With the recreation of the Custom Shop 1954 Stratocaster guitar, we acknowledge our past. With the 2004 American Deluxe Series 50th Anniversary Stratocaster, our eyes are focused firmly on the future. The first mass produced electric bass was developed by Leo Fender, a well-known guitar manufacturer, as experiments with upright basses with pickups did not work very well at the time. However, with prices on the increase, most sixties guitars are too expensive, leaving only Fender Duo Sonics, Mustangs or Gibson Melody Makers within their budget. This model also utilizes the “Delta Tone” system, which includes a high output bridge pickup and special no-load tone control for the middle and bridge pickups. Shown in 2-Color Sunburst. The reissues of ’82 were okay, but many players had the real thing and they were still affordable. The change to the guitar form factor and the addition of frets made the instrument much easier to play. Fender's Precision Bass was first sold in 1951, with the single split pickup design that is still widely available (both Fender Precision basses and innumerable copies) being introduced in 1957. As to new or more recent "non vintage" Strats, I have noticed that people have starting to enquire about Limited Edition Custom Shop models. Recently, we have been asked about the 40th Anniversary Hank Marvin Model, the Jaguar Racing Green Stratocaster model (that’s Jaguar the car, not the guitar), and the Hendrix Monterey model. All information is based on Gibson's own documents and literature. * The different stages of evolution of the electric guitar, with detailed speci fications of all models introduced up to 1961. For the Gibson lovers, I'd consider a '54 to '56 Les Paul Gold Top (I think you might be lucky to pick up a '57) or a Custom. If you have $5,000 or $6,000 left, then a good Fender Tweed Bassman or Twin would fit the bill nicely. A catholic choice, I know, but these guitars have consistently been in demand, and I see no change to this in the near or far-off future. Acoustic Guitar Magazine.
