I have a Stratocaster that i believe is from 1996 but it has a 7.25” radius fretboard.
ChatGPT said:
That’s interesting! A 7.25” radius fretboard is a more vintage-spec radius, typically found on earlier Strats, especially those from the '50s and '60s. If your Strat is from 1996, it’s a bit unusual but not impossible. Fender did produce some reissue models and guitars with vintage-style features during the '90s, so it’s possible your Strat might be one of those, such as a 50s or 60s reissue or a custom shop model. Do you know if it has any specific markings or model numbers that might indicate if it's a reissue or something special? That could help confirm its origin.
You said:
It has a 50th anniversary sticker on the neck but it’s Olympic white.
ChatGPT said:
Ah, that’s a cool detail! The 50th anniversary sticker is a big clue. Fender released special 50th Anniversary models in 1996 to celebrate the Stratocaster’s debut in 1946. The anniversary models often had vintage-inspired features, which might explain the 7.25” radius fretboard. It was common for these special editions to include things like vintage-style necks, hardware, and finishes, along with a commemorative sticker.
Olympic White is also a classic Fender color, often found on those vintage-style models. The 7.25” radius would make sense for a reissue-style model, since it was common on older Strats, especially in the '50s. So, it sounds like you’ve got one of those 50th Anniversary models, possibly a vintage reissue with a more "classic" feel.
Is the neck stamped with anything like “Made in USA,” or do you have any other markings to narrow it down further?
You said:
It says Made in USA on the headstock
ChatGPT said:
That definitely backs up the idea that it’s a higher-end model from Fender's U.S. factory, likely a reissue or a special 50th Anniversary Strat. The "Made in USA" marking is a good indicator that it’s a legitimate, quality instrument, especially since Fender also made some lower-end models (like the Squier Strats) outside the U.S. in the '90s.
Given the 7.25” radius and the vintage-inspired features, it’s almost certainly one of their '50s or '60s reissues, but the Olympic White color and anniversary sticker point to a special, possibly limited run for the 50th Anniversary.
It’s a cool piece of history! How’s the guitar play? The 7.25” radius gives it a very smooth, vintage feel, but it’s not the easiest to shred on compared to a flatter radius.
You said:
It’s supposedly an American Standard model with a TBX control
ChatGPT said:
Ah, that clears things up a bit more. If it’s an American Standard model, that would explain some of the mixed features you’re seeing. The American Standard series in the '90s did indeed come with some unique touches, and the TBX (Tone Blend Control) was a feature added to those models around that time.
The TBX control allows for more tonal flexibility by giving you a tone control with a wider range than the typical Strat setup. The first half of the dial works like a standard tone control, while the second half boosts both treble and bass, making it more versatile.
As for the 7.25” radius, that’s a little bit unusual for an American Standard, since they typically came with a 9.5” radius during that period. However, it’s possible that Fender had some leftover stock of vintage-spec necks or used those on the 50th Anniversary models, which would give it a more vintage vibe.
So, it seems like your Strat could be a hybrid of sorts—an American Standard body with some vintage-style features and the 50th Anniversary label. It’s definitely a unique and collectible guitar!
How does the TBX control work for you? Does it give you a wider range of tones than the standard Strat setup?
You said:
I just leave it on the detention position.
ChatGPT said:
That makes sense! The detent position on the TBX control is the middle "click" point, which acts like a standard tone knob, so it essentially gives you a more typical Strat sound without much fuss. It’s nice to know you don’t have to think too much about it and can just focus on playing.
A lot of players keep it there because it offers a balanced, classic tone that works well for most situations. If you ever feel like experimenting, you can use the TBX to dial in more brightness or warmth, depending on what you’re looking for. But yeah, I totally get just keeping it in the middle, especially if it sounds great for your style.
