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Post by Deleted on Sept 13, 2012 11:52:05 GMT
Hi Ecca,
I'm fine thanks, enjoying life up here in the Highlands and out on the hills with the camera whenever I get the chance. Music has taken something of a back seat nowadays, although I maintain an interest in the forums. I'm no longer a member, but I occasionally visit the other Shads site and I see that you are well and are a regular contributor to the site. How about posting some sound files here so that I can hear them, I've always enjoyed your playing and arrangements ?
Hi Julian,
Many thanks for your kind comments about the PDF - glad you found it useful. As it happens a number of Signature Stratocasters have surfaced and been up for sale recently so I have had a chance to review the specifications against more individual instruments.
It appears that Fender made subtle changes to the specification over the period that the instruments were on sale and I will probably need to make an addendum to the PDF to take account of these new findings.
Drop me PM if you want a link to my business website - however please bear in mind that I only link to websites which have specifically relevant content to my own.
Best regards,
Ian
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Post by colinrapsey on Oct 1, 2012 18:52:13 GMT
just been given a custom shop hank marvin strat with lace sensor pu,s its signed on the back of the headstock,also a letter in the case from arbiter stating one of only 20 made it on to the market,also signed by hank,any imformation would be appreciated
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Post by s4wgb on Oct 1, 2012 19:43:38 GMT
Your very lucky man to have one of these given to you.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 2, 2012 7:17:26 GMT
Hi Colin,
Well, the instrument you have is one of those which we say 'got away' - and by that we mean that it was one of a run of guitars which were released before Hank Marvin finally agreed the full specification of Signature models which were to carry his name.
Some might see this guitar as being worth more than the 'standard' Hank Marvin Signature Stratocasters because there are fewer of them around (I did not think as many as 20 were released, but I might be wrong). I suppose it's a bit like a stamp with no perforations being worth more than the standard one !!
However, the guitars which were finally 'approved' by Hank were fitted with Di Marzio and Seymour Duncan pick-ups instead of the Lace Sensor. Of these around 160 were finally released as 'Signature' or 'Autograph' models and those are the kind which are most frequently traded and which appear on my specification PDF.
As far as I am aware Hank never actually appeared in public with one of these guitars fitted with the Lace Sensor pick-ups nor did he record with one - they were just of an interim specification on the route to the final one.
I would be interested to know two things if you would care to reveal them. One, is how is the guitar described on the Certificate of Authenticity and two, does the instrument carry a series number on the back of the headstock - for example my Signature Series Stratocaster shows '026', meaning that it is number 26 of the 100 produced ?
Pictures of the front and rear of the guitar would be most interesting if you could post some so that I could add this information to my 'dossier'.
Best regards
Ian
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Post by somebodyelseuk on Oct 2, 2012 7:29:40 GMT
Hi Ian, I'm sure I remember HBM playing a Lace Sensor equipped Strat on telly back in the early 90s(ish). I seem to remember seeing a photo of the same in one of the guitar mags as well at the time. I couldn't say whether it was live concert footage (could have been one of those 'allstar get-together' shows, not a Shadows gig), though, or (more likely) miming on a TV show to a single release, but I am pretty certain I have seen him playing one. Cheers, Julian
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Post by s4wgb on Oct 2, 2012 9:54:54 GMT
If it is the one that got away Strats,the last one i see for sale was around £5000
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Post by eltrasero on Oct 2, 2012 11:27:26 GMT
This sounds like the Strat that was on sale from Music Ground for a while. The one I saw didn't have any special numbering though, just a regular serial number and one of the old fashioned Fender Custom Shop embossed logos at the back of the head. It was also signed on the back of the head by Hank Marvin and had the Marvin signature logo on the front of the head as per the other HBM guitars. The serial number on the one I saw suggested it was from 1988. If I could work out how to post photos on this site I would be able to show this...
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Post by Tone on Oct 2, 2012 13:17:53 GMT
Hi Colin
Within the last few weeks I have been made aware of one of the "ones that got away" coming up for sale . It was in the Bristol area. Could this be the one you've acquired?
As a matter of interest, I've recently had the chance to look at five of the production run Signatures and one of the prototypes. From my inspection it seems clear that there were minor differences in spec between some of the guitars in the series. These differences do not affect the overall sound and appearance of the guitars and relate to such items as neckplates, pickup cover markings, strap buttons and other details although, more significantly, some have the microtilt neck. It seems that in the early 90s Fender had a more cavalier attitude towards uniformity and used whatever fittings were conveniently to hand!
Ian is aware of these variations and I believe he is considering an addendum to his document to cover them.
Cheers.
Tony
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Post by Deleted on Oct 16, 2012 12:55:37 GMT
Hello Everyone, I am making this post in order to inform people who download my PDF on these Stratocasters that I will, shortly, be making some amendments to it to take into account some additional information which has recently come to light. However, firstly I would like to clarify the situation with regard to the small pre-release launch of 20 Stratocasters which came with the Hank Marvin Signature but without his full and unreserved endorsement. This run was released by Arbiter in 1990 and each guitar came with a covering letter signed by Arbiter and admitting the premature nature of the release. These guitars were fitted with Fender Lace Sensor pick-ups and not the DiMarzio/Seymour Duncan combination which Hank finally elected for. The models I have seen images of are also all fitted with a Micro-Tilt neck and are stamped with a Custom Shop Logo different to that on the standard models. These guitars also do not carry a numbering sequence to relate them in any way to the 'officially' released Signature models and although the run was limited to just 20, neither is there any indication of their limited availability stamped on the guitar itself - merely a fairly standard style Fender serial number. The determining evidence of their provenance is there contained in the accompanying letter from Fender. Some sample images of one of these guitars and supporting paperwork can be found at : www.fender.com/community/forums/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=3750Returning to the subject of the 'official' Signature and Autograph series and my proposed update to the PDF, I should at the outset say that a number of models have appeared for sale recently and my opinion has been requested upon their specification and provenance. What I have now discovered is that Fender have not always strictly followed the original reference specification with which I was supplied and upon which some of the information in the PDF was drawn up. It is important to note that these guitars were built to order over a period of several years and Fender would obviously build the guitars from parts which would have been readily available in the factory at the time. As a consequence, some differences between guitars which we originally thought were down to minor changes in the specification were, in fact, simply down to Fender fitting whatever parts were available at the time. However, that said, it is important to note that some things do not change - and these elements of the specification are what makes a Hank Marvin Signature the guitar it is. In particular, I can confirm that the following components have always remained the same : Body material (the paint colour can change) Bird's Eye Maple Neck (the extent of configuration can change) Pick-ups (always DiMarzio/Seymour Duncan) Hardware (always gold although a few very minor variations have been spotted) Serial Numbering (always in the same place, but COA styles can differ) Custom Shop Logo (although different styles do appear on some neckplates) These minor differences will be referenced in the PDF update. Meanwhile, prospective buyers should be aware that any instrument offered for sale with a precise matching specification should not always be considered as genuine, and equally any instrument offered for sale with some differences from the specification should not immediately be considered as counterfeit. As always, provenance is always best confirmed with documentary evidence which can trace the whereabouts of the instrument back to its origins (or as near as possible). Best Ian
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Post by Deleted on Oct 16, 2012 13:31:18 GMT
Hi Steve,
The Kinman Pick-ups were fitted by Fender, although with some reluctance. The precedent had been set with the Signature/Autograph series when they fitted the DiMarzio/Seymour Duncans instead of their own.
As an aside, I understand that the original intention on the 40th was to fit a modern bridge, but Chris Kinman persuaded a change be made to a vintage bridge in order to suit his pick-up dimensions when the decision was taken to fit them.
As far as the LED's were concerned, yes, these were retro-fitted in the UK and some would say by so doing invalidated the Fender warranty. I do not know who carried out the work. Don't hold me to this, but I have also heard it suggested that it was as a result of this work being carried out that some of the run of 40th's were left with necks that did not fit too well. I cannot remember who told me, but it was probably in a post on the 'other' forum.
Cheers,
Ian
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nickkellie
Member
Hankering for another Strat!
Posts: 25
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Post by nickkellie on Jul 27, 2013 0:56:42 GMT
Hi! Thanks for this great info! I am building a strat from the autograph specs. I wondered if there are any wiring schematics available and also any info on fret size? I'm guessing Dunlop 6105 but I could be way off. Thanks again!
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Post by berrychone on Mar 7, 2016 14:38:17 GMT
Hi All I'm a recent newbie here and I am looking for some info. If you look at my avatar you can see my guitar, To me it looks like a HM signature Strat, it is fitted with Hank Marvin CV-HMS set (Classic Vintage). Date of manufacture is January 1999 and December 98 respectively (I've done some research with help with Kinman, thank you), The wiring on my guitar is strange, at no position of the 5-way switch can I select the bridge pick up only; it does have a push/pull switch on the lower tone pot. It has gold coloured hardware. There are no Classic Shop labels on the rear of the headstock. The question I am asking is:- to get "that" sound do you need 2 different guitars with different gauge strings and do I need to rewire the pick up selector switch to obtain the early sixties sound?
I would appreciate any advice from anyone who can offer info, thank you in advance.
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Post by garyallen on Mar 7, 2016 20:01:58 GMT
Hi,when the push/pull pot is not activated it should give normal pickup selection,it's possible that the pot is acting as a blend with the bridge p/up so if you turn the pot one way or another you should find out.Soundwise..you should expect the same sound Hank got when he used Kinmans,I think most agree that fender pickups will get you closer to the old sound, Hope this helps..Regards Gary
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Post by Tone on Mar 8, 2016 17:08:37 GMT
Hi
From your description the guitar is definitely not a HM signature.
As Gary says, the Kinmans won't give you the vintage Hank sound. Fender CS 54s or 57/62s are ideal.
The push/pull pot problem is rather strange and I wonder if it has been wired incorrectly. Normally,with the pot flush to the scratchplate (push) it gives the normal pickup selection and pulling it up gives whatever pickup is selected by the 5 way switch but also brings in the neck pickup as well. However, I have seen examples where it operates the other way round i.e. push brings in the neck and pull gives normal.
Perhaps you should have it checked out.
Cheers.
Tony
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Post by Stu's Dad on Mar 8, 2016 19:22:04 GMT
There's a PDF attachment in post 22 on page one of this thread. It's a fully researched document listing all the genuine HM signature models. You should be able to compare your guitar against the models there.
Regards,
Len
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Post by Steve Reynolds on Mar 9, 2016 15:27:44 GMT
Hi All I'm a recent newbie here and I am looking for some info. If you look at my avatar you can see my guitar, To me it looks like a HM signature Strat, it is fitted with Hank Marvin CV-HMS set (Classic Vintage). Date of manufacture is January 1999 and December 98 respectively (I've done some research with help with Kinman, thank you), The wiring on my guitar is strange, at no position of the 5-way switch can I select the bridge pick up only; it does have a push/pull switch on the lower tone pot. It has gold coloured hardware. There are no Classic Shop labels on the rear of the headstock. The question I am asking is:- to get "that" sound do you need 2 different guitars with different gauge strings and do I need to rewire the pick up selector switch to obtain the early sixties sound? I would appreciate any advice from anyone who can offer info, thank you in advance. Is there a signature on the headstock at all? If its 1999 an there is a signature its likely to be a Mexican Hank Marvin signature model that has been retro fitted with Kinman pickups and gold hardware, if you can post some bigger pics i should be able to tell you for sure. Thanks
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Post by berrychone on Mar 9, 2016 17:06:02 GMT
Hi Steve,
The dates I have quoted are the dates the pick ups were built, I bought the guitar new in late 2000, it does have I would post bigger photos here but I don't know how too!! (I can mail to you if you wish) It does have HBM signature on the headstock, The neck, body and tremolo are all genuine Fenders. It is the wiring I am concerned with, I can not select the bridge pick up only with the current wiring, can you give advice on this?
Regards
Jonathon
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Post by berrychone on Mar 9, 2016 17:20:26 GMT
I've looked at this attachment and it looks just like the HBM signature strat from the colour of the body and detail on the headstock. It does have genuine a Fender neck and body. From the quality of the feel I don't think it's a Mexican. I am not claiming it is a genuine Custom shop guitar (hoping/wishing) just needing info on the wiring.
Regards
Jonathon
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Post by Steve Reynolds on Mar 9, 2016 17:34:41 GMT
Hi john
Send me pics to my email below and I'll upload them for you
Where about in the uk are you?
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Post by berrychone on Mar 9, 2016 20:01:17 GMT
Hi Steve
I'm not in the UK now, I moved here in the middle of France Dec. 2016 and opened a B&B with my French wife so at this time of year I have some spare time. I'll mail you them tonight, thank you. I retired from playing when we moved here but upto then I played in Penny Arcade (got to number 6 in the UK charts a long time ago, I've only picked up the guitar again last Oct. as I finished the renovation work, but it came at a cost; I had 2 strokes 2 years ago and a third 2 months ago but am on the road to recovery now.
Many thanks again for your help,
Jonathon
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Post by Steve Reynolds on Mar 9, 2016 20:45:03 GMT
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Post by Steve Reynolds on Mar 9, 2016 20:46:35 GMT
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Post by berrychone on Mar 10, 2016 12:06:59 GMT
Hi Steve,
Thank you for posting the photos, Ant ideas about my guitar?
Regards
Jonathon
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Post by Steve Reynolds on Mar 10, 2016 12:23:31 GMT
Hi Jonathon
I'm really not sure to be honest, it looks like it could me a mexican classic 50s series from 2000 but would have a serial number and made in mexico written on the back of the headstock. The signature is certainly not a custom shop. Did you buy it from a guitar shop new?
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Post by berrychone on Mar 10, 2016 16:45:20 GMT
Hi Steve
Yes I bought it from A guitar shop in Yeovil, Somerset where I used to live, I believe it was new but I can't be sure now as I've forgotten so much. There is nothing on the back of the headstock but when I stripped in down some years ago and removed the neck there was a signature or similar on the cut out for the neck on the body, don't know if that helps.
One thing I do know is that when I pull the lower tone pot to switch on both the neck and middle pick ups (which I think wires them in parallel) and with 10 top strings I get the sound spot on for later style Shadows tunes i.e Cavitina etc and it sounds great, shame about my playing!!
Regards
Jonathon
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Post by bor64 on Mar 12, 2016 18:06:50 GMT
Hi Jonathon,
The signature on the headstock is the wrong one and is a fake. It's a "copy" of the old signature of Hank, that was engraved in the tremeloplate of the Burns Marvin in the 60's. This decal is sold by guys who selling fake aka copy decals around the world.... It looks like it's put on top of the paint of the headstock, that's why it's damaged..... The thing about the electrics is kinda strange, it seems some one had a field day with the soldering iron...before it was exchanged in the store you bought it from. I hope it clears up something for you.
Cheers Rob
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Post by allclaphands on Mar 13, 2016 7:45:46 GMT
Without a Seriel Number on the back of the headstock it's impossible to authenticate it, so everything else is just speculation.I think you will have to except it for what it is and how it feels and plays.There are lots of guitars about that some have made and played around with different parts and builds ect some are good and others not so good it is how you as the owner perceive its worth to you.I have this book on the Stratocaster and without a Seriel number your guitar can't be traced. Pete
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Post by berrychone on Mar 13, 2016 17:51:13 GMT
Thanks to all for your help. I'll just keep it and keep playing it, perhaps my playing might get better!
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Post by bor64 on Mar 13, 2016 19:50:48 GMT
Jonathon,
If this guitar was sold by the store as to be new, I wouldn't be happy if I was you.... So there is no serialnumber at all on your guitar....not on the back of the headstock, back of the neck near the body or on the neckplate?? If so, it's a little strange to say the least, a store selling a guitar without a serialnumber. More pic's would be nice to classified your strat in more detail...
Cheers Rob
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Post by awstrat on Jan 5, 2018 10:46:56 GMT
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