1983 Fender Stratocaster (Dan Smith Era)
Maker
Fender
(American, founded 1946)
Date1983
ClassificationsMusic
Description1983 Fender Stratocaster (Dan Smith Era), serial number E 335471, in black finish. With two knobs and jack mounted on the pickguard at a right angle in place of the third knob. Original tremolo bar present. In a hardshell case.Fender introduced the Stratocaster model of guitars in 1954 after two years of design work by founder Leo Fender. The Stratocaster introduced several new design elements that have now become standard on electric guitars. Its double-cutaway body style was considered futuristic for the time, with an almost horn-like appearance. The guitar’s neck was more contoured than previous electric guitars, which provided better playability. Its use of three pickups also allowed for more tonal versatility compared to previous electric guitars that utilized one or two pickups. Lastly, its vibrato system – with integrated “tremolo bridge” – provided a simplified method for pitch changing.
In 1965, Leo Fender sold his company to Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS) who were looking to enter the music instrument market. CBS introduced changes to the classic Fender designs, including a slightly remodeled Stratocaster. In 1981, CBS hired three new executives to run Fender, including Vice President of Research and Development Dan Smith, with the hopes of increasing quality control. Smith overhauled the Stratocaster's design, with the goal of bringing back several of its original design components. Stratocasters manufactured between 1981 and 1983 are commonly called "Smith Strats," and feature a return to the original neck plate design and a smaller headstock.
Stratocasters paved the way for the use of the electric guitar in popular music. Numerous famous guitarists have used Stratocasters, but the most notable among them are Buddy Guy, Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Jeff Beck, and John Mayer.
