Fender Stratocaster

Date: 1976

Dimensions: H: 997 mm W: 321 mm D: 44 mm

Materials: Wood (Maple), Nickel-Chrome, Plastic, Lacquer, Steel

Inscriptions/Markings: 

A sticker from the shop where the guitar was originally purchased is present with text reading, “RHODES MUSIC; CO. LTD.; 22 DENMARK STREET; LONDON W.C.2; 01-836-4656”. On front of guitar head, logo and serial number are present reading: FENDER; STRATOCASTER; SERIAL NUMBER 76 78627; MADE IN USA

Object Description:

Purchased at Rhodes Music on 22 Denmark Street in London in 1967, the guitar is a black Fender Stratocaster manufactured in 1967. Maple neck and detailing. White plastic knobs and nickel-chrome hardware. Strings have been replaced but all other components of guitar are original. Guitar was purchased by owner in 1967 and has remained the only owner of the guitar.  

Condition (Pre-Installation):

Guitar is in good-fair condition with expected patterns of wear due to use for performance. Light scratches and abrasions are present on all surfaces, especially the back of the guitar. Soiling and dust present on the front of the guitar, specifically underneath the string sections. Dry surface cleaning can easily remove dust. White plastic ‘Volume’ and 2 ‘Tone’ knobs are original and had been kept in storage and were never used by owner when guitar was played. No yellowing present and in excellent condition considering age. Strings and hardware are in good condition with evidence of previous mild corrosion that is now stable. String tension is safe for display. 

On underside of guitar head, residual adhesive is present. It is likely the remnant of sticker that has since been removed. Surface residue is still tacky. A sticker from the shop where the guitar was originally purchased is present with text reading, “RHODES MUSIC; CO. LTD.; 22 DENMARK STREET; LONDON W.C.2; 01-836-4656”. On front of guitar head, logo and serial number are present reading: FENDER; STRATOCASTER; SERIAL NUMBER 76 78627; MADE IN USA. Neck of guitar is in good condition with light fading to surface due to UV exposure and wear. The base of the neck connecting to the body possesses losses along the wood with chipping to the finish.

Treatment:

The pitted edges of the headrest were filled with a mixture of granulated hot hide glue and sawdust (1:1 mixture) to make them more stable for the new twill tape/Velcro. To prevent the Velcro from failing more immediately, a new method was used. Initially, it was evident that mechanically sewn on Velcro provided the strongest bond while still being a fully reversible treatment. Additionally, the use of granulated hot hide glue to attach the initial twill tape was successful overall. The new method of attachment combines these two techniques to make for a durable, yet reversible Velcro adhesion to the wood frame.