Hi I just acquired a Strat via trade of another guitar. This is my first Fender and am in no way an expert on the diligence I should have done on this one up front. Upon digging in, I'm curious about this guitar's authenticity. Neck is clean and good shape. Logos and serials appear legit dating to 93 model (confirmed serial with Fender consumer relations) and on third party sources appears one of the re-used 89 serial numbers. I disassembled and neck stamp, though smudged, looks to be 93. Back of neck had white sticker with one set of initials LG on line 6. I feel neck is legit, not certain on body. Body has some extra drilling behind neck and stamps are mostly illegible. Other oddity - body is not routed for left hand /upside down trem which I chalked up to possibly being an early one, bstock or irregular, etc. It has right handed trem with no signs it was modded for this. Any opinions, input, or places to seek out more info greatly appreciate. I can access other areas/parts for pictures or as needed. THANK YOU!
Thanks for the feedback. Yes, all I've seen have lefty trems except some MIJs. Regarding MIM body, was this a thing? and with a US serial number?
top and back pics. no plate on trem. will take some time to get pickguard disassembled, but if consensus is not a srv body may contact trader and see how that goes.
I owned one of the first run SRV's with an 89 serial number from new. I don't have digital pictures, but doesn't look like mine did that I can remember. Maybe the neck but not sure on the font. I am not a pro, but there are plenty on here to give clear insight.
Thanks for the above pics @Electgumbo. My neck seems fully consistent on fonts, stickers, stamps. Body definitely in question.
No, it looks like you've been had with a trade for a parts guitar......that isn't worth nearly what a factory original SRV is.....
The body may be US, there has been a microtilt disk fitted in the neck pocket at sometime. Any evidence of a 2 point trem?
Thats exactly what I was looking at. It has microtilt disk route but seems to be the right neckplate...or not... neckplates easy to replicate
This. That body is (likely) a US/Corona body, but it's not an SRV. The large "extra" hole in the neck heel is for the micro-tilt adjuster, which is a standard feature on US bodies (but not Highway One/American Special/American Performer). So it is a domestic body, but it's not original to that neck.
I think the body is likely MIM, notice the 'mickey mouse' neck pocket route, it's larger at the corners of where the neck heel meets the body, to allow for tolerance issues that might arise.....
