1988 – 1989 Fender Japanese Stratocaster.
Here's a quick post about a quirky repair that came through the shop a few months ago for a basic setup. The output jack plate was also loose, so that was to be addressed as well. This is a late 1980's Fender Stratocaster, made in Japan.
Fender Stratocaster headstock. “Made in Japan”
So the plan of attack on this one came together like this:
1. Dowel and re-drill the output jack mounting plate.
2. Check over the circuit - just so happened to find the neck pickup magnet was separated from the pickup (first time for me).
3. Secure the loose magnet to the neck pickup.
4. Remove the neck and adjust the truss rod.
5. Setup and check intonation.
: : : : : :
And away we go ...
Loose output jack plate. Note the right screw is floating and cannot be tightened.
Both output jack plate holes are doweled and redrilled.
Surprised to find that the neck pickup’s magnet had come loose and was only held on by it’s own magnetism.
Note the designation on the middle position magnet – this is reverse wound so that positions 2 and 4 are hum canceling.
Neck pickup magnet resecured to the pickup with glue.
The truss rod needed adjustment, so the neck had to be removed to access the screw. Note the shim in the neck pocket used to decrease the neck angle.
Hidden away in the neck pocket is access to the truss rod adjustment screw. I always find this inconvenient to have to remove the neck for this common adjustment.
Maple fingerboard showing it’s age with some genuine player wear.
Japanese Strat back together and ready to rip.