup is an X1 model, recognized for its increased attack, resembling a Telecaster bridge pickup, while the other two are standard Strat pickups from the 80s.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • An owner replaced the original pickups with Fender Custom Shop '54s and a CIJ '56 neck, significantly changing the guitar's tonal character.

    Source

User experience

  • The neck is praised for its shallow V shape with jumbo frets, offering a fast playing experience.

    Source
  • Players describe the neck as feeling "like butter," contributing to a smooth playability experience, and note improved tuning stability with a blocked tremolo.

    Source

Comparisons

  • An owner noted that the guitar's output level is much lower than a Gibson ES-335, requiring a preamp for comparable performance.

    Source
  • The two-knob '83 Strat was Fender's response to competition from Japanese Stratocasters, making it a unique and sometimes polarizing piece among vintage Fender enthusiasts.

    Source

Build quality

  • The guitar's body is reportedly made of dense, heavy wood, possibly walnut, affecting its weight and resonance.

    Source

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