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The Fender The Strat, also known as the STRAT, was introduced at the 1980 NAMM Show as a customized and upgraded version of the Stratocaster. Designed by Gregg Wilson and consulting Dan Armstrong, the STRAT blended classic elements with modern technology to revitalize the Stratocaster. The STRAT featured a smaller pre-CBS headstock design, a pre-CBS style truss-rod adjustment and four-bolt neck plate, and a matching headstock.
The STRAT also had a hotter lead pickup (X-1) with a higher output and a new wiring circuitry that provided 9 different tones. A twin mode rotary selector switch replaced the bottom tone control and when combined with the five-way pickup selector switch, the STRAT offered 4 unique tones not previously available on a Fender Stratocaster.
In addition, the STRAT was fitted with 22 carat gold electroplated brass hardware including a re-designed massive bridge and vibrato block, tuners, and volume/tone knobs. These hardware components were officially known as the "Brassmaster Series" and were plated with a 100 micron gold coat. Some early models may have missing gold tuners and pickup selector tip due to parts delay.
Overall, the unique wiring design, versatile tone options, and luxurious hardware make the Fender The Strat one of the most versatile era Stratocasters produced by Fender.
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The 1980 Fender "The Strat" featured distinctive **gold hardware**, officially dubbed the "Brassmaster Series," which set it apart from standard Stratocasters of the era. Introduced at the 1980 NAMM Show, "The Strat" was a premium, customized model designed to blend classic pre-CBS aesthetics with modern innovations. Below is a detailed breakdown of the gold hardware components based on available information:
Gold Hardware on the 1980 Fender "The Strat"
1. Bridge and Vibrato Block
Redesigned Extra-Massive Bridge: The Strat featured a redesigned tremolo bridge with a heavier brass construction to enhance sustain. The bridge was fitted with six brass saddles, individually adjustable for height and intonation, and included a large vibrato block, also made of brass, for improved tonal resonance.
- **Gold Plating**: The entire bridge assembly, including the saddles, tremolo plate, and vibrato block, was electroplated with a 22-carat gold coating, described by Fender as a 100-micron gold coat, comparable to fine jewelry. This luxurious finish was both aesthetic and functional, as the gold plating was highly durable but reportedly led to Fender losing money on each unit due to the high cost of materials.
Tremolo Arm: The tremolo arm was included, with a gold-plated tip
2. Tuners:
Fender/Schaller Tuner: The Strat was equipped with six Fender/Schaller tuning machines, mounted on a smaller, pre-CBS-style headstock. These tuners were gold-plated to match the rest of the hardware, contributing to the guitar’s upscale appearance. The tuners were reliable and designed to evoke the classic Stratocaster aesthetic
Design Note: The headstock was not an exact replica of the 1950s design but was a nod to the pre-CBS era, with a matching painted finish and black dot inlays.
3. Control Knobs and Electronics
- Volume and Tone Knobs: The Strat had a single volume knob and one tone knob (the second tone control was replaced by a rotary pickup selector switch). Both knobs were made of brass and electroplated with 22-carat gold, aligning with the Brassmaster Series theme.
Output Jack and Plate: The output jack was mounted in a recessed plate on the guitar’s body, with the plate also gold-plated for consistency.
4. Strap Buttons
Gold-Plated Strap Holders: The strap buttons were brass with a 22-carat gold plating, matching the other hardware. Some original examples, as noted in sales listings, included these strap holders in the case, indicating they were part of the factory setup.
5. Neck Plate
Four-Bolt Neck Plate: The Strat returned to a traditional four-bolt neck attachment (a pre-CBS feature, unlike the three-bolt necks of the 1970s). The neck plate was made of brass and gold-plated, reinforcing the premium aesthetic and ensuring a secure neck-to-body connection.
Purpose of Gold Hardware: The gold-plated brass hardware was a key selling point, marketed as the “heaviest, most durable gold finish ever used on a guitar.” It was intended to elevate "The Strat" as a high-end instrument, combining visual appeal with claims of improved sustain due to the heavier brass components.
- Unique Features: Beyond hardware, "The Strat" included a hotter X-1 bridge pickup, a rotary selector switch for nine tonal combinations, and a solid ash body, typically finished in Candy Apple Red, Lake Placid Blue, or Arctic White (added in 1981). The gold hardware complemented these features, making the guitar visually striking and tonally versatile.
Market Reception: Despite its innovations, "The Strat" was a commercial failure, produced only from 1980 to 1983. The high cost of the gold-plated hardware reportedly made it unprofitable, and Fender shifted much of its production to Japan by 1984. However, the model is now considered collectible for its unique design and historical significance.
The gold hardware on the 1980 Fender "The Strat" included a gold-plated brass tremolo bridge with a massive vibrato block, Fender/Schaller tuners, volume and tone knobs, output jack plate, strap buttons, and a four-bolt neck plate, all part of the Brassmaster Series with a 22-carat gold electroplated finish. This hardware was both a aesthetic and functional upgrade, aimed at enhancing sustain and durability, though it contributed to the model’s high cost and limited production run.
