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Average Price: $795

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$400

$1001+

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Description

Step into the world of vintage charm with the Fender Bullet 1982, a unique piece of musical history that encapsulates the transitional era of Fender's design innovation. Originally conceived as a short-lived successor to the Musicmaster and Mustang models, the Fender Bullet is a testament to Fender's commitment to blending tradition with evolution. This electric guitar features a distinctive single cutaway body shape reminiscent of a Telecaster, combined with a Tele-style headstock, setting it apart in the landscape of early '80s guitars.

The Bullet was crafted to deliver a pure, dynamic sound through its two single-coil pickups, making it adaptable for a range of musical styles from blues to rock. Its design includes an anodized steel pickguard, which doubles as the backstop for the top-load bridge, ensuring durability and a unique aesthetic. Later models from 1982 saw an evolution in design with a body more akin to a Stratocaster, offering musicians a familiar feel with distinct Bullet flair.

This guitar's legacy is not just in its sound but in its embodiment of a pivotal time for Fender—a blend of innovation and tradition that continues to resonate with musicians today. Whether you're a collector or a player seeking that classic Fender tone, the Fender Bullet 1982 offers a nostalgic yet remarkably versatile addition to your musical arsenal.

Key Features:

  • Single cutaway body design with Telecaster influences
  • Tele-style headstock for a classic look
  • Two single-coil pickups for versatile sound
  • Anodized steel pickguard that functions as a bridge backstop
  • Originally produced between 1981 and 1982

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model Bullet
Finish Ivory, Red
Year 1981 - 1982
Made In United States
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Shape Single Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type String-Through
Color Family Red, White
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Maple
Model Family Fender Bullet
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 21
Number of Strings 6-String
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration SS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 25.5"
Series Fender Vintage CBS Era

FAQs

What type of pickups does the 1982 Fender Bullet have?

The 1982 Fender Bullet features a single-coil pickup configuration (SS), which offers bright and clear tones typical of Fender guitars, making it suitable for genres like rock, blues, and country.

Is the 1982 Fender Bullet suitable for beginners?

Yes, the 1982 Fender Bullet is suitable for beginners due to its straightforward design and comfortable playability, featuring a single cutaway body and a manageable 25.5" scale length.

What materials are used in the construction of the 1982 Fender Bullet?

The 1982 Fender Bullet is constructed with a solid body and a maple neck and fretboard, providing durability and a bright tonal quality.

How does the bridge design of the 1982 Fender Bullet affect its performance?

The 1982 Fender Bullet features a string-through bridge, which enhances sustain and tuning stability by allowing the strings to resonate more freely through the body.

What are the finish options available for the 1982 Fender Bullet?

The 1982 Fender Bullet was available in two finish options: Ivory and Red, both featuring a classic gloss finish.

The Trogly's Guitar Show

The Trogly's Guitar Show

Better than a Strat? 1982 Fender Bullet S-3 Olympic White History and Review

Video thumbnail for Better than a Strat? 1982 Fender Bullet S-3 Olympic White History and Review by The Trogly's Guitar Show

Better than a Strat? 1982 Fender Bullet S-3 Olympic White History and Review

The Trogly's Guitar Show

The Trogly's Guitar Show

Video thumbnail for Fender Bullet (USA, 1982) - demo by Nick Percev by Nick Percev

Fender Bullet (USA, 1982) - demo by Nick Percev

Nick Percev

Nick Percev

Video thumbnail for Riffin' with a 1982 Fender Bullet S-3 in Olympic White by The Trogly's Guitar Show

Riffin' with a 1982 Fender Bullet S-3 in Olympic White

The Trogly's Guitar Show

The Trogly's Guitar Show

Reviews

PROS

  • Designed by John Page, the founder of Fender Custom Shop

  • USA-made with the same craftsmanship as other Fullerton-era Fenders

  • Features Telecaster necks with varying profiles and radii

  • Unique alloy pickguard tailpiece and saddles specific to this model

  • Versatile pickups with a tone between a Stratocaster and Telecaster

  • Offers a resonant and acoustic-like sound even in composite versions

  • Affordable entry into vintage and retro guitar markets

  • Funky indie styling, used by notable musicians like Graham Coxon

  • Known for its fast, playable neck and excellent for barre chords

  • Great platform for customization, such as changing the pickguard

CONS

  • Some models may have basic or unappealing aesthetics

  • Quality may vary significantly between USA and original Korean-made versions

  • Not as popular or recognizable as Stratocaster or Telecaster models

  • Some composite body versions may disappoint those expecting solid wood

  • Perceived by some as using cheap materials and lacking tone

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Sam Ray uses Fender Bullet Standard (1981-1982)

Sam Ray

Singer, Guitarist

Teen Suicide

...
Verified via YouTube

In a YouTube recording titled "Teen Suicide - Live At Musica 3/29/24" by Nolan Wolfe, Sam Ray can be observed playing a 1981 Fender Bullet (standard version, identifiable by the bridge) in Dakota Red with white plastics throughout the entire set.

See how Marcelo Muñoz uses Fender Bullet Standard (1981-1982)

Marcelo Muñoz

Guitarist, Bassist

Lucybell

...
Verified via YouTube
Year: 1996

En el videoclip de "Mataz" https://youtu.be/VnUZVRBYtrM?list=RDVnUZVRBYtrM&t=179 se puede ver a Marcelo Muñoz utilizando una Fender Bullet 1981

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Fender Bullet Standard (1981-1982), it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Fender Bullet Deluxe (1981-1982)
Fender Bullet Deluxe (1981-1982) Solid Body Electric Guitars
1

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