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Average Price: $849

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Description

Step back to 1983, a year that witnessed the birth of the distinctive Fender Stratocaster Sienna Burst, a guitar that encapsulates a unique blend of tradition and innovation. Crafted during the iconic Dan Smith era, this Stratocaster stands out with its unconventional design choices, making it a prized possession for collectors and enthusiasts alike. Sporting a sleek body, it diverges from the norm with its Freeflyte surface-mounted vibrato tailpiece, eliminating the need for an internal cavity—a feature that not only enhances its aesthetic appeal but also its playability.

This model simplifies the classic Stratocaster design with just two control knobs and a top-mounted input jack, offering a streamlined interface that perfects your tonal control while maintaining the guitar's classic vibe. The absence of a third tone knob is a nod to modern minimalism, allowing for a cleaner design without compromising the legendary Fender sound. The Sienna Burst finish adds an understated elegance, ensuring this guitar is as visually striking as it is sonically versatile.

Whether you're a seasoned performer or a passionate collector, the 1983 Fender Stratocaster Sienna Burst promises a unique piece of Fender history with every strum. Its combination of classic Fender craftsmanship and innovative design makes it a standout choice for any musician looking to add a touch of vintage flair to their collection.

Key Features:

  • Freeflyte surface-mounted vibrato tailpiece
  • Two control knobs for simplified tone management
  • Top-mounted input jack
  • Streamlined design with third tone knob deleted
  • Part of the historic Dan Smith era

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model Standard Stratocaster with Maple Fretboard, Standard Stratocaster with Rosewood Fretboard
Finish Black, Brown Sunburst, Candy Apple Red, Ivory White, Sienna Sunburst
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, Brown, Red, White
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss, Metallic
Fretboard Material Maple, Rosewood
Fretboard Radius 9.5"
Model Family Fender Stratocaster
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 21
Number of Strings 6-String
Nut Width 1.65"
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration SSS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 25.5"
Series Fender Standard, Fender Vintage CBS Era
Wood Top Style Opaque, Plain

FAQs

What is the neck profile like on the 1983 Fender Stratocaster Sienna Burst?

The 1983 Fender Stratocaster features a comfortable C-shaped neck profile, which is well-suited for a variety of playing styles, offering a smooth and familiar feel for both rhythm and lead guitarists.

What kind of tones can I expect from the 1983 Fender Stratocaster Sienna Burst pickups?

This Stratocaster is equipped with three single-coil pickups, delivering the classic bright and bell-like tones associated with Fender guitars, making it versatile for genres like rock, blues, and pop.

Is the 1983 Fender Stratocaster Sienna Burst suitable for beginners?

While this guitar offers excellent playability and sound quality, its vintage nature and potential collector's value might be more appealing to experienced players and collectors rather than beginners.

Does the 1983 Fender Stratocaster Sienna Burst have a tremolo bridge?

Yes, this model features a tremolo bridge, allowing players to achieve vibrato effects and pitch modulation in their playing.

What is the body material of the 1983 Fender Stratocaster Sienna Burst?

The body of this Stratocaster is made from alder, known for its balanced tone with a strong, clear midrange, which contributes to the guitar's overall sound quality.

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

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

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

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

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1983 Fender Stratocaster Smith Era Review Scott Grove Sienna Burst by Groovy Music Lessons

1983 Fender Stratocaster Smith Era Review Scott Grove Sienna Burst

Groovy Music Lessons

Groovy Music Lessons

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

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

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Fender 1983 Stratocaster by ZIMM'S GUITARS

Fender 1983 Stratocaster

ZIMM'S GUITARS

ZIMM'S GUITARS

Reviews

PROS

  • Unique X-1 pickups offer versatile and dynamic tone

  • Wider nut width and variety of neck shapes enhance playability

  • Solid build quality with beautiful sunburst finishes

  • 12" fretboard radius allows for easier shredding

  • Top-loading Freeflyte tremolo bridge preserves solid wood back

  • High-quality components like CTS, Switchcraft, and Orange Drop capacitors

  • Quiet single coils, rare for vintage Stratocasters

  • Increasingly collectible with potential investment value

  • Retains sound quality reminiscent of 50s and 60s Strat tones

  • Comfortable and well-balanced design for extended playing

CONS

  • Controversial two-knob design may deter traditionalists

  • Original Freeflyte whammy bars difficult to replace

  • Angle jack plug seen as an unnecessary design choice

  • Bridge pickup less impressive compared to neck and middle pickups

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Standard Stratocaster 2-Knob (1983-1984).

Features and functionality

  • The Elite Stratocaster features a unique FreeFlyte tremolo system with springs under the pickguard and no rear cavity, made by Schaller for Fender.

    Source
  • Fender's first venture into noiseless pickups is present in the Elite Stratocaster, allowing for all three pickups to be selected on or off.

    Source
  • The Elite Stratocaster includes an onboard preamp with two EQ boosts activated via tone knobs, and three push-push buttons for pickup selection, offering seven sound combinations.

    Source
  • This model features three AlNiCo 2 single-coil pickups with solid covers and an internal dummy coil, providing hum cancellation and a more humbucker-like sound, especially with TBX and MDX circuits.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The boost circuit in the Elite Stratocaster is similar to that of the Clapton Strat, providing a distinctive tonal enhancement.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners have replaced the stock tremolo system with a gold Kahler tremolo for improved performance and reliability.

    Source

User experience

  • The Sienna Burst model is described as resonant and capable of ringing like a bell, offering a unique and magical Strat sound that stands out.

    Source
  • Some owners describe this guitar as heavy, with a ton of presence that was initially considered inferior to regular Strats but has gained appreciation over time.

    Source
  • The neck on the Elite Stratocaster is praised as a favorite among owners, providing an exceptional feel that stands out compared to other models.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The Elite Stratocaster's tremolo system is noted for being finicky, mainly allowing downward bends. Some owners treat it as a hardtail due to limited vibrato use.

    Source
  • Finding replacement parts, such as the trem arm, can be challenging, though some owners have managed to source them through specialized suppliers.

    Source

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how George Harrison uses Fender Standard Stratocaster 2-Knob (1983-1984)

George Harrison

Singer, Guitarist

The Beatles

...
Verified via Photo

In 1983, George Harrison received a Fender Stratocaster, as evidenced by a user-uploaded photo.

See how Batuhan Mutlugil uses Fender Standard Stratocaster 2-Knob (1983-1984)

Batuhan Mutlugil

Guitarist

Duman

...
Verified via YouTube

In a YouTube video titled "Duman - Oje," Batuhan Mutlugil can be seen playing a 1983 Fender Stratocaster in Sienna Burst. This guitar, from the Dan Smith era, features a hardtail bridge and has a modified bridge pickup, likely a Seymour Duncan Hot Rails or a similar model, altered in the late 1990s or early 2000s.

See how Trey Spruance uses Fender Standard Stratocaster 2-Knob (1983-1984)

Trey Spruance

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Faith No More

...
Verified via Facebook

Trey Spruance Mr. Bungle Bill Graham Civic Auditorium 12/31/1992 seen playing this guitar in the attached image

Genre Usage

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

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