Fender’s Lead Series was launched in 1979, largely as a response to the wave of high-quality, lower-priced import guitars. The idea was straightforward: a USA-made, no-nonsense solidbody with a hardtail bridge priced to sit below Fender’s established models. The series had a short original run (roughly 1979–82/83), which is part of why these don’t show up every day in.

This 1981 example is a Fender Lead II in Wine Red with a maple neck and black pickguard. The Lead II layout is all about practicality: two single-coils, a 3-way pickup selector, and the extra phase switch for the out-of-phase sound when you run both pickups together.

The guitar has standard playwear for age, plus some interesting lacquer checking around the edges that is often seen on these. Frets are approx. 90%. Weight is 4100g. A big plus is the included original hardshell case (unusual for these) and the original manual.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Model: Fender Lead II
• Year: 1981
• Country of manufacture: USA
• Finish: Wine Red
• Body: Ash
• Construction: Solidbody, bolt-on neck
• Neck: Maple
• Fingerboard: Maple
• Inlays: Black dot
• Scale length: 25.5″ (648 mm)
• Fingerboard radius: 7.25″ (184 mm)
• Frets: 21
• Nut width: 1.625″ (41.3 mm)
• Pickups: 2 x Fender single-coils
• Switching: 3-way pickup toggle, 2-way phase switch (affects the combined pickup setting)
• Controls: Master volume, master tone
• Bridge: 6-saddle hardtail, string-through-body
• Hardware: Chrome
• Tuning machines: Fender sealed tuners with “F” logo
• Pickguard: Black
• Neck plate: Fender “F” plate
• Serial number format: E0-era headstock serial
• Included: Original hardshell case, original manual