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Description

Dive into the vintage allure of the Fender Gold Elite Stratocaster (1983-1984), a quintessential electric guitar that captures the essence of its era. This solid body electric guitar stands out with its distinct combination of classic Fender craftsmanship and innovative features introduced during its limited production period. Renowned for its active electronics, this model was designed to offer a broader tonal palette, making it a versatile companion for musicians seeking both traditional and modern soundscapes.

The Gold Elite Stratocaster features a trio of specially designed pickups that deliver a dynamic range, from warm, rich lows to crisp, cutting highs. The active circuitry includes a unique TBX tone control, which expands your tonal possibilities beyond the conventional passive setup. The guitar's maple neck and rosewood fingerboard provide a smooth and comfortable playing experience, while the locking tuners ensure stable tuning and intonation even during the most rigorous performances.

The Fender Gold Elite series is revered not only for its sound but also for its striking aesthetics, characterized by its elegant gold hardware that complements the guitar's timeless design. Whether you're a collector or a performing artist, this Stratocaster offers a blend of vintage charm and modern enhancements that make it a standout piece in any guitarist's arsenal.

Key Features:

  • Solid body electric guitar with classic Stratocaster design
  • Active electronics for enhanced tonal variety
  • TBX tone control for expanded sound shaping
  • Three specially designed single-coil pickups
  • Maple neck with rosewood fingerboard
  • Locking tuners for stable tuning
  • Elegant gold hardware for a distinctive look

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model Gold Elite Stratocaster
Finish Arctic White, Aztec Gold, Black, Black Stratoburst, Blue Stratoburst, Bronze Stratoburst, Brown Sunburst, Candy Apple Green, Candy Apple Red, Emerald Green, Lake Placid Blue, Natural, Pewter, Sienna Sunburst, Wild Cherry
Year 1983 - 1984
Made In United States
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Alder
Body Shape S-Style
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Tremolo Bridge
Color Family Black, Blue, Brown, Gold, Green, Red, Silver, Tan, White
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 Elite

FAQs

What makes the Fender Gold Elite Stratocaster (1983-1984) unique compared to other Stratocasters?

The Fender Gold Elite Stratocaster from 1983-1984 features an active electronics system and a unique tremolo bridge, setting it apart from other Stratocasters. Its distinctive finishes and high-quality craftsmanship make it a sought-after model among collectors and players.

What kind of pickups are used in the Fender Gold Elite Stratocaster (1983-1984)?

This model features a single-coil pickup configuration (SSS) with active electronics, designed to deliver a clear, powerful sound with enhanced tonal versatility compared to traditional passive pickups.

Is the Fender Gold Elite Stratocaster (1983-1984) suitable for playing rock music?

Yes, the Fender Gold Elite Stratocaster's active electronics and single-coil pickups provide a bright, dynamic tone that is well-suited for rock music, offering both clean and overdriven sounds ideal for various rock styles.

How does the neck profile of the Fender Gold Elite Stratocaster (1983-1984) affect playability?

The neck of the Fender Gold Elite Stratocaster is crafted from maple with a bolt-on construction, providing a comfortable and familiar feel for Stratocaster players, enhancing playability and ease of movement across the fretboard.

What are the available finish options for the Fender Gold Elite Stratocaster (1983-1984)?

This model comes in a variety of finishes, including Arctic White, Aztec Gold, Black, and several sunburst and metallic options, allowing players to choose a style that fits their personal aesthetic preferences.

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Gold Elite Stratocaster (1983-1984).

Features and functionality

  • The Elite Stratocaster features active circuitry with Fender's first venture into noiseless pickups, allowing all three pickups to be selected on or off.

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  • The pickup selector uses button switches, allowing all pickups to be active simultaneously for unique sound combinations.

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  • The guitar includes Fender fine tuners at the nut, which maintain tuning stability and are noted for their unusual placement.

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  • The TBX tone control operates with a detent at 5, expanding tonal options without a battery, enhancing treble and bass frequencies.

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Comparisons

  • The boost circuit in the Elite is similar to that found in the Clapton Strat, with Clapton having used the Elite as a prototype for his model.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Some owners replaced the stock tremolo with a gold Kahler tremolo for better performance.

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  • Kahler tremolo mods are less desirable due to irreversible alterations, affecting resale interest negatively.

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User experience

  • The FreeFlyte tremolo system, which lacks a rear cavity, is noted for being less favored by techs but is considered rare and distinctive.

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  • Users report that mid-80s Fender Strats have gained interest recently, despite being previously overshadowed by Japanese models.

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Other

  • Left-handed versions of the Elite Stratocaster are extremely rare, with estimates suggesting fewer than 50 may have been produced.

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Build quality

  • The knobs feature a rubber wrapping, and replacements can be expensive, sometimes exceeding $50 on resale markets.

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Setup and maintenance

  • The System II FreeFlyte tremolo is noted for causing string breakages more frequently than other bridges.

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Use cases and applications

  • The guitar's active MDX mid-boost circuit provides 25 dB of gain, making it suitable for driving amps similarly to humbuckers but with single-coil chime.

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  • Installing a Floyd Rose divides opinion; purists dislike it, but it appeals to metal players seeking aggressive styles.

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Value and pricing

  • Chrome Schaller/Fender Elite tuners can fetch up to $700 individually on resale markets.

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  • Fender headstock numbers from this era are often not registered, complicating provenance and valuation efforts.

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