Fender Stratocaster Dan Smith “Gold on Gold” 1981

This Stratocaster was introduced as part of the early Collector’s Series and is one of the most distinctive models from the Dan Smith era. As with several Dan Smith models from this period, the emphasis is more on traditional Stratocaster specifications. For example, the guitar features the smaller Stratocaster headstock with a more traditional CBS-era Fender logo design. The neck does not have a bullet truss rod, but rather a traditional truss rod adjustment at the heel. The most distinctive feature is, of course, the original gold hardware.

This guitar features the highly sought-after CA serial number, characteristic of the Collector’s Series, and has retained its original gold hardware. The guitar weighs 4,200 grams and features a 4-bolt maple neck with a maple fingerboard, a comfortable Soft “V” neck profile, and the distinctive small headstock. The three original Fender X-1 high-output single-coil pickups sound great. The potentiometers have been replaced in the past.

Cosmetically, the guitar is in a well-played but neat vintage condition. As is to be expected with an instrument of this age, there is discoloration, wear, and signs of use in the finish. The frets also show some wear. It’s very hard to see, but the previous owner also personalized the instrument slightly by very lightly scratching his name into the lacquer near the heel (see last photo).

This unique Gold on Gold Fender comes with the original case, gold tremolo arm, and hang tags.