It was clear that the finishes had to be renewed first. Polyester, as the clear coat, was abandoned in the early '80s in favor of polyurethane. However, since reinventing the Stratocaster would have taken a long time, at first, in order to be more competitive, new models were put on the market. In June 1981 the Gold Stratocaster and Walnut Strat were born.
The first one, also called Gold-Gold Stratocaster, was similar to the Standard Stratocaster, which was introduced about a year later, but without tilt neck and large headstock. Its body had a Deluxe Gold Metallic finish and the tuning machines were of 100 micron gold plated brass, the same used in jewelry, which is why the sale of this guitar did not benefit the company and its production was interrupted in 1984.
Walnut Strat was an evolution of the Strat, but its body was made of American walnut, in compliance with the current tendency to use special woods and because of the belief that heavy woods vibrated better.
The first one, also called Gold-Gold Stratocaster, was similar to the Standard Stratocaster, which was introduced about a year later, but without tilt neck and large headstock. Its body had a Deluxe Gold Metallic finish and the tuning machines were of 100 micron gold plated brass, the same used in jewelry, which is why the sale of this guitar did not benefit the company and its production was interrupted in 1984.
Walnut Strat was an evolution of the Strat, but its body was made of American walnut, in compliance with the current tendency to use special woods and because of the belief that heavy woods vibrated better.
Antonio Calvosa