Description

No sales tax for customers outside California.

Here’s a rare and innovative piece of Fender history: the 1983 Fender Stratocaster Elite, made in the USA during a bold transitional era. This vintage Stratocaster features active electronics, Alnico II pickups with internal preamp, and unique touch-sensitive controls that pushed the boundaries of guitar design in the early '80s. A standout feature is the distinctive Freeflyte tremolo system, which requires no rear routing for a sleek, modern look.

The Elite Stratocaster was introduced in 1983. It started life as a USA-made model until 1985, when production was moved to Japan (Fujigen Gakki) before being discontinued in 1987. It served as a template for the Eric Clapton signature model of 1988. The Elite Strat featured Paul Gagon-designed active electronics that utilizes three alnico 2 single coil pickups with an internal dummy coil for noise reduction.

The Strat Elite also features a bi-flex truss rod, factory Schaller-made hardware, and a stunning Maple neck with a medium “C” profile for fast, comfortable playability. With only a limited production run from 1983–1984, this model is a collector’s dream and a hidden gem for players seeking a vintage Strat with extra tonal flexibility and Fender pedigree.

The guitar has been around the block a bit, as evidenced by the dings here and there, as well as the worn and touched-up spot on the front of the body.  The frets show little wear, so I don't know how to explain all the wear.  Parhaps someone was trying to age the guitar?  

This Strat set up well and plays great.  The electronics and parts are all original.

Key Features:
Made in USA, 1983
Active electronics with mid-boost circuit
Alnico II pickups with internal TBX tone control
Freeflyte tremolo bridge system
Maple neck with bi-flex truss rod
All original parts

Includes an original hardshell case.  The case has seen better days!  It is beat up!

This guitar is in played, vintage condition and fully functional. Perfect for players who want vintage Fender tone with forward-thinking features—or collectors who appreciate rare early-‘80s Stratocasters.

Color: White
Weight: 8lbs .5.5 oz
Body: Alder
Neck: Maple
Neck Date/Code: May 31 1983
Fretboard: Rosewood
Inlays: White Dot
Frets: Original
Fret count: 21
Nut: Original
Nut width: 1-11/16"
Radius: 12"
Scale: 25.5"
Neck thickness at 1st fret: .79"
Neck thickness at 12th fret: .87"
Action 1st String at 12th Fret: 2/32"
Action 6th String at 12th Fret: 2/32"
Total length: 38-1/2"
Lower bout: 12-7/8"
Waist: 9-1/4"
Upper bout: 11"
Body depth/thickness outside edge: 1-3/4"
String gauge: 10-46
Hardware Color: Chrome
Bridge Pickup/Brand: Fender Alnico II
Pickup Original?: Yes
Middle Pickup/Brand: Fender Alnico II:
Pickup Original?: Yes
Neck Pickup/Brand: Fender Alnico II
Pickup Original?: Yes
Electronics: Active TBX (Tone Bright/X) and MDX (Mid-Range) circuits
Pickguard: Original
Bridge: Fender Freeflyte Tremolo system 
Tuners: Original
Knobs: Original
Switch: Individual push button on/off
Pots/Codes: Original
Case: OHSC, beat up!
Notes:

Shipping policy:
There are two shipping cost options for purchases made on our site for these states and those to the east of them: Montana, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas.  Select Standard shipping at checkout and your item will be shipped via UPS three-day-air.  Select Economy shipping and your item will ship via UPS ground.  For Reverb purchases, there is one cost option for these Eastern states and shipment will be made by UPS three-day-air.  Shipments will require signature on delivery, no exceptions.  If there is damage, the buyer must retain all packing materials intact and picture them immediately and send them to sales@maharsvintageguitars.com.  Less than 1% of our shipments are damaged in transit, and we are committed to making sure your item arrives safely, but we are taking these additional measures to make sure you are happy with your purchase.

Mahar's Vintage Guitars

Mahar's Vintage Guitars

1983
Fender
Very Good
White
Original Hard
5 Years
$1,350
Mahar's Vintage Guitars
Chuck Mahar
530-570-1525
Online Only
1:05 PM
Monday through Friday, 9am-4pm. Usually available always, sometimes not so much, even at other times on other days.

Buyer to pay prior to shipment via Paypal, wire transfer, credit card or other electronic means. Payment must clear before shipping. Certified checks and trades are accepted, however checks must clear before we will ship and trades must be received here and evaluated prior to shipment of our item.

All orders ship within three business days of the receipt of an order, usually faster. Tracking information will be automatically forwarded to all buyers. Buyers must retain all shipping materials in the event a return is necessary.

Returns accepted if the purchaser responds within 48 hours of receipt of an item and there is a discrepancy relating to the condition or originality of an item. Returns are not accepted for items that do not meet the needs or sonic tastes of clients due to the subjective nature, unless such concern is stated prior to the purchase. Any return for reasons other than incorrect advertising of condition or originality on the part of Mahar's Vintage Guitars shall be the responsibility of the buyer, which shall result in the buyer paying all shipping costs (to and from) their location.