When were Fullerton-era Fender Vintage Reissue Stratocasters made?

Fullerton-era Fender Vintage Reissue Stratocasters were made between 1982 and 1986, with production later moving to Corona.

What headstock variations exist in Fullerton-era Fender Vintage Reissue Stratocasters?

Fullerton-era Fender Vintage Reissue Stratocasters initially had the 'Dan Smith style' headstock, later replaced by the larger 'pregnant' headstock during the Corona period.

What woods were used for the bodies of Fullerton-era Fender Vintage Reissue Stratocasters?

Most Fullerton-era Fender Vintage Reissue Stratocaster bodies were made from alder, with some ash 'Mary Kaye' variants.

How were Fullerton-era Fender Vintage Reissue Stratocasters finished?

Fullerton-era Fender Vintage Reissue Stratocasters featured nitrocellulose lacquer over a polyester basecoat, with later models offering custom color options.

How can Fullerton-era Fender Vintage Reissue Stratocasters be dated?

Fullerton-era Fender Vintage Reissue Stratocasters can be dated using pencil neck-dates, stamped or printed formats, and serial numbers, which became date-coded from around 2012.

What defines a Fender Vintage Reissue Stratocaster?

A Fender Vintage Reissue Stratocaster is defined by its faithful recreation of specific vintage models, including period-correct specs, finishes, and construction details, such as those of the Fullerton-era guitars.

How can I spot the difference between a ’57 and ’62 Fullerton-era Fender Vintage Reissue Stratocaster?

Differences include variations in neck profiles, pickup types, and certain cosmetic details specific to the ’57 and ’62 Fullerton-era Fender Vintage Reissue Stratocaster models.

How accurate are Fullerton-era Fender Vintage Reissue Stratocasters compared to the original vintage models?

Fullerton-era Fender Vintage Reissue Stratocasters aim for high accuracy but may differ slightly in materials or finishes due to manufacturing changes or supplier availability.

Are the pickups in Fullerton-era Fender Vintage Reissue Stratocasters the same as those in later reissue models?

Pickups in Fullerton-era Fender Vintage Reissue Stratocasters differ from later reissues, with the earlier models featuring staggered-pole pickups designed to replicate original tones.

How do I authenticate or date a Fullerton-era Fender Vintage Reissue Stratocaster based on physical features?

Authentication and dating rely on examining neck stamps, pencil dates, decal styles, body contours, and serial numbers unique to Fullerton-era Fender Vintage Reissue Stratocasters.

Strat - FuzzFaced

Vintage Reissue Stratocasters Specs

18 February 20268 August 2025 by Antonio Calvosa

Fender’s Fullerton Vintage Reissue Stratocasters (c. 1982–1986) featured “Dan Smith style” headstocks, followed by the distinctive “pregnant” headstock when production moved to Corona. Logo decals evolved across three batches, varying in font, placement, and finish. Bodies were mostly alder, with limited ash “Mary Kaye” variants; Corona models had deeper, sharper contours. Early instruments show deepened cavities and extra neck-pocket holes. Dating is done via pencil neck-dates or later stamped/printed formats; serials became date-coded from around 2012. Finishes began with nitro over polyester, later expanding to custom colors. Electronics included staggered-pole pickups and CTS pots with Sprague caps.