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  • From: Philly
  • Registered: 2011-01-04
  • Posts: 269

Topic: Need Guidance - Fullerton Fender Strat Body

I'm looking to put together a parts Strat and I think I have found the body on ebay I'm looking for but I have some questions that I can't seem to answer so if anybody can provide any guidance I'd be grateful.

It's a "first run" 82 USA Fullerton Fender 57 RI Strat Body.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Rare-First-Run- … 404wt_1044

1.) Neck pocket picture:  Is it a crack or a depression perhaps from a shim?
2.) Neck pocket picture: 2 additional holes drilled in neck pocket but do not go through to other side, what could they have been for?
3.) The seller says it is a "Factory Re-Route" (in the tone knobs & switch pocket) which occurred on first runs and I have not been able to confirm this procedure, anyboby ever hear of factory re-route before on first runs?

Thanks in advance for any help.

Slow is smooth, smooth is fast.
  • Registered: 2006-06-30
  • Posts: 2,835

Re: Need Guidance - Fullerton Fender Strat Body

It's maybe a stress crack...I don't know about the extra holes....never saw that before

And so castles made of sand melts into the sea, eventually.........
  • From: North Carolina
  • Registered: 2008-10-26
  • Posts: 2,926

Re: Need Guidance - Fullerton Fender Strat Body

I'm thinking that the holes are just to hang the body for painting maybe?  And they drill the 4 holes later after its been finished to keep the finish from building up in the holes.  Just a guess.  I think it also looks like they were going to route the guitars like their American standard which has more meat where the 5 way switch is located to give you meat for the 11 hole pickguard, and it looks like they caught the mistake rerouted it for a true 50s style cut.  If you try to put a 11 hole pickguard on this that one screw hole has nothing to screw into.  As for the depression I wouldn't worry about it.  If its a crack Glue will fix it.  If its from a shim... well to be honest most necks need to be worked into the slot, so if your neck does have to be shimmed no big deal.  If it doesn't I wouldn't worry about the depression of the wood.  If it truly bothers you take a damp cloth and a soldering iron to it.  The steam will swell the wood back out.  I say go for it, the body looks great!

AD3THREE's Website

  • From: Was NY now FL/GA line
  • Registered: 2007-12-16
  • Posts: 2,857

Re: Need Guidance - Fullerton Fender Strat Body

Extra holes are for painting. The depression is from a shim. Looks to be a three piece body. That is NOT a factory reroute!!

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  • From: Philly
  • Registered: 2011-01-04
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Re: Need Guidance - Fullerton Fender Strat Body

Spider wrote:

That is NOT a factory reroute!!

Thanks guys for the help.  Agreed that the re-route is not factory for I know I could do a better job with a half a bottle of Jack Daniels in me.

Also the bidding price is rather low for a body like that so others must be saying the same thing.

Slow is smooth, smooth is fast.
  • Registered: 2006-04-22
  • Posts: 1,168

Re: Need Guidance - Fullerton Fender Strat Body

I'm with Spider.  That is not factory. Probably had EMGs back in the day.  With Strat bodies it's tough to know how they sound until the whole guitar is put together. 

Good luck and happy hunting

Joe B

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  • From: Philly
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Re: Need Guidance - Fullerton Fender Strat Body

I'm going to pass on this body.

Thanks again one and all for the advice.

Slow is smooth, smooth is fast.