It looks like you're new here. If you want to get involved, click one of these buttons!
Subscribe to our Patreon, and get image uploads with no ads on the site!
Base theme by DesignModo & ported to Powered by Vanilla by Chris Ireland, modified by the "theFB" team.
Comments
Interesting that Don says quality didn't suffer at all under CBS while Dan says the factory was making only 8 out of several hundred guitars that were able to pass QC!
Granted initial changes during the mid/late 60's, straight after the buy out, regarding a few spec and designs but nothing that is a serious decline in actual quality control - Granted not everyone liked some of the new spec/features, from 65 to 69/70 but the actual QC had not gone down south at this stage - Remember not all pre-CBS models are hunky dory and during the golden era Fender found issues that had to be corrected, like the single ply scratchplates warping
But once shipping numbers went up, and the total new design of the 70's Strat came into place, then yes a serious decline in QC, spec etc
Hands down best Jazzmaster I ever played was a 67 targetburst. Absolutely glorious. And I do love those block necks
Today we pick up on other changes like the poly finish, neck shape, pick-up, but at the time it was never marketed as 'the best Strat ever' etc - It was just another year and another guitar, so the 'negative' issues kicked in at afar later date
On a Jag or Jazzmaster the binding and inlays changed, but again QC was the same for 64 and 66/67
The buyout will always be linked to the end of the 'golden era' - But not all old guitars are good
No health and safety - bare chest - no masks in the spray booth