This 1982 Fender Stratocaster in Sienna Sunburst, commonly known as a Dan Smith Stratocaster, comes from one of the most important transitional periods in Fender's modern history.

Unlike the later 1983 two-knob Standard, this is the desirable earlier 3-knob version, retaining the familiar master volume and twin tone-control layout while introducing a 4-bolt neck, smaller headstock, heel-adjust truss rod and hotter X-1 bridge pickup as part of Fender's drive towards improved quality and more traditional Stratocaster design.

Serial number E213680. This example features a rosewood fingerboard, is presented in Very Good Condition and includes a hardcase.

At A Glance

Key Detail	Information
Brand	Fender
Model	Standard Stratocaster / “Dan Smith” Stratocaster
Year	1982
Finish	Sienna Sunburst
Fingerboard	Rosewood
Controls	Traditional 3-Knob Layout
Condition	Pre-Owned, Very Good Condition
Serial Number	E213680
Recorded Weight	Approx. 3.51kg
Included	Hardcase
Main Appeal	Short-lived early-'80s USA Strat specification
Best For	Vintage Fender enthusiasts, blues, rock, funk, indie and collectors

Condition Overview

Very Good Condition

This 1982 Fender Dan Smith-era Stratocaster is presented in Very Good Condition.

Under the Fair Deal Music grading system, Very Good Condition means the guitar shows some cosmetic wear consistent with careful previous ownership while remaining fully functional.

For an instrument now more than four decades old, it remains an appealing player's vintage Fender with genuine early-'80s character.

What's Included?

✔ 1982 Fender Stratocaster Sienna Sunburst
✔ Hardcase

✘ No Additional Accessories Included

Condition Notes

• Very Good overall condition
• Cosmetic wear consistent with age and previous use
• Rosewood fingerboard
• Hardcase included
• Serial number: E213680

No specific faults, repairs or modifications are recorded.

Fair Deal Quality Control Assessment

This vintage Fender Stratocaster has been inspected and assessed by the Fair Deal Music team before being offered for sale.

Our checks include:

• All three pickup positions tested
• 5-way selector checked
• Master volume tested
• Both tone controls checked
• Output jack tested
• Neck condition assessed
• Rosewood fingerboard inspected
• Frets checked
• Tuning machines assessed
• Tremolo operation checked
• Saddles and bridge hardware inspected
• General electronics checked
• General playability assessed
• Hardcase checked for basic usability

Service / Setup Work

All pre-owned guitars at Fair Deal Music are checked for setup and general playability before leaving the shop.

Key areas assessed include:

• Action
• Neck relief
• Fret condition
• Intonation
• Tuning stability
• Pickup operation
• Electronics
• Tremolo setup
• Hardware
• General playability

Vintage wooden instruments can respond naturally to changes in temperature and humidity, so minor setup movement during transportation can occasionally occur.

What Makes The 1982 Dan Smith Stratocaster Special?

The early Dan Smith-era Stratocaster represents Fender actively moving away from several design choices associated with the later CBS period. The 3-bolt Micro-Tilt neck arrangement and bullet truss rod disappeared, replaced by a 4-bolt neck and heel-adjust truss rod, while the oversized headstock was reduced to a smaller format.

The electronics remained recognisably Stratocaster, with the traditional one-volume, two-tone control layout and 5-way selector, while the hotter X-1 bridge pickup gave the model additional bite. Its relatively short production period has made the genuine 3-knob Smith Strat increasingly interesting to players and Fender collectors.

Key Features & Benefits

Original-Style 3-Knob Layout

The familiar master volume and two tone controls distinguish this generation from the later 1983 Standard Stratocaster, which moved to the much more controversial two-knob arrangement.

X-1 Bridge Pickup Specification

The period specification introduced Fender's hotter X-1 single coil in the bridge position, adding extra output and midrange presence while retaining traditional Stratocaster attack.

4-Bolt Neck Construction

Fender returned to a conventional 4-bolt neck attachment, moving away from the 3-bolt Micro-Tilt arrangement associated with many 1970s Stratocasters.

Smaller Headstock

The return to a smaller headstock reflected Fender's renewed interest in earlier Stratocaster design, although these guitars retained their own distinctive early-'80s decal and detailing.

Rosewood Fingerboard

This example uses a rosewood fingerboard, giving it a slightly warmer visual character against the rich Sienna Sunburst finish.

Comparison Against Popular Alternatives

1982 Dan Smith Stratocaster vs 1983 2-Knob Standard

These models are often incorrectly grouped together. The genuine Smith Strat retains three controls, conventional pickup layout and a more traditional tremolo arrangement, while the later Standard moved the output jack onto the pickguard, reduced the controls to two knobs and introduced the Freeflyte tremolo.

Dan Smith Stratocaster vs 1970s Fender Stratocaster

Many 1970s Strats use a large headstock, bullet truss rod and 3-bolt Micro-Tilt neck. The Smith-era guitar returned to a smaller headstock, heel-adjust truss rod and 4-bolt attachment as Fender worked to improve its professional range.

Dan Smith Stratocaster vs American Vintage Stratocaster

Fender introduced its American Vintage reissues during the same general period, but the Dan Smith Standard was not intended as a strict '50s or '60s recreation. It combined traditional Fender ideas with contemporary early-'80s features.

Who Is It For?

Vintage Fender enthusiasts – A fascinating guitar from an important transitional chapter in Fender history.

Stratocaster players – The conventional 3-knob layout and SSS format keep the playing experience immediately familiar.

Blues guitarists – The responsive single coils and traditional Fender scale work naturally for expressive clean and overdriven playing.

Rock players – The hotter period X-1 bridge specification provides additional bite for driven rhythm and lead tones.

Collectors of early-'80s Fender guitars – Genuine 3-knob Smith Strats occupy a distinctive position between CBS-era production and the later American Standard generation.

Suitable Genres & Applications

Particularly well suited to:

• Blues
• Blues rock
• Classic rock
• Rock
• Funk
• Soul
• Indie
• Alternative
• Pop
• New wave
• Studio recording
• Live performance
• Clean rhythm guitar
• Lead guitar
• Vintage amplifier rigs

Why Choose A Dan Smith-Era Fender?

The early 1980s were a pivotal period for Fender.

Dan Smith joined the company as part of a wider effort to improve consistency and restore some of the construction features players associated with earlier Fender instruments.

The resulting Stratocaster was neither a vintage reissue nor simply another late-CBS model. It represented a transitional design, combining a smaller headstock, 4-bolt neck and heel-adjust truss rod with contemporary pickups and hardware.

That historical position gives the 1982 3-knob Stratocaster an identity of its own.

Story & Context

By the beginning of the 1980s, Fender was working to address concerns surrounding the consistency of some instruments produced during the later CBS years.

Dan Smith was recruited as part of the team responsible for overhauling Fender's guitar range, and the revised Stratocaster introduced during this period represented a deliberate move towards more traditional construction.

The model returned to:

• A 4-bolt neck
• Smaller headstock
• Heel-adjust truss rod
• Traditional 3-knob controls

It also incorporated the hotter X-1 bridge pickup, giving the design a distinctly contemporary element.

These guitars became informally known as “Dan Smith Strats.”

Importantly, the name should not be confused with the later 2-knob Standard Stratocaster introduced in 1983. Although both belong to the wider Dan Smith period, collectors generally reserve the Smith Strat description for this earlier 3-knob generation.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Product Type	Solid Body Electric Guitar
Brand	Fender
Official Model	Standard Stratocaster
Common Name	Dan Smith Stratocaster
Year	1982
Serial Number	E213680
Country of Manufacture	USA
Finish	Sienna Sunburst
Fingerboard Material	Rosewood
Neck Material	Maple
Neck Construction	4-Bolt
Truss Rod Adjustment	Heel
Headstock	Small Early-'80s Fender Style
Fingerboard Radius	7.25"
Scale Length	25.5"
Number of Frets	21
Nut Width	Approx. 1.65"
Pickup Configuration	SSS
Period Bridge Pickup	Fender X-1 Single Coil
Pickup Selector	5-Way Blade
Controls	Master Volume, 2 Tone
Electronics	Passive
Bridge	6-Saddle Fender Synchronized Tremolo
Tuning Machines	Fender F-Style Sealed Tuners
Recorded Weight	Approx. 3.51kg
Included	Hardcase
Condition	Pre-Owned, Very Good Condition

Vintage Specification Note

The X-1 bridge pickup is part of the documented factory specification of the 1982 Dan Smith Stratocaster.

As with any instrument more than 40 years old, individual component originality should be assessed from the guitar itself rather than assumed solely from its model year.

Serial Number Note

Serial number E213680 is consistent with Fender's early-1980s USA serial numbering.

Fender serial ranges during this period overlap, meaning the E2 prefix alone should not be treated as an exact year code. This individual guitar is identified as a 1982 example through its wider model specification and documented history.

Power Requirements

No battery or external power supply is required.

The Stratocaster electronics are passive and connect to an amplifier, pedalboard, modeller or audio interface using a standard 1/4" instrument cable.

Fair Deal Music Verdict

★★★★★ 5/5

This 1982 Fender Dan Smith Stratocaster in Sienna Sunburst represents a genuinely interesting moment in Fender history.

The 3-knob control layout, smaller headstock, 4-bolt neck and X-1 bridge pickup specification make it importantly different from both the 1970s Stratocasters that preceded it and the 2-knob Standard that followed.

Presented in Very Good Condition, with a rosewood fingerboard and hardcase included, serial E213680 is an attractive proposition for someone looking for a genuine vintage USA Strat that also tells an important part of the story of Fender's early-'80s revival.

Why Buy Pre-Owned From Fair Deal Music?

Vintage instruments are individual guitars, and their condition, functionality and component history matter just as much as catalogue specification.

Every pre-owned guitar at Fair Deal Music is individually assessed before sale so its overall condition and included items are clearly represented.

Why Buy From Fair Deal Music?

When you buy from Fair Deal Music, you're choosing one of the UK's most established, independent family run music retailers since 1987.

Fair Deal Music is Birmingham's largest independent music store, combining a major showroom with nationwide ecommerce and decades of experience buying, selling and part-exchanging new, pre-owned and vintage musical equipment.

When you buy from us, you benefit from:

• Family-run independent retailer established in 1987
• Birmingham's largest independent music store
• 6,000+ Trustpilot reviews
• Expert musician-led advice
• Extensive experience with Fender and vintage guitars
• Pre-owned instruments individually assessed
• Clear condition grading
• Secure ordering
• Fast UK delivery
• Large Birmingham showroom
• Friendly support before and after purchase

Trade In. Trade Up. Save More.

Your existing gear could help towards the cost of this vintage Fender.

Fair Deal Music buys and part-exchanges guitars, basses, amplifiers, effects, keyboards and a wide range of other musical equipment.

Contact our team for a no-obligation valuation and find out what your current equipment could be worth towards this 1982 Fender Dan Smith Stratocaster.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a genuine Dan Smith Stratocaster?

Yes. This is the early 3-knob Standard Stratocaster commonly referred to as the Dan Smith Strat, produced during Fender's early-'80s transitional period.

What year is serial E213680?

This individual guitar is identified as a 1982 example. Fender's E2 serial range overlaps 1982 and 1983, so the serial prefix should be considered alongside the guitar's specification and history.

Is this the later 2-knob Dan Smith Strat?

No. This is the earlier and distinct 3-knob version. The later Standard introduced in 1983 uses two controls, a pickguard-mounted output jack and Freeflyte tremolo.

Why is the 3-knob version desirable?

It combines traditional Stratocaster controls with several important early-'80s Fender improvements, including the 4-bolt neck, smaller headstock and X-1 bridge pickup.

What pickups were these originally fitted with?

The period specification uses three Fender single coils, including the hotter X-1 pickup in the bridge position.

What does the X-1 pickup sound like?

The X-1 was designed to provide more output and bite than Fender's regular bridge single coil while retaining the clarity and attack expected from a Stratocaster.

Does it have a rosewood fingerboard?

Yes. This example has a rosewood fingerboard.

What fingerboard radius does it use?

The Smith Strat uses a traditional 7.25" radius.

How many frets does it have?

It has 21 frets.

Does it have a 4-bolt neck?

Yes. Fender returned to a 4-bolt neck attachment on this generation.

Does it have the large 1970s headstock?

No. One of the important changes was a return to a smaller headstock shape, although the decal remained distinctive to this transitional period.

What is the recorded weight?

This serial has previously been recorded at approximately 3.51kg.

Is Sienna Sunburst an original colour for this model?

Yes. Sienna Sunburst was offered on the Standard Stratocaster during this period.

Does it require a battery?

No. Its electronics are completely passive.

Does it come with a hardcase?

Yes. A hardcase is included.

Is the hardcase original?

No claim is made regarding original factory case status unless separately confirmed.

Can I request a closer look at the guitar?

Yes. Our Request a Video Demo service is particularly useful for vintage instruments, allowing you to see the Sienna Sunburst finish and individual cosmetic condition in greater detail before purchasing.

Can I part-exchange another guitar against it?

Yes. Fair Deal Music buys and part-exchanges a wide range of modern and vintage musical equipment. Contact our team for a no-obligation valuation.