1983 Fender Gold Elite Stratocaster: Vintage CBS-Era Innovation with Freeflyte Tremolo Offered here is a rare and intriguing piece of Fender history: a 1983 Fender Gold Elite Stratocaster, produced during Fender’s bold early 80s push into modern guitar design. Built during the CBS era and only in production for a short window (1983–1984), the Gold Elite Strat blended classic Strat DNA with forward-thinking electronics and hardware, some of which would continue to be seen on future models and signature series guitars. This model features the distinctive and now-iconic Freeflyte tremolo system, a top-mounted design with no rear spring cavity. Electronics include three proprietary Elite single-coil pickups, paired with a TBX tone circuit and an active MDX mid-boost, powered by a 9V battery in the back. Pickup selection is handled via three individual push-button switches, offering combinations beyond the standard 5-way Strat wiring. Whether you’re chasing glassy cleans, boosted mids or funky textures, this guitar covers a surprising amount of tonal ground! Good used condition. Re-fret- No wear. Rectangular patch of discolouration in the back - where the back plate would usually be - likely from a sticker. Screw missing from jack cavity cover. Few dings in the top of the headstock. Some light scratches and scuffs in the body but no unsightly dings or damages. Main Features & Specs Colour: ‘Stratoburst’ Sunburst Serial: E318410 Year: 1983 Body Material: Alder Neck Material: Maple Neck Profile: Soft V Fingerboard: Maple, 12" Radius Frets: 21, Medium Jumbo Scale Length: 25.5" Pickups: Elite Alnico II Single Coils Bridge Type: FreeFlyte Vibrato Tuners: Fender Deluxe Finish Type: Gloss Other Special Features: TBX tone control, MDX midrange boost, 3 push-button pickup selectors (instead of a 5-way switch): Weight: 3.87 Kg Case: Not Included All our pre-owned guitars and basses are sold freshly set-up & fully serviced in our state-of-the-art guitar workshop. The pre-sale service includes a 21 point check, including: Brand new strings Action Electronic components Neck angle and Truss Rod adjustment Hardware Fretwork Clean and condition inc. Fretboard Saddle​/​Bridge height, radius, intonation Nut The Absolute multi point pre sales service & set-up is free with every pre-owned guitar. Also included is a 12 month warranty