Table of Contents
When did Fender start using maple fretboards?
Throughout the late ’60s, Fender quality under CBS continued to decline. As early as 1968, Fender began using a thicker polyurethane finish instead of the traditional nitrocellulose. Starting in 1969, Fender offered a single-piece Maple neck with the original “skunk stripe” as opposed to the glued-on Maple fretboard.”
Why are there no more rosewood fretboards?
The USA doesn’t really produce Rosewood though. There were ways to be able to use Rosewood but it couldn’t be done on a massive scale with the restrictions in place. Therefore many manufacturers started using alternatives such as Indian Laurel, Pao Ferro, and man-made materials designed to mimic wood.
Why did Fender start using rosewood fretboards?
The story goes that Leo Fender was frustrated with the wear in maple fretboards. He introduced the so-called “slab rosewood fretboard” in 1959 on the Stratocaster. The characteristics of rosewood gave the guitar tone a slightly deeper timbre.
What were 60s Strats made of?
rosewood
The Stratocaster of 1960 was basically the same guitar as the Stratocaster of 1959, most readily distinguished from previous 1950s models by a rosewood “slab” fingerboard, multi-ply celluloid pickguard with more screw holes (11) and a notable greenish tint (although some had faux-tortoiseshell nitrocellulose pickguards …
Why did Leo Fender make the strat?
In response to player feedback on the Telecaster, Randall wanted the new guitar to have some kind of vibrato system, and Leo was eager to better the designs by his former business partner, Doc Kauffman, and by his contemporary, Paul Bigsby.
When did fender stop using rosewood fretboards?
In 2017 when CITES imposed restrictions on instruments featuring rosewood, Fender made a few changes. Now that those restrictions have been lifted, Fender use a combination of rosewood, pau ferro and ebony.
What is the difference between maple and rosewood fretboards?
The key difference, aside from the look, between maple and rosewood fretboards, is that the whole piece of maple makes up the neck as well as the fretboard, whereas a rosewood fretboard is usually glued on to another piece of wood to make up the neck.
How much is a 1961 Fender Stratocaster worth?
The 1961 list price was $289.50. The current value for one in excellent all-original condition is $20,000. This Stratocaster is in excellent condition, with few body marks and a clean pickguard and electronics.
Why did Leo Fender make guitars?
Leo began to think about designing an electric Spanish guitar. There were only so many customers for the steels, and there seemed to be a taste developing for something new. Toward the end of 1950, Fender started production of a radical new solidbody guitar, the Fender Broadcaster.