1984 Fender Stratocaster USA "two knob"

This is my 1984 Strat, a "two knob", "cost cutter" American Stratocaster I purchased new in 1984 - more info at http://www.cloudyproject.com. In the early eighties, Fender feared the Japanese manufacturers and decided to reduce manufacturing costs by reducing the number of body routs from three to one. The pocket for the input jack was cut, with the jack being placed on the pickguard where the 2nd tone control normally went (and the pickguard has an extra screw near the jack, added to keep the guard from pulling up when the plug was removed). A new tremolo was designed (called the "Freeflyte") that was a "top loader", meaning the strings no longer ran through the body, thus eliminating the large rout on the back of the guitar. Contrary to popular belief, it's still a three-spring design - the springs are under the pickguard and appear to be the same length as other Strat trem springs.

The only variants of the "two-knobs" were the "Elite" which featured active electronics, and the "Bowling Ball" strats. which were the same two-knob USA guitars with a marbled paint finish.

Fender purists hated the changes, and by 1986 the "American Standard" was developed, based on the lessons learned from the well-regarded reissue Strats of the early 80's - the new Standards were much like sixties strats, but introduced the 2-point floating tremolo as opposed to the "six screw" vintage-style trem - a decision that still divides Strat fans.

However, the 83 & 84 "two knob" models were actually very good guitars, with high quality necks, bodies, and setup - they were, after all, hand-made guitars from American workers, using premium woods and undergoing more rigorous inspection. The body of this one is the heaviest strat I've played (it's still no Les Paul though) which seems to account for the really nice low-end "thump" this guitar has. It's the best player I've ever owned as well. The tone? Very Fender-ish, but the top-loader trem design doesn't seem to deliver as much "spring" sound. This model came stock with a graphite nut and graphite string tees as well; currently it has a stacked humbucker in the bridge position - but I still have the original pickup.

Still under-rated by collectors, they really are quality guitars, and mine seems to support the belief that good guitars just get better with age - it really sounds and plays great (this video was shot using a Sure Sm57 on a Peavey Classic 30 Amp, and plugging the mic directly into the XLR input of the DVX video camera - not the best way to record an amp, but not bad).

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Fender Strat
• Sratocaster
• Dan Smith
• USA Strat
• American Strat
• 1984
• 1983
• 84
• 83
• blackie
• Freeflyte
• Freeflight

[XmyAssYTmofo]

Did this one escape that other CBS cost cutting measure of using 3 instead of 4 screws in the neck pocket?

Where are the trem springs at?

[cloudyproject]

@XmyAssYTmofo @XmyAssYTmofo It has a 4-bolt neck; the springs are under the pickguard; the main effect of the cost cutting was to get rid of the rear route, and the jack (football) route. So one tone knob made way for the input jack, and a new trem was created with springs that load under the pups. There's also an extra screw on the pickguard so when you pull the cord, the pickguard stays put. the trem's considered a tone-sucker, and they're known to break. No parts available, either.

[cloudyproject]

This has the "freeflyte" trem that was made for only a couple years; and '89 USA is generally a normal Strat as far as construction and trem goes; though there are various options for pickups.etc.

[Italicorum3500]

Hi cloudyproject, first of all: very nice tone.... I like it very much. However, I was wondering if you can help me. I have got a 2 knob strat from 84 just like yours in sunburst which I have enjoyed playing for a long time. Nowadays, I cannot longer play that guitar because the bridge is totally worned out. Any advise on how I coud get a brand new bridge for my guitar? I leave in the Netherlands and I cannot find it anywhere here. I appreciate if you could help. Thank you!!

[cloudyproject]

@Italicorum3500 - Man, that's the big problem with these strats. First thing you should do is set up ebay searches for things like "freeflyte" (that's the name of the trem) and anything else that may find your parts - set it up to alert you when someone posts an item. I'd contact Stewart Macdonald (google it) and see if there's some sort of trem that might work - a standard strat trem won't work, I've heard something like a floyd rose might work. Good luck!

[AmericanThrash]

great riffin dude! love that tone! ive got a question for ya... how much is a guitar like that worth? i believe i have one and theyre hard to find info on.

[cloudyproject]

@AmericanThrash - thanks man - that's been discussed in this comment thread. Also, read the full "info" for this video for more scoop on the 2-knobs. There's a link to my blog with more info. Overall, they seem to go for anywhere from a couple hundred to about $750; the "bowling ball" marbled finish a bit more, and the "elite" versions can fetch up to $1500 or more.

[XmyAssYTmofo]

@cloudyproject Wow I'll have to see if there's any on-line pics of under the pick guard on that model.

Shame about the job losses, but as we know it ended up gettin' even worse.

[Sprangeful]

Whats the difference on a Stratocaster 89 Usa made, and this one?

[fastfire97]

@Italicorum3500 Guitar parts UK.

[Orieus]

excellent vid, a real beauty u got with that 84 my friend. Really appreciate your playing, its pure feel and very very tasteful...from the soul

cheers

[Megastring]

I do own one of these 'two knob' Strats and found that it was referenced as 'Standard Stratocaster, Second Edition.' The 'Freeflyte Tremolo' was a Charlie Grisham design (German Manufacture). I have seen models of this sell for $650. I do believe that it was manufactured only 1983-1984. The last place that I found that stocked the bridge had closed years ago. Cherish it if you have one. Just one of the unusual Strats, but plays well.