Fender Stratocaster – rare Squier Pro Tone model – restored. Ash body, Fender Alnico pickups

The Squier Pro Tone series represented Fender’s Korean production at its best – all high-spec parts. A real ‘wolf in sheep’s clothing!  Ash body with a cool ‘bowling ball’ style finish, Fender Alnico pickups, gold hardware and more.

I found this awesome guitar in a neglected state and have gently brought her back to life, including a fret dress. She has lots of cosmetic nicks, bumps and blemishes but now she’s been nursed back into great playing condition!

AWESOME SOUND – ALNICO PICKUPS

The Pro Tone series had Fender Alnico pickups as standard (not the cheaper bar magnet type). her bridge pickup was missing but I had a spare from a Fender 50s Strat.

You get the awesome Fender range: big & bluesy at the neck, solid in the middle and edgy at the bridge The 5-way switch gives you the extra positions. Tarnishing top pickup poles – adds to the roadworn look I guess!

She’s set up with Ernie Ball 10-46 strings for a comfortable medium action. I’ve also set the intonation.

ASH, SEE-THROUGH BODY

They didn’t skimp on the bodies – they are ash! As far as I know, Pro Tone Strats came in two colours. One was red, the other was this lovely greeny-blue colour. You can see through to the grain.

Over time, the green has probably got stronger and the blue faded a little. The body has plenty of dings, scratches, blemishes, etc.

NECK AND TUNERS

Thin, C profile maple neck. Lovely ‘played in’ feel with typical darker colouring to the edges of the neck.  Her frets were heavily worn – but I’ve stoned, dressed and polished them. All lovely now.

As you can see, Fender went for gold hardware with these Pro Tones. The tuners and string tree here.

OTHER FEATURES

When I got her, the scratchplate was painted black! Likewise, many of the gold screws and dials, etc! So she’s got a new, parchment colour pickguard, new gold screws, strap pins and new cream dials.

The gold trem with its Fender-stamped saddles has survived. All adjusters working properly. Big block trem and I’ve got a gold whammy bar to match as well. No back trem cover.

KINSMAN RIGID CASE

Fairly lightweight rigid case in used but very workable condition. Zip-up (zips working) to open/close. Handle and also a shoulder strap for carrying.

THANKS FOR READING

This guitar has now been sold.