1981 Fender Stratocaster

1981 Stratocaster Specs: An important transition year. While at the beginning of 1981 the basic model is still the 1976 version, by the end of the year a new model will go into production: the Standard Stratocaster, also known as the Dan Smith Strat, that is clearly a return to pre-CBS design principles: smaller headstock, four bolt neck, and body end truss rod adustement (no bullet) – it does, however, retain the CBS-style logo decal (see 1982). Note: some transition variations can be found, such as white plastic, four-bolt neck, bullet truss rod adustment and large headstock, as seen in the second image below). Also offered this year: the International Color series Strats, of which one, Monaco Blue, is pictured below. Apart from their colors, they’re basically a 1976 Stratocster with the exception of the Sahara Taupe model that has a four bolt, no bullet design.