Fender Walnut Strat 1982 Natural Walnut w/Original Tweed Case!

I've got a very rare bird I must part with: The elusive 1982 Fender Walnut Strat. This guitar is all walnut– the body, neck and even the fretboard. From all the research I've done (and as you might know Fender's production records during this period weren't the greatest) Fender produced only few hundred Walnut Strats from late 1980 to early 1983.

Here is a link to a very informative article about early 80's "The Strat" guitars. It answered many of my questions about the model.

This is a fine example, and is in very good condition for it's age. It is all original except for two pickguard screws and is missing the trem arm. The most serious marks it bears are a couple of dings on the back of the neck near the heel. There is a bit of finish chipping at the edge of the fretboard and a couple around the headstock, light buckle wear on the belly carve, and some finish checking there as well (which looks awesome, but is very subtle). The top of the guitar is in really good shape for a 32 year old Fender, having a handful minor dings, nothing through the finish. I'll post more pics tonight, especially of dings etc. Let me know if there is something specific you want to see.

The hardware, which is plated in 22K gold, looks really, really good. The only pieces which exhibit plating wear are the tuning shafts on the top, probably from the case. The bridge, knobs and output look like they could be just a few years old. Still smooth and brilliant.

The guitar plays great, and stays in tune as well as anything I have. The electronics do all your classic Stratocaster sounds, but also do a warm, thick and powerful Strat on steroids. Awesome electronics.

I'm selling this guitar (along with four or five other guitars, amps etc.) to finance my entry into several art festivals this summer. If all goes well, I'll sell enough paintings to buy suitable replacements for all my gear this fall... But I won't find another guitar like this. :-(

Difficult to find recent sales data, but I think my number is on the low side if anything. 

Thanks for looking!