The ShadowMusic Web Community

Posted: **14 Aug 2013, 21:25**

A friend of mine appeared with an unusual Strat and asked me to try and identify it.
After a bit of research I narrowed it down to a Made in Japan "Contemporary" Strat.
It has two single coil pick-ups and a humbucker at the bridge, one volume and one TBX control and a small coil splitter toggle switch, five way selector switch and a Kahler tremolo which is stamped with the Fender "F".
The Kahler is obviously factory fitted as there is no routing or pocket for a synchronised tremolo.
The finish I would describe as light metallic gold with a black single ply 11 hole scratchplate, the jack socket is mounted on the bottom edge of the body, the headstock is black. Fretboard is rosewood with 22 frets.
The serial number suggests it was made between 1984 and 1987, I think the model is a 27-5700
Unfortunately I did not get a chance to plug it in so do know how it sounds or plays.
Have any members owned one of these and can anyone give me more information on this model.
My friend asked if I could value the guitar I would appreciate any help with this.
Cheers
JIM

Posted: **15 Aug 2013, 08:53**

Isn't it a Strat HM, such as the one played by Hank at the Knebworth concert in 1990 when playing "Good Golly Miss Molly" ?

Pic captured from the DVD

It of course came in different colours.

Didier

Posted: **15 Aug 2013, 16:22**

Hi Didier,
No definitely not, the HM does not have a pickguard, the Contemporary does and the HM also has an extra tone control.
Cheers
JIM

Posted: **23 Aug 2013, 09:23**

Here are some links to information about the Fender Contemporary Strats (& Teles) which were made between 1985 and 1987 when Fender USA production was minimal.
I have two of the "top end" system III tremolo models with two humbuckers, coil taps etc. Beautifully made very versatile guitars ! And they stay in tune !!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezNNv37mDx8
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fender_Con ... ster_Japan
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/john.blackman4/cont.htm

Ian

Posted: **23 Aug 2013, 12:26**

ContempStrat.JPG: (614.09 KiB) Downloaded 10665 times

I used to have one. Here is a copy of the manual. Read all about it

Posted: **23 Aug 2013, 12:28**

Manual too big to attach

Try here: http://support.fender.com/manuals/instruments/Contemporary_and_Standard_Series_Guitars_(Japan1985)_manual.pdf

Posted: **23 Aug 2013, 21:24**

Thanks Ian and Alan,
Loads of interesting detail and information on these sites.
Cheers
JIM

Posted: **05 Sep 2013, 17:40**

Hi Jim,

I've got one of this series, but it's model number 27-5400 (3 single coil). It's identical to the one in Alan's post, but with a rosewood fretboard.
The Manual states that all the models at that time, 1984-87 as you said, had rosewood, and the model you mentioned is indeed a 27-5700.

I played in a Rock band with it for over ten years, and it was a great guitar. It's got the odd little ding on the body now, but it plays as good as new.
The only problem is, it's about as much use as a banjo for an early Shadows sound.

Regards,
Len

Posted: **06 Sep 2013, 16:05**

Hi Len,
Thanks for your reply
Cheers,
Jim

Posted: **27 Feb 2014, 11:22**

I had a lovely black version of these guitars

They fetch around £400-£500 depending on spec. The tremolos are Kahler Spyder Trems which are very functional and the necks on theses guitars are superb

In some ways I wish I had not got rid of mine

I have attached a picture

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