lbpesq wrote: ↑Mon Dec 28, 2020 7:40 pmInteresting info! Wouldn’t most 55’ Strats be made/assembled in 54’? I am assuming there is some sort of delay between when the guitars are made and when they are released. For example, Fender assembles 1500 guitars, begins the promotion marketing process, makes their deals with distributors etc., then the guitars are released. Maybe a 6-10 month process?This could also be a factor.wpmartin1979 wrote: ↑Mon Dec 28, 2020 1:33 pmFWIW, the research I’ve done since this thread started suggests that Fender used Alnico 3 magnets on early ‘54 Strats, but had switched to Alnico 5 by 1955. That would seem to indicate Alligator had Alnico 5 pickups, assuming they were original. But, having worked with Alnico 2,3,4,and 5 pole magnets, I can’t fathom how you can tell the difference looking at a completed pickup unless you have some serious scientific testing equipment, if such equipment even exists.lbpesq wrote: ↑Sun Dec 27, 2020 11:38 pm I’ve not heard that Alembic went through Alligator before. They are friends. I’ll ask.Ok I’m told that it was Rick Turner formerly of Alembic that rewired the guitar and that it was a ‘55 Strat with Alnico III pups and that they switched to Alnico V in “56. Is any of this verifiable?
Bill, tgo
Bill, tgo
This may explain why there are no “‘55” Fender pickups. There are “54” pickups (Alnico 3) and then it jumps to ‘56-57 pickups (Alnico 5). If 1955 was the transition year then it would make sense that 54-55 guitars had the Alnico 3 and 56-57 they changed to Alnico 5. Unless anyone can point out someone who makes a ‘55 pickup.
Last edited by wpmartin1979 on Tue Dec 29, 2020 8:31 am, edited 1 time in total.