June 15, 1982 Fender '57 American Vintage Re-Issue Stratocaster, Fullerton, California

Greetings and thank you for your interest in this listing for a first-year 1982 Fender American Vintage '57 Reissue Stratocaster, manufactured at the original Fullerton plant. This guitar dates back to the very early months of production. It features a highly sought-after combination of transition-era components, including the extended body routes typical of the spring 1982 period.

Specifications and Dating

Weight: 3.598kg / 7 lbs 15 oz.

Neck

Hand-penciled date 6-15-82 on the heel. "V" profile, maple fretboard, original vintage-style Kluson tuners.

Body & Finish

Original nitrocellulose finish in Custom Color Black. The factory custom colors offered (black, vintage white, candy apple red, lake placid blue, and fiesta red) accounted for roughly 5-10% of total 1982–1984 production. The finish shows heavy, beautiful uniform natural checking and play-wear across both body and neck (see photos).

“Factory Routing” Cavities

Features the authentic factory routing with exposed raw wood in the bridge pickup and control cavities. This was a documented, manual modification done on the assembly line in the spring of 1982 to correct tolerance issues before final assembly.

Electronics

Equipped with three black bobbin pickups with original windings and cloth leads. The pickup DC resistance values are 5.84 kΩ for the neck, 6.03 kΩ for the middle and 5.97 kΩ for the bridge.

The CTS pots date to the 26th week of 1982 (only one is clearly legible as the solder joints cover the code on the other two).

Bridge & Hardware 

Original 1982 Fullerton-era heavy cold-rolled steel block (magnet-tested and verified). Genuine Fender USA bent steel saddles, sourced from a post-1989/1990s model. They feature the reverse 'FENDER/FENDER' stamping (oriented in opposite directions), rather than the parallel stamping characteristic of the original early ‘80s production. 

Case 

Includes the original G&G Tweed hardshell case with the "Duck-Foot" leather tab on the accessory pocket (exclusive to 1982–1984 Fullerton models). The case is in perfect functional condition; all of the latches, hinges and handle are in excellent working order. The interior is clean with no bad odors. The handle is original and structurally sound, but the leather wrapping has worn off over time, as shown in the photos.

Condition and Maintenance Notes 

This instrument was played throughout its 44 years of life rather than being kept locked away in a case. As a result, it boasts a heavy, uniform natural checking and a beautiful, genuine play-wear patina across both the body and neck. This stunning look is 100% natural and cannot be replicated by artificial aging.

There are non-original extra screw holes present under the pickguard and underneath the back plate tremolo cavity cover (see photo).

The neck is straight as an arrow and the truss rod moves in both directions just as a Swiss clock.  The guitar has had a professional refret and a new bone nut installed.

The middle pickup cover shows a slightly different color shade compared to the neck and bridge covers, suggesting it may have been replaced at some point in its history (originality of the middle cover cannot be verified).

Tremolo Arm included. The arm functions perfectly and threads smoothly into the block with zero friction. The threaded portion has been shortened at some point (see photo), and originality cannot be guaranteed.

 "The instruments built at the old Fender facility before the production was moved to Corona have always been highly appreciated by musicians for their sound, look and impeccable craftsmanship; however in recent years they have also become very sought-after collectible items. Their prices are steadily growing worldwide, and while the economic crisis has put many '50s and '60s vintage classics out of reach for the average guitar collector, these instruments provide a more affordable way to high-quality guitar collecting."

Photos are an integral part of the description. Take your time to look at them, because they speak better than any words.

Because of the remarkable value of this guitar, I am willing to personally transport the instrument to major European cities. Just give me a call or contact me and we can work on it.

Info at +393313755120

* * * SAME DAY SHIPPING !!! * * *

I ship from Italy. That means NO Customs duties to all EU Countries!

I'm knowledgeable of what I'm selling and I've made every effort to represent this item accurately. I am confident that the future owner will not be disappointed.

Should you have any questions, comments, and/or concerns regarding the shipment and/or the item please do not hesitate to contact me.