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*. We provide a 14 day no-quibble money back guarantee on all our used instruments, so you can buy with confidence.  

Outside the UK?

Please note that shipping costs outside the UK are very approximate and can vary radically. Please contact us with your Country and Post/Zip Code for an accurate quote. Many thanks. Please also note if you are outside the UK we will not charge you tax on your purchase but you may be liable for import duty in your country.

Please also note that all our stock is sold for the UK market. If you are buying from outside the UK, please check that it is suitable for use in your country before purchase.

Please note we do not ship guitars outside the European Union.