Dan Smith was chosen to revise and improve the Stratocaster in the early 1980s. In June 1983, the Standard Stratocaster was significantly revised with the aim of reducing costs!

In the early 1980s, Dan Smith was appointed to revise and improve the Fender Stratocaster. The CBS era had done Fender few favors, and with the appointment of Smith and others, the Stratocaster was meant to be brought back to the very top once again.

In June 1983, the Standard Stratocaster was extensively redesigned with the goal of reducing production costs. The output jack was moved to the new single-ply pickguard with twelve screws, and there was only one tone control instead of two hence the nickname “2 Knob Stratocaster.”

This Stratocaster features an ash body with a Blonde finish, a maple neck with a 12-inch radius, and a Freeflyte tremolo system. The finish has heavily discolored over time, creating a very cool and distinctive effect.

This Dan Smith Strat is completely original and in excellent condition. It shows only minimal signs of play wear, mainly on the back and the neck plate. A beautiful example from a very interesting period in Fender’s history! Comes in a case with a TFOA passport.