A Mark In Time
Mark Knopfler Discussion => Mark Knopfler Discussion Forum => Topic started by: Knopflerfan on December 14, 2013, 12:49:54 pm
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As you are all probably aware, I am very keen indeed on the Fender 'MK' Signature Series Stratocaster - so much so that I am lucky enough to now own two of them - SE00616 & SE03805 (originally I owned four!)
I am curious as to how many other AMIT members own one (or two even!)
Therefore I would like to create a 'Register' of Serial Numbers & Owners/Locations so we can all see where in the world some of them live!
Fender 'Mark Knopfler' Signature Series Stratocaster - Part No. 0117800-815 (July 2003 - March 2013) (Fender say that 2,400 were manufactured in total)
AMIT Owners Register
SE00011 - mk fred - France
SE00025 - Pastorius31, aka Kamel C - France
SE00038 - Joel - Canada
SE00080 - bernwolf - Austria **Dakota Red (Manufactured: 07/2003)
SE00083 - Rosende - Spain Headstock signed by MK in Atarfe (Granada) in April 2008
SE00089 - telegraph78 - France
SE00100 - ze373ej - Austria
SE00154 - Dustyvalentino - UK *'Dakota Red' *Headstock signed by MK at Hay on Wye, 03/06/2007
SE00204 - Knopflerized - France
SE00292 - Holger_MK - Germany (2003) Signed by MK and RB in Hamburg, 23/04/2005
SE00294 - Thumbpicker - UK *'Dakota Red' (Manufactured: 07/2003)
SE00393 - Switaki -
SE00434 - bernwolf - Austria (Manufactured: 07/2003)
SE00602 - guitarbrother - Germany
SE00616 - Knopflerfan - UK (Manufactured: 11/2003) *Fender MK Strat Labels signed by 'MK' at Bridport, 27/09/2013
SE00618 - Druid - Wales
SE00674 - Rafael - Spain (Manufactured: 02/2005)
SE00766 - freewaystrat
SE00850 - Smerkle - UK (Manufactured: 08/2004)
SE00860 - exKnopflerfan - Italy (Manufactured: 11/2004) *Manufacture label signed by 'MK' at Bridport, 27/09/2013
SE00919 - patohls - Sweden (Manufactured: 03/2004)
SE10940 - knopfler1 - Scotland
SE01607 - subsub74 - France (Manufactured: 2005)
SE01798 - AKW1987 - Scotland
SE01997 - 3strats - UK
SE02394 - Fez - 2005/06
SE02621 - martinc - UK
SE02762 - Sultan of swing - Belgium (Manufactured: 03/2006)
SE03110 - AndyM - Australia
SE03113 - Maitre - France (Ex-Knopflerfan's & Manufactured: 06/2006)
SE03411 - All-the-numbers - Barcelona (Manufactured: 11/2006)
SE03762 - Fretbol - Belgium
SE03805 - Knopflerfan - UK (Manufactured: 02/2009) *On loan to Bro
SE03828 - mudrian - France (Manufactured 2009)
SE05564 - ????? - UK (Ex Trundler)
SE06126 - Igor - Spain
SE08038 - Tomcaster - Austria (Manufactured: 12/2010)
SE08189 - LevelsHigh - North Carolina (Manufactured: Oct 2010)
SE08909 - firmstools - UK
SE09375 - Tobben - ??
SE09449 - icc77 - France
SE09712 - eric geneville - France
SE09843 - mickeyD - Australia
SE09886 - Foma (Friend) - Russia (Manufactured: 08/2012)
SE10152 - StephanG - South Africa (Manufactured: 10/2011)
SE10399 - diremark86 - US *Body Signed by MK: 10/2015
SE11207 - diremark86 - USA
SE11305 - Vincent Rapide - ??
SE11426 - cbellingham - UK (Manufactured: 2012)
SE11598 - jarle - Norway
SE11898 - GuitarChris - Germany (Manufactured: 09/2012)
SE12199 - border_reiver - Sweden (Manufactured: 04/04/2013)
SE12236 - BrianT - Canada *Body Signed by MK: 2015
Total: 53 Fender MK Signature Stratocasters
* Please 'pm' or reply to this thread the serial number and country to add your 'MK' Strat to the register
*You can also email Fender your serial number 'SE*****' to obtain the manufacture date of your MK Strat.....
* Two magazine reviews from 2003 & 2004 of the Fender 'Mark Knopfler' Stratocaster are available from myself - please 'pm'/email me for copies
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SE00154, bought new in September 2003.
"Wrong" colour of red.
Signed on the headstock by MK at Hay on Wye, May 2007.
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SE00204 Bought in France in 2004
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SE01997 ordered on line from a UK dealer in early November 2005. (A 50th Birthday present to myself)
Delivered Jan 2006.
This guitar had not been put together at the time I ordered it - see the date (11/22/05) on the inspection sticker.
and if you look at the inside edge of the lower horn you can see the fist ding I put it while taking the scratch plate off ! :smack
(http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6157/6202648769_1ba1dd6e4a_z.jpg)
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Interesting pic. I've never had the scratchplate off mine, wonder if I have a sticker too.
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Yes agree - interesting photo. Certainly haven't had the scratchplate off of mine either...
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Interesting pic. I've never had the scratchplate off mine, wonder if I have a sticker too.
There's only one way to tell . . . ;D ( easy enough to do when you next change strings) . Just don't drop the scratchplate end-on onto the guitar ! Having said that, I expect they all should have the stickers
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Knopflerfan
My Mk Stratocaster showed up today, it's in pristine condition.
Serial # SE12236 it must be one of the last units built.
Know it looks like I ail have to take some basic guitar lessons.
Brian
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2rd Picture
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Absolutely Beautiful Brian, yep grab yourself some 'basic' lessons and perhaps a chords book and off you go.......
(You tube - has some basic tutorials too)
Enjoy....
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that is one nice sound system there briant!
sticky now knopflerfan.
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that is one nice sound system there briant!
sticky now knopflerfan.
Was eyeing up those valve amps myself. That's next Christmas for me sorted then! :-\
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that is one nice sound system there briant!
sticky now knopflerfan.
Was eyeing up those valve amps myself. That's next Christmas for me sorted then! :-\
Pottel
I like it very much, it's taken me 10 years to put together.
DMG
I would look at something else for next Xmas, Valve (tube) amps are expensive to maintain, I changed the caps and valves
in Sept 13 at a cost of $4500.00 and I did the work myself. (the amps are $32K new)
Brian
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Guys, what if I buy not a whole MK strat, but just MK-strat neck (which is magnificent) and body according to my choices, I'll can't make in this list? :)
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Guys, what if I buy not a whole MK strat, but just MK-strat neck (which is magnificent) and body according to my choices, I'll can't make in this list? :)
Well you won't have a serial number, but you can be an honorary member. :)
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that is one nice sound system there briant!
sticky now knopflerfan.
Was eyeing up those valve amps myself. That's next Christmas for me sorted then! :-\
Pottel
I like it very much, it's taken me 10 years to put together.
DMG
I would look at something else for next Xmas, Valve (tube) amps are expensive to maintain, I changed the caps and valves
in Sept 13 at a cost of $4500.00 and I did the work myself. (the amps are $32K new)
Brian
Sounds quite reasonable. :think
:o
I'm trying to scale down my hi-fi stacking system at the moment anyway - got far too many components I just don't use any more!
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Dusty, I think I can. I saw couple of metal backplates of MK-Strat necks on ebay including serial number one day. So somebody have serial number, but don't have a guitar. Since neck is the main and the most expensive part of the Strat and it contains MK signature, so there is no reason for me to not be included in the list :)
BrianT, this is what I call 'hi-end' system. I want to say since I have a great (but not so great as yours) sound system I can understand you audiophile guys. My favorite part is when you listen music on great equipment you just sit down and listen without any time (and any will) to look aside.
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Foma, get yourself an 'MK' neck and 'serial number' plate and you will be more than welcome to join the list.... ;)
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The neck on my mk strat is indeed a thing of beauty. :)
But the whole guitar is fantastic.
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Dusty, totally agree!
having an MK neck and neck plate would be nice but having the whole strat is something else!
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It seems a very strange situation that people buy these guitars to break up & sell for parts. It's hard to believe that they are worth more in pieces if being sold on E-bay when you consider the "mark up" that Fender puts on the guitar compared to it's actual cost to produce. I could understand if someone wanted to replace a broken neck on their MK strat, but otherwise I'm afraid I'm cynical about the motives of the seller and perhaps the buyer (who might try to sell on a "partscaster" as an original MK sig. guitar).
This is not intended as a criticism of any forum members, who may not be able to get hold of (or afford) an original guitar, but the fact is that if a guitar has been put together from parts and does not have an original neck & Ash body it shouldn't really be on a register of MK signature guitars - Just my opinion.
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Good post 3strats,
I'm in agreement with you over the points you raise, particulary the point of the 'Partscasters' - the only thing that I would add to all AMITers with regards to the MK Strat and that is not to buy one unless the guitar comes complete with it's 'serial' number 'tag' - I bet those neck plates on Flea Bay don't come with one? >:( I would not be happy to hear one of our fellow fans had been 'ripped' off by someone making their own MK Strat from parts without all the correct documentation etc...
I have contemplated the owners 'register' over the past few days and have decide that only Bona-fide Fender MK Strat owners will be listed in the main list and those with 'parts' will just get a brief mention below...
I think that as MK Fans/purists we should only be fully listing the full 'boxed' guitar complete with owner/location...
Hope everyone is in agreement with this? Discuss....
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Hi, after ordering a MK Strat back in August, the following day turned to devastation after I was told they could not get them anymore. I then rang almost every Fender Dealer in Australia, with no luck :( My luck changed last week when one came on ebay, 2006 as new starting bid $2900 or buy it now $3800, I looked on Gumtree a few days later and there was one on there for $2000 Yr 2010 or 2011 but it would cost me $1100 to fly there and back from Newcastle (AUS) so on Friday I rang the Guy in Brisbane with the one on ebay and settled on a price of $3000 AUD. I flew to Brisbane yesterday and picked it up and my dream is now complete :) Its a 2006 model Serial Number SE 03110. Return flight cost $300 so $3300 but it's worth every bit of it to me.
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Hi, after ordering a MK Strat back in August, the following day turned to devastation after I was told they could not get them anymore. I then rang almost every Fender Dealer in Australia, with no luck :( My luck changed last week when one came on ebay, 2006 as new starting bid $2900 or buy it now $3800, I looked on Gumtree a few days later and there was one on there for $2000 Yr 2010 or 2011 but it would cost me $1100 to fly there and back from Newcastle (AUS) so on Friday I rang the Guy in Brisbane with the one on ebay and settled on a price of $3000 AUD. I flew to Brisbane yesterday and picked it up and my dream is now complete :) Its a 2006 model Serial Number SE 03110. Return flight cost $300 so $3300 but it's worth every bit of it to me.
Andy
Congrats on your find, you are a luckily guy.
Lets keep our eyes open for Foma as he is still looking.
Brian
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http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/dawesville/guitars-amps/mark-knopfler-fender-stratocaster/1034516764
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Hi, after ordering a MK Strat back in August, the following day turned to devastation after I was told they could not get them anymore. I then rang almost every Fender Dealer in Australia, with no luck :( My luck changed last week when one came on ebay, 2006 as new starting bid $2900 or buy it now $3800, I looked on Gumtree a few days later and there was one on there for $2000 Yr 2010 or 2011 but it would cost me $1100 to fly there and back from Newcastle (AUS) so on Friday I rang the Guy in Brisbane with the one on ebay and settled on a price of $3000 AUD. I flew to Brisbane yesterday and picked it up and my dream is now complete :) Its a 2006 model Serial Number SE 03110. Return flight cost $300 so $3300 but it's worth every bit of it to me.
wooohooo!! - good for you.
Brown case and all the case candy present?
Have now added you to the list.....
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Just another shout from a long time MK strat owner. SE00294, Bought from Andertons Music Guildford UK in 2003. Second best guitar I ever played...
Go on now you can all ask what was the best! ;)
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Just another shout from a long time MK strat owner. SE00294, Bought from Andertons Music Guildford UK in 2003. Second best guitar I ever played...
Go on now you can all ask what was the best! ;)
Schecter Van Nuys strat?
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Nope.... ;D
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Gibson Les Paul 'Joe Bonamassa' Gold top!!
now't much better than that......
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Nice guitar but not quite....
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I own the MK Strat SE000602. I bought it in Feb. 2004 in Chicago (it was the first MK Strat in Chicago
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Welcome Guitar Brother,
Nice to see you have one closely related to one of mine ;)
Bet the MK Sounds beautiful with the VOX...... ;)
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I own the MK Strat SE000602. I bought it in Feb. 2004 in Chicago (it was the first MK Strat in Chicago
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I would think 'hot rod red' Ingo as it seems it was a very early batch that were the 'wrong' red......
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It
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Seriously, this exclusive owner's list gives me the idea of buying a guitar for the first time of my life! (And no, it won't happen, it would just be a too tough fate for every guitar to get into my hands... )
Dear Old LE
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Go on buy one, you know you want to!!! BrianT did and he is now learning to play!
Incidentally Brian how are you getting on?
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Incidentally Brian how are you getting on?
No improvement this week, still having a very hard time with my left hand,
I do not have any callus yet have not been playing enough. ::)
Brian
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Keep persevering Brian, if for some reason it's not working out just put the guitar down and try again another time.
Maybe if you're brave enough why not put something on 'You Tube' to show us how you are getting on?? Be sure interesting to see how a complete beginner bought an MK and learns to play if you know what I mean.....
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Hello, i'm Fred from France and i've the number SE00011
You can see it on this video where i play with chris white and alan clark !! :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ecLtEJWaWJ4
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my guitars ( my new MK1 replica by Xavier Petit ... )
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Fantastico!! Welcome mkfred....
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the head !
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and the number !!
and some vids !!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUNgIRBYxtY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lyLHOTFODs8
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Hi Signature wanting maniacs, check this out http://www.ebay.de/itm/Fender-Stratocaster-Mark-Knopfler-Signature-/301069009768?pt=Gitarren&hash=item46191c8368
I am not the seller and I don
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Looks ok to me and it's a low numbered one too (SE00181) so at least a 2003 model. The cracks are consistant with other MK Strats so nothing too bad. Pretty good price too...
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Pretty good price too...
That's the starting price, no chance it will stay there...
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Well no bids so far.....
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Well no bids so far.....
Yes, but couple of days left. By the way, there is also another Knopfler Signature in ebay.de
Silvertown
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Ta da,
A much later model too (June 26th 2008 according to neck) with a serial No: 'SE07015'
http://www.ebay.de/itm/Fender-Mark-Knopfler-Signature-Stratocaster-Hot-Rod-Red-/231137583297?pt=Gitarren&hash=item35d0dfa0c1#ht_13352wt_1014
I notice with interest that on this particular Guitar Registration tag (Like the ones in my avatar) there is a sticker where the Guitar part number is (0117800815)
All three of my strats tags are handwritten and am wondering if a sticker became a standard after a certain batch was made?
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Hi Signature wanting maniacs, check this out http://www.ebay.de/itm/Fender-Stratocaster-Mark-Knopfler-Signature-/301069009768?pt=Gitarren&hash=item46191c8368
I am not the seller and I don
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i was lucky to have this little number, more that 10 years ago !!!
i play professionally with in many shows and it's a wonderful guitar much better year after year !! :)
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you can see the color ...
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the neck..
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Great phot's Fred.... ;)
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;-)
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Anyone here to get MKFred's guitar?
http://www.leboncoin.fr/instruments_de_musique/609884829.htm?ca=12_s
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https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151807208967364&set=a.446119417363.228394.573972363&type=1&relevant_count=1
So, for shits and giggles I took the neck off my strat, seems it was made the day after Fred's so it is now for sale for
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https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151807208967364&set=a.446119417363.228394.573972363&type=1&relevant_count=1
So, for shits and giggles I took the neck off my strat, seems it was made the day after Fred's so it is now for sale for
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blimey, will have to take mine off now!! oh and the necks too....
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If anyone has a brand new or mint-like Mark Knopfler Signature Strat for sale please let me know I am interested in purchasing.
Thanks so much. You can email me if interested in selling at kotla671@yahoo.com. Thanks! Mike
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MKfred has one for sale! ;)
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SE06126 Spain
;)
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Welcome Igor :wave
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2rd Picture
Nice one Brian! Now I know what those Carver amps look like...money!!
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Well at last here is a piccie of two of the three (One is at my Bro's - yes he's looking after it!) pictured with their signed manufacture tags....Its only taken me 5 month's to photograph them!! ::)
I will endeavour to post a piccie of the other one with it's signed tag sometime too.....
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and again.....
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So, Knopflerfan....why 3 MK sig strats? All identical?? I'm sure you have a reason but I don't get it. ???
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So, Knopflerfan....why 3 MK sig strats? All identical?? I'm sure you have a reason but I don't get it. ???
Here we go again...
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I'm certainly not going there again!! :smack
but yes I have three of 'em and believe it or not they are all different in their own ways. ie: set-ups, feel and sound....
Discussion closed!!!
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Yessir, as I said...I knew you had a good reason. I guess I missed your prior clarification on the matter. 'Nuff said!
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They are largely an investment and mega largely a chance to have three different set-ups and use 'em!!
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For those looking for an MK Sig Strat for sale: there is one for sale on the MK News website under Latest News:
http://www.mark-knopfler-news.co.uk/frameset.html
(http://www.amarkintime.org/Users/maryfrisch/Pictures/iPhoto Library/Masters/2014/02/20/20140220-114216/MKS.jpg)
Descriptor:
MK STRAT FOR SALE: Mark Knopfler Signature Stratocaster for sale.
Has a couple of small/minor nicks but generally in very good condition.
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This person is again trying to sell one at a silly price!!
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MARK-KNOPFLER-USA-ARTIST-SERIES-SIGNATURE-STRATOCASTER-STRAT-NEW-AND-UNUSED-/131124062996?pt=UK_Musical_Instruments_Guitars_CV&hash=item1e879a6b14
Funny, they don't seem to be doing well selling it!!!!!! :disbelief
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I've just been given a Jan 2004 edition of 'Guitarist' magazine which features mainly about fifty years of the Fender Stratocaster but also has an article about MK and also an extensive review of the Mark Knopfler Stratocaster too.
Give me time to 'scan' the articles and I will like the other review make them available to be sent to those interested....
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Wow, I love this Guitarist magazine, I have a couple or three of these. It's always a pleasure to read about MK strat, so thanks in advance!
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It was around the time this book was published! I have it somewhere. It includes a CD with a track feat. MK!!!
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0634056786/ref=asc_df_06340567863017129?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&tag=pg-1583-86-20&linkCode=asn&creative=395097&creativeASIN=0634056786
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written by Tom Wheeler who wrote many other guitar bibles...
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10399 US :-)
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10399 US :-)
Welcome to the club!! ;)
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Thanks :-) I have had it for a while, but never saw this sticky until yesterday lol.... Anybody know for sure why they discontinued them?
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SE 09712...
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Welcome...
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Thanks :-) I have had it for a while, but never saw this sticky until yesterday lol.... Anybody know for sure why they discontinued them?
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Just had my two serviced at my local Fender dealer (They love these two!) and I've had D'addario 9s &b 10's put on them and oh wow I reckon they are just as good if not better than Fender strings!
I wonder why I had D'addario's fitted??!! :hmm
http://daddario.com/DaddarioArtistDetails.Page?ActiveID=3777&ArtistId=10040&ArtistName=Mark_Knopfler&sid=4b612705-804c-4c86-af25-c3d851bc90ca
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Thanks :-) I have had it for a while, but never saw this sticky until yesterday lol.... Anybody know for sure why they discontinued them?
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Thanks :-) I have had it for a while, but never saw this sticky until yesterday lol.... Anybody know for sure why they discontinued them?
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Thanks :-) I have had it for a while, but never saw this sticky until yesterday lol.... Anybody know for sure why they discontinued them?
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With regard the 'finite' number of MK Strat's - well that's good news for those of us who own them and would suggest anyone who wants one to get one whilc they can as with all collectibles these guitars will certainly gain value....
Your 'MK' has been added to the list Jarle ;) :wave
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Hey Knopflerfan, what's about MK's interview on MK Start you mentioned earlier?
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Send me your Email address and I will gladly send it to you! Plan to scan it during the next few days and distribute out. The first part is on the first page as a jpg... :wave
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With regard the 'finite' number of MK Strat's - well that's good news for those of us who own them and would suggest anyone who wants one to get one whilc they can as with all collectibles these guitars will certainly gain value....
Your 'MK' has been added to the list Jarle ;) :wave
Thanks :)
Sure! Get one if you can. I have just had some e-mail contact with the guitar shop in Kentucky were I bought my guitar, and they said that these guitars are very hard to come by now, and that they are very popular. You should all take a run for it ;)
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Apparently I've heard and also read that the 'MK' Strat was Fender's most popular and longest running Signature Strat!! :clap :clap
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By the way: To all of you who uses your MK Strat, was the setup playable and "perfect" for you when you got it? I showed mine to a luthier (a guitar builder) the other day, and he identified several issues with the guitar that he recommended me to do something with in order the optimize the instrument:
1. First of all I had to adjust the neck's position a little by loosening the four screws that connects the neck to the body and adjust the neck into position. It has probably shifted a bit during transport across the globe. The lightest E-string was actually nearly outside of the fretboard on the side of the neck closest to the body.
2. Further the fret wires (the metal pieces between the frets) seems to be a bit wide compared to the fretboard. The luthier clamied that this was due to the climatic differences between US and Norway, and that the wood in the fretboard has shrinked a bit, while the fret wires, being made of metal, still is intact. You can actually feel the fret wires on the outside of the neck.
3. Due to string tension the neck is a bit to curved according to the luthier. Not much, I think, and it is nothing I have noticed, but it seems to be an easy adjustment.
4. Some of the frets are a bit noisy. When you push down a string on some of the frets and play the string, there is an additional noise to the tone. Probably a combination of wrong string height, a curved neck and uneven fret wires (as he called it). He suggested to even out the fret wires and adjust the string height in order to make each tone clean.
So, as you can see, although the instrument is wonderful, there are some issues with mine, for different reasons, that I am planing to let the luthier take care of. I was a bit surprised since the guitar is brand new, but he claimed that this wasn't unusual issues - even on new instruments. I am handing it in on Monday for a week or so in order to get it up on its best potential. The luthier said it would be like a different guitar after his adjustments. I hope he knows what he is talking about, and I feel quite sure that he does. He is an educated luthier, and has been working for a guitar manufacturer in Canada. I'll let you know how it turns out :)
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No problems with any of mine from the word go.
As soon as I bought them I had them all properly set-up by the Fender dealer shop where I have been for years, subsequently they are all perfect!
One of mine had a curved neck but this was soon remedied and is fact my fave of the three!!
Sorry to hear you had issues with yours, but begs the question did you not get yours 'set-up' after you recieved it. If you had bought it new it should of been set-up before they sold it...
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By the way, many sourses including MK himself states that MK Strat is (was) the most sucsesfull signature Strat that Fender ever produced. Where I can find any relativetely official information on this? Some facts, statistics or something like that. And what about monsters like Eric Clapton signature or the Malmsteen one?
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And what about monsters like Eric Clapton signature or the Malmsteen one?
Eric Clapton signature - PPPPLLease!!
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I always thought that (strat) stat was dodgy, maybe the MK strat was the fastest selking, but biggest selling?
This thread appears to indicate that around 12,000 were made over 10 years. Does anyone really belive that a lesser number of Clapton's were made over 25?
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well, I don't want to be misunderstood, nor to launch another debate, but at least, the Clapton sig model has something "special" that a standard strat doesn't have : the push-pull poti for middle/trebble boost.
you can like it or not (I don't like it) but you must admit that only this model has this feature.
same for other sig models (SRV, Malmsteen, Gilmour, gallagher etc...) which have all at least one "spec" which you can't have if you buy a standard model.
But the MK model doesn't have any "special" thing :
the look is standard, the texas special PU are very common, etc...
a "true" signature MK model would have been to "clone" one of his early strat, with at least the black knob for example, just to make it recognisable and "unique" compared with a "standard" stratocaster
just my opinion, and no offence intended :)
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Now that was something I didn't know! Thanks JF!
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Yeah, or SRV strat have lefty tremolo system on right-handed guitars, not to mention SRV initials on it, rare fingerboard wood, etc.
Im must admit that MK Strat 'uique thing'
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The MK strat is or at least was the only way to get a 57 body with a 62 neck.
Likewise when it came out it was the only non custom shop model with a nitro finish, may be different now.
To me, it doesn't need to have any gimmicks like a boost or a scalloped fingerboard. It's just a very, very good Stratocaster.
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The MK strat is or at least was the only way to get a 57 body with a 62 neck.
Likewise when it came out it was the only non custom shop model with a nitro finish, may be different now.
To me, it doesn't need to have any gimmicks like a boost or a scalloped fingerboard. It's just a very, very good Stratocaster.
Quite happy having a bloody good strat (or 3) with no gimmicks too! MK doesn't need any gimmicks to produce what he does from his Strat - well thats fine for me too!
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JF,
Appreciate your comments but just to say I think the Fender MK is very special in that MK helped 'piece it together' also I and a lot of fellow guitarists have played many Strats and the grand majority including myself (obviously) love the MK very much!
Now you want to see peoples faces when I take one of my beauties out its case - they are a head turner. Then when I start playing one of then in a club or simular again heads turn!! So yes it may be a standard strat to you but not to me! My guitar shop techs incidentally love their 6 monthly visits from my MK's too!!
You can play a Strat but there is certainly something special about playing an MK sig.... Fellow owners join in this debate and explain how you like me just cannot put the MK sig Strat down!!
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With regard to the MK 'Clone' strat, I was always under the impression Mark based his Sig Strat on his (and mine) fave guitarist - Hank Marvin as incidentally Hank's first Strat had a rosewood neck too!!
'All I wanted was a red guitar like Hank's' - well you've got one now Mark!
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By the way: To all of you who uses your MK Strat, was the setup playable and "perfect" for you when you got it? I showed mine to a luthier (a guitar builder) the other day, and he identified several issues with the guitar that he recommended me to do something with in order the optimize the instrument:
1. First of all I had to adjust the neck's position a little by loosening the four screws that connects the neck to the body and adjust the neck into position. It has probably shifted a bit during transport across the globe. The lightest E-string was actually nearly outside of the fretboard on the side of the neck closest to the...
Issue 1 here is common with a Strat that has NOT been "set-up" - a loosening of the neck (without tension on the strings) then you physically push that neck within its pocket to a better angle whilst trying to tighten back the screws!! I had to do it to a MIM I imported from he USA. Now it's fine :)
Issues 2 & 3 seem very odd to me, any item at that price should be able to be sent anywhere in the world and packed appropriately so climatic conditions do not affect it. Of course, if you instantly drop it in the snow I'd imagine there's not much a seller can do about that. But you do not want a shrunken or bent neck !!! :(
Issue 4 is common too and is usually solved by the set-up, but depending on how much your neck is bent, may prove a battle.
Sorry to hear this jarle, you really shouldn't have to face these issues on a Sig Strat. I know it's difficult (I live in a far away land too) but it really is best to buy in your local shop, try it, any probs down the line and the warranty is easily looked after.
The mark up on Fender retail is massive, I laugh when I see shops have their regular 30% off Fender days, because (here anyway) they will give you that discount if you insist on it. You just say "I want this, but I need a better price." If they don't fall to at least 30% off start walking out, saying "that's a shame" and watch them run after you!
You'd probably have been better off just buying a AVRI, or a custom shop with the Texas special pups.
Hope it all works out for you.
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I am going to try to elaborate, but as I have difficulties with english language (only learned at school, and gone to england only 3 weeks when I was a teen) it's tricky for me to argue in a discussion with english native speakers (although I like it because it's a good training)
so feel free to correct me if I use wrong words, wrong conjugations, wrong vocabulary, etc... :)
I am sure that the MK sig strat is a great guitar, well manufactured, great sounding, with a beautiful neck, body, etc...and I understand very well that you enjoy playing it, but to me that's not the point.
what I am trying to say is that making a signature guitar model makes sense only if the guitar in question has something "special", something uncommon that you don't find on a standard model.
If the guitarist plays on a "standard" guitar with nothing much special compared to a standard model, I don't see the point to produce a "signature" model.
to me, a signature model would have to make you think immediately to the artist.
I gave the example of Clapton, but as Foma said, there are many others : the tremolo arm on the SRV, the hollow frets on the malmsteen, the damaged look on the galagher, etc..
But I can't see anything on the MK model that makes me immediately think : "ah yes, of course it's the model played by Mark Knopfler"
this red strat could be played by anyone else, it wouldn't look "strange"
other examples with other guitars :
imho, making a LP signature Peter Green makes sense because it has something special (the PU wiring), but making a LP signature jimmmy Page doesn't make sense : Page played on a standrad 59 LP, like Mark's one, or EC's one, so nothing "singular"
making a SG signature Robbie krieger would'nt have any interrest imho, while making a SG signature Louis bertignac, that would be a real gem
imagine Car industry making cars signature models with car racers names....I bet you would expect some custom car, not a "standard" one
I have the same analyse for signature guitar models
maybe I theorise too much...
after all, the most important is that you all enjoy playing on this model
so keep cherish it, and play it, and I m' glad for you if you like it :)
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With regard to the MK 'Clone' strat, I was always under the impression Mark based his Sig Strat on his (and mine) fave guitarist - Hank Marvin as incidentally Hank's first Strat had a rosewood neck too!!
'All I wanted was a red guitar like Hank's' - well you've got one now Mark!
Mark said in an itw (on a french mag I have from the shangri-la era): "I wanted Fender cloning my 61 strat, but you can't paint Moan-Lisa again. We tried to be the closest as possible"
So I guess he thought to his #68354 rosewood strat. the one we all know :
http://www.mk-guitar.com/mark-knopfler-gear-database/fender-stratocaster-1961/ (http://www.mk-guitar.com/mark-knopfler-gear-database/fender-stratocaster-1961/)
about Hank, you are right, but of course he became the iconic maple strat player in rock history (both lookwise and soundwise)
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JF,
You do well with your English - well done.
Oh yes I love my MK's - make no mistake. There is so much difference in playing wise it's untrue. I plugged both my Classic Player and MK SE00860 into the amps together and continuously changed between the two and there is just no competition!
At the end of the day the MK Strat to me is NOT a 'Standard' Strat by any stretch of the imagination either by look, sound or feel and on the subject of sound it's awesome!!
Incidentally I'm wondering have you played a MK Sig Strat per chance?
Each to their own I suppose but when you play the MK Strat as often as I do (3-4 times a week) I will not have anything bad said against them as at the end of the day I'm very happy personally with what Mark and Fender put together - a very effective & ultimately a very good Stratocaster that IMHO takes some beating!
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A couple of early Shadows photo's complete with Hank and his early 'Rosewood' necked Strat of which I'm convinced Mark wanted to copy for his Signature model....
That piccie of Hank's 1961 Strat sends 'goosebumps' down my neck..... Woooohoooo!!
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I mean no disrespect when I say that even them looked back to the archetypical Strato player, Buddy Holly.
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I mean no disrespect when I say that even them looked back to the archetypical Strato player, Buddy Holly.
yes agree. the very first well known strato player, but of course not on a red one, but a 2-tone sunburst one
so after Hank, Marks managed to look like another of his heroes : the jurassic strat + glasses... ;)
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knofplerfan,
no I never had the chance to play on MK sig strat, so you are right, my statement could be biased.
I only saw and heard it. I am sure it's a beautiful guitar with a great sound.
my thinking was more a "general consideration" about signature models, and the "logic" behind them so to say.
But as I said before, maybe is that I want to theorise too much, while you're talking with your heart about your guitars, and I could'nt more agree with you about this attitude.
you are right, sometimes (or always ?) you have to listen to your heart more than your mind...
a famous french quote : "heart has his reasons that the raison ignore..."
well it's a thread about guitar, let's not going into philosophy ;D
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I mean no disrespect when I say that even them looked back to the archetypical Strato player, Buddy Holly.
Buddy's Strat performance on the Ed Sullivan show was as musically significant as when Elvis & The Beatles performed on it.
I'm not sure but I think most people watched it in B&W but that didn't stop the surprise of seeing such a new, 'modern' and s*xy guitar being seen by the all American viewer.
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Spot on Fletch. Which by the way, is a good reason for him to win this!
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That piccie of Hank's 1961 Strat sends 'goosebumps' down my neck..... Woooohoooo!!
So true! :thumbsup
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My new MK strat can be added to the list as well ;D
SE03762
(http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j266/Fretbol/gitaar/mkstrat.jpg)
(http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j266/Fretbol/gitaar/mkstrat2.jpg)
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Oh you're a lucky devil!
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Looks good
Welcome to the club
Brian
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This could be something flying through space to me, pretty sexy shape!
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Just to go back & address a question from a couple of pages ago: As my username suggests, I have a number of Fender Stratocasters, My first is a Japanese built late 80's strat which generally, for non-USA built guitars have a fairly good reputation, although I replaced the pick ups a few years ago as the originals were too "hot". My second is my MK Sig strat which is without doubt the most "grown up" of the 3, and my third is a Mexican Built "Classic 50's" model. They all sound different, although each still sounds like a strat, and due to different string gauges and whether the Tremolo is operational are used for different songs. I actually find the Japanese & Mexican ones easiest to play as they both have Maple necks and their necks are also slightly thinner the the MK Strat. The MK Strat is (I think) the only non-custom shop Fender to have a Nitrocellulose lacquer finish. This is a good thing to the tone purists, but a pain for the owner as the surface is easliy damaged/chipped, whereas the polyester finish on the other two is just about indestructible in comparison. I have 4 paint chips on my MK model and none on the other 2 although one has a small dent in the finish on the bottom edge where I dropped it on my pedal board! ( this would have taken a big chunk out of the MK model). Consequently, although I love it, the MK model actually gets played less, because it is kept in it's case, where the other 2 are out on a rack and more accessible.
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The MK Strat is (I think) the only non-custom shop Fender to have a Nitrocellulose lacquer finish.
This was the case when it came out, but not anymore.
Also, they are allegedly not finished in nitro like they were in the 50s, they are poly with nitro on top (according to forums, no idea if this is true).
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Early films had nitro celluloze as their base but they had issues (they melted easy and some times they self-combusted) so they were later replaced by the now famous "safety film"
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A belated welcome to the club - Fretbol ;)
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http://youtu.be/n5NlEdyQoVs
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Nice video, good sounding music. Ridiculous lyrics though. ;)
LE
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It is part of the charm though. And if ones wants to go deeper, it is a wink to the "stupid" rock and roll lyrics, that are part of our growing up as individuals, as society and as rock tradition. All in all Jonathan Richman is the real deal, playful and yet serious, unlike many other "artists". If you don't know him check him out!
One of my favorites:
http://youtu.be/O2JSf--jkVU
http://youtu.be/yzc3l-HooH8
And he goes way back in the early 70ies. Bowie has covered him, Cale and many others
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You could add Mike Oldfield to the MK owners list, he has one, and plays it on his latest album. It's his only Strat now.
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Hi all, I bought my MK strat second hand from a work mate a while ago (serial no. se08909, 2010 model)
Just a little confused as my hang tags state it is a 1962 body and neck , not a 57 body as so many others seem to be. Have I been taken here?
I will be pulling it apart later to see if there are any clues.
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ooops, and I am in the UK, sorry!
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Hi firmstools (Nice Username??!!)
As you may be aware the MK Strat features a '57 Ash Body with a 62 'C' shaped Neck....
Send a piccie of your Strat & all of your hang tags and amongst my fellow owners we will tell you whether you've been had or not....
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i will put some pics up later
I have to say that if it is a fake it seems to be a good one!
The finish has sunk into the grain a little, it has lost a little paint where the neck bolts on as others have that i have seen and the finish chips easily, all indicators of nitro paint.
I have just got to work out how to reduce the size of my pics as i cant upload them at the moment.
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Hi, just a few more details for you experts out there.
the case is black with an orange lining with a metal fender logo on the outside and a metal plate on the inside that says G&G "the original vintage case co" made in USA.
signature on headstock looks right, date on neck is March 17th 2010 and march 8th 2010. one for final assy of neck, one for fitting to body??
body has several stickers with part numbers and bar codes on it. one seems to have been painted over and another one put on top!! see pic.
body is very light, this is the lightest strat i have owned and i have had at least 6 that i can remember!
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and a couple more, I can only post 2 pics at a time.
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just a couple more!
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I'm no expert other than owning quite an early 2003 model but it looks good to me.
Seems like an error on that hang tag. My guitar didn't even come with that hang tag, must have just been later models. :)
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That looks all good to me...
The sticker (Mark Knopfler Strat 0117800-815) on the 'Manufacture' hang tag is only on my later Strat (SE3805) as my other two (earlier) are all hand written....
With regards to the Strat resize 3 piccie can you read the sticker which has been painted over per chance?
Surely you have a 'manufacture' hang tag complete with serial number on Dusty?
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Thanks for the comments chaps,
I have no other hang tags with the guitar that are specific to this instrument, others are general Fender stuff.
Either Fender switched to a 62 body some time in the production run or I have a bitsa.
I am inclined to think that the guitar is genuine but why would Fender switch the body spec to make what was effectively a 62 re issue when they allready had a 62 re issue available.
If it is a bitsa where did the body come from? What other strats did Fender make with a 62 hot rod red nitro body?
I think this may take an e mail to Fender to sort out!
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I guess they all have a 62 body in fact as you cannot put an 11 hole pickguard on a 57 body (the "shoulder" in the electronics cave is missing on these so one of the screws there will not go into the wood)
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very good point! obvious when I think about it.
I have e mailed Fender customer services so it will be interesting to see wwhat they say about it.
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Hola, i'm new in the forum but I own a precious Fender Signature MK, exactly........number SE00674. I live in Spain and I wish to know when and where it was crafted my guitar........I think to be the third own of this guitar, but i really don't know sure........I live in Spain but i have family in the USA and i play music in the center area of Spain. My greetings for everybody and you can to put me in the list of owners of one MKS.....after i upload some photos of this warrior with Van Zandt Vintage Plus pickups...........
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Welcome Rafael ;)
Your MK has been duly added to the list... As yours is only numbered a few more from my first Strat I would assume it is a 2003/2004 edition....
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Hola, i write to Fender and his answer is :
The serial number you have provided corresponds with a Mark Knopfler Stratocaster in Hot Rod Red finish manufactured 02/2005. The factory specs for this specific model are listed below.
Model Name: Mark Knopfler Stratocaster
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I did the same and emailed Fender and heard straight away...
SE00616 - Manufactured: 11/2003
SE00860 - Manufactured: 11/2004
SE03805 - Manufactured: 02/2009
Thanks for your input Rafael ;)
*As you can see by looking at the serial numbers and Manufacture dates there is no consistency with early ones having an early serial number for example there are only 58 guitars between our two (SE00616 - SE00674) and yet our guitars have a difference of around 15 months!!
SE00860 was actually manufactured before yours I see.... ;)
So my SE00616 & SE00860 are very early distributed MK Strat's and I'm well impressed!! ;D
Fascinating stuff!!
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Hi Knoflerfan,
You can count me in! I'm the proud owner of a MK Strat with serial number SE02762. Fender told me it was manufactured in March 2006. It's a real joy to play! Makes me kind of feel like MK, but without the great musical skills... ;)
Best regards
Robin
Belgium
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A word of warning to anyone keeping their MK strat out of it's case (on a stand or in a rack). Mine has been kept on a rack for spells of a few weeks at a time and then spends the rest of the time in it's case if not in regular use, in order to protect it from "dings"
Due to the position of the rack, The only time the sun shines on it is late on a summer evening, (coming horizontally through the window) and even then it's shining through a net curtain and patterned glass. I noticed when I got the guitar out of it's case recently that the scratch plate has "aged" from mint green to a more cream colour, and more annoyingly, there are lighter "shadows" above the knobs and pickup selector where they have shielded the scratch plate from the sun !
(the guitar sits in the rack with the lower edge facing outwards). None of my cheaper Strats with single ply pickguards or any of my other guitars are showing any evidence of this - it must be a characteristic of the mint green scratch plate.
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Just buy another scratch plate.
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I heard about so many fans that removed the texas special pickups that made me thinks that maybe MK was wrong about it. LOL
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Now seriously, as a guitar ignorant am I, if MK choose that pickups for his signature, and I buy it, I will stick to that pickups because, if I dont want them, why to buy that guitar? There are plenty of Fender guitars with other specifications, many artists have their signature models, and it is supposed that when you buy one of those, its because you want exactly that one, the one that your musical hero designed isnt it?
However, when you buy it, you are entitled to do whatever you want with it, even put it on fire, Lol.
By the way, wasnt a Mk signature the one that Mk put lipsticks pickups when playing with Dylan?
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Now seriously, as a guitar ignorant am I, if MK choose that pickups for his signature, and I buy it, I will stick to that pickups because, if I dont want them, why to buy that guitar? There are plenty of Fender guitars with other specifications, many artists have their signature models, and it is supposed that when you buy one of those, its because you want exactly that one, the one that your musical hero designed isnt it?
However, when you buy it, you are entitled to do whatever you want with it, even put it on fire, Lol.
By the way, wasnt a Mk signature the one that Mk put lipsticks pickups when playing with Dylan?
It was indeed. I actually quite like those pickups, but some might think they're a bit too "hot". Mark designed this guitar to look like his 1961 strat (rosewood fretboard, hot rod red, neck and body dimensions, pickguard), but he wanted it to sound different. I read somewhere that he went to Fender and tried all the pickups the were making at the time, and he chose these.
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I just wonder why (it is an actual question to the guitar players) use so many different pick ups, when you can use reliable ones to carry the signal and then take it through various "boxes" and effects and create the sound you want, without the risk of losing a note perfect playing played through the wrong pick ups. Of course this goes to the guitars used in the studio, because the lives are a whole different matter. What do you say?
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Because they sound different. :)
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;D I know that much! What I was really looking forward was an answer to the vein:"The talent and practice are the things that matter". So many great songs written in a simple acoustic guitar, sometimes out of tune, but with passion. Now we all look for the different sound at the presets, pick ups and processors. ;D
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A word of warning to anyone keeping their MK strat out of it's case (on a stand or in a rack). Mine has been kept on a rack for spells of a few weeks at a time and then spends the rest of the time in it's case if not in regular use, in order to protect it from "dings"
Due to the position of the rack, The only time the sun shines on it is late on a summer evening, (coming horizontally through the window) and even then it's shining through a net curtain and patterned glass. I noticed when I got the guitar out of it's case recently that the scratch plate has "aged" from mint green to a more cream colour, and more annoyingly, there are lighter "shadows" above the knobs and pickup selector where they have shielded the scratch plate from the sun !
(the guitar sits in the rack with the lower edge facing outwards). None of my cheaper Strats with single ply pickguards or any of my other guitars are showing any evidence of this - it must be a characteristic of the mint green scratch plate.
I have an american standard strat built in 2005, and the pickguard beginns to change into "aged" white
the pickguard is 3-ply, and not greenish at all
I like it because it gives the guitar an aged look.
the same for PU caps and pots when they turn yellowish, I prefer that rather than brand new white. it looks too much "new" for my taste.
I like Mar'ks original 61 strat, with its aged look (both the body, the neck, pickguard and PU-pots)
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I just wonder why (it is an actual question to the guitar players) use so many different pick ups, when you can use reliable ones to carry the signal and then take it through various "boxes" and effects and create the sound you want, without the risk of losing a note perfect playing played through the wrong pick ups. Of course this goes to the guitars used in the studio, because the lives are a whole different matter. What do you say?
I know what you mean vgonis.
the "overall" sound of a guitar part that you hear on a record or live comes mostly from amp/effects and production.
the differences between guitar PU are subtle, and most of people don't hear any difference I believe.
Take examples :
1)
on the OES tour, the sound on SOS and CE or YAYF are very different, but the difference doesn't come from the guitar (that is the same) but from amp/effect/boxes, etc...
the sound on Money that matters or freewayflyer or Going home (studio version) are very different from why worry, and it's the same guitar with same pickups, but of course not the same sound chain (stompboxes-amp-effects) and production (studio, desk, etc...)
2)
the 3rd solo on Money is played on the Bill Lewis guitar, while the 2 first are played on the black strat, but it's the same kind of sound (mostly the 1st and the 3rd), but it's not the same guitar. It's sounds the same because of amp/fuzz and Parsons engineering
the sound on SMU is not that different from other songs on the 1st DS album, but it's the thinline telecaster with different PU than the strat on other songs.
but it's likely the same amp, the same comp, and the of course the same Muff Winwood engineering/production
on the 2 first DS albums, the 2 red strats were used, with different neck and PU, but it's hard to tell which song is played on which strat, because the "global" sound is quite the same
I am not saying that different guitars/PU sound exactly the same with the same sound chain, of course they are differences and I can hear them, but what the lambda people hear at first is the overall sound coming from production/desk/sound chain (stompboxes-amp-effects)
You will hear more difference by changing an amp or/and effects with the same guitar, than changing the guitar with the same sound chain
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Very informative JF. Thank you! Especially the example of Money that matters/Going home/freeway flyer vs Why worry revealed the contrast! I would love to be in the position to tell the differences, even tiny form guitar to guitar, but i guess it takes lots of ears training and knowledge!
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The most tiny difference I herad is on Ingo
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A long way to become a producer! Thank you JF! :clap I've heard the story of "brick" and revolution. I guess what is fitting becomes obvious via trial and error, especially when the musician is also the producer. So in other words, you have the sound in your mind and try to make it real on tape. :wave
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Coincidentally, Bjorn has just posted an article about this subject :
http://www.gilmourish.com/?p=5279 (http://www.gilmourish.com/?p=5279)
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A fine article! Thanks JF!
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Hi Knoflerfan,
You can count me in! I'm the proud owner of a MK Strat with serial number SE02762. Fender told me it was manufactured in March 2006. It's a real joy to play! Makes me kind of feel like MK, but without the great musical skills... ;)
Best regards
Robin
Belgium
I'm in Belgium as well, and my MK strat has serial number SE3762, exactly 1.000 guitars between them :D
Fretbol ;)
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You can count me in as 'Unorthodox owner', because it's all American Vintage Fiesta Red strat with MK Sig neck but without serial number :(
BTW, my namesake friend have a 'genuine' signature with serial SE09886 here in Russia. Which was made in 12.08.12! What a coincidence.
(http://cs620322.vk.me/v620322999/1351e/KWbF9Y00jqg.jpg)
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Hey Foma,
Nice Guitar! I will give you an honourable mention on bottom of list......
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In a few years, I'd spend a capital to get one of these... :O
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I add myself to the list of owners :)
Serial : SE00089
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Done ;)
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I'd also like to be added to the owners list, Serial Number: SE11426. UK.
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Welcome... Any idea when yours was manufactured?
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Welcome... Any idea when yours was manufactured?
I sent the Serial Number to Fender to check it out and it was manufactured in 2012
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Just found this on the UK ebay site...
If you are interested make sure the Labels and associated Candy come with it and ask what the serial Number is too...
Going for a bargain
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Difficult to tell from one pic, but could be "wrong colour" model?
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Have asked the seller for the serial number... If it's a reasonably low one then Strat No.4 may join the trio..... ;)
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Have asked the seller for the serial number... If it's a reasonably low one then Strat No.4 may join the trio..... ;)
I would like to join the owner's list even if the serial is high! Knopflerfan from your experience with MK strats is there a difference on the quality according the serial number?
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Interesting point, I have found purely the three of mine are all very different in their playing. My favourite is my LOW numbered Strat which was manufactured in November 2003 so one of the very early batch. The higher numbered Strat is of course beautiful but I prefer my earlier models.....
Interestingly my early strat is much heavier than the other two so I reckon that is why it sounds so beautiful and plays so well....It's certainly one of the best guitars my local Fender dealer had serviced!!
Good luck should you bid
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Chap is going to let me know the Serial Number tomorrow......
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Thank you Knopflerfan I really apreciate the info :clap. Please let me know about the serial. I am thinking of biding if the price doesn't get very high. I hope that someday I will get one of these strats.
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Good luck with your bidding. you will not regret purchasing an MK Strat - believe me!! Will put the serial number up once I have recived it...
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The serial Number is : SE03113 (Very close to Andym in Austarlia's Strat on our list: SE03110)
It was manufactured around 2006.....
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Sold for 1000,75 pounds. I couldn't affort the price this time. Many expenses for me including booking two MK shows (Manchester & Glasgow) and a trip to Scotland for sightseeing.
I found one MK strat in Greece around the same price with serial number se07143. It is for months that the seller cannot sell it so I could ask him to drop the price a little bit and has the advantage that it is located in Athens so I can try it before buy it.
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So sorry to hear that you missed out especially as it sold quite reasonably too, I did put in a bid earlier in the evening and ended up winning SE03113.
So MK Strat No.4 is coming south for my wife to learn on.....
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So sorry to hear that you missed out especially as it sold quite reasonably too, I did put in a bid earlier in the evening and ended up winning SE03113.
So MK Strat No.4 is coming south for my wife to learn on.....
Congrats Knofplerfan!!! You have a quite large collection of MK Strats! I would like to hear you opinion about the playability and sound compared to your other ones as soon as you get it! For me I hope to have one later this year!
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Hey Carrion Spy, maybe if we both get one, each, they'll give us a discount! We only have to find someone selling two of them. ;D I tried bidding on a couple when I had some money but adding the cost to get it to Greece, is way over my budget right now (the cheaper ones come around 1500 Euros, while the average is dropping fast, from 2500 Euros to 1900 Euros). So there is hope, unless Knopflerfun buys them all! ;D Of course if someone out there (in the UK) could help reduce the cost of delivery by picking it up locally, this would be great. And maybe we'll meet at a show in the UK. Or maybe if someone is comig over from the USA and can bring it along...
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Long and short of it all is that I have 'given' my later numbered Strat to my brother as a gift (See the owners List) so although he is not far away this 'new' one replaces it.
My brother is an MK admirer and he came to the Bournemouth BIC to see Mark on the last tour with us.
This Strat will hopefully be used by Mrs Knopflerfan as I am aiming to teach her over the coming Autumn/Winter... Great Guitar to learn on eh?
And no vgonis and Carrionspy I will not be buying anymore so over to you guys now... I will of course keep an eye out for you....
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I will of course give my first impressions when it arrives and will give it a good 'Fraipse'
I will then be giving it to my local Fender dealer's to properly set up/clean for me - This one is going to have D'addario 10's fitted along with a floating Tremelo...
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SE03113 arrived safely today but was very grubby having not been well cleaned. Anyway I spent 20 mins cleaning and plugged in! Oh wow she is a beaut or what. Much lighter than my other 3 and yet has a lovely feel and deep sound to each note... Anyway the guitar is in midst of being fully serviced by my local Fender dealers. I will post some piccies soon. Ps - SE03113 has no dents or suchlike....
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So sorry to hear that you missed out especially as it sold quite reasonably too, I did put in a bid earlier in the evening and ended up winning SE03113.
So MK Strat No.4 is coming south for my wife to learn on.....
Congrats Knofplerfan!!! You have a quite large collection of MK Strats! I would like to hear you opinion about the playability and sound compared to your other ones as soon as you get it! For me I hope to have one later this year!
I reckon that when the guitar arrived it still had the original strings on it... So after a thorough clean I plugged the 'beast' in and the sound was very beautiful. So very easy to play... The guitar is as I write being serviced and re-strung with some D'adarrio 10's and will have a floating Trem...
I pick-up the guitar on Monday so will report more... Good luck in your quest for one and I PROMISE not to buy another one!!!
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So sorry to hear that you missed out especially as it sold quite reasonably too, I did put in a bid earlier in the evening and ended up winning SE03113.
So MK Strat No.4 is coming south for my wife to learn on.....
Congrats Knofplerfan!!! You have a quite large collection of MK Strats! I would like to hear you opinion about the playability and sound compared to your other ones as soon as you get it! For me I hope to have one later this year!
I reckon that when the guitar arrived it still had the original strings on it... So after a thorough clean I plugged the 'beast' in and the sound was very beautiful. So very easy to play... The guitar is as I write being serviced and re-strung with some D'adarrio 10's and will have a floating Trem...
I pick-up the guitar on Monday so will report more... Good luck in your quest for one and I PROMISE not to buy another one!!!
Thank you Knopflerfan!! Waiting more details after the service and the floating tremolo! :wave
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I have just literally picked up SE03113 from the Guitar shop and to say I am pleased is an understatement!!
When the guitar first arrived on opening the case the guitar had 'scratches' although NOT deep ones I was quite concerned about whether they could be dealt with? and to top it all the tremelo was almost being ripped from it's springs, that's why I rushed up the dealer to help me out. Anyway after two days of stripping the guitar down, readjusting and re-stringing it is a very different MK Strat I own now!!
I am at work at the moment but will gladly post some photo's of the finished result... Oh and the sound, well all the guys at the guitar shop believe this is the best one of my four for sound!!!!
You take a gamble on ebay these days I know but I would have been embarrassed to have sold this guitar to anyone the state this guitar was in.. Anyway now it is fully 'restored' it will be cherished now as you can Imagine along with the others...
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Ta Da..... SE03113 now fully restored back to former glory... :wave
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For good measure here is the 'trio' taken this morning while I had the camera out!!!
Left to right:
SE00616, SE00860 & SE03113
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And again.....
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Real Beauties Knopflerfan! Wish I had the money to buy one and the time to play. :wave
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:clap :clap :clap Very nice!!!!!!!
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I would like to add my Knopfler Strat to your list as I have SER:000618 here in Wales and I bought it from new as soon as they were announced from my local dealer.
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Very good! As your guitar is only numbered two from one of mine I am wondering if you have a manufactured date from Fender at all? Be very interesting to know any date differences??
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Anybody want to sell me an MK Strat? ???
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I'm in the UK ;)
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Keep looking on ebay etc - one will turn up. Not aware of anyone selling, besides there are a few on here already after an MK......
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I actually seen MK Strat last week in Rome, when I was on holiday, it was just a vintage guitar store in old town, it was 2003 one with wrong colour and really low serial number, something like #00300, so search and you will find one literally anywhere in the world, especially in UK :)
UPD: Here's the picture:
(https://pp.vk.me/c624021/v624021999/9f83/tB2SpMxaRmM.jpg)
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Wow - great find.... You obviously didn't spend any euro's then?!!
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Not mine, but this example should be a bit ahead of all the others out there:
http://www.gbase.com/gear/fender-custom-shop-mark-knopfler-signature-s (http://www.gbase.com/gear/fender-custom-shop-mark-knopfler-signature-s)
"Todd Krause is the Fender Masterbuilder who actually builds Mark Knopfler's personal instruments and this guitar is built to the exact specifications that Mark uses."
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Thanks chaps but it's really tricky to find one anywhere - the gbase guitar is stupidly priced but even so I would be willing to spend a goodly sum to have one. Please let me know if you find one, pref with a brown case - many thanks once again
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Not mine, but this example should be a bit ahead of all the others out there:
http://www.gbase.com/gear/fender-custom-shop-mark-knopfler-signature-s (http://www.gbase.com/gear/fender-custom-shop-mark-knopfler-signature-s)
"Todd Krause is the Fender Masterbuilder who actually builds Mark Knopfler's personal instruments and this guitar is built to the exact specifications that Mark uses."
This is bizarre.
Supposedly they have stopped making this model but you can still order from the custom shop? And the specs are exactly the same?
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Thanks chaps but it's really tricky to find one anywhere - the gbase guitar is stupidly priced but even so I would be willing to spend a goodly sum to have one. Please let me know if you find one, pref with a brown case - many thanks once again
There is another one out on Gbase.com. Go there!
Also check out reverb.com as an alternative.
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Obviously being made on an individual basis should anyone require one, but I would rather opt for an older one personally. No difference with regards spec either.....
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http://www.maxguitarstore.com/products/fender-mark-knopfler-signature-in-dakota-red-100/
Serial number 100 for sale in the Netherlands.
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http://www.maxguitarstore.com/products/fender-mark-knopfler-signature-in-dakota-red-100/
Serial number 100 for sale in the Netherlands.
Oh if I had the money..
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XICjstHkxLI&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Thoughts on this video from Ingo?
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Mmmm that 64 looks lovely. The Dakota looks like it would fade to that vintage Fiesta, but they're all different those old nitro ones eh?
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The '64 sounds completely different for a start. Probably best described as "smoother" I think. I certainly prefer it's sound and have always preferred Mark's older ones too but I've already expressed that opinion here. Of course through his current amps it's hard to compare on the same songs.
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Personally I thought the difference between the three was negligible, but I was listening on crappy tablet speakers.
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Still looking :-[ anyone will to sell? Anywhere (apart from Ebay) selling one?
Many thanks
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Will pay good price for good condition with brown case -
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I just managed to find one last minute after missing out a few times. There is one for sale on vintageandrare.com a shop in Rome I believe, a 2003 and the price isn't bad worth a look.
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Thank you for these :) May I ask you for translation please? I will contact all these tomorrow - thanks again!!
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Pensaboy, I would like to contact the first ad for
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I spoke with the shop owner Leo and hopefully I might have bought it!!! Just want it in time for Christmas now LOL - many thanks
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I've just bought the MK strat with the serial SE00100. It's in mint condition with all the case candy!
Looks absolutely gorgeous!
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I've just bought the MK strat with the serial SE00100. It's in mint condition with all the case candy!
Looks absolutely gorgeous!
I can't call myself serial numbers fan, but SE00100 looks great to me. To me its even more gorgeous than Mark's SE00000 and SE00001.
Especially given the fact that actual first Strat which got sold in stores was 0100 one from 1954 (not Gilmour's one). Congrats, man!
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foma, what's your complete gear ? I mean guitars and amps
Thank you for asking (although it was pretty unexpected for this thread). Nothing special really. My gear is simple as:
A Strat (1997 reissue fiesta red '57 body + MK neck), Gibson Advanced Jumbo, Martin Uke, masterbuilt Classical and Kala U-Bass.
As for amps, I have only one
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Just waiting on a reply but already excited! Many thanks Pensaboy!
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I've just bought the MK strat with the serial SE00100. It's in mint condition with all the case candy!
Looks absolutely gorgeous!
Looked like a good one. And like mine, it's the wrong colour!
From what I can gather, the early ones seem to be particularly good guitars, Fender really wanted to get it right for such a prestigious endorsee (apart from the paint!)
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Hi wondered if you guys can help me, ive just taken delivery of my MK signature strat and there is only the serial number on the tag the neck plate is blank not too sure what to do. Looking at it I know its legit just I know the serial should be ingraved on the neck plate. What should I do?
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Heavy use? sorry how do you mean? the owners registration is still blank with the booklets etc.
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Maybe it's a combination Strat like mine
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If body is non-genuine, check if it has nitro or poly finish, simply put a light on it and see if you can sight the wood grain underneath the lacquer.
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Hmm, doesn't sound good. :(
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Keep your head. Check if you can with the seller. Ask in detail.
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It is pretty much new, I've been e-mailing Fender regarding this sent them pictures and all relevant information and today they confirmed that it was authentic. Such a relief, I probarly should have done more research and asked for clearer pictures but I only had 30 mins to make the decision! thanks for your help guys
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Very strange. Did they confirm that some strats were issued with blank neck plates?
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:hmm :hmm
Did you manage to ask the seller whether he kept the original neck plate - Can' believe it would have worn that badly?
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The seller hasn't messaged much since I bought it, I don't think it would have worn because the guitar is in new condition. I've had Fender look into it and tell me that its genuine. For as long as I own it it will not bother me that much because I know its genuine its just if I ever parted with it.
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That is the spirit! Wishes for many happy and creative hours of playing! :clap
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Problem will be of you try to sell it. Personally I would be taking it apart to make sure everything is right.
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The seller hasn't messaged much since I bought it, I don't think it would have worn because the guitar is in new condition. I've had Fender look into it and tell me that its genuine. For as long as I own it it will not bother me that much because I know its genuine its just if I ever parted with it.
What is the production date from Fender for this guitar? and have you confirmed the date given by Fender with the dates on the neck inner?
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just got another email from Fender, its a 2005 model I haven't taken the neck off to check but I will be taking it down to my local guitar shop for them to check it out, clean, restring.
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SE00100 manufactured in 2005 - erm strange :hmm
My very own SE00616 was indeed manufactured in 2003....
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Knopflerfan, I think you confused SE00100 Strat with AKW1987's one.
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A 9 year old guitar that looks like new but someone has felt the need to replace the the neckplate?
Sorry, but alarm bells ringing all over the place for me here. With the greatest respect for Fender, I don't believe you can say for certain that the guitar is legit based on photographs.
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If I didn't think it was legit I would have sent it back straight away with out a second thought. I'm taking it to my local shop tomorrow so will get them to look further into it. After seeing one in a guitar shop a couple of years ago, I'm more than confident and I did get a good deal on it despite the original neck plate missing.
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MK Signature SE00100
Hi there,
I just wanted to give you an update on my "new" MK Signature Strat SE 00100.
I just unscrewed the neck (I was restringing the guitar anyway from 010 as it came from the shop to 009) and I found the following dates:
Neck: May 20 2003
Body: May 1(4) 2003 - on of the screws made date illegible
Then there is a sticker on the neck that says July 22 2003, which is probably the assembly date, I reckon.
This guitar is really a beauty - I prefer the dakota red of this one to the finish of later models.
The sound is magnificent. I own 2 other strats (Custom Shop 62 heavy relic and a John Mayer signature) but this MK signature is by far the most direct strat I've ever played. The other two I have are mellower tonewise than this one. I guess this is because of the Texas Special pickups.
For picking it is the perfect guitar because you can influence the tone with your fingers very well. So these pups really make sense for a guitar called MK signature...
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Welcome on board and I have added you to the list! :wave
Yes the MK Strat's are awesome!!
I am at the stage where I cannot place any of mine down at the moment..
Email Fender for an 'Official' assembly date....
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MK Signature SE00100
Hi there,
I just wanted to give you an update on my "new" MK Signature Strat SE 00100.
I just unscrewed the neck (I was restringing the guitar anyway from 010 as it came from the shop to 009) and I found the following dates:
Neck: May 20 2003
Body: May 1(4) 2003 - on of the screws made date illegible
Then there is a sticker on the neck that says July 22 2003, which is probably the assembly date, I reckon.
This guitar is really a beauty - I prefer the dakota red of this one to the finish of later models.
The sound is magnificent. I own 2 other strats (Custom Shop 62 heavy relic and a John Mayer signature) but this MK signature is by far the most direct strat I've ever played. The other two I have are mellower tonewise than this one. I guess this is because of the Texas Special pickups.
For picking it is the perfect guitar because you can influence the tone with your fingers very well. So these pups really make sense for a guitar called MK signature...
Congrats, love my Dakota red. They are very bright guitars, think it's the combination of light swamp ash and the pickups. It out twangs my tele!
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By the way, talking about Dakota Red
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Since it's been almost two years since Fender discontinued the MK signature, I want to know everyone's thoughts in terms with how much is an acceptable price? Where they see the value going in years to come, the Dakota red vs the hot rod red, maybe giving your own personal review on the guitar thanks.
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happy New Year all...
Found this tonight while perusing the net...
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Unused-USA-Artist-Series-Fender-Stratocaster-Mark-Knopfler-Guitar-and-Case-Candy-/151538432476?pt=UK_Musical_Instruments_Guitars_CV&hash=item234864f9dc
Tad expensive but none the less very nice!! Not sure of number but I'm sure if anyone is interested they could email the seller...
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I think
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I've just bought a MK strat for 1500 euros, which I think is a very fair price.
It is in dakota red and was hardly played; at least there are hardly any signs of playing...
And furthermore this guitar really sounds great. It is one of the best strats I've ever played and by far the best in this price range. Another signature strat i really like is the John Mayer model...sounds totally different from the MK strat...
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I think
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Mine was
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When I had SE00860 serviced around 2011 the guys at the guitar shop (Fender dealers) advised me that a brand new Fender MK Strat had at the time gone up in price and was a staggering
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When I desperately wanted to buy MK Signature, I managed every time to find decent one with nice price around ~1300 dollars.
Don't know how about you, but I'd never spend 1800 Pounds, which is >2500 dollars by the way on a Strat. It's a Strat! A regular Strat.
Utilitarian thing. A lot of screws. Interchangeable parts. Why this thing could cost so much without being genuine custom shop or vintage?
Just because it's no longer in production? Still, I was managed to find decent prices each time. It's up to seller, if he is a bad guy, so price is inconceivable.
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it is often the case with USA built guitars (Gibson/Fender especially) that the the price you see it for sale at in dollars on US websites is the same as the amount they ask in pounds (Sterling) in the UK ( i.e $1200 or
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Brand new Knopfler Strat for sale here:
http://www.gregsguitars.de/de/product/1056/Fender_Stratocaster_Mark_Knopfler_Signature.html
I have already bought a guitar from greg. Excellent service and absolutely trustworthy...
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sounds like a good deal, I'm sure it'll be gone quick
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sounds like a good deal, I'm sure it'll be gone quick
It is. I mailed Greg but he mentioned it was already reserved an hour before I contacted him. :(
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Sorry Fez, this one has my name on it, I've been looking a while and this was just perfect so I bought it.
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Sorry Fez, this one has my name on it, I've been looking a while and this was just perfect so I bought it.
Wow, what a price!! Anyway well done for your purchase any info on Serial number and year?
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Sorry Fez, this one has my name on it, I've been looking a while and this was just perfect so I bought it.
It was you!!!
Enjoy your strat!
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Thanks Fez, very gracious of you!
Neck plate Serial number reads: SE05564 I think from the pics
Wow, I'm so excited! :) :)
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They are great guitars, and I found that the MK model is somehow more "grown up" than my Fender Mexico & Japan built Strats. perhaps it's just a slightly thicker neck & rosewood fretboard, but that's the feeling I get when I play it. :think ;D
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I was at the stage of nearly having built my own MK Strat but was having trouble getting the "Hot Rod" red paint in Nitro - if anyone is interested in my copy Strat then let me know but be aware the 2 pc Alder body is Nitro Sealed but unpainted.
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do you have any pics/videos? how much you looking for?
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Yes, would like to see some piccies ;)
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Here
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Hello Folks ,
I just can't recall and find out here ( maybe it's been told)
How many MK strat were produced over the world ??
Thanks
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Hello Folks ,
I just can't recall and find out here ( maybe it's been told)
How many MK strat were produced over the world ??
Thanks
Hi Nelly,
I would estimate between 12,500 - 13,000 MK Strats were produced between July 2003 & March 2013...but I will ask Fender.......Will confirm soon...
Steve
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Holgar-MK - absolutely beautiful guitar and such neat signatures too.... I wouldn't want to use the guitar with fear of 'rubbing' the signatures off.. I guess that is why I opted for all the labels from my brood to be signed instead...
Guitar added to the list.... :wave
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Hello Folks ,
I just can't recall and find out here ( maybe it's been told)
How many MK strat were produced over the world ??
Thanks
Hi Nelly,
I would estimate between 12,500 - 13,000 MK Strats were produced between July 2003 & March 2013...but I will ask Fender.......Will confirm soon...
Steve
Thank youuu
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Holgar-MK - absolutely beautiful guitar and such neat signatures too.... I wouldn't want to use the guitar with fear of 'rubbing' the signatures off.. I guess that is why I opted for all the labels from my brood to be signed instead...
Guitar added to the list.... :wave
Hi Knopflerfan,
you have to be a little careful with the signatures but my MK Strat is predominantly in a showcase because I
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:think I was just looking in the list of owners & thinking there are some big jumps in the serial numbers. As the list grows you would expect that there should be a fairly equal distribution due to "randomness" but there seem to be a few gaps when you get into the higher numbers. I wonder if the SE***** sequence is continuous or whether later batches start with a new series of numbers which do not follow on from the previous batch. :think
edit:
Looking at the Fender website I see the SE sequence was used as a "signature series" serial number in the late 80's and so perhaps not restricted to the MK model.
http://intl.fender.com/en-GB/support/articles/odd-serial-number-product-dating/ (http://intl.fender.com/en-GB/support/articles/odd-serial-number-product-dating/)
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Holger_MK - name updated!! and like you have numerous 'MK' Autographs (obtained from the man himself!) but my three individual signed Fender MK Strat manufacture labels are by far the best I have!!
I find the whole serial number thing very interesting indeed and love the concept that we have some MK's registered throughout the world and it's nice to see where they are.
I have emailed Fender to get an idea hopefully of how many were built over the 10 year(ish) period....
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Here's the tremendous MK Strat with clear and haunting pictures AND with international shipping! Great price, too:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/FENDER-2004-Mark-Knopfler-SignatureArtist-Fiesta-Red-Stratocaster-wCase-RARE-/291365718032
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It's Hot Rod red not Fiesta! LOL
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It's Hot Rod red not Fiesta! LOL
It got sold in minutes anyway :lol
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Damn, I found that a couple hours ago and it's already gone?
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At last... My dream is on its way to me.
I bought this used MK Strat yesterday in Sweden. (Mint condition) (Attached)
Serial: SE00919. (Can anyone date my guitar?)
/Patrick
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At last... My dream is on its way to me.
I bought this used MK Strat yesterday in Sweden. (Mint condition) (Attached)
Serial: SE00919. (Can anyone date my guitar?)
/Patrick
Nice one, congratulations! Probably 2003 or early 2004. For obliging facts you will have to unscrew the neck.
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Congrats on your purchase, I trust all documents are with the beast?
SE00919 Is gonna be a late 2004/Early 2005 edition but to get a manufacture date, email Fender..
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Hi Guys, just a quick note to say that due to a change in circumstance (and the drastic need to reduce my guitar collection!) my Knopfler Strat Serial number S00294 will be going live on e('vil') bay in the next few days.
Should anyone on here be interested then please get in touch as I'd far prefer it to go to someone who really appreciates what it is and what it represents.
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Send you a message, seriously interested. :wave
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Interested too, but no money right now. Well, another time!
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Well, my new baby ;D Iit really is like brand new, had to carefully remove all the protection films (including the horrible blue stuff on the case latches!) as it's goin to be played not just kept in it's case - well happy!!
Serial Number reads SE05564 - any idea of age anyone?
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Serial Number
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Happy Happy Happy! ;D ;D ;D
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Sounds ace! ;D
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Beauty! Really nice amp as well, what kind of amp is it?
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1968 Fender Princeton Reverb with a 12" speaker mod ;D
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Better pic
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Looks like I'm going to have to sell as well, not enough work at the moment :(
if any of you guys want to make me an offer pm me.
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Better pic
Cool amp. Is it definitely a 68? I thought they moved to Silverface in 68. :)
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Yes you're right so I guess it must be a late 67 but I've always referred to it as a 68 pre silver face :)
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There's no hard and fast rules on these things, could well be an early 68.
There shoulf be a tube chart inside that will tell you. Transformers will be stamped also - I was able to date my Fender Concert to the third week of December 1964. :)
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Well, my new baby ;D Iit really is like brand new, had to carefully remove all the protection films (including the horrible blue stuff on the case latches!) as it's goin to be played not just kept in it's case - well happy!!
Serial Number reads SE05564 - any idea of age anyone?
Welcome to the owners list, your beautiful guitar has been added. I would think the guitar is a 'late' 2009/ Early 2010 but you may like to email Fender the 'serial' number to get a more precise date....
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Hi Guys, just a quick note to say that due to a change in circumstance (and the drastic need to reduce my guitar collection!) my Knopfler Strat Serial number S00294 will be going live on e('vil') bay in the next few days.
Should anyone on here be interested then please get in touch as I'd far prefer it to go to someone who really appreciates what it is and what it represents.
So sorry to hear this news, hope someone on this Forum get's the chance to purchase....
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AKW1987 - Shame you have to sell yours, after all you only bought it in December ???.....
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Yeh,I'm gutted thought work would have picked up, leaving me in an akward position.
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Serial number SE00850 England
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Hi Guys, just a quick note to say that due to a change in circumstance (and the drastic need to reduce my guitar collection!) my Knopfler Strat Serial number S00294 will be going live on e('vil') bay in the next few days.
Should anyone on here be interested then please get in touch as I'd far prefer it to go to someone who really appreciates what it is and what it represents.
So sorry to hear this news, hope someone on this Forum get's the chance to purchase....
I maybe interested in this guitar if we can work a price out.,?
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I have been thinking for a little while about making 'SE03113' available for sale, espeically as they are harder to come by of late. I just cannot justify having three to myself anymore nor do I want to advertise it on ebay either as I would ideally love someone to hopefully purchase it from this forum.....
I am in no rush to sell this beaut, as long as the right person buys it....
Rather than post the guitar I would propose that hopefully the person who wins it will be going to either Newcastle or the london shows and I could bring the guitar to the respective city instead....
I am realistically looking for around
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I now have officially an option on it. Have just a little hesitation about it because I don't play myself, but as a collectorsitem I really dream about having one :)
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I now have officially an option on it. Have just a little hesitation about it because I don't play myself, but as a collectorsitem I really dream about having one :)
Ingrid
I am like you, do not play, but still have a MK Strat. So my vote is go for it, you will not regret it.
Brian
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Ingrid, I guess thinking on it, it may be a chance for you to have a go at playing? Incidentally how are you getting on Brian?
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Incidentally how are you getting on Brian?
I trapped my thumb in a fan about 10 months ago, have not picked the guitar up since then.
My thumb is nearly 100%, then I am going to take some pro lesson then. Will keep you informed.
Brian
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WOW two MK Strats on EBay at the moment!!!!
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WOW two MK Strats on EBay at the moment!!!!
Plus one of mine 'for sale' privately without going via 'Fleabay' - hopefully Ingrid will buy it??!! I really want her to buy it!!... ;D
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I can confirm 'SE03113' is still up for sale for
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So Am I the only one here who can't buy it because of the Wrists' breakdown ?
Sure would look nice on show with the pensa!!
Ps: love your sound files by the way....
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looking for
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At last... My dream is on its way to me.
I bought this used MK Strat yesterday in Sweden. (Mint condition) (Attached)
Serial: SE00919. (Can anyone date my guitar?)
/Patrick
Nice one, congratulations! Probably 2003 or early 2004. For obliging facts you will have to unscrew the neck.
Answer from Fender USA. Serial: SE00919 is manufactured 2004/03
/Patrick
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Amazing - yours was manufactured before Mine (SE00860) & Smerkle's (SE00850)
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I can confirm 'SE03113' is still up for sale for
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Thanks Brian, I just seriously only used it twice throughout my ownership... my other two will no way ever be up for sale as they are very precious having been signed by the man himself....
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Hey all,
Im trying to get my hands on of these beauties myself. I started a post in the Buy/Sell Forum but just wanted to put it out there in case anyone is selling one with tags and case.
I had the opportunity to buy one a few years ago when they were still being made and of course didnt have the cash at the time. Ive been an avid knopfler fan for almost 30 years and would very much appreciate a PM from anyone wanting to part with theirs. It would go to a very good home :)
Thanks guys
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Considering there are another two MK strats on ebay right now. I would like to offer mine here for £1000, £200 cheaper than the ebay price. The neck plate has been replaced which I have reflected in the price. Let me know if you are interested. Ideally in the UK (easier and less expensive to post) cheers
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Salut
I just buy one ,with the serial number SE 00038 am in canada
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Name added to the list.
Have you contacted Fender with regards date of manufacture?
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Surely that low will be 2003?
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Presuming it will be a July 2003 but I am just interested to see what Fender say.
There have been instances of low Serial numbers being manufactured with a later date than others.
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Oh Dear, Oh dear, Oh dear - When is a Fender 'Mark Knopfler' Sig Strat not a Fender 'Mark Knopfler' Sig Strat?
When it's an Encore!!!!!
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Strat-Knopfler-replica-a-budget-option-full-set-up-on-Fender-nines-/191517489099?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item2c9754f7cb#ht_946wt_1019
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Oh Dear, Oh dear, Oh dear - When is a Fender 'Mark Knopfler' Sig Strat not a Fender 'Mark Knopfler' Sig Strat?
When it's an Encore!!!!!
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Strat-Knopfler-replica-a-budget-option-full-set-up-on-Fender-nines-/191517489099?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item2c9754f7cb#ht_946wt_1019
Better than Schecter I bet.
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Encore aren't at all great.
My niece had one and I had a go - oh dear!!
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:o No, Encore are about as low as you can go on the Strat copy ladder. It would appear that using Fender strings makes it all OK ! :smack
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Finally managed to track one down, and of course that same week found another as well ;D . I guess when it rains it pours. One is brand new with a late serial number that I lucked into (collecting dust in in a small guitar shop from the US. The other from a local buy and sell website with serial number 393 that was originally purchased in Late 2003 according to the seller.
The 2003 early serial number guitar came in a Brown Fender G&G vintage case and the other one in a Black Fender G&G case. Now I have my one to play and one to never touch lol.
All thats left is trying to get one or both signed when I see him in concert later this year. 3 shows, 3 tickets, 3 chances...Fingers crossed for me
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Good luck! The usual joke is that there are less of these around these days that he HASN'T signed!
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Finally managed to track one down, and of course that same week found another as well ;D . I guess when it rains it pours. One is brand new with a late serial number that I lucked into (collecting dust in in a small guitar shop from the US. The other from a local buy and sell website with serial number 393 that was originally purchased in Late 2003 according to the seller.
The 2003 early serial number guitar came in a Brown Fender G&G vintage case and the other one in a Black Fender G&G case. Now I have my one to play and one to never touch lol.
All thats left is trying to get one or both signed when I see him in concert later this year. 3 shows, 3 tickets, 3 chances...Fingers crossed for me
Wow, a first for the list in that you are a 'duo' MK Strat owner - good for you :clap... (One more to get to join the 'trio' club!!!)
(Maybe email Fender to get 'proper' dates for them)
Good luck getting them signed, it's well worth it if you can!! ;)
What is the 'newer' Strat's serial No. - so I can add it to the list! :wave
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If you have 5900 euros to spent, and you want a Ragpicker: here it is!
https://www.tfoa.eu/de/shop-product/2715/2008-martin-custom-000-40-mark-knopfler-italian-spruce-madagascar-ohc-mint-
Oh if I had the money.. Beautiful guitar.
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If you have 5900 euros to spent, and you want a Ragpicker: here it is!
https://www.tfoa.eu/de/shop-product/2715/2008-martin-custom-000-40-mark-knopfler-italian-spruce-madagascar-ohc-mint-
Oh if I had the money.. Beautiful guitar.
Better to buy two 'regular' Martins, or even three. Complete waste of money for collectors, nothing more.
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If you have 5900 euros to spent, and you want a Ragpicker: here it is!
https://www.tfoa.eu/de/shop-product/2715/2008-martin-custom-000-40-mark-knopfler-italian-spruce-madagascar-ohc-mint-
Oh if I had the money.. Beautiful guitar.
Better to buy two 'regular' Martins, or even three. Complete waste of money for collectors, nothing more.
Still I think it looks stunning :-)
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I just bought one :):):) my 000-40 arrives monday. From a private collector. Soon excited!!!
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and I just checked that link, that is a clone to the spec of the original martin 2006 release. without his signature and numbering. only 155 of these were made and from someone who loves the man and the guitar, this guitar is worth every penny. Best quality woods and designed with perfection, at the risk of sounding like a Martin spokesperson, it is truly a fingerpicker's dream. If I wasnt worried about damaging it, i would probably sleep with the damn thing once its in my hands lol.
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I just bought one :):):) my 000-40 arrives monday. From a private collector. Soon excited!!!
Good for you.... I am not personally an acoustic player although I do foray onto acoustic's now and again but as you may gather I eat, sleep & breathe Strat's espeically my MK's!!
Anyway if you are going to be a 'regular' on the forum why not start the 'MK - Ragpicker' owners thread simular to my MK Strat owners thread as I believe there are a few owners on here??
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I think its too overpriced for a separate list, only couple of collectors have one of these.
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Agreed.
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I have just recieved an email from AKW1987 to say that after we all thought it a bit strange about his 'MK' strat not having correct documentation and odd numbers etc, he took it to a Fender dealer who in turn took it apart only to find the numbers corresponded with another Strat and NOT an MK Signature.....
He managed to get a refund via Paypal so that was good.
The ebay Seller has a name of: Clemente Theotokis - so don't buy any MK Strats from him!!!
I cannot reiterate enough to anyone looking for an 'MK Strat' on Ebay or anywhere come that - please ask to see the documentation which will come with the guitar (If it has no Documentation - avoid) espeically the manufacture tag which WILL be stamped/signed and correct numbers given. If you are not sure ask on here or indeed consult Fender....
I hope AKW1987 does not get put off buying an MK and will buy a genuine one next time....
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I had a conversation with him about this as well. And already got the feeling that he didn't have a real one.
But happy for him he got his money back.
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Anyone want to buy my MK Strat for what I paid for it? Still in absolutely mint new condition. Everything complete and a very light weight Hot Rod red MK Strat. Purchased for £1300 but might accept an offer if could be collected. This one really is virtually brand new, no marks, no dings totally mint. Please let me know as I would much rather it went to a fan. Thanks Paul
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That's a shame you are parting with it, hope someone on here purchases it....
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Here is another one.. :)
https://youtu.be/TcaDKikqpsw
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This is mine that's for sale
http://youtu.be/htiottOO9UI
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May I ask why you are selling it?
I really want one but I'm still in doubt, wish there were some stores that still had it in stock so I could try one.
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Hi, I'm selling for personal reasons nothing to do with the guitar. It's in new condition and if you would like to try it you'd be very welcome.
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May I ask why you are selling it?
I really want one but I'm still in doubt, wish there were some stores that still had it in stock so I could try one.
Be careful!! You try - you will buy!!!
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Any offers?
07767 291431
Or
00447767 291431
Paul
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This is mine that's for sale
http://youtu.be/htiottOO9UI
A bit OT but I saw your 1963 Fender Stratocaster video - is part 2 Roy inspiration ?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPoS4vtDiKE
If I could buy one Strat it would be that one ;)
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This is mine that's for sale
http://youtu.be/htiottOO9UI
A bit OT but I saw your 1963 Fender Stratocaster video - is part 2 Roy inspiration ?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPoS4vtDiKE
If I could buy one Strat it would be that one ;)
I thought exactly the same. Gorgeous guitar
and great tone and great playing BTW :thumbsup
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Really didn't want to put it up for auction :(
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Hi, I'm selling for personal reasons nothing to do with the guitar. It's in new condition and if you would like to try it you'd be very welcome.
That's very kind, though I live in The Netherlands so I don't see that happening. Unfortunately I don't have enough money anyway. Good luck selling it.
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Can't believe no one is interested in your MK... :hmm
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Yes, when I think of how long I looked for one myself! ;D
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Need to sell my MK Strat - offers?
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Now sold
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Now sold
Anyone on here buy it?
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Young lad seen playing slide on an MK Sig on the first programme in a new series of Guitar Star on Sky Arts.....
Anyone else catch the programme...
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Watched it last week, was this ep 2?
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On the look out for a MK signature, if anyone spots one for sale give me a heads up cheers guys.
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On the look out for a MK signature, if anyone spots one for sale give me a heads up cheers guys.
Another one? You must be like me and have caught the MK strat addiction!!
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On the look out for a MK signature, if anyone spots one for sale give me a heads up cheers guys.
Another one? You must be like me and have caught the MK strat addiction!!
A genuine one this time :)
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Hi,
I'm new on the forum from France
My Mk strat serial is #3411 (11/2006), for an unknown reason my MK had originaly a 57/62 pickups set !
I had a discussion with Guy Fletcher and Glen Sagers about my strat, Glen tried to find out why I didn't had a TS set.
We never had the answer...
Anyway now my strat got the "right" pickups set ;-)
Is there any Pensa ownerlist on the forum ? ;-)
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Hi,
I'm new on the forum from France
My Mk strat serial is #3411 (11/2006), for an unknown reason my MK had originaly a 57/62 pickups set !
I had a discussion with Guy Fletcher and Glen Sagers about my strat, Glen tried to find out why I didn't had a TS set.
We never had the answer...
Anyway now my strat got the "right" pickups set ;-)
Is there any Pensa ownerlist on the forum ? ;-)
Salut Nicobouds ! je n'ai pas de Strat ni de Pensa mais c'était juste pour te dire "Welcome" dans la communauté.
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Merci à toi !
;)
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Hi,
I'm new on the forum from France
My Mk strat serial is #3411 (11/2006), for an unknown reason my MK had originaly a 57/62 pickups set !
I had a discussion with Guy Fletcher and Glen Sagers about my strat, Glen tried to find out why I didn't had a TS set.
We never had the answer...
Anyway now my strat got the "right" pickups set ;-)
Is there any Pensa ownerlist on the forum ? ;-)
A belated welcome to the owners list.....
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Hi guys,
I'm new to the forum.
I live in France, and last year I bought a used MK signature strat.
Serial number is: SE01607
I have an important question:
my MK strat weights a lot more than expected. Normally it should be around 3.1 kg, mine is 3.7 kg.
I dismantled it and took pictures because I had doubts it is an original body.
Here are the pictures attached. May someone let me know his/her thoughts?
(http://img15.hostingpics.net/thumbs/mini_174768IMG06381024.jpg) (http://www.hostingpics.net/viewer.php?id=174768IMG06381024.jpg)
(http://img15.hostingpics.net/thumbs/mini_586670IMG0308.jpg) (http://www.hostingpics.net/viewer.php?id=586670IMG0308.jpg)
thanks a lot
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Looks OK to me. the sticker in the neck pickup cut out carries the same part number barcode as the sticker in mine.
(http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6157/6202648769_1ba1dd6e4a_z.jpg)
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thanks a lot! What is the weight of your guitar?
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Do you know, I've never felt the need to weigh my Strats, (although I did weigh my Les Paul once ;D)
I got the kitchen scales out & the MK strat weighs 3.35kg, slightly less than my Mexican Classic 50's model which weighs around 3.38kg but more than my Fender Japan Standard which is only around 3.32 kg .
I know that the weight of Les Pauls vary considerably depending on the batch of wood used, so it's quite posible that the wood used by Fender, whether it is Ash, Alder or Basswood will also vary from body to body.
edit:(spelling)
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thanks ;)
Indeed, this is not something we do every day...
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The weight of ash can vary considerably. :)
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(http://img15.hostingpics.net/thumbs/mini_586670IMG0308.jpg) (http://www.hostingpics.net/viewer.php?id=586670IMG0308.jpg)
thanks a lot
Dude, did they drill the holes in the neck pocket with a shotgun!? And all the paint in the pocket? Strange.
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Yep, hence the reason why I'm a bit worried... There's no reason to have so many holes.
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I'm assuming that only the 4 proper neck screws go all the way through ? I haven't had the neck off mine so I can't compare but it's possible that a wooden "handle" was screwed into the neck pocket to hold the guitar when it was being sprayed. The luthier who built 2 of my guitars uses that method but I don't know if Fender does. It may have had a flaw in the original paint and needed re-spraying.
It seems a bit extreme to go as far as removing the labels from a genuine guitar to use on a fake, when that will reduce the value of the original the labels came off. Having said that, we know people have bought the guitars, taken them apart and sold the parts separately on-line ( but I can't see how they make a profit doing that knowing how much the guitars cost originally) .
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Yes, only the 4 neck screws are drilled all way through.
I got feedback from Fender support confirming the body is original, but they don't understand what happened with the neck pocket....
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Mine is definitely real and has extra holes too. Very strange. Some shoddy work underneath these great guitars actually, I showed mine to a luthier once and he shook his head at the overspray in the neck pocket.
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Mine is definitely real and has extra holes too. Very strange. Some shoddy work underneath these great guitars actually, I showed mine to a luthier once and he shook his head at the overspray in the neck pocket.
I don't know if this is reassuring or not ???
Thanks for sharing! I feel less alone now.
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Hey subsub74, Sorry for the late reply... Your Strat has been duly added to the list and I will email the articles to you soon. :wave
Just to add that all three of my MK's vary in weight, not sure whether any of mine have 'gun shots' to the neck pocket as yours has....
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Hey subsub74, Sorry for the late reply... Your Strat has been duly added to the list and I will email the articles to you soon. :wave
Just to add that all three of my MK's vary in weight, not sure whether any of mine have 'gun shots' to the neck pocket as yours has....
No problem, thanks a lot!
Let me know if you cannot email me.
It's great to know indeed that the weight varies and that mine is OK.
I would have expected such a big company as Fender to be able to ensure constancy in weight.
But it's OK, that's also part of the game and the "vintage" style.
I like a lot your "gun shots" image :-)
Well, I have to admit that mine is very "special". Not sure it adds value though...
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Wood is a natural product and therefore naturally inconsistent, especially in weight. :)
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Wood is a natural product and therefore naturally inconsistent, especially in weight. :)
Just like my guitar playing ;)
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In a true dream come true, 10399 is now a signature series signature series. That having been said, I am again in the market for something I would feel more comfortable playing. If anyone spots a really low serial number let me know, I would be a player if the price is right...
(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z248/iflycessnas05/FullSizeRender%2016.jpg)
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Anybody knows how many of those signature strats have been produced?
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Cool stuff diremark, how did dbyou meet hi,?
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Cool stuff diremark, how did dbyou meet hi,?
Thanks! As I said, it was a dream come true. I was in the right place, at the right time near a venue. It was fantastic!
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Anybody knows how many of those signature strats have been produced?
Somewhere around 13,000....
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In a true dream come true, 10399 is now a signature series signature series. That having been said, I am again in the market for something I would feel more comfortable playing. If anyone spots a really low serial number let me know, I would be a player if the price is right...
(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z248/iflycessnas05/FullSizeRender%2016.jpg)
Good for you Jared, and welcome to the select club of 'Signature, Signature series'!! great feeling isn't it - meeting the Master!!! ;)
(Saw your picture on Docs Forum by the way!!)
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Really great my friend! So happy you made it
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Anybody knows how many of those signature strats have been produced?
Somewhere around 13,000....
thanks a lot!
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I upgraded mine with a set of handwound boutique pickups.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmGd8FVpSTU
what do you think?
(pls don't judge my playing... I'm recovering from a 1 year shoulder tendonitis, and I've never been a good guitar player anyway)
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In a true dream come true, 10399 is now a signature series signature series. That having been said, I am again in the market for something I would feel more comfortable playing. If anyone spots a really low serial number let me know, I would be a player if the price is right...
(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z248/iflycessnas05/FullSizeRender%2016.jpg)
A lower serial number means a more comfortable playable strat?
I'm still on the look out for one. Spotted one in my country which I hope I can purchase in december.
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The one I had my eyes on has been sold. If anyone knows or sees one for sale; please let me know. I've been checking Ebay daily.
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Sorry to spam this thread, but can anyone tell me if this is the Dakota version? I can't quite tell..
(http://i63.tinypic.com/213ew49.jpg)
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Can't really tell from that pic. Pretty dark anyway.
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Sorry to spam this thread, but can anyone tell me if this is the Dakota version? I can't quite tell..
it seems so, but it could also be the lighting, the camera, the pic color, etc... so, difficult to say for sure
links below show the 2 different colors. maybe it could help....
http://www.mk-guitar.com/2011/09/27/the-wrong-colour-of-the-first-mark-knopfler-signature-strats/ (http://www.mk-guitar.com/2011/09/27/the-wrong-colour-of-the-first-mark-knopfler-signature-strats/)
http://www.mk-guitar.com/2009/01/06/red-redder-the-reddest-fiesta-dakota-candy-apple-hot-rod-and-more-fender-colours/ (http://www.mk-guitar.com/2009/01/06/red-redder-the-reddest-fiesta-dakota-candy-apple-hot-rod-and-more-fender-colours/)
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Thank you. I've found a relatively unknown store in my country which still has one hanging. I'm going to check it out this saturday and see how it feels. I'm just very anxious about all the non-genuine MK strat stories out there. I've seen pictures of the guitar with the original tags and the backplate shows a serial number (can't determine the exact numbers because of the pictures quality.)
Any hints and tips on what I should be looking for when I have it in my hands to determine it's originality? Thanks.
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It is sometimes really difficult to tell from pictures but otherwise they are rather easy to distinguish: anything that looks like a firetruck is the right one while the very first ones rather look like a glass of dark red wine. Note that the correct hot rod red still varies to some degree, so when comparing two 'right' ones they will still not look the same.
AFAIK only the really early ones were the wrong colour, up to a serial no maybe in the lower hundreds.
In this video you will see a MK Strat in hot rod red, one in the 'wrong' red (similar to dakota red), and a Fender Strat in fiesta red:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XICjstHkxLI
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Thanks for your reply Ingo. Love your playing.
I've finally picked one up today! Serial number: SE02394. Guess it was made around 2005? It still has all the plastic on it. Very happy with it! Just need to adjust the neck a bit, action is a bit high.
Some pictures:
(http://i68.tinypic.com/154gbyo.jpg)
(http://i68.tinypic.com/rgyteq.jpg)
(http://i64.tinypic.com/10paveo.jpg)
(http://i63.tinypic.com/20iutqb.jpg)
Edit: O lord, pictures are pretty big. Excuse me.
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Welcome to the club! Very nice.
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Thanks for your reply Ingo. Love your playing.
I've finally picked one up today! Serial number: SE02394. Guess it was made around 2005? It still has all the plastic on it. Very happy with it! Just need to adjust the neck a bit, action is a bit high.
Fez
You are a very lucky boy, enjoy.
Brian
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So it looks like it's my time to join the MK Stratocaster REAL Signature club.
I had the luck to have my MK Strat signed by Mark at Clearwater, Florida.
I packed it up, and brought it with me, on a flight from Ottawa Canada to clearwater Florida
waited outside the venue, for 1 1/2hrs. On the drive in the SUV stopped, Mark rolled down the window
and signed it, I had a couple of other items signed including my vinyl copy of Ragpickers Dreams
all the time we where chatting about the tour.
Brian
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So it looks like it's my time to join the MK Stratocaster REAL Signature club.
I had the luck to have my MK Strat signed by Mark at Clearwater, Florida.
I packed it up, and brought it with me, on a flight from Ottawa Canada to clearwater Florida
waited outside the venue, for 1 1/2hrs. On the drive in the SUV stopped, Mark rolled down the window
and signed it, I had a couple of other items signed including my vinyl copy of Ragpickers Dreams
all the time we where chatting about the tour.
Brian
Lovely strat Brian. And how great is it to meet Mark and have your guitar signed by himself!
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Good for you Brian - so pleased for you. Fantastic to both meet the man himself and gain a Signature or three!! It makes your objects of desire soooo personal doesn't it....
All the best
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Nice strat Fez - welcome to the club! (Will update list soon)
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This is for sale near me, I'd be happy to check it out in person and arrange postage if a fellow AMIT member is interested:
https://www.gumtree.com/p/guitar-instrument/rare-mark-knopfler-signature-fender-stratocaster/1154884668
Sent from my Tab2A7-20F using Tapatalk
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I am seriously thinking about moving SE00860 (Nov 2004 edition) onto a new home as I would like this guitar to get some playing time.
The guitar has hardly been used at all and especially now as I have gone back into Scouting as a Cub Scout Leader of my 'old' Cub Pack it will not get much use at all....
The guitar has one 'dink' near the fretboard which it had when I bought it. The Guitar was owned originally by the website administrator for MK NEWS - Terry Kilburn....
The guitar will come with the Signed Guitar 'Manufacture' label after meeting Mark at Bridport...
I see these are selling for between £1,300.00p & £1,500.00p but I am looking for around: £1,300.00p for this lovely guitar (would rather deliver the guitar myself but I can post at cost)
Sold......(SE00860 is off to sunny Italy)
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Just to update the owners list, I have just bought MK Strat SE00294 In Dakota Red July 2003. West Midlands. UK.
It has been well used, but sounds great. It is in need of some tender loving care, which it is receiving at the moment, but I think I have found my main gigging guitar for the foreseeable future. :D
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Just to update the owners list, I have just bought MK Strat SE00294 In Dakota Red July 2003. West Midlands. UK.
It has been well used, but sounds great. It is in need of some tender loving care, which it is receiving at the moment, but I think I have found my main gigging guitar for the foreseeable future. :D
Welcome, I see you bought 'Boldonexpat's MK Strat.....
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Knopfler Signature strat for auction:
http://guitar-auctions.co.uk/portfolio-post/lot-28-fender-mark-knopfler-signature-stratocaster-electric-guitar/
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I saw one of the early models for sale in Belgium:
http://www.2dehands.be/muziek/muziekinstrumenten/elektrische-gitaar/fender-stratocaster-signature-knopfler-285901818.html (http://www.2dehands.be/muziek/muziekinstrumenten/elektrische-gitaar/fender-stratocaster-signature-knopfler-285901818.html)
Don't know the seller, but since it's no longer in production, it might be interesting :)
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http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/131811254773
No affiliation to the seller, just spotted this on eBay. Nice early model though the price may be "ambitious".
Sent from my Tab2A7-20F using Tapatalk
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Greetings!
I am the proud new Papa of SE08189!
I had to take the neck off when it arrived as it was misaligned--It had "OCT 18 2010" stamped near the truss rod nut.
So I assume it was made then; I have not taken the pick guard off yet to check the date stamp there.
She's a beauty. My Dad has one too, and I am jealous of his fingerboard--it's a gorgeous, dark rosewood. Mine is much lighter.
I also need to get the fret ends cleaned up, but I'm letting it get used to the humidity here first; then I'll take it to the local tech.
It came in a black case with the non-crushed velvet lining and plastic Fender logo on the bottom front corner. I honestly prefer the brown cases that some of them come with that have the crushed velvet...but, not a big deal.
Anyway, it feels great to finally own one! ;D
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Greetings!
I am the proud new Papa of SE08189!
I had to take the neck off when it arrived as it was misaligned--It had "OCT 18 2010" stamped near the truss rod nut.
So I assume it was made then; I have not taken the pick guard off yet to check the date stamp there.
She's a beauty. My Dad has one too, and I am jealous of his fingerboard--it's a gorgeous, dark rosewood. Mine is much lighter.
I also need to get the fret ends cleaned up, but I'm letting it get used to the humidity here first; then I'll take it to the local tech.
It came in a black case with the non-crushed velvet lining and plastic Fender logo on the bottom front corner. I honestly prefer the brown cases that some of them come with that have the crushed velvet...but, not a big deal.
Anyway, it feels great to finally own one! ;D
Welcome to the club! Reading that, I still think it's a shame the guitar was discontinued. Truly one of the best Artist Series guitars...
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Congrats LevelsHigh! (Great name, BTW)
And welcome to AMIT! :wave
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Welcome to the club! Reading that, I still think it's a shame the guitar was discontinued. Truly one of the best Artist Series guitars...
Agree. I read in one of the articles that he said he wanted it to come from the normal production shop so that it would accessible to more fans while at the same time be of such a quality that he would use the same guitar himself. So, when we see him playing them live in videos and on tours, is he actually using one that came off the production line, or are they specially made for him in the custom shop??
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Welcome to the club! Reading that, I still think it's a shame the guitar was discontinued. Truly one of the best Artist Series guitars...
Agree. I read in one of the articles that he said he wanted it to come from the normal production shop so that it would accessible to more fans while at the same time be of such a quality that he would use the same guitar himself. So, when we see him playing them live in videos and on tours, is he actually using one that came off the production line, or are they specially made for him in the custom shop??
The guitars offered to artists comes from the shops.
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I've always thought that Mark's personal signature strats are handbuilt by Todd Krause from Fender. Correct me if I'm wrong.
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I've always thought that Mark's personal signature strats are handbuilt by Todd Krause from Fender. Correct me if I'm wrong.
That has always been my assumption...
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Welcome to the 'owners Club' LevelsHigh!! (Great Username!)
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Anybody have those magazine review articles in PDF format out there??
Many thanks!
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Hi all.
I´m thinking about buying a MK Strat from 2012. It´s condition is as good as it gets according to the seller. Do you guys know how much they are worth today?
Tobben
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http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mark-Knopfler-Strat-Fender-Artist-Series-USA-/262586933101?hash=item3d23669f6d:g:kuUAAOSwZVlXuJef
Very hot deal for MK Strat — 1050$ buy it now price. Will not last for too long I suppose.
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Gone!
Sent from my Tab2A7-20F using Tapatalk
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http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mark-Knopfler-Strat-Fender-Artist-Series-USA-/262586933101?hash=item3d23669f6d:g:kuUAAOSwZVlXuJef
Very hot deal for MK Strat — 1050$ buy it now price. Will not last for too long I suppose.
I was just about to pick up my credit card, and then - it was already gone :-[ :-[ :-[ :-[
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http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mark-Knopfler-Strat-Fender-Artist-Series-USA-/262586933101?hash=item3d23669f6d:g:kuUAAOSwZVlXuJef
Very hot deal for MK Strat — 1050$ buy it now price. Will not last for too long I suppose.
I was just about to pick up my credit card, and then - it was already gone :-[ :-[ :-[ :-[
I don't know how it happened
It was faster than the eye could flick
It happens if one wants to sell the thing rather than selling it.
I'm sure you will find a great deal like this one Tobben.
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This is clearly not my day.
There was one up for sale here in Norway today, made in 2011. I called the seller, and it was just sold..
So sad... So sad... :'(
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Oh, my..... ::) :-X
Please get out of your self pity hole...
LE
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Sorry for sounding harsh. I know about your circumstances, you mention them occasionally, but stating there was no good day for you during the last 20 years sounds a bit absurd and self pity is the first thing that came to my mind, sorry to say. There's always room in daily life for joy and happiness. Having a place to live with a roof. Or a bed. Or enough to eat. Friends. Family. Fighting back might help, too. Hope you get my point. Just don't play anymore.
LE
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Good to hear you meant it MUSICALLY, only. Reading your initial post it was not obvious to me. Will not say much more about this case.
LE
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If it would have been clear I would have not replied.
Plus you used to tend to mention your tragic circumstances occasionally also without a special relation to topics or threads. Also it's the risk that people reply to you when posting on an open forum from my point of view.
LE
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I wonder how many MK Strats will pop up at Ebay.. pretty often that they show up there. Do we know how many got sold?
LE
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I wonder how many MK Strats will pop up at Ebay.. pretty often that they show up there. Do we know how many got sold?
LE
I believe they made plenty of these, I remember searching really rare guitars and MK Strat would pop up almost like a regular Fiesta Strat.
They were popular, and lighting-fast auction endings only proves it. And should we count 11k serial numbers as vague number of units made?
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That could be helpful.. ;D
Never was aware of 11k serial numbers.
LE
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That could be helpful.. ;D
Never was aware of 11k serial numbers.
LE
There's even SE12236 from Canada, so this is at least 12000 units for 10 years. Or in other words, 3¹?? MK Strats made EVERY day :clap
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That could be helpful.. ;D
Never was aware of 11k serial numbers.
LE
There's even SE12236 from Canada, so this is at least 12000 units for 10 years. Or in other words, 3¹?? MK Strats made EVERY day :clap
But does the number refer to the number of copies? As far as I know some of the numbers in the Strat serial number, at least the first, usually refers to the year of production, but I´m not sure.
Edit: It seems so. I found this on Fender´s official webpage:
SE8(XXXXX)-1988
SE9(XXXXX)-1989
So the first number (at least) is the production year, although you won't know the decade. This makes it difficult to says how many guitars where made, since the number only says something about how many where produced that year (I guess).
http://www2.fender.com/support/articles/u-s-instruments-product-dating/
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That could be helpful.. ;D
Never was aware of 11k serial numbers.
LE
There's even SE12236 from Canada, so this is at least 12000 units for 10 years. Or in other words, 3¹?? MK Strats made EVERY day :clap
But does the number refer to the number of copies? As far as I know some of the numbers in the Strat serial number, at least the first, usually refers to the year of production, but I´m not sure.
Edit: It seems so. I found this on Fender´s official webpage:
SE8(XXXXX)-1988
SE9(XXXXX)-1989
So the first number (at least) is the production year, although you won't know the decade. This makes it difficult to says how many guitars where made, since the number only says something about how many where produced that year (I guess).
http://www2.fender.com/support/articles/u-s-instruments-product-dating/
I think a strong clue for this logic would be if SE13XXX would pop up somewhere since it was discontinued in this year.
And if it was in production from SE00XXX to at least SE12XXXm how come there's 12 years a slave of production? :hmm
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I don't think the regular Fender rules apply to the MK Strat. Mine was built in 2003 but the serial number is 00154.
Sent from my Tab2A7-20F using Tapatalk
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Here is a neck from 2013 up for sale on eBay.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/361702431807
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Nr 73 is up for sale on eBay now!!
https://www.ebay.com/itm/131930757891
I can't afford it :-/
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Nr 73 is up for sale on eBay now!!
https://www.ebay.com/itm/131930757891
I can't afford it :-/
Ridiculous price as always. Why not £25,000? I'm disappointed. Man, $3,500 for a strat? Is this Todd Krause Custom Shop or something?
By the way, the guy's nickname "sosite1" is very strange, in Russian this means very rude and bad things.
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Yeah I also think that is too much.. Was just thinking the same thing..
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Nr 73 is up for sale on eBay now!!
https://www.ebay.com/itm/131930757891
I can't afford it :-/
Ridiculous price as always. Why not £25,000? I'm disappointed. Man, $3,500 for a strat? Is this Todd Krause Custom Shop or something?
By the way, the guy's nickname "sosite1" is very strange, in Russian this means very rude and bad things.
He attempted to sell this guitar a few months ago claiming he had to because of car issues, but later pulled the listing. I made several very reasonable offers that were shrugged off. He claimed the car got fixed and had no interest in selling it any longer. Now, it reappears...
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*** MK Strat Alert ***
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Fender-Mark-Knopfler-Signature-Stratocaster-Electric-Guitar-2006-OHSC-/131940195109?hash=item1eb83f9b25:g:-boAAOSw8w1X2GXv
US $1,725.00
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*** MK Strat Alert ***
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Fender-Mark-Knopfler-Signature-Stratocaster-Electric-Guitar-2006-OHSC-/131940195109?hash=item1eb83f9b25:g:-boAAOSw8w1X2GXv
US $1,725.00
They have it listed on multiple sites. It looks strikingly similar to the Strat that sold a week or two ago on eBay for 1400... I messaged, he would accept an offer of 1650, no lower.
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*** MK Strat Alert ***
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Fender-Mark-Knopfler-Signature-Stratocaster-Electric-Guitar-2006-OHSC-/131940195109?hash=item1eb83f9b25:g:-boAAOSw8w1X2GXv
US $1,725.00
They have it listed on multiple sites. It looks strikingly similar to the Strat that sold a week or two ago on eBay for 1400... I messaged, he would accept an offer of 1650, no lower.
I thought about it, too. Well, they certainly got a great deal, but still it's a legit 10 years old MK Strat.
But why they didn't want to spend an extra $1 and put this selector tip I just don't get it. Come on!
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I thought about it, too. Well, they certainly got a great deal, but still it's a legit 10 years old MK Strat.
But why they didn't want to spend an extra $1 and put this selector tip I just don't get it. Come on!
That certainly doesnt give me a very good vibe on how well the guitar was cared for...
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hello AMIT friends
I have an advice, question to ask you. I will give away my 00089 to one of my best friends who will use it as she deserves. But I like to do things properly and by an unknwon reason I can't find the CoC of the guitar from Fender. I know i had it and I am so sorry to can't locate it...Any of you could help me to contact the right personn at Fender to retrieve archives (from July 2003, I have pictures of the dismounted guitar) ?
any help would be Just Fantastic
Thank yoooo
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What do you think? Is this a "new" kind of Mark Knopfler Signature Stratocaster?
https://www.thomann.de/de/fender_1961_strat_hot_rod_red_nos.htm?ref=search_rslt_368089_368089_0
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What do you think? Is this a "new" kind of Mark Knopfler Signature Stratocaster?
https://www.thomann.de/de/fender_1961_strat_hot_rod_red_nos.htm?ref=search_rslt_368089_368089_0
Yeah, a beautiful guitar. I miss MK Signature Strat, though. I hope they reissue it someday, what a guitar.
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Good spot. Pretty much the same guitar (twice the price though)
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Good spot. Pretty much the same guitar (twice the price though)
Which reminds me of Gibsons. The Custom Shop VOS 1958 Reissue is pretty much the same thing as MK 1958 LP, but costs 2k euros more. Oh...
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Makes me wonder again why Fender discontinued the Signature. Could they not find an agreement as Mark wanted more royalties, or rather the opposite, Mark wanted it to be cheaper than Fender could produce it with these specs? (Wasn't it the cheapest nitro guitar in their product range??!!)
This guitar for about 3,500 € with very similar specs points to the second option. :think
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Makes me wonder again why Fender discontinued the Signature. Could they not find an agreement as Mark wanted more royalties, or rather the opposite, Mark wanted it to be cheaper than Fender could produce it with these specs? (Wasn't it the cheapest nitro guitar in their product range??!!)
This guitar for about 3,500 € with very similar specs points to the second option. :think
I can't get it either. I understand that Gibson Chet Atkins Signature was discontinued in 2001 after the death of Chet Atkins, but who died in case of MK's Signature Strat? One crazy assumption may be that Gibson wanted to take some money from Mark, too, and say to guys from Fender — okay, it's our turn, give the "Signature Rights" to us now.
Because, to be honest, after this expensive Gibson beast I think the final price of the guitar was the least one of Mark's worries.
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Tad optimistic!!!! £25,000.00p???!!! >:(
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Fender-Mark-Knopfler-Stratocaster-SOLD-ELSEWHERE-SORRY-/222335240905?hash=item33c4368ac9:g:KS4AAOSwB09YRs4A
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Anybody have those magazine review articles in PDF format out there??
Many thanks!
Sorry for the mega delay, I can email them across to you in the next few days - PM me your email :wave......
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Tad optimistic!!!! £25,000.00p???!!! >:(
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Fender-Mark-Knopfler-Stratocaster-SOLD-ELSEWHERE-SORRY-/222335240905?hash=item33c4368ac9:g:KS4AAOSwB09YRs4A
Haha! What if it was a Custom Custom Custom Custom Custom Custom Shop? :lol
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Anybody have those magazine review articles in PDF format out there??
Many thanks!
Sorry for the mega delay, I can email them across to you in the next few days - PM me your email :wave......
It says SOLD ELSEWHERE SORRY in the title, HAHAHA! Made my day :lol :lol :lol
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nothing compared with this (looooolll)
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BOB-DYLAN-Signed-Sealed-Ltd-Edn-The-Lyrics-Since-1962-26-50-NOBEL-PRIZE-/131870654652?hash=item1eb41a80bc:g:3B0AAOSwEjFXfolt
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nothing compared with this (looooolll)
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BOB-DYLAN-Signed-Sealed-Ltd-Edn-The-Lyrics-Since-1962-26-50-NOBEL-PRIZE-/131870654652?hash=item1eb41a80bc:g:3B0AAOSwEjFXfolt
That is different you can make an offer.
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A great video of Todd Krause discussing on of Fender's tribute guitars. Makes you understand why Mark decided to work with him. Great man!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9bDnF8btls
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Greetings from Austria!
I have bought 2 Mark Knopfler Signature Strats:
SE00434 (Hot Rod red, Info from Fender: produced July 2003) and
SE00080 (Dakota red one, well played with signs of playing bought from MaxGuitar in Netherlands - about the date of production I will write to Fender)
I also have two Custom Shop hot rod red 62 Strats (2015 and 2016), with the same Specs, only the fretboardradius is 9,5' instead the 7,25 of the MK-Strats and of course no MK-Sign on headstock ;-) )
Can I please get the articels from the magazines too?
Thank you and nice greetings
bernwolf
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Greetings from Austria!
I have bought 2 Mark Knopfler Signature Strats:
SE00434 (Hot Rod red, Info from Fender: produced July 2003) and
SE00080 (Dakota red one, well played with signs of playing bought from MaxGuitar in Netherlands - about the date of production I will write to Fender)
I also have two Custom Shop hot rod red 62 Strats (2015 and 2016), with the same Specs, only the fretboardradius is 9,5' instead the 7,25 of the MK-Strats.
Can I please get the articels from the magazines too?
Thank you and nice greetings
bernwolf
As I can tell you have bought this one: https://www.maxguitarstore.com/products/fender-mark-knopfler-stratocaster-dakota-red/
CONGRATULATIONS! One of the nicest MK-strats I ever seen and also in a great worn condition in contrast with "never played" ones.
The guitar is meant to be played and to be worn out like this.
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Thank you, Quizzaciously! Yes, I love the worn and played guitars! And so the guitar get's individuality and history.....
The other one is in near mint condition..... but I think, I will play the worn Strat even more times. ;-)
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Welcome Bernwolf and indeed welcome to the two Fender Mk Strat owners club (I did have 3 at one time though!!) anyway your two lovely guitars have indeed been added to the list and I will forward the magazine articles to you in due course. Can you kindly PM me your email address please......
Your challenge is to now get them signed by the Legend himself!!!! :wave
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Hello !
I used to be a MK Strat owner, but unfortunately had to sell it.
I now need to find another one, but it's either missing or too expensive...
Help ! ;D
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Hello !
I used to be a MK Strat owner, but unfortunately had to sell it.
I now need to find another one, but it's either missing or too expensive...
Help ! ;D
That's a shame, what was the serial number?
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Hello !
I used to be a MK Strat owner, but unfortunately had to sell it.
I now need to find another one, but it's either missing or too expensive...
Help ! ;D
I'd love to own one of these.
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I'd love to own one of these.
Here's one available, seems to be in pretty much perfect condition:
https://www.kitarapaja.com/fender-mark-knopfler-stratocaster-2010_1 (https://www.kitarapaja.com/fender-mark-knopfler-stratocaster-2010_1)
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MK signature SE 00025 (France). Owner : Kamel C.
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MK signature SE 00025 (France). Owner : Kamel C.
Beautiful specimen!!! Welcome!!!!
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Hello to everyone here,
I bought mine in 2003 and it is SE00027 (Dakota Red). – Germany
Looking at all these pictures I was just wondering when Fender did change the brown case for a black one and when they included the brown "Mark Knopfler Signature" hang tag.
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Dissected 2010 MK Signature Strat (SE11090) for sale:
Body: http://www.ebay.com/itm/2010-USA-Fender-Mark-Knopfler-Strat-BODY-Stratocaster-Hot-Rod-SALE-/142519599439?hash=item212ed4814f:g:JmUAAOSwt39Zysc~
Neck: http://www.ebay.com/itm/2010-USA-Fender-Mark-Knopfler-Stratocaster-Strat-NECK-TUNERS-Rosewood-/382236801006?hash=item58ff16b7ee:g:fwkAAOSwPC5ZysdV
Pkgrd: http://www.ebay.com/itm/USA-Fender-Mark-Knopfler-Tex-Strat-LOADED-PICKGUARD-Texas-Special-Stratocaster-/362114422374?hash=item544fb39666:g:RmcAAOSwvmBZysdQ
Plate: http://www.ebay.com/itm/USA-Fender-Mark-Knopfler-Strat-NECK-PLATE-Ser-Stratocaster-Chrome-/142519599669?hash=item212ed48235:g:fxEAAOSwPC5Zysdg
Jack: http://www.ebay.com/itm/USA-Fender-Mark-Knopfler-Stratocaster-Strat-OUTPUT-JACK-Plate-Chrome-Guitar-/142519599738?hash=item212ed4827a:g:YAkAAOSwBABZysdl
Trem: http://www.ebay.com/itm/USA-Fender-Mark-Knopfler-Strat-TREMOLO-Bridge-Stratocaster-Guitar-/362114422529?hash=item544fb39701:g:YLkAAOSwgVxZysdn
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Yeah, that signature output jack, man, that really is something! :smack
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Yeah, that signature output jack, man, that really is something! :smack
LOL this pretty much sums up the whole "Signature" experience and probably offend 90% of people in this topic :lol
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Yeah, that signature output jack, man, that really is something! :smack
LOL this pretty much sums up the whole "Signature" experience and probably offend 90% of people in this topic :lol
Don't get me wrong, I was in the market for one. But when I saw one in person in our local store years ago I just didn't like the color. So I passed. Had it been candy apple red..... Oh and the neck radius was only 7.5" or something like that and I was not sure I'd like that. Maybe if I saw one of the earliest examples that were of a darker red tone then perhaps there would now be one in my possession. But I'm not after anything "signature" unless I also like it for other things besides the signature.
If you butcher it like these guys have then in my view the only thing worth anything is the neck. Everything else is just like any other non-signature part out there.
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An amazing MK strat for an AMAZING price. Pick it up before it goes away! Just $1899, wow! :thumbsup
https://www.tommysguitarshop.com/05FMKSS.Fender-Mark-Knopfler-Signature-Stratocaster-2005 (https://www.tommysguitarshop.com/05FMKSS.Fender-Mark-Knopfler-Signature-Stratocaster-2005)
Worldwide shipping.
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Gone. And it wasn't me! ;)
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https://www.gumtree.com/p/guitar-instrument/fender-mark-knopfler-hot-rod-red-signature-stratocaster/1273887411
Local to me, no affiliation to seller but happy to go and check it out if any AMITers are interested.
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Hi everyone
I've just treated myself to an MK signature SE11305 - Hot Rod Red.
I've been told the paint finish is ultra soft and that I need to be careful as it can easily get damaged. Is this correct?
Thanks all!
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Hi everyone
I've just treated myself to an MK signature SE11305 - Hot Rod Red.
I've been told the paint finish is ultra soft and that I need to be careful as it can easily get damaged. Is this correct?
Thanks all!
Well it’s a nitro finish so it’s definitely more delicate than hard poly coats. Mine is already heavily cracked and it’s got some bubbling as well as many dings and scratches. But it’s meant to played and I don’t mind if life shows through it.
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Hi everyone
I've just treated myself to an MK signature SE11305 - Hot Rod Red.
I've been told the paint finish is ultra soft and that I need to be careful as it can easily get damaged. Is this correct?
Thanks all!
Yes, it scratches so easily... Which brings the question — how Mark keep his signatures in such a great shape after all these years? Polycoat?
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https://www.ebay.com/itm/Fender-Mark-Knopfler-signature-Stratocaster-neck-in-perfect-condition-tuners/282741089670?hash=item41d4aea586:g:RkIAAOSwT2daCHyb
By the way, another MK signature neck for sale. The main part of the guitar right there, take it before it get sold!
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Hi everyone
I've just treated myself to an MK signature SE11305 - Hot Rod Red.
I've been told the paint finish is ultra soft and that I need to be careful as it can easily get damaged. Is this correct?
Thanks all!
Yes, it scratches so easily... Which brings the question — how Mark keep his signatures in such a great shape after all these years? Polycoat?
Paying Glenn Saggers
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
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SE00033 for sale:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Fender-USA-Mark-Knopfler-Stratocaster/202122509126?hash=item2f0f70bb46:g:KlQAAOSwbkVaFK24
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I've seen MK Sigs sold with a Tolex/Orange case and others with a black/black type. Is there a correct type for the model?
TIA
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Hi everyone
I've just treated myself to an MK signature SE11305 - Hot Rod Red.
I've been told the paint finish is ultra soft and that I need to be careful as it can easily get damaged. Is this correct?
Thanks all!
Yes, it scratches so easily... Which brings the question — how Mark keep his signatures in such a great shape after all these years? Polycoat?
Paying Glenn Saggers
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
"Soft" is not the expression- "fragile" or "delicate" are better descriptions
Mine's got 4 little chips out of the top/edges and a "scrape" of chips on the back which happened when I was changing strings and it brushed against a metal chair leg
Dropping a jack plug on it when you are disconnecting the cable is enough to chip the surface ! :smack
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I would call it "brittle" :)
Mine has a few chips around the neck pocket, happened when I took off the neck.
Not an expert but it doesn't appear to be a "proper" nitro finish like a good Gibson or a Vintage Fender...
Sent from my Tab2A7-20F using Tapatalk
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https://www.ebay.com/itm/Fender-Mark-Knopfler-signature-Stratocaster-neck-in-perfect-condition-tuners/282767685896?epid=1923115346&hash=item41d6447908:g:RkIAAOSwT2daCHyb
Not the first time I see MK Strat necks or bodies with a date stamped on it saying "August". Is this is a coincidence?
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11207 has a new home with me back in the USA :-)
(http://i67.tinypic.com/zk0m4l.png)
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https://www.ebay.com/itm/Fender-USA-Mark-62-Mark-Knopfler-Stratocaster-Hot-Rod-Red-Electric-Guitar-OHSC/292465762087?hash=item4418515f27:g:GMkAAOSwhzRafKIR
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Fender-Stratocaster-Mark-Knopfler-Signature-made-in-USA-Guitar/173186570274?hash=item2852b95822:g:GykAAOSwDUlalyIt
Why is this second one so cheap?
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https://www.ebay.com/itm/Fender-USA-Mark-62-Mark-Knopfler-Stratocaster-Hot-Rod-Red-Electric-Guitar-OHSC/292465762087?hash=item4418515f27:g:GMkAAOSwhzRafKIR
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Fender-Stratocaster-Mark-Knopfler-Signature-made-in-USA-Guitar/173186570274?hash=item2852b95822:g:GykAAOSwDUlalyIt
Why is this second one so cheap?
Because it's not the "buy it now' price, it's an auction. Watch this price going ridiculously high in the next 3-5 days!
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Hi guys, I've owned 3 Knopfler Strats! The only one I still own is a beautiful brand new one from 2010.
The only strange thing is the serial #...V194043...
V194043 ongraved on neck plate
V194043 on the official tag...
Guitar purchased in 2011 from an official Fender dealer...
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V for vhat? :hmm
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Hi guys, I've owned 3 Knopfler Strats! The only one I still own is a beautiful brand new one from 2010.
The only strange thing is the serial #...V194043...
V194043 ongraved on neck plate
V194043 on the official tag...
Guitar purchased in 2011 from an official Fender dealer...
Now that IS strange! Nothing about the serial number fits in what we know. You should email fender and ask about it. They have been very informative with a few other questions I have asked them based on a serial number in the past. As far as I know, the V usually stands for a vintage series.
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Hi guys, I've owned 3 Knopfler Strats! The only one I still own is a beautiful brand new one from 2010.
The only strange thing is the serial #...V194043...
V194043 ongraved on neck plate
V194043 on the official tag...
Guitar purchased in 2011 from an official Fender dealer...
Now that IS strange! Nothing about the serial number fits in what we know. You should email fender and ask about it. They have been very informative with a few other questions I have asked them based on a serial number in the past. As far as I know, the V usually stands for a vintage series.
Inspevtor: V.V.
The guitar has something to do with V for sure! Are you sure it's not Custom Shop or something?
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OK guys, you know what???
I've just dialed the serial # up to register the guitar and...... YES.... Fender.com says:
Search results for "V194043"
MARK KNOPFLER STRATOCASTER® (2003-2013)
Serial #: V194043
Brand:Fender
Product Category: Guitars
Don't know what to think... : :hmm :hmm :hmm :hmm
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OK guys, you know what???
I've just dialed the serial # up to register the guitar and...... YES.... Fender.com says:
Search results for "V194043"
MARK KNOPFLER STRATOCASTER® (2003-2013)
Serial #: V194043
Brand:Fender
Product Category: Guitars
Don't know what to think... : :hmm :hmm :hmm :hmm
I'm pretty sure it's just a some kind of an error much like the wrong colour of the first batch of MK Strats. I think you should be happy owning not only MK Strat, but MK Strat bearing weird serial number :lol. Fender isn't perfect and I easily can imagine some worker slapping American Vintage serial number instead of SE Signature Series serial number on it just by mistake.
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The lighting was just right in my music room this morning that I couldn't resist snapping this pic. The high res version really pops.
(https://s14.postimg.org/63zo0d53l/IMG_4145.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/wcaspqp71/)
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Simply Fantastic
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(https://scontent-mxp1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/32294609_840995126087855_7466815208330100736_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&_nc_eui2=AeHumZ1wtNcgAm69hbXCXA4lI9WbMSoONM8HK6JqicEtrldpXirbrClFCGf22KmTFCzt3Nr_5Q36GacW7XAtWzfrP7LSauu0qpbeo8M3tdnUvw&oh=f32f2f376b407a908878a161ae0c4ac3&oe=5B92F66D)
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(https://scontent-mxp1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/32294609_840995126087855_7466815208330100736_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&_nc_eui2=AeHumZ1wtNcgAm69hbXCXA4lI9WbMSoONM8HK6JqicEtrldpXirbrClFCGf22KmTFCzt3Nr_5Q36GacW7XAtWzfrP7LSauu0qpbeo8M3tdnUvw&oh=f32f2f376b407a908878a161ae0c4ac3&oe=5B92F66D)
In his defense that's what it sounds like when you're drunk and say Mark Knopfler...
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I joined the club yesterday. SE09375 is mine :)
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Welcome to the club - Tobben (You have been duly added to the list) :wave
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I joined the club yesterday. SE09375 is mine :)
wow to everything in the pic
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Welcome to the club - Tobben (You have been duly added to the list) :wave
Nice :) thank you! Location: Norway ;)
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Hello !
I used to read review of it here (https://theskinnyvibes.com/phenq-reviews) be a MK Strat owner, but unfortunately had to sell it.
I now need to find another one, but it's either missing or too expensive...
Help ! ;D
I too wanted to own an MK Strat but couldn't afford it. But you won't believe this, one of my friends found one lying in his late father's trunk and wants to gift it to me on my birthday. Either he doesn't know the worth of it or he loves me too much. I assume it is the later.
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Hello !
I used to be a MK Strat owner, but unfortunately had to sell it.
I now need to find another one, but it's either missing or too expensive...
Help ! ;D
I too wanted to own an MK Strat but couldn't afford it. But you won't believe this, one of my friends found one lying in his late father's trunk and wants to gift it to me on my birthday. Either he doesn't know the worth of it or he loves me too much. I assume it is the later.
Guitars is guitars... In fact, a guitar is one of the best gifts out there. Gifts in true sense of the word. I gave away many guitars myself, I was given many guitars, you share guitars and it's awesome. And while you're at it, they still grow in value :lol
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Hello !
I used to be a MK Strat owner, but unfortunately had to sell it.
I now need to find see all the phenq benefits in this review (https://thefecaltransplantfoundation.org/phenq-review/) another one, but it's either missing or too expensive...
Help ! ;D
Yep, too expensive. Won't be able to afford it for the next couple of years, but who knows...
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One for sale at Finn.no in Norway now for 15500 NOK.
https://www.finn.no/131153548
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One for sale at Finn.no in Norway now for 15500 NOK.
https://www.finn.no/131153548
Serial No. 11013.....Good price at around £1,400.00p
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Thanks for sharing!
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Fender MK Strat No. 04484 for sale via eBay (UK)
www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Fender-Stratocaster-Mark-Knopfler-Signature-Stratocaster/183520954743?epid=1923115346&hash=item2abab38977:g:1eAAAOSwzUxb0MiF
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I didn't realise they were worth so much these days.
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I didn't realise they were worth so much these days.
Last one that sold on fleabay on the 2nd September went for £1,450.00p - SE05506
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Ah OK so not so valuable then.
The one in the link above has a bid at £2,550.
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Job to say with regard value judging by those two sales... I'm guessing somewhere around £2000.00p is correct.
Mind you I will never part with my 'Signed' pair!!!
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Mine won't be sold until I'm in the ground anyway so it doesn't really matter but interesting to see.
Mine is Dakota red and signed on the headstock so in theory rare but perhaps less appealing. I'll never know but my kids will be interested.
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One of the very last of the MK Strats to be made is up for sale - SE11701
£2,450.00p - in Southend-on-sea, Essex UK
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Fender-Stratocaster-Mark-Knopfler-Artist-Series/113457890240?hash=item1a6a9e03c0:g:~ZoAAOSwsRVcFn6o:rk:1:pf:0
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As I've just added a link to a very nice MK Strat currently for sale I thought I'd take a look at what they have been selling for within the last couple of months or so. The RRP at the time of first release in 2003/04 was £1,500.00p....
SE00841 - £1,699.00p
SE04484 - £2,250.00p
quite a difference in price it seems!!
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As I've just added a link to a very nice MK Strat currently for sale I thought I'd take a look at what they have been selling for within the last couple of months or so. The RRP at the time of first release in 2003/04 was £1,500.00p....
SE00841 - £1,699.00p
SE04484 - £2,250.00p
quite a difference in price it seems!!
Because some people want to sell the thing and some people are ok with selling the thing...
If I had an MK Strat and was willing to sell it, I'd sell it for 1,500 $ and I don't care about margin.
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I'm afraid both my MK Strats are worth more to me than money personally....
I was purely interested in what people are willing to pay for one....
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I love guitars, but to me it's still just an instrument, a funny little wooden box (or slab of wood, for electric guitar). It doesn't mean any guitar is nothing to me, but I certainly don't worship it. And if I have to sell, put away or give away guitar, I just do it. Nothing personal 8)
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It's not really a massive increase.
My MK strat cost my £1,300 in 2003. So if you are buying these as investment you would probably be better off with a decent savings account.
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SE11701 - For sale on Fleabay AGAIN with a 'Buy it now' of £2,450.00p
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Fender-Stratocaster-Mark-Knopfler-Artist-Series/113508174373?hash=item1a6d9d4a25:g:~ZoAAOSwsRVcFn6o:rk:1:pf:0
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Above MK Strat is now reduced in price to £1,900.00p.....
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Sold for £1,900.00p!
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Sold for £1,900.00p!
Of course, because even Mark himself wouldn't buy it for other than 2000 pounds or dollars whatever. Selling it over 2K is theft.
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Sold for £1,900.00p!
Of course, because even Mark himself wouldn't buy it for other than 2000 pounds or dollars whatever. Selling it over 2K is theft.
MKs Fender Signature Strats on some occasions have sold for in excess of £2000.00p, I guess it's whoever is wanting one at the time and also what price they are willing to pay for one - each to their own in my eyes..
Since the cease of production there has been a steady rise in the price of these lovely collectible guitars.
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Hello everybody,
I' m new to this forum and , being a big fan of Mark Knopfler, I' m glad I ve found this forum!
Ithe owner of my first fender MK signature since 3 hours...
Serial number is SE03828 (2009).
I think I got a great deal (1600€ with case and goodies ).....I has some dings and strings are the rustiest I ve ever seen , but platics were still on the pickguard and the case locks!!!
I will give it a good cleaning , new 009-046 strings and then I know that at the end of the week end , my fingers will be painful.... :-)
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Congratulations, well done, must be a great feeling
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Hello everybody,
I' m new to this forum and , being a big fan of Mark Knopfler, I' m glad I ve found this forum!
Ithe owner of my first fender MK signature since 3 hours...
Serial number is SE03828 (2009).
I think I got a great deal (1600€ with case and goodies ).....I has some dings and strings are the rustiest I ve ever seen , but platics were still on the pickguard and the case locks!!!
I will give it a good cleaning , new 009-046 strings and then I know that at the end of the week end , my fingers will be painful.... :-)
Fantastic, I know exactly how excited you are!! all I can say is enjoy!
Where are you from so I can your Strat to the register
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Thank you guys, :wave
I' m from France.
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Hello everybody,
I' m new to this forum and , being a big fan of Mark Knopfler, I' m glad I ve found this forum!
Ithe owner of my first fender MK signature since 3 hours...
Serial number is SE03828 (2009).
I think I got a great deal for semenax here (https://thefecaltransplantfoundation.org/semenax-review/) (1600€ with case and goodies ).....I has some dings and strings are the rustiest I ve ever seen , but platics were still on the pickguard and the case locks!!!
I will give it a good cleaning , new 009-046 strings and then I know that at the end of the week end , my fingers will be painful.... :-)
1600€ with case and goodies is really a great deal. Congratulations!
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For Sale: SE03477 (Approx 2007 edition) - £1,950.00p from Shrewsbury, UK
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Fender-Stratocaster-Mark-Knopfler-Rare-And-Mint-Hot-Rod-Red/254173896997?hash=item3b2df1e125:g:x6UAAOSw5L5clWKy
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For Sale: SE02903 (Approx 2006 edition) for sale from the Netherlands: 3,490 Euro (£2,992.00p)
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Fender-Stratocaster-Mark-Knopfler-Hot-Rod-Red-1950s-Inspired-Sultan-of-Swing/283389375772?hash=item41fb52b51c:g:Yv8AAOSwxDxcbpHf
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I just for fun spec'd an "MK strat" on the Warmoth guitar parts website - swamp ash body, maple/rosewood neck, nitro paint, Gotoh vintage bridge, vintage styling, Seymour Duncan pickups (Alnico II), etc.
1093 USD for the guitar, plus 135 USD for UPS shipping to the UK, i.e. 1227 USD or 938 GBP. I suppose EU customs duties would come on top of that though.
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Yes indeed there would be nice Customs charge on top and you would be paying for the knowledge it wasn't a genuine MK Strat.....When a few hundred pounds more would secure you one.... :wave
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Some more 'realisation' prices for a couple of MK Strats that were sold recently on Fleabay....
SE05401 - Sold on the 9th April 2019 for £1,450.00p
SE01015 - Sold on the 30th March 2019 for £1,300.00p (Originally up for £1,450.00p)
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Yes indeed there would be nice Customs charge on top and you would be paying for the knowledge it wasn't a genuine MK Strat.....When a few hundred pounds more would secure you one.... :wave
I think that we all should remind that fender is a mass guitar and industrial product and designed as it.
The real value of a Fender, unless you get a real vintage that has been cared after, is the brand.
They are what they are, basically good instrument, but let be serious unless Mark decides to let one of the specially built for him, a MK signature is not an exceptional piece of art.
OK for business better it is to have the Fender brand on your neck but you can get as good axes from other manufacturers, and if you can put some extra money get way better build than their "custom shop" by one of the many stringed instrument maker on the market.
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For Sale: SE02903 (Approx 2006 edition) for sale from the Netherlands: 3,490 Euro (£2,992.00p)
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Fender-Stratocaster-Mark-Knopfler-Hot-Rod-Red-1950s-Inspired-Sultan-of-Swing/283389375772?hash=item41fb52b51c:g:Yv8AAOSwxDxcbpHf
That's bloody expensive :o
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For Sale: SE02903 (Approx 2006 edition) for sale from the Netherlands: 3,490 Euro (£2,992.00p)
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Fender-Stratocaster-Mark-Knopfler-Hot-Rod-Red-1950s-Inspired-Sultan-of-Swing/283389375772?hash=item41fb52b51c:g:Yv8AAOSwxDxcbpHf
That's bloody expensive :o
This is what he is asking for.
I like the mention he put below : PRICE TOO HIGH?? EMAIL ME AN OFFER!
That is saying it all.
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Yes indeed there would be nice Customs charge on top and you would be paying for the knowledge it wasn't a genuine MK Strat.....When a few hundred pounds more would secure you one.... :wave
I think that we all should remind that fender is a mass guitar and industrial product and designed as it.
The real value of a Fender, unless you get a real vintage that has been cared after, is the brand.
They are what they are, basically good instrument, but let be serious unless Mark decides to let one of the specially built for him, a MK signature is not an exceptional piece of art.
OK for business better it is to have the Fender brand on your neck but you can get as good axes from other manufacturers, and if you can put some extra money get way better build than their "custom shop" by one of the many stringed instrument maker on the market.
The Point I was trying to make was that for me owning a couple of 'MK' Signature Strats mean's a great deal to me and I'm sure to the others who own them on this forum.
Totally agree with you that a 'Custom Shop' Strat would be most probably far superior with regards build but it just wouldn't be an MK Inspired guitar to me......
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Yes indeed there would be nice Customs charge on top and you would be paying for the knowledge it wasn't a genuine MK Strat.....When a few hundred pounds more would secure you one.... :wave
I think that we all should remind that fender is a mass guitar and industrial product and designed as it.
The real value of a Fender, unless you get a real vintage that has been cared after, is the brand.
They are what they are, basically good instrument, but let be serious unless Mark decides to let one of the specially built for him, a MK signature is not an exceptional piece of art.
OK for business better it is to have the Fender brand on your neck but you can get as good axes from other manufacturers, and if you can put some extra money get way better build than their "custom shop" by one of the many stringed instrument maker on the market.
The Point I was trying to make was that for me owning a couple of 'MK' Signature Strats mean's a great deal to me and I'm sure to the others who own them on this forum.
Totally agree with you that a 'Custom Shop' Strat would be most probably far superior with regards build but it just wouldn't be an MK Inspired guitar to me......
I think most people who own the MK strategy because of the MK connection.
We are lucky that they happen to be very good guitars, at least mine is.
If someone just wants a good strat then no doubt you could get one cheaper, either from Fender or Suhr or a load of other makers.
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For Sale: SE02903 (Approx 2006 edition) for sale from the Netherlands: 3,490 Euro (£2,992.00p)
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Fender-Stratocaster-Mark-Knopfler-Hot-Rod-Red-1950s-Inspired-Sultan-of-Swing/283389375772?hash=item41fb52b51c:g:Yv8AAOSwxDxcbpHf
That is one expensive guitar.. I’ve bought mine about two years ago at the cost of 1600 euro’s. I’m still a bit bothered by the fact it didn’t have the original case and all of the candies. It only had the tags with the serial number on it. The plastic was still on the pickguard as well.
Still thinking about buying another one which had all the goodies, though I can’t be bothered spending more than 1800.
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Hello !
I used to be a MK Strat owner, but unfortunately had to sell it.
I now need to pehnq https://enfinmince.fr/phenq-avis/ (https://enfinmince.fr/phenq-avis/) find another one, but it's either missing or too expensive...
Help ! ;D
This Hot Rod Red axe features vintage body styling and pickups for an authentic Strat experience.
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Hello !
I used to be a MK Strat owner, but unfortunately had to sell it.
I now need to find another one, but it's either missing or too expensive...
Help ! ;D
This Hot Rod Red axe features vintage body styling and pickups for an authentic Strat experience.
They do indeed!!!!
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SE00083 - Spain
Headstock signed by MK himself in Atarfe (Granada) in April 2008.
Enviado desde mi iPhone utilizando Tapatalk
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just in case someone is looking for one (not mine):
https://www.leboncoin.fr/instruments_de_musique/1630373980.htm/ (https://www.leboncoin.fr/instruments_de_musique/1630373980.htm/)
1800 euros
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just in case someone is looking for one (not mine):
https://www.leboncoin.fr/instruments_de_musique/1630373980.htm/ (https://www.leboncoin.fr/instruments_de_musique/1630373980.htm/)
1800 euros
Couldn't see anything about the SE number but wonder if it's this one on the list??
SE09712 - eric geneville - France
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Some pretty graphs for you all
https://reverb.com/uk/news/signature-guitar-models-currently-climbing-in-price
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Some pretty graphs for you all
https://reverb.com/uk/news/signature-guitar-models-currently-climbing-in-price
Enough said in that really good article, thanks Dusty...
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Hello !
I used to be a MK Strat owner, but unfortunately had to sell it.
I now need to find another otc phentermine alternative (https://thefecaltransplantfoundation.org/phentermine-over-the-counter/), but it's either missing or too expensive...
Help ! ;D
pickups and have a current street price of just over 2k fender mark knopfler signature series stratocaster 0117800 815 owners list
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it seems that aven Glenn Saggers wasn't aware of the Dakota Red models.
the "urban legend" claiming taht Mark asked Fender to stop the production because he would have seen the wrong colour, is false.
Poupystar was at the Luxembourg gig. he had the chance to go backstage and to discuss with Glenn Saggers who said the guitar was fake because of the wrong color !
Poupystar explained him the dakota red story, and Glenn wasn't aware of this !
here his the article, in french : https://i-was-there.net/2019/06/27/mark-knopfler-rockhal-luxembourg
on Guy's diary, you can see Mark signing the guitars in question : https://guyfletcher.co.uk/20th-june-2019-luxembourg/
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(https://guyfletcher.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/MKsigns2000-1200x800.jpg)
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(https://guyfletcher.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/MKsigns2000-1200x800.jpg)
yes these ones
on the left, the MK strat and the Martin HD40 are Poupystar's ones
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Woooohooo, thanks jf....
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on the left, the MK strat and the Martin HD40 are Poupystar's ones
the guy holding them is poupystar ?
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on the left, the MK strat and the Martin HD40 are Poupystar's ones
the guy holding them is poupystar ?
no, he didn't get into Mark's room, but he went with Pete backstage, and Pete asked him to stay in the corrdior, while Mark was signing guitars, CDs, vinyls, etc...
He "only" met Danny, John, Richard, and Glenn Saggers
you can see the pics on Poupystar's article : https://i-was-there.net/2019/06/27/mark-knopfler-rockhal-luxembourg
He is the one with the beard, on the right pic
He has many guitars signed by mark, it was not his first ones
I understand the guy holding the guitars is a man from venue security
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oh ok :thumbsup
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Too bad for Poupystar not meeting MK, worth more than signatures IMHO...
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Too bad for Poupystar not meeting MK, worth more than signatures IMHO...
same thought here, I would even be a little bit humiliated, I can get an autograph but I can't even see ? No way
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Too bad for Poupystar not meeting MK, worth more than signatures IMHO...
same thought here, I would even be a little bit humiliated, I can get an autograph but I can't even see ? No way
Bizarre... Why I can't, say, send in a guitar via post to Mark's studio to sign it then? Well, what's the difference?
I agree, that getting a signature without meeting the guy in person is something I have many comparisons for.
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Too bad for Poupystar not meeting MK, worth more than signatures IMHO...
same thought here, I would even be a little bit humiliated, I can get an autograph but I can't even see ? No way
Might as well have bought a tour Litho if he wanted a signature!!!
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I understand your thoughts, but Mark did that way on several gigs.
It was the same in Lyon : the cars stopped to hold some items only one per person. Then they brought them to Mark for signing, and they gave them back outside.
The difference here is that Poupystar was allowed to go backstage indoor. Ok he didn't meet Mark, but it was a "higher level" than gigs before
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Hello everybody,
I' m new to this forum and , being a big fan of https://www.dreambodyweightloss.com/contrave/ (https://www.dreambodyweightloss.com/contrave/) Mark Knopfler, I' m glad I ve found this forum!
Ithe owner of my first fender MK signature since 3 hours...
Serial number is SE03828 (2009).
I think I got a great deal (1600€ with case and goodies ).....I has some dings and strings are the rustiest I ve ever seen , but platics were still on the pickguard and the case locks!!!
I will give it a good cleaning , new 009-046 strings and then I know that at the end of the week end , my fingers will be painful.... :-)
great deal i can wait too much to register ..
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I saw on FB that MK won't sign guitars anymore. :(
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I saw on FB that MK won't sign guitars anymore. :(
It was on MK news and Markknopfler.com, too
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It was bound to happen. I'm surprised it didn't happen earlier.
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To answer myself, I've just looked on the official website and see the reason....
https://www.markknopfler.com/autographs/
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It was bound to happen. I'm surprised it didn't happen earlier.
Yes, this is hilarious to release statements like this after seeing 4 generations of eBay sellers selling his signatures all over the place.
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Here is the signed Squier Strat listed for £1,000.00p which has been picked out by MK management.. :disbelief :disbelief ££££££££€€€€€€
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.co.uk%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F223505269504
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Here is the signed Squier Strat listed for £1,000.00p which has been picked out by MK management.. :disbelief :disbelief ££££££££€€€€€€
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.co.uk%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F223505269504
I've just put an offer on it.....
For £40!
lol
Cant believe the cheek of that sale, the guitar is an awful mess!
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It's a real shame for real fans.
I'll never sell my signed MK strat. Maybe the kids will after I go but I've already used it on hundreds of gigs over the last 16 years...
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It's a real shame for real fans.
I'll never sell my signed MK strat. Maybe the kids will after I go but I've already used it on hundreds of gigs over the last 16 years...
Totally agree. They can bury mine with me, forget the kids!
That one listing really bothered me. Absolutely shocking instrument, dings everywhere, bad fretwear, and did you notice that the nut was probably reglued? No returns accepted, and no COA. No details regarding when and where such autograph took place. Seems like an obvious attempt to extort someone's hard earned cash....
Tempted to actually report the listing to eBay....
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COA means nothing anyway.
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COA means nothing anyway.
Yes but its a requirement of eBay that one is included in sales of signed items, that was my point....
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Ah OK, did not know that. Can't imagine I would ever buy a signed guitar.
I have two signed guitars (MK and Les Paul) but they signed them both in front of me.
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To me it's too funny anyway, it's like stop playing and touring because of people filming with smartphones (which happen constantly for the last 10 years). Just ignore the idiots and play for the rest, is that rocket science for Mark? :lol
I've also heard he won't sign any items with any previous signatures on it. I think MK now needs a dedicated rider for fans :lol
Also, why musical instruments only? Because Mark signs millions of CD's, tickets, merchandise and stuff which goes on eBay anyway :hmm
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To me it's too funny anyway, it's like stop playing and touring because of people filming with smartphones (which happen constantly for the last 10 years). Just ignore the idiots and play for the rest, is that rocket science for Mark? :lol
I've also heard he won't sign any items with any previous signatures on it. I think MK now needs a dedicated rider for fans :lol
Also, why musical instruments only? Because Mark signs millions of CD's, tickets, merchandise and stuff which goes on eBay anyway :hmm
I think its down to the vastly inflated prices these people are asking for said guitars, the listing mentioned being a prime example. Ok so a cd or ticket stub with a sig on it might fetch a reasonable price but you wont find prices inflated by 2000 % as with that ridiculous squire strat which as an instrument was probably worth about £50 in that state yet the seller wants over a grand for it!
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After signing my autograph thousands of times over a 40 year career, I would be getting fed up with doing it too. Mark doesn't have to sign anything for fans, so if he chooses not to sign instruments, that his choice, and it's fine.
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Hello everybody,
I' m new to this forum and , being a big fan of Mark Knopfler, I' m glad I ve found this forum!
Ithe owner of my first fender MK signature since 3 hours...
Serial number is SE03828 (2009).
I think I got a great deal (1600€ with case and goodies ).....I has some dings and strings are the rustiest I ve ever seen , but platics were still on the pickguard and the case locks!!! https://www.redadair.com
I will give it a good cleaning , new 009-046 strings and then I know that at the end of the week end , my fingers will be painful.... :-)
In this case you are not belongs with the series of goodies to ruin the entire things
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https://www.ebay.com/itm/2008-Fender-Artist-Series-Mark-Knopfler-Stratocaster-Hot-Rod-Red/264399828595
The price is bananas.
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https://www.ebay.com/itm/2008-Fender-Artist-Series-Mark-Knopfler-Stratocaster-Hot-Rod-Red/264399828595
The price is bananas.
The question is how many bananas ;)
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That's in line with what they are going for, no?
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The price should be 1700 USD, tops. It's only low supply / high demand which causes these prices. For 2500 USD you can get pre-owned Suhrs and Tom Andersons.
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The price should be 1700 USD, tops. It's only low supply / high demand which causes these prices. For 2500 USD you can get pre-owned Suhrs and Tom Andersons.
Yes, that’s right. The guitar is rare, but not to the point of doubling the price. People have no shame.
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The Reverb article above shows what they are going for, and they are going for more than $2,000
You could say any used guitar isn't worth more than a new one, vintage Les Pauls etc, the reality is that they are worth what anyone will pay for them.
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You could say any used guitar isn't worth more than a new one, vintage Les Pauls etc, the reality is that they are worth what anyone will pay for them.
Vintage guitars is a bit different story, though, especially acoustic guitars, as the wood ages and so on. But I agree with you, they are worth what people are willing to pay. In the case of signature models, unless that "signature" means something to you, or the instrument has some special features you can't get anywhere else, you're better off looking at other options. If you're looking for a guitar to play, of course. Guitars bought as an investment or as a collector's piece are another story.
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2500 is actually pretty close to what they are actually selling for if they are in almost mint condition. I think the price is high on this particular example on based on condition, but not in general. You will pretty hard pressed to find another strat out there that feels quite the same. I look daily for the right deal on a 3rd one....
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Bit of fun :)
I paid £1,300 for my MK Strat in 2003.
According to an online inflation calculator that is £2,038 now.
And £2,038 is...
$2,548 :)
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SE06094 (2008) - For sale on ebay from the USA.....
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2008-Fender-Artist-Series-Mark-Knopfler-Stratocaster-Hot-Rod-Red/264399828595?hash=item3d8f753673:g:aSYAAOSwRAZdLXnG
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Bit of fun :)
I paid £1,300 for my MK Strat in 2003.
According to an online inflation calculator that is £2,038 now.
And £2,038 is...
$2,548 :)
Did you buy yours new?
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SE06094 (2008) - For sale on ebay from the USA.....
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2008-Fender-Artist-Series-Mark-Knopfler-Stratocaster-Hot-Rod-Red/264399828595?hash=item3d8f753673:g:aSYAAOSwRAZdLXnG (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2008-Fender-Artist-Series-Mark-Knopfler-Stratocaster-Hot-Rod-Red/264399828595?hash=item3d8f753673:g:aSYAAOSwRAZdLXnG)
So for less money, I'd buy this:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Suhr-Standard-Pro-S1-HSS-Rosewood/223605546602?hash=item340fedde6a:g:waQAAOSwAAJdJGup (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Suhr-Standard-Pro-S1-HSS-Rosewood/223605546602?hash=item340fedde6a:g:waQAAOSwAAJdJGup)
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Bit of fun :)
I paid £1,300 for my MK Strat in 2003.
According to an online inflation calculator that is £2,038 now.
And £2,038 is...
$2,548 :)
Did you buy yours new?
I did.
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SE06094 (2008) - For sale on ebay from the USA.....
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2008-Fender-Artist-Series-Mark-Knopfler-Stratocaster-Hot-Rod-Red/264399828595?hash=item3d8f753673:g:aSYAAOSwRAZdLXnG (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2008-Fender-Artist-Series-Mark-Knopfler-Stratocaster-Hot-Rod-Red/264399828595?hash=item3d8f753673:g:aSYAAOSwRAZdLXnG)
So for less money, I'd buy this:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Suhr-Standard-Pro-S1-HSS-Rosewood/223605546602?hash=item340fedde6a:g:waQAAOSwAAJdJGup (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Suhr-Standard-Pro-S1-HSS-Rosewood/223605546602?hash=item340fedde6a:g:waQAAOSwAAJdJGup)
Yes. Back in the day you had to be just a MK fan to buy a MK Strat, today you have to be mad to spend truck load of money on a non-vintage non-custom shop Strat just because it's discontinued.
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SE06094 (2008) - For sale on ebay from the USA.....
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2008-Fender-Artist-Series-Mark-Knopfler-Stratocaster-Hot-Rod-Red/264399828595?hash=item3d8f753673:g:aSYAAOSwRAZdLXnG (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2008-Fender-Artist-Series-Mark-Knopfler-Stratocaster-Hot-Rod-Red/264399828595?hash=item3d8f753673:g:aSYAAOSwRAZdLXnG)
So for less money, I'd buy this:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Suhr-Standard-Pro-S1-HSS-Rosewood/223605546602?hash=item340fedde6a:g:waQAAOSwAAJdJGup (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Suhr-Standard-Pro-S1-HSS-Rosewood/223605546602?hash=item340fedde6a:g:waQAAOSwAAJdJGup)
Yes. Back in the day you had to be just a MK fan to buy a MK Strat, today you have to be mad to spend truck load of money on a non-vintage non-custom shop Strat just because it's discontinued.
As we have seen, the Knopfler strat will hold it's value better than the Suhr.
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SE06094 (2008) - For sale on ebay from the USA.....
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2008-Fender-Artist-Series-Mark-Knopfler-Stratocaster-Hot-Rod-Red/264399828595?hash=item3d8f753673:g:aSYAAOSwRAZdLXnG (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2008-Fender-Artist-Series-Mark-Knopfler-Stratocaster-Hot-Rod-Red/264399828595?hash=item3d8f753673:g:aSYAAOSwRAZdLXnG)
So for less money, I'd buy this:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Suhr-Standard-Pro-S1-HSS-Rosewood/223605546602?hash=item340fedde6a:g:waQAAOSwAAJdJGup (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Suhr-Standard-Pro-S1-HSS-Rosewood/223605546602?hash=item340fedde6a:g:waQAAOSwAAJdJGup)
Yes. Back in the day you had to be just a MK fan to buy a MK Strat, today you have to be mad to spend truck load of money on a non-vintage non-custom shop Strat just because it's discontinued.
As we have seen, the Knopfler strat will hold it's value better than the Suhr.
Because of limited supply and fans/collectors. As an investment it's a better choice, but not in terms of quality or performance.
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I can't comment on the quality of the Suhr, but I do know that my MK Strat is a very fine instrument.
Just saying that even if the Suhr is better, you will take a bit on a new one if you sell.
As the article showed, virtually every signature guitar increases in value once they are out of production.
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I can't comment on the quality of the Suhr, but I do know that my MK Strat is a very fine instrument.
Just saying that even if the Suhr is better, you will take a bit on a new one if you sell.
As the article showed, virtually every signature guitar increases in value once they are out of production.
Theres no doubt and speaking from experience too, the MK Strat is a fine, fine Stratocaster. Both of mine play very well indeed...
Goes without saying that any Signature model will gain in price as time goes on...
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There is currently one for sale on this Dutch Ebay-type website:
https://www.marktplaats.nl/a/muziek-en-instrumenten/snaarinstrumenten-gitaren-elektrisch/m1450366337-fender-stratocaster-mark-knopfler-signature-nieuw-collector.html?c=8c285449651fa109c354bbabe740c1b&previousPage=lr
3500 euro’s.. Around 3100 pound.
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There is currently one for sale on this Dutch Ebay-type website:
https://www.marktplaats.nl/a/muziek-en-instrumenten/snaarinstrumenten-gitaren-elektrisch/m1450366337-fender-stratocaster-mark-knopfler-signature-nieuw-collector.html?c=8c285449651fa109c354bbabe740c1b&previousPage=lr
3500 euro’s.. Around 3100 pound.
Serial No.10726 - 2012 model...(Black case)
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Serial No. 03477 (Approx 2006/07) - For sale on ebay
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Fender-Mark-Knopfler-Strat/143368955483?hash=item216174a65b:g:eIgAAOSwJytdaVsr
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Serial No. 03477 (Approx 2006/07) - For sale on ebay
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Fender-Mark-Knopfler-Strat/143368955483?hash=item216174a65b:g:eIgAAOSwJytdaVsr
if it's still available in the next life I am gonna buy it :thumbsup
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https://reverb.com/item/29133228-2003-fender-mark-knopfler-signature-stratocaster-hot-rod-red
Wow that's a good one, #250. Take it while it's in stock! I'd buy it no question.
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If everything is ok (frets, neck...), it is clearly a bargain.....
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Hi Knopflerfan, this is my very first message on this forum... Just happy to tell you that the MK Strat with serial number SE03411, already on the list, has changed hands... I purchased it to Nicobouds some weeks ago.
Best regards!
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Hi Knopflerfan, this is my very first message on this forum... Just happy to tell you that the MK Strat with serial number SE03411, already on the list, has changed hands... I purchased it to Nicobouds some weeks ago.
Best regards!
I'll update the list....congrats on your purchase :wave
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Too bad for Poupystar not meeting MK, worth more than signatures IMHO...
same thought here, I would even be a little bit humiliated, I can get an autograph but I can't even see ? No way
Might as well have bought a tour Litho if he wanted a signature!!!
as the EBay one liner goes...."Shop with confidence.."
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mark-Knopfler-Guitar-Strat-Waterslide-Headstock-Decals-Stickers/312756486629?epid=28027378942&hash=item48d1bd41e5:g:6GIAAOSwzFhcIMpS
MK signature guitar headstock decals... now ANY guitar can be a MK signature series.... :disbelief :disbelief
how this is allowed, I will never know....
but maybe i will order some.. i can have MK signature series toilet seats... MK signature series spanners... and so on....
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as the EBay one liner goes...."Shop with confidence.."
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mark-Knopfler-Guitar-Strat-Waterslide-Headstock-Decals-Stickers/312756486629?epid=28027378942&hash=item48d1bd41e5:g:6GIAAOSwzFhcIMpS
MK signature guitar headstock decals... now ANY guitar can be a MK signature series.... :disbelief :disbelief
how this is allowed, I will never know....
but maybe i will order some.. i can have MK signature series toilet seats... MK signature series spanners... and so on....
This signature decal thing was available for as long as I live. It's not a bad thing, since you can easily check if the item, say, Strat Neck is "original signature", especially if you witnessed the real deal before, and of course if you can't, purchasing this type of gear is probably getting ahead of yourself (not you in particular, StephanG, just saying). But I agree that putting this decal on your guitar is the stupidest idea ever. It doesn't even do much on the real guitar, except for pleasing Mark and his fans, and the copy just doubles the strangeness of it all.
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as the EBay one liner goes...."Shop with confidence.."
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mark-Knopfler-Guitar-Strat-Waterslide-Headstock-Decals-Stickers/312756486629?epid=28027378942&hash=item48d1bd41e5:g:6GIAAOSwzFhcIMpS
MK signature guitar headstock decals... now ANY guitar can be a MK signature series.... :disbelief :disbelief
how this is allowed, I will never know....
but maybe i will order some.. i can have MK signature series toilet seats... MK signature series spanners... and so on....
This signature decal thing was available for as long as I live. It's not a bad thing, since you can easily check if the item, say, Strat Neck is "original signature", especially if you witnessed the real deal before, and of course if you can't, purchasing this type of gear is probably getting ahead of yourself (not you in particular, StephanG, just saying). But I agree that putting this decal on your guitar is the stupidest idea ever. It doesn't even do much on the real guitar, except for pleasing Mark and his fans, and the copy just doubles the strangeness of it all.
a decent management company would be all over this shutting this down...
but sadly, it feeds into the fake/ counterfeit market to catch some unsuspecting buyers further down the road...
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Each to their own, they don't make this guitar anymore so someone might want to recreate it for their personal use.
It only becomes a problem when someone tries to sell it as an original...
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this one has been up on ebay for quite some time now - a few months..
https://www.ebay.com/itm/2012-Fender-Artist-Series-Mark-Knopfler-Stratocaster-Hot-Rod-Red-Josefina-Campo-/264441805668
I have seen a couple of others come and go at a higher price but this one is still available..
wonder why ?
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Original pickups gone.
Replacements may be "better" but anything unoriginal makes it less desirable.
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Original pickups gone.
Replacements may be "better" but anything unoriginal makes it less desirable.
100% agreed! :wave
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Custom shop texas specials are available in every corner store. swapping them back in to make it original again is a 10 minute job... but then i guess his pricing should reflect that... my time cost alone is $1200 per hour.. :)
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Custom shop texas specials are available in every corner store. swapping them back in to make it original again is a 10 minute job... but then i guess his pricing should reflect that... my time cost alone is $1200 per hour.. :)
Absolutely, can't see how the pickups can be a problem. Everybody know MK Strat has texas specials, so just put these if you want. It's not like he's routed the cavity to put HSS set or something.
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Custom shop texas specials are available in every corner store. swapping them back in to make it original again is a 10 minute job... but then i guess his pricing should reflect that... my time cost alone is $1200 per hour.. :)
I guess his price should reflect the fact he has 'faffed' around with it in the first place especially as the body paint does chip very easily etc.......
but yet again £1,900.00gbp isn't expensive/unreasonable for this now obsolete guitar....
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Custom shop texas specials are available in every corner store. swapping them back in to make it original again is a 10 minute job... but then i guess his pricing should reflect that... my time cost alone is $1200 per hour.. :)
I guess his price should reflect the fact he has 'faffed' around with it in the first place especially as the body paint does chip very easily etc.......
but yet again £1,900.00gbp isn't expensive/unreasonable for this now obsolete guitar....
if it aint broke, dont fix it.... truer words.............
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Custom shop texas specials are available in every corner store. swapping them back in to make it original again is a 10 minute job... but then i guess his pricing should reflect that... my time cost alone is $1200 per hour.. :)
I guess his price should reflect the fact he has 'faffed' around with it in the first place especially as the body paint does chip very easily etc.......
but yet again £1,900.00gbp isn't expensive/unreasonable for this now obsolete guitar....
if it aint broke, dont fix it.... truer words.............
Haha, indeed so!! :wave
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Custom shop texas specials are available in every corner store. swapping them back in to make it original again is a 10 minute job... but then i guess his pricing should reflect that... my time cost alone is $1200 per hour.. :)
I guess his price should reflect the fact he has 'faffed' around with it in the first place especially as the body paint does chip very easily etc.......
As far as I'm concerned, stock MK Strat is not the "holy grail" in terms of wiring, etc., it's just a Strat from 2000s Fender.
A friend of mine got the MK Strat and rewired pretty much everything, with better wires, insulation, etc.
Originality matters, but I don't think it's on that level of preserving it like a museum piece.
After all, we also know that MK's actual instruments are hand build by Fender Custom Shop luthier Todd Krause. It's not like he just went to the guitar store and bought them! Just my 5 cents.
Anyway, even if MK's actual instruments are not hand built by Fender Custom shop guys, it's been in service by a guitar tech with decades of experience and I bet he also did some work on these.
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Custom shop texas specials are available in every corner store. swapping them back in to make it original again is a 10 minute job... but then i guess his pricing should reflect that... my time cost alone is $1200 per hour.. :)
Absolutely, can't see how the pickups can be a problem. Everybody know MK Strat has texas specials, so just put these if you want. It's not like he's routed the cavity to put HSS set or something.
I was actually negotiating with him to buy it last year around Aug/Sept// I had even bought a set of TS pups to put in there, but then due to the administrative nightmare of having to arrange a CITES permit o get ith here, we cancelled the deal..
just as well, because when my Texas Specials arrived, 2 of the 3 pups were stone dead and I had to send them back.
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Custom shop texas specials are available in every corner store. swapping them back in to make it original again is a 10 minute job... but then i guess his pricing should reflect that... my time cost alone is $1200 per hour.. :)
Absolutely, can't see how the pickups can be a problem. Everybody know MK Strat has texas specials, so just put these if you want. It's not like he's routed the cavity to put HSS set or something.
I was actually negotiating with him to buy it last year around Aug/Sept// I had even bought a set of TS pups to put in there, but then due to the administrative nightmare of having to arrange a CITES permit o get ith here, we cancelled the deal..
just as well, because when my Texas Specials arrived, 2 of the 3 pups were stone dead and I had to send them back.
Things just work themselves out don't they. You were just meant to own the Strat you have now....
Out of curiosity have you a black or brown case with it?
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Things just work themselves out don't they. You were just meant to own the Strat you have now....
Out of curiosity have you a black or brown case with it?
thankfully I have the black case with it..
i have a brown one which came with my AVRI62.... always thought it looked and felt like my grandmother's old kitchen table (the brown case, not the guitar)... i was about to give the brown one away free with a mexican strat I sold.. thankfully the wife happened to google the price of the case by itself, and made me keep it...
I still think its crap though.
im going to order a Fender Pro ABS flight case soon.
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Things just work themselves out don't they. You were just meant to own the Strat you have now....
Out of curiosity have you a black or brown case with it?
thankfully I have the black case with it..
i have a brown one which came with my AVRI62.... always thought it looked and felt like my grandmother's old kitchen table (the brown case, not the guitar)... i was about to give the brown one away free with a mexican strat I sold.. thankfully the wife happened to google the price of the case by itself, and made me keep it...
I still think its crap though.
im going to order a Fender Pro ABS flight case soon.
Point is that the first few 'batches' came with brown cases and the remainder came with black cases.....
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i would feel more comfortable with it in a flight case, they offer better protection for those delicate surfaces..
my AVRI62 has chips and damage from living in the brown case, which clearly doesnt offer the same level of protection when being transported around.
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i would feel more comfortable with it in a flight case, they offer better protection for those delicate surfaces..
my AVRI62 has chips and damage from living in the brown case, which clearly doesnt offer the same level of protection when being transported around.
The brown cases that came with both my MK Strats are very good and they certainly protect them very well indeed, but each to their own......
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Love my Brown case, exact match for the original case from my 1961 Fender lap steel!
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If anyone wants to sell their MK strat, please let me know.
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If anyway wants to give away his MK Fender Stratocaster, let me know. I have an empty corner at house that needs something like that to be filled ;D :lol
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when I wrote to Fender for the manufacture details of my MK strat.. they replied with the specs, and also still claiming its a 57 body and 62 neck..
the tag in the case clearly says its a 62 lightweight ash body.. and 62 neck...
so i have asked them to clarify that for me..
without having to page through 42 pages of posts, i am sure this has been raised before??? Did anyone get the explanation as to the discrepancy?
krgds
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Mistake on the tag? Probably went out on Friday afternoon. :)
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Mistake on the tag? Probably went out on Friday afternoon. :)
ive seen it on other tags too.
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when I wrote to Fender for the manufacture details of my MK strat.. they replied with the specs, and also still claiming its a 57 body and 62 neck..
the tag in the case clearly says its a 62 lightweight ash body.. and 62 neck...
so i have asked them to clarify that for me..
without having to page through 42 pages of posts, i am sure this has been raised before??? Did anyone get the explanation as to the discrepancy?
krgds
so i got a reply from Fender saying, sorry, their database says it should be a 57 body.. so it must have been a typo.... nothing to see here..
sorry, but thats not good enough.. the same typo done over a number of years???
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when I wrote to Fender for the manufacture details of my MK strat.. they replied with the specs, and also still claiming its a 57 body and 62 neck..
the tag in the case clearly says its a 62 lightweight ash body.. and 62 neck...
so i have asked them to clarify that for me..
without having to page through 42 pages of posts, i am sure this has been raised before??? Did anyone get the explanation as to the discrepancy?
krgds
so i got a reply from Fender saying, sorry, their database says it should be a 57 body.. so it must have been a typo.... nothing to see here..
sorry, but thats not good enough.. the same typo done over a number of years???
Fender are totally correct it is a 57 body and NOT a 62 so the MK tags are incorrect.....
I wonder whether as Knopfler wanted the 57 body they had already printed the tags - who knows??
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MK Strat body part No. from Fender....
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One of my MK Strat tags (Please excuse the MK signature!) complete with incorrect '62' body listing! Anyone got one with a '57' body listed? Or were they all wrong??
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when I wrote to Fender for the manufacture details of my MK strat.. they replied with the specs, and also still claiming its a 57 body and 62 neck..
the tag in the case clearly says its a 62 lightweight ash body.. and 62 neck...
so i have asked them to clarify that for me..
without having to page through 42 pages of posts, i am sure this has been raised before??? Did anyone get the explanation as to the discrepancy?
krgds
so i got a reply from Fender saying, sorry, their database says it should be a 57 body.. so it must have been a typo.... nothing to see here..
sorry, but thats not good enough.. the same typo done over a number of years???
Fender are totally correct it is a 57 body and NOT a 62 so the MK tags are incorrect.....
I wonder whether as Knopfler wanted the 57 body they had already printed the tags - who knows??
well i got another reply.. and it seems the specs are wrong and the tag is correct, it is a 62 body..
Hello,
I've attached more detailed information on the Mark Knopfler Strat.
You'll see in the parts list the body is listed as 0063073515 = BODY 62 STRAT/SIGN HRR.
Hope this helps, take care and goodbye.
the "goodbye" at the end there seems kinda final, doesnt it..
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I may be wrong on this, but didn't Fender design MK Sig Strat with his 1961 Strat in mind? Would make sense to use 1957 body in that case, because 1962 body didn't exist in 1961. My 50 cents.
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when I wrote to Fender for the manufacture details of my MK strat.. they replied with the specs, and also still claiming its a 57 body and 62 neck..
the tag in the case clearly says its a 62 lightweight ash body.. and 62 neck...
so i have asked them to clarify that for me..
without having to page through 42 pages of posts, i am sure this has been raised before??? Did anyone get the explanation as to the discrepancy?
krgds
so i got a reply from Fender saying, sorry, their database says it should be a 57 body.. so it must have been a typo.... nothing to see here..
sorry, but thats not good enough.. the same typo done over a number of years???
Fender are totally correct it is a 57 body and NOT a 62 so the MK tags are incorrect.....
I wonder whether as Knopfler wanted the 57 body they had already printed the tags - who knows??
well i got another reply.. and it seems the specs are wrong and the tag is correct, it is a 62 body..
Hello,
I've attached more detailed information on the Mark Knopfler Strat.
You'll see in the parts list the body is listed as 0063073515 = BODY 62 STRAT/SIGN HRR.
Hope this helps, take care and goodbye.
the "goodbye" at the end there seems kinda final, doesnt it..
OK, cool so we all have '62' Strat bodies then and not 57's......Yes the 'Goodbye' could be implied to be a bit rude!!
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I may be wrong on this, but didn't Fender design MK Sig Strat with his 1961 Strat in mind? Would make sense to use 1957 body in that case, because 1962 body didn't exist in 1961. My 50 cents.
As far as I was aware MK's Strat had to be something like Hank's (Hank Marvin) Stratocaster in the early 60's so a '62' body would be ideal...
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im just surprised that it appears to have taken this long for someone to notice the error...
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im just surprised that it appears to have taken this long for someone to notice the error...
Actually there isn't an error where we as owners are concerned is there? We have '62' bodies with tags that tell us so....
But Fender themselves obviously got a bit confused!!! :wave
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im just surprised that it appears to have taken this long for someone to notice the error...
Actually there isn't an error where we as owners are concerned is there? We have '62' bodies with tags that tell us so....
But Fender themselves obviously got a bit confused!!! :wave
well, it is an error when its marketed as a 57 body on all sales brochures and websites, but what you get is a 62...
clearly a failure in communication between Fenders marketing department and their production line..
in all the books available about fender guitars it says its a 57...
but then, hell, if they couldnt even get the first batches colour right, whats a small typo among friends, right?
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but then, hell, if they couldnt even get the first batches colour right, whats a small typo among friends, right?
:lol :lol :lol
Guitar companies is a disaster nowadays, guitars built even in the 90s is night and day comparing to the recent ones, pretty much like with cars. Compare a Mercedes from the 90s to a Mercedes from the late 2000s early 2010s! For this reason many players already switched to more advanced makers like PRS, Suhr, etc...
I still remember the day I've bought a brand new Gibson Les Paul (not Fender, but still) and it had so much trouble going on, it was literally the day I've decided I'll never buy a Les Paul again, because the craftsmanship was outstandingly awful. Notoriously so! I was so mad I wanted to destroy this thing and throw it out of the window, because it won't even stay in tune even with nut sauce applied. Oh my god.
I don't know what's the deal with 62 and 57 body. Anybody know the real difference between them? Maybe Ingo? So just get to know the difference, measure any MK Strat and we'll know the truth. As far as I can see it's not a major spec because nobody even know what's the difference which I find hilarious.
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Thanks for the comments chaps,
I have no other hang tags with the guitar that are specific to this instrument, others are general Fender stuff.
Either Fender switched to a 62 body some time in the production run or I have a bitsa.
I am inclined to think that the guitar is genuine but why would Fender switch the body spec to make what was effectively a 62 re issue when they allready had a 62 re issue available.
If it is a bitsa where did the body come from? What other strats did Fender make with a 62 hot rod red nitro body?
I think this may take an e mail to Fender to sort out!
Been away for a while but this question of the 57 body concerned me back in 2014 way back in this thread!!!!!!
I know mine is a genuine instrument but was always concerned that the paperwork/tags didnt make sense.
I never had a reply from Fender about my concerns.
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Thanks for the comments chaps,
I have no other hang tags with the guitar that are specific to this instrument, others are general Fender stuff.
Either Fender switched to a 62 body some time in the production run or I have a bitsa.
I am inclined to think that the guitar is genuine but why would Fender switch the body spec to make what was effectively a 62 re issue when they allready had a 62 re issue available.
If it is a bitsa where did the body come from? What other strats did Fender make with a 62 hot rod red nitro body?
I think this may take an e mail to Fender to sort out!
Been away for a while but this question of the 57 body concerned me back in 2014 way back in this thread!!!!!!
I know mine is a genuine instrument but was always concerned that the paperwork/tags didnt make sense.
I never had a reply from Fender about my concerns.
Big companies also do make mistakes... I remember the time when NASA lost a spacecraft due to a metric math mistake: https://www.simscale.com/blog/2017/12/nasa-mars-climate-orbiter-metric/ (https://www.simscale.com/blog/2017/12/nasa-mars-climate-orbiter-metric/)
So I think after some companies losing hundreds of millions of dollars due to simple math mistakes I don't think that this was Fender's intention. Or they are super geniuses who really know to do their tags.
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https://www.ebay.com/itm/SIGNED-AUTOGRAPHED-FENDER-GUITAR-Mark-Knopfler/133361313183?hash=item1f0cf4259f:g:m6cAAOSwUyZebWDE
What even is this lol :lol
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https://www.ebay.com/itm/SIGNED-AUTOGRAPHED-FENDER-GUITAR-Mark-Knopfler/133361313183?hash=item1f0cf4259f:g:m6cAAOSwUyZebWDE
What even is this lol :lol
What a ridiculously vague listing for an alleged premium item from apparently a member of The Doors???....
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https://www.ebay.com/itm/SIGNED-AUTOGRAPHED-FENDER-GUITAR-Mark-Knopfler/133361313183?hash=item1f0cf4259f:g:m6cAAOSwUyZebWDE
What even is this lol :lol
What a ridiculously vague listing for an alleged premium item from apparently a member of The Doors???....
I think it was a copy/paste from this guitar's description: https://www.ebay.com/itm/SIGNED-THE-DOORS-AUTOGRAPHED-FENDER-GUITAR-Hard-Rock-Cafe/133178431977?hash=item1f020d99e9:g:nGQAAOSwWq1dhVZx
The guy's inventory is pretty impressive. About 450 misc exotic car parts, a 1954 Chevrolet Bel Air, a Silk'n Flash & Go Express Hair Removal Device for Women and Men and two Hard Rock Café guitars including MK Strat and The Doors Squier. LOL!
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From a Seller with 98.6 % feedback - erm!! :hmm
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Hi everybody!
Still wondering about the "62 body" instead of "57 body" question... The truth is that, in fact, it made no sense to use a 57 body... The 62 body has a slightly different control cavity routing shape, allowing the pickguard screw located just below the selector switch. If Fender had used a 57 body it would have been impossible to use a 11-screw 62 pickguard... because that one screw in particular would have been of no use. I attach two pictures: one from my MK strat body (pointing at that area and the screw hole in question) and another one from a Japanese Fender ST57.
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Hi, first post!
regarding 57 vs 62 body, that might be a topic of body contours rather then the hole configuration?
on another topic: I am GASing a lot for the MK Signature Strat but prices are really high. A very good condition one starts at 2500 Euro. Recently there was mint one in the Netherlands for 3299 Euro and the selling company said they usually sell for that price (!).
In spite of being a huge Knopfler fanatic buying the Signature Model is just a no go with such prices. You could just ring up Fender Custom Shop and for 3000 Euro get a 1961 New Old Stock Hod Rod Red Strat in that very configuration incl. neck radius, fretboard radius and even fret size, but with better woods, more accurate string tree position, better PIO capacitor, hand wound Texas Specials and a better tremolo block (shallow string holes instead of the old deep ones accommodating Fender Bullet strings, therefore correct string tension as on old Strats). The only thing you'd miss is the signature on the headstock.
Your thoughts?
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Hi, first post!
regarding 57 vs 62 body, that might be a topic of body contours rather then the hole configuration?
on another topic: I am GASing a lot for the MK Signature Strat but prices are really high. A very good condition one starts at 2500 Euro. Recently there was mint one in the Netherlands for 3299 Euro and the selling company said they usually sell for that price (!).
In spite of being a huge Knopfler fanatic buying the Signature Model is just a no go with such prices. You could just ring up Fender Custom Shop and for 3000 Euro get a 1961 New Old Stock Hod Rod Red Strat in that very configuration incl. neck radius, fretboard radius and even fret size, but with better woods, more accurate string tree position, better PIO capacitor, hand wound Texas Specials and a better tremolo block (shallow string holes instead of the old deep ones accommodating Fender Bullet strings, therefore correct string tension as on old Strats). The only thing you'd miss is the signature on the headstock.
Your thoughts?
In my opinion, this guitar should not have such a huge increase in price, back in the day I've seen MK Strats selling for as low as $1,300-1,500 in mint condition, including shipping, so why should I pay double, triple that amount just because they don't make them anymore? That's ridiculous. I can understand when it's a signature LP where they made about 50 signed guitars or so, but even with signature LP a "regular" "cheap" 3 grand Custom Shop guitar is not a bad guitar at all. You're absolutely right about buying another guitar for that money.
But, with that said, sometimes a guy may just want to sell the guitar without 200% margin and put it out on sale for a decent price, not trying to rip you off. But that's rare.
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Hi, first post!
regarding 57 vs 62 body, that might be a topic of body contours rather then the hole configuration?
on another topic: I am GASing a lot for the MK Signature Strat but prices are really high. A very good condition one starts at 2500 Euro. Recently there was mint one in the Netherlands for 3299 Euro and the selling company said they usually sell for that price (!).
In spite of being a huge Knopfler fanatic buying the Signature Model is just a no go with such prices. You could just ring up Fender Custom Shop and for 3000 Euro get a 1961 New Old Stock Hod Rod Red Strat in that very configuration incl. neck radius, fretboard radius and even fret size, but with better woods, more accurate string tree position, better PIO capacitor, hand wound Texas Specials and a better tremolo block (shallow string holes instead of the old deep ones accommodating Fender Bullet strings, therefore correct string tension as on old Strats). The only thing you'd miss is the signature on the headstock.
Your thoughts?
Hi Tomcaster,
I guess it's completely up to each individual what they would rather spend their money on with regards an MK Signature Strat or not ...
Very happy with mine and I'm sure all the other MK strat owners are too....
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Hi, first post!
regarding 57 vs 62 body, that might be a topic of body contours rather then the hole configuration?
on another topic: I am GASing a lot for the MK Signature Strat but prices are really high. A very good condition one starts at 2500 Euro. Recently there was mint one in the Netherlands for 3299 Euro and the selling company said they usually sell for that price (!).
In spite of being a huge Knopfler fanatic buying the Signature Model is just a no go with such prices. You could just ring up Fender Custom Shop and for 3000 Euro get a 1961 New Old Stock Hod Rod Red Strat in that very configuration incl. neck radius, fretboard radius and even fret size, but with better woods, more accurate string tree position, better PIO capacitor, hand wound Texas Specials and a better tremolo block (shallow string holes instead of the old deep ones accommodating Fender Bullet strings, therefore correct string tension as on old Strats). The only thing you'd miss is the signature on the headstock.
Your thoughts?
In my opinion, this guitar should not have such a huge increase in price, back in the day I've seen MK Strats selling for as low as $1,300-1,500 in mint condition, including shipping, so why should I pay double, triple that amount just because they don't make them anymore? That's ridiculous. I can understand when it's a signature LP where they made about 50 signed guitars or so, but even with signature LP a "regular" "cheap" 3 grand Custom Shop guitar is not a bad guitar at all. You're absolutely right about buying another guitar for that money.
But, with that said, sometimes a guy may just want to sell the guitar without 200% margin and put it out on sale for a decent price, not trying to rip you off. But that's rare.
Hardly ripping someone off.
Any item in this world is only worth what someone will pay for it.
No one is forcing anyone to buy a used MK strat.
MK probably paid about £30,000 for his 58 Les Paul in the early 90s. He could have bought 15 brand new and therefore “better“ guitars for that money.
Flip side of the argument is that his 58 is now worth 10 times what he paid for it...
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Fair enough, it's the law of supply and demand. From my side I just wanted to show that alternatives were possible if somebody was ok not to have MK's signature on the headstock. The price of his signature LPs inflated just as much. People seem to ignore that these are simple historics. Only the aged and signed version has True Historic specs.
Coming back to the Strat, I always wondered if Mark himself had a "true" production model. Wouldn't be difficult for Fender to throw in a piece of selected wood and some more work on the guitar to get it perfect before sending it to the artist. Any insights here? Does anybody know if Mark had a real connection to Fender Masterbuilder Todd Krause? There are some sources around that say Todd was working on Mark's guitars?
https://reverb.com/item/5889900-2008-fender-custom-shop-todd-krause-masterbuilt-mark-knopfler-hot-rod-red-60-s-strat#full
https://www.makenmusic.com/products/fender-custom-shop-1960-stratocaster-mark-knopfler-signature-model-masterbuilt-todd-krause-nos-new-old-stock-solidbody-electric-guitars-hot-rod-red
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Add that producing limited series is already feeding the "collector" market.
The Fender MK signature was not a limited series while in production but the LP was from day one.
So in that I would call Gibson a deluxe decorative item manufacture...
Fair enough, it's the law of supply and demand. From my side I just wanted to show that alternatives were possible if somebody was ok not to have MK's signature on the headstock. The price of his signature LPs inflated just as much. People seem to ignore that these are simple historics. Only the aged and signed version has True Historic specs.
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Coming back to the Strat, I always wondered if Mark himself had a "true" production model. Wouldn't be difficult for Fender to throw in a piece of selected wood and some more work on the guitar to get it perfect before sending it to the artist. Any insights here? Does anybody know if Mark had a real connection to Fender Masterbuilder Todd Krause? There are some sources around that say Todd was working on Mark's guitars?
https://reverb.com/item/5889900-2008-fender-custom-shop-todd-krause-masterbuilt-mark-knopfler-hot-rod-red-60-s-strat#full
https://www.makenmusic.com/products/fender-custom-shop-1960-stratocaster-mark-knopfler-signature-model-masterbuilt-todd-krause-nos-new-old-stock-solidbody-electric-guitars-hot-rod-red
I think that's impossible that Mark uses a regular guitar from the shelf, especially bearing luxury serial numbers like 00000 or 00001-ish. Tommy Emmanuel plays seemingly regular Maton 808, but actually it's a 10,000 dollars Custom Shop instrument.
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Flip side is that MK was using Glen Worff's MK strat for a while, would Glen have had a special version too?
I'm sure MK's strats are set up better than most of us could manage but at the end of the day he chose the specs so there wouldn't be much point doing that if he didn't like them.
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Flip side is that MK was using Glen Worff's MK strat for a while, would Glen have had a special version too?
I'm sure MK's strats are set up better than most of us could manage but at the end of the day he chose the specs so there wouldn't be much point doing that if he didn't like them.
Also, in the 09.09.09 Princess Trust show Mark used not a signature strat at all, but some unknown red strat, and I think it had the greatest sound on MK's record since a long time, so go figure... I actually like the fact that all things are messed up like that, even in Mark's early history there are countless speculations on strings (.008 strings? Was Sultans recorded on a black strat which David Knopfler sold recently? Etc.) and many other things. Mark had his own 61 strat refinished, so anything goes.
I think the whole Stratocaster guitar design is a pretty much utilitarian thing, you can replace every part you can think of. I once had an MK signature neck on a Japanese-made body, and I sold the guitar. The next owner got the vintage strat body with vintage hardware and all, installed my MK neck on it and now the thing sounds and looks like a dream. But it's not an MK signature strat, because that's not the real deal, but it has a signature on the headstock. My mind is a blank :lol :lol :lol
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Most people who buy the MK signature Strat do so because they are fans and/or collectors, not necessarily because the guitar is that special. As indicated above, you can either get a similar guitar without the signature for a lot less, or a lot better/nicer guitar for the price of what the MK Strats go for these days.
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Certainly the early batch of MK strats were highly regarded as very fine instruments in their own right, don't know if that continued.
All that said, yes, a strat is a strat, and paying thousands for one is kind of silly. MK played Mexican strats at the 2002 charity shows and no one knew the difference.
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Flip side is that MK was using Glen Worff's MK strat for a while, would Glen have had a special version too?
The serial numbers available to the public didn't start until 00011. Presumably, 00-10 went to Mark, many of which he gave out as gifts. I know for a fact that's how the Martin's were done because I had the opportunity to purchase a single digit one from his former brother in law that was given to him as a gift by Mark. An opportunity I still kick myself for not having done.
At the very least, the first couple were certainly not production guitars. Once he settled on liking it, who knows where the true 'production line' started. They were special in their own way, and Fender has really kind of kept them that way. You can't really get that package on a production strat still. The neck is my favorite of all my strats I have ever owned, the hot rod red color, and nitrocellulose finish. Pickups are pickups and easily changed, but the other options in a reasonably priced package was really something. They have always felt like a better guitar to me than my other production line strats, which I have sold all of for that reason.
There is also a certain attraction to how hard they are to find in good shape, let alone a reasonable price. I always have my feelers out for a third.
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Flip side is that MK was using Glen Worff's MK strat for a while, would Glen have had a special version too?
The serial numbers available to the public didn't start until 00011. Presumably, 00-10 went to Mark, many of which he gave out as gifts. I know for a fact that's how the Martin's were done because I had the opportunity to purchase a single digit one from his former brother in law that was given to him as a gift by Mark. An opportunity I still kick myself for not having done.
At the very least, the first couple were certainly not production guitars. Once he settled on liking it, who knows where the true 'production line' started. They were special in their own way, and Fender has really kind of kept them that way. You can't really get that package on a production strat still. The neck is my favorite of all my strats I have ever owned, the hot rod red color, and nitrocellulose finish. Pickups are pickups and easily changed, but the other options in a reasonably priced package was really something. They have always felt like a better guitar to me than my other production line strats, which I have sold all of for that reason.
There is also a certain attraction to how hard they are to find in good shape, let alone a reasonable price. I always have my feelers out for a third.
Mark Knopfler gives a guy his signature guitar as a gift. Guy proceeds to sell it :lol Never understood that. My rule in life is I never sell gifts, because I treat that almost like an insult.
By the way, I was speaking about MK Neck that I had, and it's true, it was one of the finest strat necks I've ever seen, the wood grain, quality of it, truly insane quality. So it's true!
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Certainly the early batch of MK strats were highly regarded as very fine instruments in their own right, don't know if that continued.
All that said, yes, a strat is a strat, and paying thousands for one is kind of silly. MK played Mexican strats at the 2002 charity shows and no one knew the difference.
A Strat is a pretty crude instrument, and you can only refine it so much. Unless you go for hand-carved tops, ornate mother-of-pearl appointments, exotic woods, it reaches a certain point where spending more money is, well, pointless.
And of course Mark can make the cheapest Squier or Harley Benton sound great.
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Certainly the early batch of MK strats were highly regarded as very fine instruments in their own right, don't know if that continued.
All that said, yes, a strat is a strat, and paying thousands for one is kind of silly. MK played Mexican strats at the 2002 charity shows and no one knew the difference.
A Strat is a pretty crude instrument, and you can only refine it so much. Unless you go for hand-carved tops, ornate mother-of-pearl appointments, exotic woods, it reaches a certain point where spending more money is, well, pointless.
And of course Mark can make the cheapest Squier or Harley Benton sound great.
I have been a Strat nut for 20 years now (!) and I went through the whole chain. From Made in Mexico to American Deluxe, American Vintage, Custom Shop, Masterbuilt. There is a misconception that an electric guitar is just a plank of wood and only pickups matter. Nothing could be further from the truth. When I was still learning about Strats I modded the hell out of them, always moving closer to find myself at the point that I am a total vintage spec purist now. I will give you a couple of examples:
- the wood itself is very important. Take two guitars of the same line. One will sound mediocre when plugged in, the other will shine - all because of wood. There are Made in Mexico "roadworn" Strats that will sound like expensive custom shop guitars, there are also custom shop guitars that sound really bad. The more expensive the line, the higher the probability you get a good one or even an exceptional one. Here is a cool interview on that topic: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7l_M15TjBiY
- the tremolo block with deep holes vs shallow holes changes tension and focus of the note. Only 2013 upwards did Fender bring the blocks as they were done in the 60s.
- the truss rod position (neck butt or headstock operated) is a massive tone changer. Go to the store and compare an American Series with an American Vintage. The rather will have tons more depth.
- non RW/RP pickups create a different magnetic field than RW/RP pickups. In every position, they sound a little different and should be a conscious choice
- fret size makes a massive difference. The lower they are, the woodier your tone, but the harder to play. This explains why people often sell their instruments after refrets. The tone is suddenly gone because somebody wanted SRV style of stuff ;-)
- neck radius on 7.25 is also best suited for vintage stagger. if you have a flatter neck you slightly overemphasize the bass and treble, getting a more modern tone. Again, it's not bad, but not what you crave for if you want to copy the stars from the record who all played pre-CBS Strats.
- at least to me, scatter wound pickups have a more "magic" sound than machine wound but this is debated. Some details here: http://www.dylanmckerchie.com/scatter-wound-vs-machine-wound-pickups/
- thin lacquer makes a massive difference in terms of resonance. Fender didn't like doing thin lacquer for a long time because customers wanted "new" looking guitars. This changed over time and results in the current "thin skin" lacquer.
- there are no good and bad pickups. Pickups need to suit a particular guitar. The same set of pickups can sound good in one guitar and bad in another.
... it goes on and on...
Sure, Mark played other guitars than his as well but I am sure he would not accept playing a bad one.
@dustyvalentino thanks for the good info on the first ten guitars. This is what I suspected.
What makes me curious is how Mark chose the specs. Any insights here?
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I have been a Strat nut for 20 years now (!) and I went through the whole chain. From Made in Mexico to American Deluxe, American Vintage, Custom Shop, Masterbuilt. There is a misconception that an electric guitar is just a plank of wood and only pickups matter. Nothing could be further from the truth. When I was still learning about Strats I modded the hell out of them, always moving closer to find myself at the point that I am a total vintage spec purist now. I will give you a couple of examples:
- the wood itself is very important. Take two guitars of the same line. One will sound mediocre when plugged in, the other will shine - all because of wood. There are Made in Mexico "roadworn" Strats that will sound like expensive custom shop guitars, there are also custom shop guitars that sound really bad. The more expensive the line, the higher the probability you get a good one or even an exceptional one. Here is a cool interview on that topic: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7l_M15TjBiY
- the tremolo block with deep holes vs shallow holes changes tension and focus of the note. Only 2013 upwards did Fender bring the blocks as they were done in the 60s.
- the truss rod position (neck butt or headstock operated) is a massive tone changer. Go to the store and compare an American Series with an American Vintage. The rather will have tons more depth.
- non RW/RP pickups create a different magnetic field than RW/RP pickups. In every position, they sound a little different and should be a conscious choice
- fret size makes a massive difference. The lower they are, the woodier your tone, but the harder to play. This explains why people often sell their instruments after refrets. The tone is suddenly gone because somebody wanted SRV style of stuff ;-)
- neck radius on 7.25 is also best suited for vintage stagger. if you have a flatter neck you slightly overemphasize the bass and treble, getting a more modern tone. Again, it's not bad, but not what you crave for if you want to copy the stars from the record who all played pre-CBS Strats.
- at least to me, scatter wound pickups have a more "magic" sound than machine wound but this is debated. Some details here: http://www.dylanmckerchie.com/scatter-wound-vs-machine-wound-pickups/
- thin lacquer makes a massive difference in terms of resonance. Fender didn't like doing thin lacquer for a long time because customers wanted "new" looking guitars. This changed over time and results in the current "thin skin" lacquer.
- there are no good and bad pickups. Pickups need to suit a particular guitar. The same set of pickups can sound good in one guitar and bad in another.
... it goes on and on...
What makes me curious is how Mark chose the specs. Any insights here?
Absolutely right, that's true for basically any professional-grade things, did you know that there exist $1,500 batons for orchestra conductors? And it's just a stick to wave to the orchestra... But it has weight, it has the feel and also looks. I'm actually not kidding. Or take a billiard cue... Seems simple enough, but you can easily find a cue as expensive as a Fender Stratocaster guitar. Because of the reasons you've listed above — every little detail matters.
I have no insights on how Mark chose the specs, but I'd say it's just trial and error, like everybody else. If you look throughout history, Mark tried many many many combinations of pickups, string height, string gauges, amps, even colours. And even several Strat-type guitars brands (Fender, Fernandes, Schecter, partscasters...). Here's the list of all guitar he used through years: http://www.oneverybootleg.nl
What's common between all of them is that Mark loves thick necks and big frets, that's probably the only spec that's consistent.
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The MK Strat neck isn't that thick?
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The MK Strat neck isn't that thick?
I don't think that thick neck is especially popular among Strat users, so that's common for Strats I suppose. Thick necks are more like a Gibson and acoustic guitars thing, but either way extremely personal preference. As with everything else :lol :lol :lol
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I have dug a bit into the recipe of the MK Strat, particularly the wood and pickups and came to some conclusions that are perhaps worth sharing.
1. WOOD
An ash body and a rosewood fingerboard neck seems to be an unusual combo.
There are many discussions on gear page covering this topic, many of them citing an all statement of John Suhr: 'Rosewood fingerboard on Ash body will give too much sizzle for many players. We would only build such combination if you are positive that this is what you want.'
https://www.thegearpage.net/board/index.php?threads/swamp-ash-rosewood-fingerboard-clarification.542427/
John Suhr later commented in a forum: 'Rosewood has a more brilliant presence than Maple, Maple is strong in the upper mids but not brilliance. Most of the misconceptions regrading Maple has to do with the neck construction and a thicker finish. If Maple is close to no finish at all with a vintage truss rod construction it is pretty fat and sweet. Rosewood does however have a rounder warmer bottom end than Maple on the bass strings. This is still a generalization since each specific piece of wood can and will sound different. Even at Fender I remember many of the Master builders not liking Brazilian Rosewood and Ash. It is a personal choice and nothing is right or wrong. It will depend on all the gear you run thru and the way you play.'
https://www.thegearpage.net/board/index.php?threads/ash-body-tele-with-a-rosewood-board.1016577/page-2#post-12267636
Sounds like the wood choice for the MK Sig makes it a mid scooped guitar, i.e. very prominent treble and somewhat prominent bass. The ash will give a sweet sound.
2. TEXAS SPECIAL PICKUPS
The following information comes from the Fender webpage. All of this is rather theoretical, but it gives you a point of reference.
https://www.fender.com/articles/gear/a-guide-to-fender-single-coil-stratocaster-pickups
Found in Fender American Special Stratocaster guitars and characterized by their midrange chirp, crystalline highs and tight bass, Fender Texas Special Strat pickups feature an overwound single-coil construction that produces big Texas-blues tone.
NECK PICKUP
TREBLE — 8/10 | MID — 6/10 | BASS — 4/10
MIDDLE PICKUP
TREBLE — 7/10 | MID — 6/10 | BASS — 4/10
BRIDGE PICKUP
TREBLE — 7/10 | MID — 6/10 | BASS — 8/10
TOTAL POWER RATING: 4/5
A comparison with the Pure Vintage 59 pickup, that would be somewhat similar to what Mark has in his 1961 Strat (different polarity but rest is good enough for an approximation):
NECK PICKUP
TREBLE — 5/10 | MID — 4/10 | BASS — 6/10
MIDDLE PICKUP
TREBLE — 5/10 | MID — 4/10 | BASS — 6/10
BRIDGE PICKUP
TREBLE — 5/10 | MID — 4/10 | BASS — 6/10
TOTAL POWER RATING: 2/5
-> we see that the Texas Specials are more powerful, have more treble and more mids than a vintage voiced pickups.
THE EQUATION 1+2=?
The wood gives us a "scooped" sound with pronounced treble and bass. The Texas Specials offset the mid scoop with their own mid chirp. Bass is also balanced. Treble stays very prominent.
I can only guess that Mark likes the prominent treble because he plays with his fingers, with the meat part, so no nails like Chet Atkins. He doesn't use 'the biggest amplifier there is' - the pick. The Texas Specials compensate with more treble and output. It's simply a Strat setup tuned to fingerstyle!
This sounds all very theoretic haha :o Apologies.
Looking at Marks 61 Strat things are of course different. The body wood is alder, but that alder is offset by a Brazilian Rosewood fingerboard. Brazilian Rosewood has a little more presence compared to Indian rosewood - this is why John Suhr referred to that one specifically as problematic paired with ash. The pickups in a 1961 Strat are of course vastly different than Texas Specials but let's not forget that Mark did like hot pickups even early in his career (DiMarzio FS-1).
On another note: his other favorite guitar, the Gibson Les Paul, also has very interesting wood combinations. It's very mellow mahogany offset with bright sounding maple caps for the body and bright Brazilian Rosewood for the fingerboard. The pickups are PAFs, so much more powerful than single coils, and yet rather trebly compared to later hum buckers. People say that the best Les Pauls sound like Telecasters on steroids - so not dark at all!
I do all the maths because I consider going Custom Shop and having a higher quality version of that guitar built. It would cost the same as a mint MK. Before I order I try to explain myself what I order ;D
It is all worthless anyway because each piece of wood is different ???
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Great post!
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Yes, nice investigation and speculation. We all love that!
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:thumbsup
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Great, interesting post Tomcaster - thankyou.. :clap
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One thing to consider I guess is that the MK Strat is likely to increase in value, the custom shop likely to decrease.
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One thing to consider I guess is that the MK Strat is likely to increase in value, the custom shop likely to decrease.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Yes indeed, I fully agree dusty.......
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One thing to consider I guess is that the MK Strat is likely to increase in value, the custom shop likely to decrease.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Yes indeed, I fully agree dusty.......
I agree as well! It's a double edged sword: buying a non-collectible Custom Shop make you lose some about 25%-30% value but you get a Custom Shop guitar instead. The difference to factory guitars is quite obvious (wood, hand wound pickups, better trem, better finish, better setup, even better fret material). A Knopfler costs 2.5k, a CS costs 3k.
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Hi, do you think this guitar announced to be available on request at Thomann could be an undercover reissue of the MK signature strat?
https://www.thomann.de/intl/fender_1961_strat_hot_rod_red_nos_417861.htm?sid=0305d006b0eae2eb97ee6a7bbca2da8e&ref=intl&shp=eyJjb3VudHJ5IjoiZ2IiLCJjdXJyZW5jeSI6MiwibGFuZ3VhZ2UiOjJ9&reload=1
Except for the 9,5" fretboard radius, the rest seems quite identical, even the hot rod red colour...
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Hi, do you think this guitar announced to be available on request at Thomann could be an undercover reissue of the MK signature strat?
https://www.thomann.de/intl/fender_1961_strat_hot_rod_red_nos_417861.htm?sid=0305d006b0eae2eb97ee6a7bbca2da8e&ref=intl&shp=eyJjb3VudHJ5IjoiZ2IiLCJjdXJyZW5jeSI6MiwibGFuZ3VhZ2UiOjJ9&reload=1
Except for the 9,5" fretboard radius, the rest seems quite identical, even the hot rod red colour...
Maybe this was built from the leftover parts judging by the NOS state of it, but I can't foresee it being related to Mark in any shape or form. Which brings me to this question... Why MK Signature strat was cancelled anyway? It was a pretty bold guitar to get along with, and so many signature guitars are still being produced. Gibson has stopped building Chet Atkins signature guitars after he died, but what happened with Mark?
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Why MK Signature strat was cancelled anyway? It was a pretty bold guitar to get along with, and so many signature guitars are still being produced. Gibson has stopped building Chet Atkins signature guitars after he died, but what happened with Mark?
I am wondering the same.
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Why MK Signature strat was cancelled anyway? It was a pretty bold guitar to get along with, and so many signature guitars are still being produced. Gibson has stopped building Chet Atkins signature guitars after he died, but what happened with Mark?
I am wondering the same.
Got a feeling this question was asked yonks ago, and seemed to remember it was a money issue....
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Why MK Signature strat was cancelled anyway? It was a pretty bold guitar to get along with, and so many signature guitars are still being produced. Gibson has stopped building Chet Atkins signature guitars after he died, but what happened with Mark?
I am wondering the same.
Got a feeling this question was asked yonks ago, and seemed to remember it was a money issue....
I also remember something about this. I also remember reading that Mark helped some of his friends, not kind of friends you would give the guitar as a gift, but just mates, he helped to get his signature Strats with huge discounts.
My theory is that he wanted for it to stay at a reasonable price, but because of the premium specs it would only go up, so they decided to kill the line altogether. It's a crazy theory, but why not lol. And then he released a 15 grand Les Paul :lol
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Hi, do you think this guitar announced to be available on request at Thomann could be an undercover reissue of the MK signature strat?
https://www.thomann.de/intl/fender_1961_strat_hot_rod_red_nos_417861.htm?sid=0305d006b0eae2eb97ee6a7bbca2da8e&ref=intl&shp=eyJjb3VudHJ5IjoiZ2IiLCJjdXJyZW5jeSI6MiwibGFuZ3VhZ2UiOjJ9&reload=1 (https://www.thomann.de/intl/fender_1961_strat_hot_rod_red_nos_417861.htm?sid=0305d006b0eae2eb97ee6a7bbca2da8e&ref=intl&shp=eyJjb3VudHJ5IjoiZ2IiLCJjdXJyZW5jeSI6MiwibGFuZ3VhZ2UiOjJ9&reload=1)
Except for the 9,5" fretboard radius, the rest seems quite identical, even the hot rod red colour...
4000 EUR for that guitar is total lunacy.
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From time to time the Custom Shop releases Hot Rod Red 1961 Strats that "mimic" the Knopfler features. This is exactly what I meant with the possibility to order a "better version" from the Custom Shop for the price just a little higher than a mint 2nd hand MK Sig.
The Thomann guitar is heavily overpriced. Here is a Custom Shop Hot Rod Red Strat for sale in Italy. It is very close to Knopfler Spec but in Journeyman Relic finish (which is actually more expensive for Fender!) for 3099 Euro
https://www.ginoguitars.com/en/fender-custom-1960-stratocaster-journeyman-relic-ag-hrr-p-1002.html
If you want to order from the Custom Shop, just send them the MK Specs and add the following features:
- handwound TX specials instead of machine wound
- rift sawn maple neck
- AAA rosewood fingerboard
- Time Capsule finish
- Jescar Medium Vintage Frets 47095
this will get you a guitar light years ahead of the Signature models at an estimated price of 3499-3699 Euro...
Here is the Custom Shop orderform: http://www.fmicassets.com/sites/fender.com/themes/img/customshop/2020/2020_Custom_Shop_Design_Guide_V2.pdf
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Here is the Custom Shop orderform: http://www.fmicassets.com/sites/fender.com/themes/img/customshop/2020/2020_Custom_Shop_Design_Guide_V2.pdf
I am certainly not planning to order anything from the Custom Shop, but that Design Guide is a very interesting document, containning very good information (neck profiles, pickup characteristics, etc.). Thank you! :clap
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I'm curious how much it would cost to spec out an identical guitar from Warmoth and have a luthier local to you put it together? Warmoth is not cheap, but the quality is really good.
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I'm curious how much it would cost to spec out an identical guitar from Warmoth and have a luthier local to you put it together? Warmoth is not cheap, but the quality is really good.
I can pretty much tell you exactly how much as I have recently done it for the schecter tele, and have a schecter strat clone at the luthier now. I ordered everything from warmoth and had a local luthier assemble and professionally set it up. Money WELL spent. The Walk of Life tele is actually the nicest playing electric I own now. The trick is the nitrocellulose finish for the strat. Warmoth doesn't offer it, so you would have to order the raw wood and take it to a luthier that will do that for you. Which mine will do, I actually had a nitrocellulose finish applied to the birdseye maple neck for the current project.
The Schecter hardware is a little more pricey to source due to the nature and availability of its components, but the MK Sig Strat clone could easily be done for $2k USD using all new pieces/hardware. I ordered the neck of the tele to be as close to the MK Sig strat specs as I could get. Not to the mm exact, but its a pretty nice substitute!!!
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Hi, do you think this guitar announced to be available on request at Thomann could be an undercover reissue of the MK signature strat?
https://www.thomann.de/intl/fender_1961_strat_hot_rod_red_nos_417861.htm?sid=0305d006b0eae2eb97ee6a7bbca2da8e&ref=intl&shp=eyJjb3VudHJ5IjoiZ2IiLCJjdXJyZW5jeSI6MiwibGFuZ3VhZ2UiOjJ9&reload=1 (https://www.thomann.de/intl/fender_1961_strat_hot_rod_red_nos_417861.htm?sid=0305d006b0eae2eb97ee6a7bbca2da8e&ref=intl&shp=eyJjb3VudHJ5IjoiZ2IiLCJjdXJyZW5jeSI6MiwibGFuZ3VhZ2UiOjJ9&reload=1)
Except for the 9,5" fretboard radius, the rest seems quite identical, even the hot rod red colour...
4000 EUR for that guitar is total lunacy.
Yes. Luckily I have learned to focus a lot more on the sound, feel and look of a guitar rather than the brand name on the headstock. It gives me the pleasure of having more guitars in different shapes and forms than I would be able to justify if they all had to be Gibson, Fender or whatever. If they sound, look and feel the part, then no one should be concerned about it. Or, at least, I am no longer. And it feels great to let go of all that.
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Hi, do you think this guitar announced to be available on request at Thomann could be an undercover reissue of the MK signature strat?
https://www.thomann.de/intl/fender_1961_strat_hot_rod_red_nos_417861.htm?sid=0305d006b0eae2eb97ee6a7bbca2da8e&ref=intl&shp=eyJjb3VudHJ5IjoiZ2IiLCJjdXJyZW5jeSI6MiwibGFuZ3VhZ2UiOjJ9&reload=1 (https://www.thomann.de/intl/fender_1961_strat_hot_rod_red_nos_417861.htm?sid=0305d006b0eae2eb97ee6a7bbca2da8e&ref=intl&shp=eyJjb3VudHJ5IjoiZ2IiLCJjdXJyZW5jeSI6MiwibGFuZ3VhZ2UiOjJ9&reload=1)
Except for the 9,5" fretboard radius, the rest seems quite identical, even the hot rod red colour...
4000 EUR for that guitar is total lunacy.
Yes. Luckily I have learned to focus a lot more on the sound, feel and look of a guitar rather than the brand name on the headstock. It gives me the pleasure of having more guitars in different shapes and forms than I would be able to justify if they all had to be Gibson, Fender or whatever. If they sound, look and feel the part, then no one should be concerned about it. Or, at least, I am no longer. And it feels great to let go of all that.
I feel you, though it's really hard to make this psychological switch. It's not always about money, but to get all the guitars I want from brands I want would take like $30 grand, it's impossible. But the keyword is "justify", because I hate discussing someone else's money, it's their money and they can do whatever they want. What they do with their expensive guitars that's another question. I'm not a messiah, but having a luxury guitar just to strum a couple of songs or dabble in music like I do that would not justify it for me. So I'm happy with my cheap-ass Squiers that I play every day.
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Well, let me just remind you of the amazing guitarist Jack Pearson (Nashville pro, once a member of Allman Brothers) who plays - yup - cheap-ass Squiers. And he doesn't modify them! (Maybe except for potentiometers, not sure.)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w2wDUZht104 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w2wDUZht104)
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Well, let me just remind you of the amazing guitarist Jack Pearson (Nashville pro, once a member of Allman Brothers) who plays - yup - cheap-ass Squiers. And he doesn't modify them! (Maybe except for potentiometers, not sure.)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w2wDUZht104 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w2wDUZht104)
Jack Pearson is a kind of guitar player who can render Tommy Emmanuel trying hard to keep up with him on stage. The guy is a monster guitar player, check him out everyone.
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Hi, do you think this guitar announced to be available on request at Thomann could be an undercover reissue of the MK signature strat?
https://www.thomann.de/intl/fender_1961_strat_hot_rod_red_nos_417861.htm?sid=0305d006b0eae2eb97ee6a7bbca2da8e&ref=intl&shp=eyJjb3VudHJ5IjoiZ2IiLCJjdXJyZW5jeSI6MiwibGFuZ3VhZ2UiOjJ9&reload=1 (https://www.thomann.de/intl/fender_1961_strat_hot_rod_red_nos_417861.htm?sid=0305d006b0eae2eb97ee6a7bbca2da8e&ref=intl&shp=eyJjb3VudHJ5IjoiZ2IiLCJjdXJyZW5jeSI6MiwibGFuZ3VhZ2UiOjJ9&reload=1)
Except for the 9,5" fretboard radius, the rest seems quite identical, even the hot rod red colour...
4000 EUR for that guitar is total lunacy.
Yes. Luckily I have learned to focus a lot more on the sound, feel and look of a guitar rather than the brand name on the headstock. It gives me the pleasure of having more guitars in different shapes and forms than I would be able to justify if they all had to be Gibson, Fender or whatever. If they sound, look and feel the part, then no one should be concerned about it. Or, at least, I am no longer. And it feels great to let go of all that.
I feel you, though it's really hard to make this psychological switch. It's not always about money, but to get all the guitars I want from brands I want would take like $30 grand, it's impossible. But the keyword is "justify", because I hate discussing someone else's money, it's their money and they can do whatever they want. What they do with their expensive guitars that's another question. I'm not a messiah, but having a luxury guitar just to strum a couple of songs or dabble in music like I do that would not justify it for me. So I'm happy with my cheap-ass Squiers that I play every day.
I agree it is not easy to make the switch. It takes a bit of demystifying the concept af a guitar and understanding that (though quality certainly differs) there is no "magic" to making a guitar. It is not something that for some unknown reason can only be done succesfully by certain brands, in certain countries, citites and the like.
One thing that makes it easier to make the switch, however, is that the quality of cheaper guitars from other brands is usually a lot better than it used to be years ago. I have some really cheap ones that I thought I would upgrade at some point but I never did so because there is absolutely no need for it. They feel good, sound good, stay in tune, look good and the like.
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Squier makes som great guitars.
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Squier makes som great guitars.
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Yes. And there are many other great guitars in that price range as well. It somehow feels stange to play a guitar that costs less than half of the one you just played only to realize that it feels better, sounds better (maybe only according to own taste) and stays in tune better.
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Yes, a guitar like a Strat or a Tele is very simple to build, and even with good quality parts and electronics, there's no reason to pay crazy money.
As for the lower-end Squiers, I don't really like them. You can feel they have been together in a rush, and the parts are not of very good quality. And very often they arrive in the music shops with a poor setup and old strings. With a little TLC, a proper setup, new strings, they can be made very playable and well-sounding, but if you've played for a few years and you know good-quality guitars, then they still feel cheap. Which you may or not care about. You can of course upgrade the parts, but then you may just as well buy a better guitar in the first place (used).
I'm considering getting a cheap guitar to play around the house, and one brand that has caught my attention is Vintage. Their Strat models (V6 Reissued) look like fine guitars with good hardware (Wilkinson tremolo for instance). I've also played one, and the playability and sound were really good.
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Squiers classic Vibe 50's series, especially first series are very good guitars. İ have Fiesta elred maple 2010 model. Pretty good looking too.
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Yes, a guitar like a Strat or a Tele is very simple to build, and even with good quality parts and electronics, there's no reason to pay crazy money.
As for the lower-end Squiers, I don't really like them. You can feel they have been together in a rush, and the parts are not of very good quality. And very often they arrive in the music shops with a poor setup and old strings. With a little TLC, a proper setup, new strings, they can be made very playable and well-sounding, but if you've played for a few years and you know good-quality guitars, then they still feel cheap. Which you may or not care about. You can of course upgrade the parts, but then you may just as well buy a better guitar in the first place (used).
I'm considering getting a cheap guitar to play around the house, and one brand that has caught my attention is Vintage. Their Strat models (V6 Reissued) look like fine guitars with good hardware (Wilkinson tremolo for instance). I've also played one, and the playability and sound were really good.
I've got the Vintage v52 (telecaster type). It's a very good guitar and I am very impressed by the quality they can provide at such a low price point. I took it to a luthier to optimize the setup after about a year, though it was actually still rather good. In that context I also had a four way switch installed, adding the option to combine bridge and neck pickup in series, which gives a sound that resembles a humbucker but still has telecaster character. Very useful. A great guitar.
My "Stratocaster" is a Tokai Goldstar Sound. About the same price as a Squier Classic Vibe Stratocaster. The Goldstar Sound is also a great guitar. I have blocked the tremolo since I never use it, and the guitar stays in tune even better when it is blocked . A very good guitar as well.
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Squiers classic Vibe 50's series, especially first series are very good guitars. İ have Fiesta elred maple 2010 model. Pretty good looking too.
Although I use my MK's a lot I still use my 2019 Squire Strat now and again - I really like it!!
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Just had the news that my MK strat really needs a new neck!!!
Allways had tuning stability issues and now it has been to a top Luther for a set up my fears are confirmed.
It has a "SOFT" neck, ie the maple used on the neck is not really of good enough quality and it is a bit weak. If I play the open strings and then push or pull the neck at the headstock it drasticly changes pitch, another form of tremelo😯 neck joint is rock solid.
My options are,
Find another MK neck, difficult I think
Find a 61/62 neck, may be very expensive
Find a maple neck to make it like Marks other 61 strat.
Any suggestions/ideas?
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Never heard of that. You can do that on any Strat or Tele, even Les Pauls if you are strong enough and brave. :)
I remember Ruth Moody’s guitar player doing it on a Tele when they supported MK at the RAH.
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Tuning issues are usually the nut. Either that or just don’t pull the neck like that!
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Never heard of that. You can do that on any Strat or Tele, even Les Pauls if you are strong enough and brave. :)
I remember Ruth Moody’s guitar player doing it on a Tele when they supported MK at the RAH.
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Yeah, Tommy Emmanuel even bends his acoustic guitar's neck, which is insane:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QM_NrmDYi1U
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Just had the news that my MK strat really needs a new neck!!!
[...]
Any suggestions/ideas?
The MK strat is covered by a limited lifetime warranty. If you bought it from an authorized retailer and still have the receipt, you could try to get it serviced. Neck warping is specified as not being covered by that warranty but I guess yours is not really affected by warping but maybe too soft of a maple (they’ll be very skeptical of that, btw).
Fender alternatives: - 60s RI neck, available from their parts catalog - slightly thinner back than MK, thin vintage frets
- Robert Cray signature strat neck - slightly wider at the nut, 9.5” radius
- Road worn strat neck - similar back shape, 6105 frets rather that 6150, road worn finish
Others: - Allparts SRO-62 - raw neck, slightly thicker back contour, frets are more like 6105
- Warmoth - there is no C shape contour with 0.83” - 0.92” specs but their standard thin contour is fairly close
- Musikraft - they have several C shapes to choose from, you can get very close to the MK spec
Obviously the “others” won’t have the Fender decal but you could keep the headstock blank and get it signed by MK at an upcoming concert... :)
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Thanks for the input, some good ideas there.Like the idea of a Robert Cray neck with a flatter radius.
I bought the instrument second hand so no chance of any warranty.
I appreciate all necks will do this if you are brave enough but mine does it with much less effort than my other strats.
Its very "springy" for want of a better word.
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even Les Pauls if you are strong enough and brave. :)
at 2:08 ;)
https://youtu.be/wMsazR6Tnf8
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cant decide if thats cool or instrument abuse!
might try it later. :)
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Since we are talking about sourcing guitar components, I thought I would share a pic of this project that I was FINALLY able to pick up today from the luthier. Its been in the works for two years and I know you guys will appreciate it!!!! The body was sourced from Warmoth, I sourced a neck from Warmoth and Musikraft, ended up settling on the musikraft neck as I vastly preferred the grain, and had my luthier put a beautiful nitrocellulose finish on it. All the parts were sourced, of course, from Ingo. Wow. It is truly stunning. Pics don't do it justice. And it sounds even sweeter than it looks!!!!
Having built several guitars from Warmoth products in the last couple years, I have to say I am incredibly impressed. All three play better than any regular Fender I have ever owned. Don't hesitate to order from them.
(https://i.ibb.co/bBVcKVs/IMG-9434.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/jMj93gY/IMG-9429.jpg)
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Great and really well-executed project, man.
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Finally after many many many years I am entitled to join this prestigious society. :)
SE12199 in PRI-STI-NE condition. Basically case kept during the years. Not scratch not a mark on it. Except for Mark's name itself. ;D
I am sooo happy today :)
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Congratulations and the best wishes.
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Finally after many many many years I am entitled to join this prestigious society. :)
SE12199 in PRI-STI-NE condition. Basically case kept during the years. Not scratch not a mark on it. Except for Mark's name itself. ;D
I am sooo happy today :)
Photos, or it didn't happen! ;D Congratulations!
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Finally after many many many years I am entitled to join this prestigious society. :)
SE12199 in PRI-STI-NE condition. Basically case kept during the years. Not scratch not a mark on it. Except for Mark's name itself. ;D
I am sooo happy today :)
Photos, or it didn't happen! ;D Congratulations!
Coming tomorrow!
I just got home from the 11,5 hours total on the road acquiring it today. :D
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Congrats!
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Pic, since it did happen ;D
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dk03cKa5_dMkLXEtoDHIM20xTpjS1dBQ/view?usp=drivesdk (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dk03cKa5_dMkLXEtoDHIM20xTpjS1dBQ/view?usp=drivesdk)
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A beauty!
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Pic, since it did happen ;D
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dk03cKa5_dMkLXEtoDHIM20xTpjS1dBQ/view?usp=drivesdk (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dk03cKa5_dMkLXEtoDHIM20xTpjS1dBQ/view?usp=drivesdk)
Nice indeed.
Do you deck the tremolo, or do you keep it floating?
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Pic, since it did happen ;D
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dk03cKa5_dMkLXEtoDHIM20xTpjS1dBQ/view?usp=drivesdk (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dk03cKa5_dMkLXEtoDHIM20xTpjS1dBQ/view?usp=drivesdk)
Nice indeed.
Do you deck the tremolo, or do you keep it floating?
Previous owner had it decked by all five springs. I like it that way too actually. I hate it when the tremolo block raises up like a heel
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Thank you for your kind congratulations!
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Pic, since it did happen ;D
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dk03cKa5_dMkLXEtoDHIM20xTpjS1dBQ/view?usp=drivesdk (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dk03cKa5_dMkLXEtoDHIM20xTpjS1dBQ/view?usp=drivesdk)
Nice indeed.
Do you deck the tremolo, or do you keep it floating?
Previous owner had it decked by all five springs. I like it that way too actually. I hate it when the tremolo block raises up like a heel
Depends on your playing style, I suppose. If you don't use the tremolo bar, or use a lot of country / pedal steel bends, then it's best to deck it. I always thought Strats feel a bit too stiff when decked, especially with five springs. Some also argue Strats sound better when the trem is floating :)
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Pic, since it did happen ;D
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dk03cKa5_dMkLXEtoDHIM20xTpjS1dBQ/view?usp=drivesdk (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dk03cKa5_dMkLXEtoDHIM20xTpjS1dBQ/view?usp=drivesdk)
Nice indeed.
Do you deck the tremolo, or do you keep it floating?
Previous owner had it decked by all five springs. I like it that way too actually. I hate it when the tremolo block raises up like a heel
Depends on your playing style, I suppose. If you don't use the tremolo bar, or use a lot of country / pedal steel bends, then it's best to deck it. I always thought Strats feel a bit too stiff when decked, especially with five springs. Some also argue Strats sound better when the trem is floating :)
Maybe so yes.
Does anyone know how MK has his ones setup?
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Pic, since it did happen ;D
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dk03cKa5_dMkLXEtoDHIM20xTpjS1dBQ/view?usp=drivesdk (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dk03cKa5_dMkLXEtoDHIM20xTpjS1dBQ/view?usp=drivesdk)
Nice indeed.
Do you deck the tremolo, or do you keep it floating?
Previous owner had it decked by all five springs. I like it that way too actually. I hate it when the tremolo block raises up like a heel
Depends on your playing style, I suppose. If you don't use the tremolo bar, or use a lot of country / pedal steel bends, then it's best to deck it. I always thought Strats feel a bit too stiff when decked, especially with five springs. Some also argue Strats sound better when the trem is floating :)
Maybe so yes.
Does anyone know how MK has his ones setup?
Maybe ask Richard? I'm sure Guy doesn't have a clue, unless they are in the studio and Glenn Saggers is around. Mark uses one without the bar and one with the bar, doesn't he? I'm curious if he just decks the one without the bar, or he actually blocks it by putting a piece of wood inside the trem cavity. I think Clapton does this.
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Pic, since it did happen ;D
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dk03cKa5_dMkLXEtoDHIM20xTpjS1dBQ/view?usp=drivesdk (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dk03cKa5_dMkLXEtoDHIM20xTpjS1dBQ/view?usp=drivesdk)
Beautiful picture!
I would like to pick up on this one and ask you guys for the most color accurate picture of Hot Rod Red. I have seen a Knopfler Sig recently signed by Mark himself at the Thomann HQ in Germany. To me, Hot Rod Red looks like red with a little bit of mixed in orange (example: check the HRR Strat with the rosewood neck)
I have seen pictures of the MK Sig looking totally pink as well like here: https://www.amazona.de/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/fender-mark-knopfler-signature-stratocaster-8-1536x975.jpg
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The colour of this guitar has been the only gribe for me for ages. When I saw it live the first time I though "Wow, why this guitar is so pink"? The greatest mystery is why they decided to reinvent the wheel, but not use the legendary Fiesta Red colour.
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It's like someone combined the Dakota and the Fiesta by mistake and just went with it. ;D
I do like the color a lot.
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Red is cool, but it's not for me. Sonic or Daphne Blue, though. Perfect.
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And then of course some of us are lucky enough to have the “wrong” colour :)
https://www.instagram.com/p/CDYz6d2nm6j/?igshid=iexw251csaqq
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Very beautiful!
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I wonder when Knopflerfan is going to return here to add me to the list... 8)
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And then of course some of us are lucky enough to have the “wrong” colour :)
https://www.instagram.com/p/CDYz6d2nm6j/?igshid=iexw251csaqq (https://www.instagram.com/p/CDYz6d2nm6j/?igshid=iexw251csaqq)
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Do my eyes play a trick on me, or is the fretboard very dirty? ;D Time for a string change and wiping the board with some lemon oil, I think.
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It’s taken me years of playing to get that dirt on the fretboard so it stays :)
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Haha!
Oh, man, I need a clean fretboard. Can't stand that green gunk.
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I wonder when Knopflerfan is going to return here to add me to the list... 8)
I'm here! :wave
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Finally after many many many years I am entitled to join this prestigious society. :)
SE12199 in PRI-STI-NE condition. Basically case kept during the years. Not scratch not a mark on it. Except for Mark's name itself. ;D
I am sooo happy today :)
Congratulations BR. I will have great honour in adding you to this select list!!! Oooh a 12xxx - one of the last ones....Black case?? Have you emailed Fender, with regards month/year of manufacture?
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And then of course some of us are lucky enough to have the “wrong” colour :)
https://www.instagram.com/p/CDYz6d2nm6j/?igshid=iexw251csaqq
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Nice!!!!!!
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Guys time to continue the geek talk.
I looked into the different shades of red and wondered about the color of MKs original 1961 vs Hot Rod Red vs Fiesta Red. I think I made a step forward.
Some background knowledge:
1. Hot Rod Red is NOT a color that Fender introduced explicitly for MK. There are guitars preceding the year 2004 which are colored like that, e.g. here:
https://www.strat-talk.com/threads/ngd-n-o-s-2001-hot-rod-red-american-series-strat.223823/
-> Mark probably took whatever was available off the shelf. He is a down to earth guy and not necessarily focused on guitar gear as much as others (e.g. Eric Johnson)
-> there is an approximation of that color here: https://encycolorpedia.com/d20117. RGB 210 1 23
2. Mark has a clear preference for red as car color. He owns a Maserati 300S and he sings about it in his song "Red Staggerwing" recorded with E. Harris.
The color of a Maserati 300s is called "Rosso Corsa". You can read about it here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosso_corsa
-> here is an article stating that Rosso Corsa was used on the Maserati 300S: https://carbuzz.com/news/italian-racing-red-demo-day-at-simeone-foundation-auto-museum
-> Rosso Corsa has RGB 212 0 0
3. RGB is just a code for mixing red, green and blue. Here it is explained in detail: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RGB_color_model
What we see is that Hot Rod Red is red with a shot of blue. This is interesting, right? I always wondered how Hot Rod Red could go red and pink so strongly. Examples:
-> pinkish Hot Rod Red: https://www.makenmusic.com/products/fender-custom-shop-1960-stratocaster-mark-knopfler-signature-model-masterbuilt-todd-krause-nos-new-old-stock-solidbody-electric-guitars-hot-rod-red
-> reddish/orangey Hot Rod Red: https://www.gumtree.com/p/guitar-instrument/fender-mark-knopfler-signature-stratocaster-guitar-hot-rod-red/1332046066
Why that happens is because the blue part in the Hot Rod Red Color (remember RGB 210 1 23) reflects blue light. Is there blue light around us? Hell yes - all the LED chips in luminaries have a significant part of blue in the spectrum, this is why the light appears to be "cold" compared to a traditional light bulb.
Rosso Corsa is 212 0 0 -> no blue, so it never gets pinkish. Let's check out Mark's guitar:
https://youtu.be/nwOzONsGGLo?t=1372
https://youtu.be/27OT_FSWrIE?t=1197
https://www.instagram.com/p/CDyaSFRn_rJ/
Of course I don't know if Rosso Corsa really is on that guitar but I assume that Mark would have that red in mind seeing it in his garage.
For your entertainment, I am attaching different hues of red in comparison. Did it in power point. "Just red" is RGB 255 0 0 so full intensity red. The difference between Rosso Corsa and Hot Rod Red will appear more obvious under artificial LED light. Best is to use a color accurate monitor ;-)
notice that both Hot Rod Red and Rosso Corsa have a very similar value in the "red" department, i.e. 210 vs 212, no green and they really differ only in the blue. This is why HRR is such a close approximation to Rosso Corsa.
Does that make sense?
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Hello fellow Nerd! Great article. I was never a fan of Hot Rod Red... When I first saw real Fender Mark Knopfler Stratocaster, immediately I asked myself, why is it so pinkish-blueish? I don't know what it was, but I certainly like red when it's redder than pinkish. I think Fiesta Red has more green in it and for some reason looks redder, probably it's a little bit more neutral red. I have a pretty cool monitor here with P3 color gamut, so I do see the difference between all the reds that you posted.
Interesting what color this Fender was that Mark played in 2009...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtxuWycNgfo
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Pavel I am a massive fan of your channel. My nerdiness is dwarfing compared to yours ;-)
I can answer your question, think. What we see in that clip is an American Vintage Reissue (AVRi) guitar, as produced by Fender from the early 80s to 2013, when it was followed up with an updated version called American Vintage Series. In 2018, that one was replaced by the American Original Series.
Anyway, that guitar is either Hot Rod Red or Fiesta Red. These are the only two shades of red available from Fender factory at that time. It is certainly not a Custom Shop because the string tree is in the wrong position (typical of the factory made American Vintage Reissues until 2013). The pickups could be Texas Specials or 57/62s. Nothing special really... and a proof MK sounds good on everything.
Now before you rush buying a Fiesta Red Strat. The hue of Fiesta on Strats varies tremendously. Fender buys the color from external suppliers and it can change so the color from the can which colored MKs prototype from your vid is most probably used up forever and gone in history. Fiesta is a difficult shade of red because it can easily get very salmon. You need to see "live" the Fiesta Red Strat you would like to buy otherwise you might be disappointed.
by the way, you are right on Fiesta. it has a shot of green.
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What about my Dakota red?!
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Dakota Red is another great color! Coming from 60s automotive colors from the US. Strat colors are all sharp. You need to have them all.
Coming back to Rosso Corsa:
Here is a Ferrari in Rosso Corsa. Automotive color Rosso Corsa Ferrari 322
https://koeln.ferraridealers.com/de_de/suche-ferrari-gebraucht/2018/ferrari/488_gtb/2018_ferrari_488_gtb-Maranello_Motors_GmbH-ZFF79AMB000232780
I have also found a Strat in that color. Looks quite similar to Marks to me... what do you guys think?
https://www.strat-talk.com/threads/ron-kirn-signature-s-style-rosso-corsa.177132/
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Finally after many many many years I am entitled to join this prestigious society. :)
SE12199 in PRI-STI-NE condition. Basically case kept during the years. Not scratch not a mark on it. Except for Mark's name itself. ;D
I am sooo happy today :)
Congratulations BR. I will have great honour in adding you to this select list!!! Oooh a 12xxx - one of the last ones....Black case?? Have you emailed Fender, with regards month/year of manufacture?
Thanks! Yes, it's a black case.
No, to which email address should it be?
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Finally after many many many years I am entitled to join this prestigious society. :)
SE12199 in PRI-STI-NE condition. Basically case kept during the years. Not scratch not a mark on it. Except for Mark's name itself. ;D
I am sooo happy today :)
Congratulations BR. I will have great honour in adding you to this select list!!! Oooh a 12xxx - one of the last ones....Black case?? Have you emailed Fender, with regards month/year of manufacture?
Thanks! Yes, it's a black case.
No, to which email address should it be?
Leave it with me, I'll attach a link in a while...
Fill in the form below stating it's a Fender Mark Knopfler Signature Series Stratocaster and mention your serial number...
https://support.fender.com/hc/en-us/requests/new?ticket_form_id=174023
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Got it.
2013-04-04
Which is pretty cool since it's been stated that they stopped in March 2013.
SE12199/ 0117800815/ MARK KNOPFLER STRAT HRR/ 04-04-2013
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SE02621 lives with me in Bromley, Kent, about 6 miles from where it all started in Deptford
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And where Ron Eve is from!
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SE02621 lives with me in Bromley, Kent, about 6 miles from where it all started in Deptford
Welcome martinc, you are officially the 50th MK Strat owner/AMIT member to be added to the list!!
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Cool!
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Forgive me if this is breaking the forum rules, but is anyone selling an MK strat?
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Forgive me if this is breaking the forum rules, but is anyone selling an MK strat?
Greetings, not as far as I'm aware - keep those eyes peeled because you just never know!! :wave
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Forgive me if this is breaking the forum rules, but is anyone selling an MK strat?
Greetings, not as far as I'm aware - keep those eyes peeled because you just never know!! :wave
I think that's the thread for such requests, I usually just post here the link to a nice MK strat if I happen to see one. Sometimes it's something ridiculous like 3-5 grand for a strat, sometimes somebody would just want to pass it as a guitar and not a museum piece and give it a reasonable price.
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There are multiple for sale right now but none is ok for me
https://www.mercatinomusicale.com/mm/a_fender-stratocaster-mark-knopfler-anno-2002-originale-americana_id6646609.html
Clearly messed with because you see the pickup covers are too bright for the pickguard (I guess not aged white but rather white or eggshell) and at the truss rod somebody made an indent into the pickguard.
https://www.mercatinomusicale.com/mm/a_fender-stratocaster-signature-mark-knopfler_id6468706.html
overpriced and with multiple lacquer damages.
https://www.ebay-kleinanzeigen.de/s-anzeige/mark-knopfler-signatur-stratocaster-fender-dreammachine-sc-pus-/1462371163-74-55
looks ok but it has a new pickguard assembly on it, while the old one is with the guitar. Not sure the case is original either.
https://www.projectmusic.net/fender-mark-knopfler-stratocaster-hot-rod-red-2004-pre-owned-30215-p.asp
ridiculous price considering the dings and dongs.
Now is not a good moment to buy because it is a seller's market. People are in lock down, bored, so they buy guitars.
https://www.nme.com/en_asia/news/music/fender-to-sell-more-guitars-in-2020-than-any-other-year-in-history-2750450
If you need one, bite the bullet and get a Custom Shop one. will be a couple hundred Euro more expensive but a much better Strat overall.
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There are multiple for sale right now but none is ok for me
https://www.mercatinomusicale.com/mm/a_fender-stratocaster-mark-knopfler-anno-2002-originale-americana_id6646609.html
Clearly messed with because you see the pickup covers are too bright for the pickguard (I guess not aged white but rather white or eggshell) and at the truss rod somebody made an indent into the pickguard.
https://www.mercatinomusicale.com/mm/a_fender-stratocaster-signature-mark-knopfler_id6468706.html
overpriced and with multiple lacquer damages.
https://www.ebay-kleinanzeigen.de/s-anzeige/mark-knopfler-signatur-stratocaster-fender-dreammachine-sc-pus-/1462371163-74-55
looks ok but it has a new pickguard assembly on it, while the old one is with the guitar. Not sure the case is original either.
https://www.projectmusic.net/fender-mark-knopfler-stratocaster-hot-rod-red-2004-pre-owned-30215-p.asp
ridiculous price considering the dings and dongs.
Now is not a good moment to buy because it is a seller's market. People are in lock down, bored, so they buy guitars.
https://www.nme.com/en_asia/news/music/fender-to-sell-more-guitars-in-2020-than-any-other-year-in-history-2750450
If you need one, bite the bullet and get a Custom Shop one. will be a couple hundred Euro more expensive but a much better Strat overall.
Amazing... Putting a Schecter Dream Machine controls on a MK Strat, that's like, I don't know... How about putting a Thule roof rack on a Ferrari? Looks as out of place as it possibly can.
How crazy the guy should be to modify Signature Strat anyway? It's called Signature because you don't want to change it :lol :lol :lol
I won't buy anything from a man who can do this to this guitar.
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This example is even worst
change the color for candy apple red , did a matching headstock making the Fender and Mark Knopfler signature lost for ever...
Pickguard is not stock either....
:smack :smack :smack :smack :smack :smack :smack :smack
https://reverb.com/item/34541827-fender-mark-knopfler-artist-series-signature-stratocaster-refinished (https://reverb.com/item/34541827-fender-mark-knopfler-artist-series-signature-stratocaster-refinished)
Bought mine with original case for 1600 euros , so keep eyes open and figers crossed , you might get lucky now and then
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This example is even worst
change the color for candy apple red , did a matching headstock making the Fender and Mark Knopfler signature lost for ever...
Pickguard is not stock either....
:smack :smack :smack :smack :smack :smack :smack :smack
https://reverb.com/item/34541827-fender-mark-knopfler-artist-series-signature-stratocaster-refinished (https://reverb.com/item/34541827-fender-mark-knopfler-artist-series-signature-stratocaster-refinished)
Bought mine with original case for 1600 euros , so keep eyes open and figers crossed , you might get lucky now and then
Wow! That's a definition of the word "Facepalm". I'd buy it with 90% discount though.
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At least , the "new color" has "some kind of " link with Mark , Schecter Dream Machine from Alchemy era .... ;D
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Yeah, that was kind of pointless. Better sell the guitar in original condition, and build a guitar with that color scheme and similar parts from Warmoth.
But look at the neck pocket! Messy! That can't be from the original guitar?
(https://i.postimg.cc/brZmnbwn/zy87mlgynvj2dkpcuibh.jpg)
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Agree, never seen such a mess in a neck pocket...not even in low budget guitars!!!!
Totally pointless....
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There are multiple for sale right now but none is ok for me
https://www.mercatinomusicale.com/mm/a_fender-stratocaster-mark-knopfler-anno-2002-originale-americana_id6646609.html
Clearly messed with because you see the pickup covers are too bright for the pickguard (I guess not aged white but rather white or eggshell) and at the truss rod somebody made an indent into the pickguard.
https://www.mercatinomusicale.com/mm/a_fender-stratocaster-signature-mark-knopfler_id6468706.html
overpriced and with multiple lacquer damages.
https://www.ebay-kleinanzeigen.de/s-anzeige/mark-knopfler-signatur-stratocaster-fender-dreammachine-sc-pus-/1462371163-74-55
looks ok but it has a new pickguard assembly on it, while the old one is with the guitar. Not sure the case is original either.
https://www.projectmusic.net/fender-mark-knopfler-stratocaster-hot-rod-red-2004-pre-owned-30215-p.asp
ridiculous price considering the dings and dongs.
Now is not a good moment to buy because it is a seller's market. People are in lock down, bored, so they buy guitars.
https://www.nme.com/en_asia/news/music/fender-to-sell-more-guitars-in-2020-than-any-other-year-in-history-2750450
If you need one, bite the bullet and get a Custom Shop one. will be a couple hundred Euro more expensive but a much better Strat overall.
Mine came with a brown case when new, 2003 model.
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Thanks, dustyvalentino!
Pavel, you have asked recently about the prototype Strat Mark Played in the late 2000s. Here is a good example:
https://www.patguitars.com/product-page/1990-fender-american-vintage-62-stratocaster-in-fiesta-red-avri
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Thanks, dustyvalentino!
Pavel, you have asked recently about the prototype Strat Mark Played in the late 2000s. Here is a good example:
https://www.patguitars.com/product-page/1990-fender-american-vintage-62-stratocaster-in-fiesta-red-avri
That's an amazing guitar! Thanks for sharing.
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The majority of MK Strats came with brown cases and it's noted that in the last few years of production (2011-2013) that the guitars came with black cases....
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Forgive me if this is breaking the forum rules, but is anyone selling an MK strat?
Greetings, not as far as I'm aware - keep those eyes peeled because you just never know!! :wave
Im happy to report I was able to snag number 33 yesterday!
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Forgive me if this is breaking the forum rules, but is anyone selling an MK strat?
Greetings, not as far as I'm aware - keep those eyes peeled because you just never know!! :wave
Im happy to report I was able to snag number 33 yesterday!
Congrats! Let’s see some pics!
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
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Forgive me if this is breaking the forum rules, but is anyone selling an MK strat?
Greetings, not as far as I'm aware - keep those eyes peeled because you just never know!! :wave
Im happy to report I was able to snag number 33 yesterday!
Congrats! Let’s see some pics!
Wow, that was fast to say the least!
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Some wait 10 years (me), others 10 days. :D
Congrats!
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Guys, I am not sure why it took me this long to get one ... I've wanted one ever since they came out, but just never got one for some reason. The guitar should get here Sunday! I saw one for sale, it was more than I wanted to pay, but I was tired of mucking about.
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Forgive me if this is breaking the forum rules, but is anyone selling an MK strat?
Greetings, not as far as I'm aware - keep those eyes peeled because you just never know!! :wave
Im happy to report I was able to snag number 33 yesterday!
Ooooh, number 33 - looking forward to seeing some piccies
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Some wait 10 years (me), others 10 days. :D
Congrats!
Others 25 years to play any guitar and still waiting
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Some wait 10 years (me), others 10 days. :D
Congrats!
Others 25 years to play any guitar and still waiting
❤️
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Guys check this one out: https://www.ebay.ca/itm/FENDER-USA-CUSTOMSHOP-MARK-KNOPFLER-MODEL-Electric-Guitar/224079630850?hash=item342c2fd202:g:2boAAOSwQMBfDQ-N
poor guitar :-( somebody aged it artificially
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Guys check this one out: https://www.ebay.ca/itm/FENDER-USA-CUSTOMSHOP-MARK-KNOPFLER-MODEL-Electric-Guitar/224079630850?hash=item342c2fd202:g:2boAAOSwQMBfDQ-N
poor guitar :-( somebody aged it artificially
Horrible
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Guys check this one out: https://www.ebay.ca/itm/FENDER-USA-CUSTOMSHOP-MARK-KNOPFLER-MODEL-Electric-Guitar/224079630850?hash=item342c2fd202:g:2boAAOSwQMBfDQ-N
poor guitar :-( somebody aged it artificially
Horrible
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I just don't get the whole 'relicing' thing at all. A student of mine recently attempted it, ok it was only a cheap squire strat, but I still told him exactly what I thought about it!
Guitars are objects of beauty and should be treated as such.
Would these same people like their young beautiful wives or partners reliced? 😉😂
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I get the point of "light relicing" in the sense of making the guitar feel broken in, comfortable like a pair of well-worn jeans, but some of these relicing jobs, even the ones done by pros, are way over the top. As if someone put the guitar on a chain and raced Paris Dakar. Apart from Willie Nelson's acoustic guitar and some guitars from punk and hard rock bands, a guitar will never look like that. It's a joke. And then you get relicing jobs like the one above that are just horrible and totally fake looking. Just crazy.
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If they are done well they can look good, but I still wouldn’t buy one.
I like my guitars shiny.
My MK Strat is 17 years old, has done hundreds of gigs and still looks more or less new, except some guy wrote his name on the headstock. :)
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If they are done well they can look good, but I still wouldn’t buy one.
I like my guitars shiny.
My MK Strat is 17 years old, has done hundreds of gigs and still looks more or less new, except some guy wrote his name on the headstock. :)
Shiny, but with plenty o' gunk on the fretboard ;D I don't mind nicks, dings and scratches, but the fretboard has to be clean.
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Each to their own!
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Hi Guys!
I have recently written a contribution on the build aspects of the MK Sig, here is some more backing on my statements
Here is a good clip on a very old debate: the sound of maple vs rosewood on Strat necks. The guy takes it to the limit and plays a solid rosewood neck against a solid maple neck. His findings are similar to what John Suhr describes. Rosewood actually has more presence and at the same time a little scoop at the upper mids. Maple has more upper mids and a little less presence.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C1J-0hyDEIE
The Knopfler Strat neck with its slab rosewood board will therefore be on the brighter side of things.
Ash for the body wood will deliver a more scooped tone with more presence and bass compared to alder. He is a great clip from a guitar parts supplier, Warmoth, showing this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7k_A8GhN0L8
That test was done scientifically well, so they really only swapped the body, everything else staying the same.
So for the MK Sig, neck and body will already sound bright. To make things funkier, Mark added med jumbo frets which are not that tall but wide! Being wide, they add a certain metallic, bright aspect to the tone compared to vintage frets. The source for frets heavily influencing tone is a discussion I had with one of the Fender Master Builders. I am currently having a Strat built and that was one of the aspects to discuss.
In general I am upholding theory from that post: the MK Strat, from its components, is designed to be on the bright side of things.
The Texas Specials pronounce the upper mids: https://www.strat-talk.com/threads/fender-texas-specials-analysis-and-review.403909/.
This is how things are meant to be "balanced".
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Anyone who knows the parts number for the strap that was included in the bundle?
Thanks!
Edit: It looks a lot like the Fender Standard Vintage Strap. #0990689000
Never mind my question.
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Anyone who knows the parts number for the strap that was included in the bundle?
Thanks!
Edit: It looks a lot like the Fender Standard Vintage Strap. #0990689000
Never mind my question.
Ooooh, I'll take a look and confirm for you... :wave
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If they are done well they can look good, but I still wouldn’t buy one.
I like my guitars shiny.
My MK Strat is 17 years old, has done hundreds of gigs and still looks more or less new, except some guy wrote his name on the headstock. :)
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Mine has worked quite hard over the last 10 years and the paint is wearing/ chipping quite badly in places.I have worn through the paint completely on the upper arm relief (abrasive leather jacket i think) and I have no idea how some of the paint chips got there,they just seem to appear overnight!
There is no primer/undercoat on these guitars so I don't think that helps.
Is a re finish by an expert a good idea or not?, I will consider it when I retire it.
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If they are done well they can look good, but I still wouldn’t buy one.
I like my guitars shiny.
My MK Strat is 17 years old, has done hundreds of gigs and still looks more or less new, except some guy wrote his name on the headstock. :)
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Mine has worked quite hard over the last 10 years and the paint is wearing/ chipping quite badly in places.I have worn through the paint completely on the upper arm relief (abrasive leather jacket i think) and I have no idea how some of the paint chips got there,they just seem to appear overnight!
There is no primer/undercoat on these guitars so I don't think that helps.
Is a re finish by an expert a good idea or not?, I will consider it when I retire it.
pictures?
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Will try to add some later.
Time and patience permitting😆
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A refinish would probably devalue it I think, depends if you think you would ever sell it.
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A refinish would probably devalue it I think, depends if you think you would ever sell it.
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Also, why refinish it anyway? Even being a perfectionist myself, I don't mind wear and tear on the instrument, it's not the end of the world if I smack my guitar somewhere or play it to death. A well worn guitar is a museum piece, better to retire it rather that trying to put it together again and make it great again.
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A refinish would probably devalue it I think, depends if you think you would ever sell it.
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Also, why refinish it anyway? Even being a perfectionist myself, I don't mind wear and tear on the instrument, it's not the end of the world if I smack my guitar somewhere or play it to death. A well worn guitar is a museum piece, better to retire it rather that trying to put it together again and make it great again.
Personal preference, some might like it shiny.
It’s his guitar, he can do what he likes.
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Hi! I found an interesting post by Martin Nicholas on Ingo Raven's website explaining why very earlyMK Strats are hot rod red, then Dakota Red comes in and then Fender switches back. I cannot validate if this story is true of course.
https://www.mk-guitar.com/2011/09/27/the-wrong-colour-of-the-first-mark-knopfler-signature-strats/
OK, I have owned 3 MK sig guitars the 1st was Dakota red as nearly all the 1st ship to Europe were. Yes like others I was disappointed, the colour was wrong, the weight was certainly not light and the tone just louder but no sweeter than the 62′ USA re-issue I traded. Like others I saw at a concert that Marks Strat was a lot brighter red. By chance I heard of another for sale offered by a non playing collector selling his entire collection to move to South Africa. When I arrived to pick it up I was staggered when he opened the case. Under the the lights it was almost Fiesta red, the most beautiful red I’ve seen on a Strat. I picked it up and it was so light in weight. As he write the receipt I told him I already had one, he said “you best sell the one you have at home, you’ll see why” I got home and plugged in to THE best sounding Strat ( and I’ve played 100s) I’ve ever had in my hands — and still is. I have built so many using genuine USA Fender parts and currently have 4 with exotic Musikraft necks but none quite sound like this one SN:- SE000072 Neck date Aug 7th 2003. As forecast the Dakote red model was sold but I was so awestruck by this new guitar I had to have another to gig with. I Bought a nice bright red 2006 model, it was fairly light, sounded good, but not especially. but most significant was the colour, it was a different shade again, gone was pinkish tinge and more a sort of regal/signal red. I spent months searching for an explanation. Fender where no help at all, so the baulk of “honest” answers came from Dealers mainly in USA. The consensus is:- Hardly any of the original bright red guitars made it for export, IE, UK and Europe, the legend follows,(like the 1st E type Jaguars) these were select guitars using superlight Swamp ash, dark rosewood boards/laquer, all lovingly put together to prove a point, you will notice from current photos all later guitars have lighter neck tint, with cheaper looking maple. I think you will find that most if not all the Dakota guitars are after Sep 2003. The general opinion is Fender lost the original paint supplier, so to meet demand switched to Dakota red until (prompted by MK) another supplier was found, but the colour though similar is not the same as the 1st guitars (mine will stay with me until death!) but the colour difference is subtle, only noticeable side by side, plus the original finish is very soft and easily marked, probably why I’ve only used it for a single Gig in 6 years!
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Mine is Dakota red and was made July 03 if memory serves.
It's a beautiful thing. :)
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If they are done well they can look good, but I still wouldn’t buy one.
I like my guitars shiny.
My MK Strat is 17 years old, has done hundreds of gigs and still looks more or less new, except some guy wrote his name on the headstock. :)
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Mine has worked quite hard over the last 10 years and the paint is wearing/ chipping quite badly in places.I have worn through the paint completely on the upper arm relief (abrasive leather jacket i think) and I have no idea how some of the paint chips got there,they just seem to appear overnight!
There is no primer/undercoat on these guitars so I don't think that helps.
Is a re finish by an expert a good idea or not?, I will consider it when I retire it.
pictures?
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these pics have taken me 3 hours,much resizing, much more swearing and several drinks to sort.
Gotta love technology
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maybe picturethis time?
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and a few more dings
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I get that these are all wear and tear marks, my copper arthritis bracelet and jacket are responsible for the damage in pic 1
My carelessness in removing the jack plug is responsible for the marks in pic 2 but pic 3 is a mystery to me. (the game comences) Sorry!
Would a professional re finish add or detract from any value?
There seems to be a preference for imaculate instruments on here!
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I get that these are all wear and tear marks, my copper arthritis bracelet and jacket are responsible for the damage in pic 1
My carelessness in removing the jack plug is responsible for the marks in pic 2 but pic 3 is a mystery to me. (the game comences) Sorry!
Would a professional re finish add or detract from any value?
There seems to be a preference for imaculate instruments on here!
I would personally go for a refin, it would make me wanna spend more money if I were to buy it.
But then again, are you going to sell it? Probably not right?
Will the wear and tear get worse. Probably.
So which alternative is it that you would like to have for yourself? Don't listen to others. :)
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these pics have taken me 3 hours,much resizing, much more swearing and several drinks to sort.
Gotta love technology
Great pics though, thx & enjoy the drinks!
It's odd to see the pure grain wood in pic 1 but I'd still be happy knowing it wasn't artificially "road-worn". You could be making your very own unique Rory Gallagher-esque relic here :)
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If you do a google search, you will see that as a general rule of thumb, a refin devalues a guitar by around 50%.
This is for vintage instruments however and these guitars don't really fit into that category - yet.
Of course if you think you will never sell it and you would prefer it shiny, then go for it.
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All those paint marks look great on any guitar, it's like war scars... I love them.
One of the guitars that look more amazing to me are guitars like the Rory Gallagher one...
(https://www.gitarrebass.de/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Rory-Galagher-2.jpg)
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All those paint marks look great on any guitar, it's like war scars... I love them.
One of the guitars that look more amazing to me are guitars like the Rory Gallagher one...
(https://www.gitarrebass.de/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Rory-Galagher-2.jpg)
+1000 :thumbsup
I love when guitars look worned and aged, it shows they have an history
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The Rory Gallagher Strat is legendary and remember Mr Bonamassa putting it through its paces a few years ago when he borrowed it to play 'Sloe Gin' at the Albert hall in 2013...
Love the worn look...
https://youtu.be/2AceOp5sYHg
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There is worn and there is Rorys Strat, he must have had sweat like paint stripper!
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Although disregarded by most, a factor that might have also played a role in this was that the guitar was left in a rainy ditch for days at some point in 1966. A few days prior to this, Rory’s Strat was stolen from him during alongside a Telecaster that he borrowed from a friend to use as a slide guitar for the upcoming gig in Dublin. Rory decided to contact the producers of the television show called “Garda Patrol”, who then featured the guitar in one their segments that supposedly revolved around helping people locate their lost stuff (if you happen to know anything about this particular show, please contact us as we are curious to find if the original recording of this program is still available somewhere). A few days passed and the guitar was found abandoned in a ditch, and following that was successfully returned to Rory who swore never to lose sight of it again.
Above is a quote from an article of "ground guitar" wete it s mention that , the strat worn was also the result of sitting several days in a ditch fter being stolen.
But for sure , rry's sweat must have been very corrosive.
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Interesting side note.
You can register your Fender products on the Fender website. If you enter your serial number they show you the product with this number and you can register it to your profile.
I have searched for the the Signature guitars owned by Mark with the serial numbers SE00000 and SE00001.
They find the SE00000 guitar but not the SE00001. That's strange :think
Unfortunately the serial number 68354 of his 1961 Stratocaster is also assigned to a monitor and only the monitor appears on the Fender website. It would be nice if they would list such a historic guitar under this number.
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Thanks GuitarChris, just registered mine. :)
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Thanks GuitarChris, just registered mine. :)
You're welcome dustyvalentino :)
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Thanks GuitarChris, just registered mine. :)
Could you post the link to do this Dusty? Thanks
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Hi Knopflerfan, this is the link:
https://start.fender.com/
Thanks GuitarChris, just registered mine. :)
Could you post the link to do this Dusty? Thanks
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https://reverb.com/uk/item/26243830-mark-knopfler-signed-fender-stratocaster-rosewood-fingerboard?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=1726164661&utm_content=campaignid=1726164661_adgroupid=70264195649_productpartitionid=821893886307=merchantid=260516511_productid=26243830_keyword=_device=c_adposition=_matchtype=_creative=391637461803&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIipTayJWq7QIVUGQVCB1NSgmlEAEYASABEgL44PD_BwE
Not a signature model.
I wonder when he would have played it?
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https://reverb.com/uk/item/26243830-mark-knopfler-signed-fender-stratocaster-rosewood-fingerboard?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=1726164661&utm_content=campaignid=1726164661_adgroupid=70264195649_productpartitionid=821893886307=merchantid=260516511_productid=26243830_keyword=_device=c_adposition=_matchtype=_creative=391637461803&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIipTayJWq7QIVUGQVCB1NSgmlEAEYASABEgL44PD_BwE
Not a signature model.
I wonder when he would have played it?
This is the fate of all these random prizes and giveaways. I remember 1 or 2 giveaways with MK guitars (not MK strats!), must've been one of those. Either way, these prizes end up on eBay as easily as all the autographed items, acquired by various Rüdigers all over the world. Can't believe Mark does it at all.
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Hi all
there is a mint Knopfler Stratocaster at Mercatino Musicale in Italy. I tried talking to the seller to reduce the price but he is firm at 2900 Euro. For me this is too much for factory level Strat. Spoke to Thomann and they can copy this guitar as a Custom Shop version for 3500 Euro with ash body sorted for weight, without the signature.
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Hi all
there is a mint Knopfler Stratocaster at Mercatino Musicale in Italy. I tried talking to the seller to reduce the price but he is firm at 2900 Euro. For me this is too much for factory level Strat. Spoke to Thomann and they can copy this guitar as a Custom Shop version for 3500 Euro with ash body sorted for weight, without the signature.
From Fender Custom Shop?
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Hi all
there is a mint Knopfler Stratocaster at Mercatino Musicale in Italy. I tried talking to the seller to reduce the price but he is firm at 2900 Euro. For me this is too much for factory level Strat. Spoke to Thomann and they can copy this guitar as a Custom Shop version for 3500 Euro with ash body sorted for weight, without the signature.
From Fender Custom Shop?
The Fender Custom Shop can build you any configuration of a Fender guitar you can imagine. They can also build you a Strat with the same configuration as a Mark Knopfler Strat, minus the signature (because that's a licensing topic). That Strat would probably be much better than a production level Mark Knopfler Strat because the Custom Shop has superior work quality and better materials plus more options (like hand wound pickups, an equally thin but more durable finish etc)
The CS Strat starts at 3500 Euro. Knopfler Strats in mint conditions go for around 3k without shipping, insurance. So you are nearly en par already. Unless you are lucky buying a 2nd hand Knopfler in good condition at that money levels becomes absurd. Even if you get a scratched one for 2200-2500, it is simply not worth it compared to getting a light years better guitar for a 1000 Euro more.
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Hi all
there is a mint Knopfler Stratocaster at Mercatino Musicale in Italy. I tried talking to the seller to reduce the price but he is firm at 2900 Euro. For me this is too much for factory level Strat. Spoke to Thomann and they can copy this guitar as a Custom Shop version for 3500 Euro with ash body sorted for weight, without the signature.
From Fender Custom Shop?
The Fender Custom Shop can build you any configuration of a Fender guitar you can imagine. They can also build you a Strat with the same configuration as a Mark Knopfler Strat, minus the signature (because that's a licensing topic). That Strat would probably be much better than a production level Mark Knopfler Strat because the Custom Shop has superior work quality and better materials plus more options (like hand wound pickups, an equally thin but more durable finish etc)
The CS Strat starts at 3500 Euro. Knopfler Strats in mint conditions go for around 3k without shipping, insurance. So you are nearly en par already. Unless you are lucky buying a 2nd hand Knopfler in good condition at that money levels becomes absurd. Even if you get a scratched one for 2200-2500, it is simply not worth it compared to getting a light years better guitar for a 1000 Euro more.
Right. I was just under the impression there for a second that Thomann has some kind of "in-house" custom shop.
If I were to get an MK clone, I'd source parts from Warmoth or the like and have a luthier assemble and set it up. I'd also get different pickups and upgrade the trem to a Gotoh 510 (six screws, bent-steel saddles). Of course, then it's not a clone anymore :)
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Hi all
there is a mint Knopfler Stratocaster at Mercatino Musicale in Italy. I tried talking to the seller to reduce the price but he is firm at 2900 Euro. For me this is too much for factory level Strat. Spoke to Thomann and they can copy this guitar as a Custom Shop version for 3500 Euro with ash body sorted for weight, without the signature.
This is a ridiculous price indeed. Good luck to this guy selling this guitar to a man who has some extreme trouble with maths and Google at the same time. He's selling it like it's the last MK Strat in existence!
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Can i add mines to the list?
SE10940 has been with me in Sunny Scotland since February 2013. I started my first "proper" job in October 2012 and saved as much as i could from my salary to get this guitar. Thankfully by February i had saved enough and managed to pick a new one up as a birthday present to myself!
Almost 8 years and many guitars later, it is still my pride and joy!
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Can i add mines to the list?
SE10940 has been with me in Sunny Scotland since February 2013. I started my first "proper" job in October 2012 and saved as much as i could from my salary to get this guitar. Thankfully by February i had saved enough and managed to pick a new one up as a birthday present to myself!
Almost 8 years and many guitars later, it is still my pride and joy!
Great stuff, where in Scotland are you? (Aberdeen here)
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Can i add mines to the list?
SE10940 has been with me in Sunny Scotland since February 2013. I started my first "proper" job in October 2012 and saved as much as i could from my salary to get this guitar. Thankfully by February i had saved enough and managed to pick a new one up as a birthday present to myself!
Almost 8 years and many guitars later, it is still my pride and joy!
Great stuff, where in Scotland are you? (Aberdeen here)
I'm in Irvine, North Ayrshire.
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Can i add mines to the list?
SE10940 has been with me in Sunny Scotland since February 2013. I started my first "proper" job in October 2012 and saved as much as i could from my salary to get this guitar. Thankfully by February i had saved enough and managed to pick a new one up as a birthday present to myself!
Almost 8 years and many guitars later, it is still my pride and joy!
Great stuff, where in Scotland are you? (Aberdeen here)
I'm in Irvine, North Ayrshire.
About an hour/50 miles from myself, just outside Falkirk! :wave
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https://www.mercatinomusicale.com/mm/a_fender-mark-knopfler-signature-collezione_id6789465.html
Is that for sale? Ridiculous price anyway.
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https://www.mercatinomusicale.com/mm/a_fender-mark-knopfler-signature-collezione_id6789465.html
Is that for sale? Ridiculous price anyway.
Pavel there is one for sale in Moscow. Check reverb. The guy wants 3k Euro but this includes reverb and PayPal fees. If you get this off-reverb and cash you can reduce the price significantly.
https://reverb.com/item/37416989-fender-mark-knopfler-signature-stratocaster-2012-hot-rod-red
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https://www.mercatinomusicale.com/mm/a_fender-mark-knopfler-signature-collezione_id6789465.html
Is that for sale? Ridiculous price anyway.
Pavel there is one for sale in Moscow. Check reverb. The guy wants 3k Euro but this includes reverb and PayPal fees. If you get this off-reverb and cash you can reduce the price significantly.
https://reverb.com/item/37416989-fender-mark-knopfler-signature-stratocaster-2012-hot-rod-red
Thank you for a great find, although I'm too broke of a guy, I can barely buy it if you divide the price by 10 maybe, not because I'm literally broke, but because I have other priorities. And even if I had the money, I don't know if I even want a signature guitar anyway. I'm probably selfish enough to think that I don't like someone else's signature on my guitar, but I don't want one. While you could get one for 1000-1500 dollars, maybe yes, but now all MK's signature guitars are absolutely out of the question for their ridiculous prices.
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https://www.mercatinomusicale.com/mm/a_fender-mark-knopfler-signature-collezione_id6789465.html
Is that for sale? Ridiculous price anyway.
Pavel there is one for sale in Moscow. Check reverb. The guy wants 3k Euro but this includes reverb and PayPal fees. If you get this off-reverb and cash you can reduce the price significantly.
https://reverb.com/item/37416989-fender-mark-knopfler-signature-stratocaster-2012-hot-rod-red
Thank you for a great find, although I'm too broke of a guy, I can barely buy it if you divide the price by 10 maybe, not because I'm literally broke, but because I have other priorities. And even if I had the money, I don't know if I even want a signature guitar anyway. I'm probably selfish enough to think that I don't like someone else's signature on my guitar, but I don't want one. While you could get one for 1000-1500 dollars, maybe yes, but now all MK's signature guitars are absolutely out of the question for their ridiculous prices.
sure no prob. It is indeed not the most wise bang for buck decision you can take ;-) If you really want a good Strat at a good price, check out the American Vintage Series 2013-2018. This guitar was 100% vintage correct like the old ones. Fender modified these guitars later to make them more modern, unfortunately. You can get them at 1000-1500 Euro
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Can i add mines to the list?
SE10940 has been with me in Sunny Scotland since February 2013. I started my first "proper" job in October 2012 and saved as much as i could from my salary to get this guitar. Thankfully by February i had saved enough and managed to pick a new one up as a birthday present to myself!
Almost 8 years and many guitars later, it is still my pride and joy!
Great stuff, where in Scotland are you? (Aberdeen here)
I'm in Irvine, North Ayrshire.
Welcome knopfler1 - I've duly added your beast to the list.... :wave
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Both MK's now registered.....
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Dear all
happy to introduce you to SE8038.
I got her completely unplayed and with the original factory strings (!) for a pretty decent price. She has her home in Austria now.
I have to say that I am impressed about how good this guitar is considering that it's a factory one. I think it sounds and feels like a decent Custom Shop Team Built Strat. This is not like some people claimed an American Vintage Reissue 62 Strat with different pickups and color. It is above.
Obviously there are natural limitations to this guitar like the tremolo assembly with the block with the deep tremolo holes or the machine wound Texas Specials, but she really holds her own. Very impressive, really. The tone is on the modern side of things, you feel that the TX Specials are hotter and the RW/RP gives a slightly different tone as well. It is different than a vintage voiced Strat but that is fine. I can imagine that Knopfler would play such a Strat on the stage.
The Strat is pretty light weight (around 3kg).
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Congratulations!
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
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Nice one!
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congratulations, and enjoy playing it as it deserves.... :thumbsup :thumbsup
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Thank you so much guys! What do I need to do to be added to the owners list? ;-)
How do you find out the manufacturing date?
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Thank you so much guys! What do I need to do to be added to the owners list? ;-)
How do you find out the manufacturing date?
You need to await the MK Sig Guru's approval. ;)
I'm posting his response to me regarding the very same question I had when I got mine.
Fill in the form below stating it's a Fender Mark Knopfler Signature Series Stratocaster and mention your serial number...
https://support.fender.com/hc/en-us/requests/new?ticket_form_id=174023 (https://support.fender.com/hc/en-us/requests/new?ticket_form_id=174023)
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Thank you so much guys! What do I need to do to be added to the owners list? ;-)
How do you find out the manufacturing date?
You need to await the MK Sig Guru's approval. ;)
I'm posting his response to me regarding the very same question I had when I got mine.
Fill in the form below stating it's a Fender Mark Knopfler Signature Series Stratocaster and mention your serial number...
https://support.fender.com/hc/en-us/requests/new?ticket_form_id=174023 (https://support.fender.com/hc/en-us/requests/new?ticket_form_id=174023)
Thanks :-) She is from Dec 2010. Having her 10 year jubilee now!
By the way - does anybody know what string gauge Mark currently uses on his Signature guitars? Mine came with 10s...
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Welcome Tomcaster, that's a lovely edition you have there and I note the Black case too.
Strings wise, I guess it's down to preference - personally I've got one with 9s and one with 10s and use them depending what music I'm playing....MK I'm sure would have his Strats the same way....
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Thank you so much guys! What do I need to do to be added to the owners list? ;-)
How do you find out the manufacturing date?
You need to await the MK Sig Guru's approval. ;)
I'm posting his response to me regarding the very same question I had when I got mine.
Fill in the form below stating it's a Fender Mark Knopfler Signature Series Stratocaster and mention your serial number...
https://support.fender.com/hc/en-us/requests/new?ticket_form_id=174023 (https://support.fender.com/hc/en-us/requests/new?ticket_form_id=174023)
Thanks :-) She is from Dec 2010. Having her 10 year jubilee now!
By the way - does anybody know what string gauge Mark currently uses on his Signature guitars? Mine came with 10s...
On the guitar he used for On Every Street on the last tour, and which is donated to charity (see thread), he used 10s. On the guitar he used for Sultans, he used 9s. Pretty sure about this.
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here is an article by Ingo about different sig models Mark used on the GL tour :
https://www.mk-guitar.com/2010/07/17/the-different-mark-knopfler-signature-strats-used-on-the-get-lucky-tour/
and here are two another ones about strings gauge in early days :
https://www.mk-guitar.com/2014/12/04/which-strings-for-the-sultans-of-swing-sound-comparing-010-and-009-strings/
https://www.mk-guitar.com/2008/09/14/how-to-get-that-sultans-of-swing-sound-mark-knopfler-played-08-strings/
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Thanks guys!
I took some time and carefully set the pickup heights. I started at the Fender recommended heights, i.e. you need to depress the string at the last fret of the bottom and top e string respectively and measure the distance to the pole pieces of the respective pickups. For the bass strings, the recommended Fender setting is 3.6mm, for the treble strings 2.4mm. This gives a medium pickup height.
The settings were quite ok but not quite the fun factor of my Masterbuilt 1961 Strat. They were quite vintage sounding in the in between positions but a little shrill in the single coil positions.
I thought "damn, if Knopfler plays these PUs he must have a reason" and I started lowering them further. Then I also changed the tilt. I finally ended at 4mm for both sides. Bear in mind - the pickups are not parallel to the pickguard then because the bottom e magnets are sticking out of the pickup cover more than the top e magnets by about 1mm.
The result with the 4mm is very pleasing. The bridge middle position is very much what Knopfler gets in "Why Worry" with Emmilou Harris. The single coil positions are round and barky, but with enough presence. The pickups are pretty far from the strings so the guitar output is about the same or even slightly lower than of my Master Built 1961 Strat.
The Texas Specials give you the modern sound really. A good player can use anything to convincingly approach the early Dire Straits stuff but once you play the MK Strat back to back with a 1961 original or replica, the different character of the tone becomes obvious. This is not bad at all - the MK Sig is not worse, it is different and this is the fun factor about it. I totally get why people like this guitar and it is good that those who missed it can order it at least as a non-signature Custom Shop version.
Hope that makes sense.
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Another one for the geeks. Seems that Mark (still) likes to keep the tremolo assembly on his old 1961 Strat decked with the body. This means that the springs exercise just enough force for the term plate not to lift of the body.
I have full understanding if the admin wants to remove me from the forum for too much geek stuff.
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Oh dear, oh dear!!
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Fender-Usa-Customshop-Mark-Knopfler-Model-Se12273-/402648417012?_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l49292
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That nitro finish sure is frail! ;D
Total waste, a real tragedy for the eyes.
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That nitro finish sure is frail! ;D
Total waste, a real tragedy for the eyes.
Why would anyone want to do that is beyond me.....
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Oh dear, oh dear!!
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Fender-Usa-Customshop-Mark-Knopfler-Model-Se12273-/402648417012?_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l49292
What a mess :smack
Brian
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Oh dear, oh dear!!
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Fender-Usa-Customshop-Mark-Knopfler-Model-Se12273-/402648417012?_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l49292
What a mess :smack
Brian
Still asking a ridiculous price though :lol Because that still is a MK Strat!
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Oh dear, oh dear!!
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Fender-Usa-Customshop-Mark-Knopfler-Model-Se12273-/402648417012?_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l49292
they have been trying to sell that for a long time now... I've followed it before, over a year ago, and so obviously no one has touched it.... with good reason...
and misadvised as a "custom shop" which it isn't..
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I'm amazed with the bad quality of the painting, I've seen many of these MK signature guitars like that... :smack
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What a shame.
I actually find the pickguard worse than the relicing.
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I've seen that one before. A horrendously poor attempt at relicing a fine guitar. Even among the professional luthiers, there are only a few that can make convincingly relic'ed guitars.
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Its absolutely no wonder it's been for sale for some time....
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Still asking a ridiculous price though :lol Because that still is a MK Strat!
This one is a ridiculous price $11K usd, this is why Mark stopped signing stuff.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SIGNED-AUTOGRAPHED-FENDER-GUITAR-Mark-Knopfler/133361313183?hash=item1f0cf4259f:g:m6cAAOSwUyZebWDE
Brian
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Supposedly stage used but no proof...
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
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Supposedly stage used but no proof...
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
HOW MUCH!!!!!!!!
Not really much info considering the person wants as much as that...no serial number, paperwork on show either....proof of signature?!
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Still asking a ridiculous price though :lol Because that still is a MK Strat!
This one is a ridiculous price $11K usd, this is why Mark stopped signing stuff.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SIGNED-AUTOGRAPHED-FENDER-GUITAR-Mark-Knopfler/133361313183?hash=item1f0cf4259f:g:m6cAAOSwUyZebWDE
Brian
him stopping signing stuff is counter-productive.. as the ones that he has signed can now command a higher price due to their rarity... admittedly, not $11,000.. but the rarer something is the more it can sell for... he should have done the opposite and signed more stuff.. making his autograph so widely available it loses its value.
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Still asking a ridiculous price though :lol Because that still is a MK Strat!
This one is a ridiculous price $11K usd, this is why Mark stopped signing stuff.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SIGNED-AUTOGRAPHED-FENDER-GUITAR-Mark-Knopfler/133361313183?hash=item1f0cf4259f:g:m6cAAOSwUyZebWDE
Brian
him stopping signing stuff is counter-productive.. as the ones that he has signed can now command a higher price due to their rarity... admittedly, not $11,000.. but the rarer something is the more it can sell for... he should have done the opposite and signed more stuff.. making his autograph so widely available it loses its value.
Also, it's funny that he won't sign guitars for strangers, and yet he signs guitars for competitions with randomly assigned winners, which makes no sense.
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Still asking a ridiculous price though :lol Because that still is a MK Strat!
This one is a ridiculous price $11K usd, this is why Mark stopped signing stuff.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SIGNED-AUTOGRAPHED-FENDER-GUITAR-Mark-Knopfler/133361313183?hash=item1f0cf4259f:g:m6cAAOSwUyZebWDE
Brian
him stopping signing stuff is counter-productive.. as the ones that he has signed can now command a higher price due to their rarity... admittedly, not $11,000.. but the rarer something is the more it can sell for... he should have done the opposite and signed more stuff.. making his autograph so widely available it loses its value.
Same old topic again, but it's a sad old world where people buy/sell autographs. Wouldn't sell any of mine as they are worth more than money. Mind you meeting and speaking to 'The master' and shaking his hand beats any ink on paper!!
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Same old topic again, but it's a sad old world where people buy/sell autographs. Wouldn't sell any of mine as they are worth more than money. Mind you meeting and speaking to 'The master' and shaking his hand beats any ink on paper!!
Fully agree... I have a STP cd signed by Mk with my name written by him that worths to me more money that I could ever ask for it, as I never expected he would ask me my name to sign it, I was so delighted!
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Also, it's funny that he won't sign guitars for strangers, and yet he signs guitars for competitions with randomly assigned winners, which makes no sense.
On the contrary THAT is the whole difference.
Signed guitars for competitions are (usually if not always) for raising money to charity and the signature is meant to have a commercial value.
But when Mark signed a guitar to you it was meant to be a personal gift not a dirty resale business.
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Look at this
https://reverb.com/item/38298955-fender-stratocaster-mark-knopfler-hot-rod-red-1950-s-inspired-sultan-of-swing
the last one (mint, with all stickers and hang tags) was sold by RJV in mid 2020; price range of 3000-3200. I got a completely mint one well below 3k recently.
I see that somebody already has the guitar in the shopping basket. Hopefully the poor soul reads this forum. For 4k, you can buy yourself a luxury version of that guitar from the Fender Custom Shop, including hand wound Texas Specials, PIO caps, better pots, selected wood, vintage correct tremolo block etc.
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Asking price doesn't mean it will sell for that I guess...
The "touch-ups" don't look good from those pics.
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Asking price doesn't mean it will sell for that I guess...
The "touch-ups" don't look good from those pics.
You mean this? Sorry for the picture size...
(https://images.reverb.com/image/upload/s--gaSCeRHs--/f_auto,t_supersize/v1610721839/pmjt3vnvriredrl9ivqp.jpg)
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Yeah, there was another one as well.
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his wife is missing a bottle of nail varnish...
and he couldn't be bothered to actually read the case tag stating its a 62 body.... and not a 57 body..
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I recognize this guitar from RJV now. It’s the one that was advertised in Italy for 2200 Euro!
If you zoom closer you will see that somebody has enlarged the Pickguard indent at the neck heel. This is not the only thing. Somebody drilled a hole into the body to enlarge access to truss rod screw. I know this because the Italian guy has sent me pictures when I inquired about that very guitar from him
The Pickguard color is not original either.
*EDITED: I spoke to RJV on Reverb. He made the mistake not to realize that he was sold a fraud by the seller from Italy. RJV now also discovered that somebody has drilled a hum bucker route at the bridge pickup.
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I recognize this guitar from RJV now. It’s the one that was advertised in Italy for 2200 Euro!
If you zoom closer you will see that somebody has enlarged the Pickguard indent at the neck heel. This is not the only thing. Somebody drilled a hole into the body to enlarge access to truss rod screw. I know this because the Italian guy has sent me pictures when I inquired about that very guitar from him
The Pickguard color is not original either.
I did not know that RJV could pull of scams. I am disappointed.
I hope Mark will be able to relaunch the signature Strat because the situation is ridiculous now. Countless fake and goofed guitars are floating around commanding outrageous prices, to me personally the idea of getting an MK Strat is now gone completely. No, thanks, I don't want to be a part of this.
It's quite obvious that the demand is still there and seeing the insane and amazing success of his Signature Les Paul, which is 3-5-10 times more valuable than a Strat is especially strange. They will sell like hotcakes, just make some more.
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I recognize this guitar from RJV now. It’s the one that was advertised in Italy for 2200 Euro!
If you zoom closer you will see that somebody has enlarged the Pickguard indent at the neck heel. This is not the only thing. Somebody drilled a hole into the body to enlarge access to truss rod screw. I know this because the Italian guy has sent me pictures when I inquired about that very guitar from him
The Pickguard color is not original either.
I did not know that RJV could pull of scams. I am disappointed.
I hope Mark will be able to relaunch the signature Strat because the situation is ridiculous now. Countless fake and goofed guitars are floating around commanding outrageous prices, to me personally the idea of getting an MK Strat is now gone completely. No, thanks, I don't want to be a part of this.
It's quite obvious that the demand is still there and seeing the insane and amazing success of his Signature Les Paul, which is 3-5-10 times more valuable than a Strat is especially strange. They will sell like hotcakes, just make some more.
That's totally up to Fender, though, not Mark.
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I recognize this guitar from RJV now. It’s the one that was advertised in Italy for 2200 Euro!
If you zoom closer you will see that somebody has enlarged the Pickguard indent at the neck heel. This is not the only thing. Somebody drilled a hole into the body to enlarge access to truss rod screw. I know this because the Italian guy has sent me pictures when I inquired about that very guitar from him
The Pickguard color is not original either.
I did not know that RJV could pull of scams. I am disappointed.
I hope Mark will be able to relaunch the signature Strat because the situation is ridiculous now. Countless fake and goofed guitars are floating around commanding outrageous prices, to me personally the idea of getting an MK Strat is now gone completely. No, thanks, I don't want to be a part of this.
It's quite obvious that the demand is still there and seeing the insane and amazing success of his Signature Les Paul, which is 3-5-10 times more valuable than a Strat is especially strange. They will sell like hotcakes, just make some more.
It was available for a long time, nearly 10 years? A very small number of people are still trying to buy it. Believe me, if it was in Fender’s interest to rerelease it, they would.
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I found the picture that I got from the original seller from Italy. You clearly see that somebody chiseled wood from underneath the truss rod access.
*EDITED for the reasons mentioned in another post. RJV did not look carefully enough and became a victim of the Italian seller as well.
Check out the new reverb pictures with the hum bucker route. This is a good lesson how careful we as buyers need to be https://reverb.com/item/38298955-fender-stratocaster-mark-knopfler-hot-rod-red-1950-s-inspired-sultan-of-swing
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Believe me, if it was in Fender’s interest to rerelease it, they would.
except they couldn't even if they wanted to, there's that whole pesky matter of licensing from MKs side..
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Heads up Brazilian amigos
https://produto.mercadolivre.com.br/MLB-1077078659-guitarra-fender-mark-knopfler-artist-series-stratocaster-_JM (https://produto.mercadolivre.com.br/MLB-1077078659-guitarra-fender-mark-knopfler-artist-series-stratocaster-_JM)
Circa GBP 2070 / EUR 2340
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I owned #SE09449 which is the guitar Mark admires at 3:43
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27OT_FSWrIE (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27OT_FSWrIE)
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I owned #SE09449 which is the guitar Mark admires at 3:43
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27OT_FSWrIE (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27OT_FSWrIE)
Owned?? Do you still own it?
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I still own it of course, bought a few years ago after seeing the documentary and phoned to this store.
A lucky guy from France.
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I still own it of course, bought a few years ago after seeing the documentary and phoned to this store.
A lucky guy from France.
Lol I thought that was a staged performance, sort of a deus ex machina moment, where Mark just walks down the street and here's a signature guitar with an autograph. Always seemed so staged lol, or Mark knows every shop in London that sells his Strat? Well, pretty sure at least they brought it out on display for shooting at least.
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I still own it of course, bought a few years ago after seeing the documentary and phoned to this store.
A lucky guy from France.
Lol I thought that was a staged performance, sort of a deus ex machina moment, where Mark just walks down the street and here's a signature guitar with an autograph. Always seemed so staged lol, or Mark knows every shop in London that sells his Strat? Well, pretty sure at least they brought it out on display for shooting at least.
That was Newcastle ;)
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I still own it of course, bought a few years ago after seeing the documentary and phoned to this store.
A lucky guy from France.
what a story!!!! congrats!!!!!
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I still own it of course, bought a few years ago after seeing the documentary and phoned to this store.
A lucky guy from France.
Lol I thought that was a staged performance, sort of a deus ex machina moment, where Mark just walks down the street and here's a signature guitar with an autograph. Always seemed so staged lol, or Mark knows every shop in London that sells his Strat? Well, pretty sure at least they brought it out on display for shooting at least.
Hahahahaha, I love it when MK and JI walk by the window of 'JG Windows' music shop in Newcastle and there happens to be an MK Signature Strat in the window!!! Cheesy but cool.....
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I still own it of course, bought a few years ago after seeing the documentary and phoned to this store.
A lucky guy from France.
Fantastic - welcome to the owners list!!
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Thanks !
Below "the real object of desire" :)
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All the MK strats have the USA flag sticked?
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All the MK strats have the USA flag sticked?
until it falls off..
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All the MK strats have the USA flag sticked?
The picture I've posted is just a few days after I received the graal, eight years ago : exactly like the video. Now, no USA flag anymore and sadly some scratches :(.
Perhaps You wanted to know why I waited so long to reveal my acquisition : because now it's page 58/59 of this topic !!! ;) :D
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All the MK strats have the USA flag sticked?
I don’t think mine did, but I got it 18 years ago so maybe I forgot...
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Guys two more hints for the lovers of great sound, and an easy upgrade.
1. The tremolo blocks on the MK models are not good. They are cold rolled steel but with extremely deep holes. I have never seen from Fender any blocks that would go that deep. Get yourself for cheap the Fender Pure Vintage Tremolo blocks which has much shallower holes and the ball end of the string will be much closer to the edge of the back of the block. Fender Custom Shop's Head Mike Lewis himself stated in an interview that a longer string gives better sound.
2. Deck the tremolo. The MK Sig is built from ash and in addition the fretboard is from rosewood. This gives a guitar with relatively little amounts of mids. I read throughout the internet that this guitar is very bright acoustically and yes, this is the wood choice. Decking the tremolo will remedy this. The trem plate shall rest against the body wood and this will transmit certain frequencies much better. The guitar will become significantly more resonant acoustically and more full bodied electrically. You will need all five springs to do this. Watch out not to make a dent into the lacquer with this by having the trem springs exercise too much pull on the trem plate. This is best done by turning the screws holding the trem claw max a quarter turn at a time until you see no change of pitch on the tuner.
Both things will get you miles head in tone. You will get more body, more sizzle and the Texas Specials will work much better in such a setup as well.
For the pickup distances, press the high e at the last fret and set the distance to 3mm. Same with low e and then do 4mm. This seems to work best with these pickups.
Two easy non invasive mods to the guitar that can be fully reversed in case you want to preserve full value and you will get a guitar playing a full league higher. Good luck!
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What I never understood is why it has Texas Special... It's something I would never had linked with DS or MK sound.
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What I never understood is why it has Texas Special... It's something I would never had linked with DS or MK sound.
Totally agree with you , I find them too harsh, I've set them very low in order to get rid of that . I won't swap them for another set because I want to keep it original , but I have a set of Fender 57/62 in a 80's strat and a set of bare KnucklestHE sultans in a Classic Player and they are both closer to MK sound , by far.
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Funny.
They ARE the MK sound. They have been since 2003.
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Funny.
They ARE the MK sound. They have been since 2003.
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Never liked it from 2003...
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What I never understood is why it has Texas Special... It's something I would never had linked with DS or MK sound.
Totally agree with you , I find them too harsh, I've set them very low in order to get rid of that . I won't swap them for another set because I want to keep it original , but I have a set of Fender 57/62 in a 80's strat and a set of bare KnucklestHE sultans in a Classic Player and they are both closer to MK sound , by far.
I know some people who has the MK start and took the Texas out and put Lindsay Fralin instead.
Did any of the owners here did something like that?
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Funny.
They ARE the MK sound. They have been since 2003.
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Funny.
I'm not saying that you can't get a Knoplerish kind of sound with them , but TS are not the most obvious choice (and from what I've seen on lot of forums since the release in 2003, I'm not the only one to think so).It's also clear that it depends on the rest of the rig used ( been using a Hiwatt and Blackface Deluxe Reverb wich are in the ball park for MK clear sound).MK has been using Lindy Fralin for single coils for many years
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MK has been using Lindy Fralin for single coils for many years
Source for that?
MK said when the Strat was released that he tried lots of pickups and he liked the Texas Specials best.
He has now played them for 18 years, longer than anything else.
Maybe some fans don’t like them but clearly MK does.
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MK uses Fralins in the Suhr guitars. The only other pickups I ever heard Mark to put into his Strats are Seymour Duncans.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8NBqAfAMqA
I can check with Seymour if perhaps he did some other PUs for Mark as well...
With regards to not understanding why Mark chose Texas Specials. There are a couple of reasons.
1. Marketing: in order for Knopfler to receive a signature Strat, it was supposed to be spec wise different from the standard Fender range. The standard range at that time was the American Vintage (AVRi)1962 Stratocaster with a 7.25 board, small frets, 57/62 pickups, rosewood slab fretboard. This standard range is (on high level) spec wise the same as the pre-CBS 1961 Stratocaster MK played at Dire Straits. So what was Fender supposed to do? Take the AVRi, make it hot rod red? That would not suffice the need for it to be different and launch as a Sig Model. My guess is that Fender proposed Knopfler something that would allow it to be different and sexy, so they went with an ash body (marketing story: it was as light as pre-CBS alder), they put on bigger frets to advertise better playability, they added the pickups and they made the exclusive color. Now THIS was enough to justify a signature model.
2. The ash / rosewood combination of this Strat is not usual. I have written above - this combination makes for a very BRIGHT tone. The Texas Specials offset this with their midrange honk. Installing other PUs is always possible, but you run into risk of getting a very bright tone. Decking the trem will help but not completely eliminate this. Ash normally works better with a maple fingerboard which has less presence (sounds "rounder").
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IMO, Mark's last great Strat sound was on the studio version of What It Is. And he never beat the Strat sound on the two first DS albums.
And I don't understand the reason for the Texas Specials, not for clean tones anyway.
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Sorry if this has been mentioned before, just came across these Fender schematics for the MK strat and it shows no tone control for the bridge pickup, mine most defiantly has!
I got mine S/H 11 years ago so it may have been modded before I got it.
Are the diagrams wrong? (quite possible) or has my guitar been modified?
https://p4.zdassets.com/hc/theme_assets/549136/200076499/011-7800A_SISD.pdf (https://p4.zdassets.com/hc/theme_assets/549136/200076499/011-7800A_SISD.pdf)
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IMO, Mark's last great Strat sound was on the studio version of What It Is. And he never beat the Strat sound on the two first DS albums.
And I don't understand the reason for the Texas Specials, not for clean tones anyway.
What It Is was recorded with the Schecter, right?
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Sorry if this has been mentioned before, just came across these Fender schematics for the MK strat and it shows no tone control for the bridge pickup, mine most defiantly has!
I got mine S/H 11 years ago so it may have been modded before I got it.
Are the diagrams wrong? (quite possible) or has my guitar been modified?
https://p4.zdassets.com/hc/theme_assets/549136/200076499/011-7800A_SISD.pdf (https://p4.zdassets.com/hc/theme_assets/549136/200076499/011-7800A_SISD.pdf)
My MK strat is like the diagrams : no tone control for the bridge pickup.
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IMO, Mark's last great Strat sound was on the studio version of What It Is. And he never beat the Strat sound on the two first DS albums.
And I don't understand the reason for the Texas Specials, not for clean tones anyway.
What It Is was recorded with the Schecter, right?
According from a brazilian magazine 'Cover Guitarra' MK himself confirms that both WII and STP are recorded with the CAR Schecter Strat.
Sorry my poor english
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Sorry if this has been mentioned before, just came across these Fender schematics for the MK strat and it shows no tone control for the bridge pickup, mine most defiantly has!
I got mine S/H 11 years ago so it may have been modded before I got it.
Are the diagrams wrong? (quite possible) or has my guitar been modified?
https://p4.zdassets.com/hc/theme_assets/549136/200076499/011-7800A_SISD.pdf (https://p4.zdassets.com/hc/theme_assets/549136/200076499/011-7800A_SISD.pdf)
modded.. mine doesn't have it.. but luckily its not a degrading mod.. just one wire shouldered on to the pot.. easy to remove and restore to original spec.
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IMO, Mark's last great Strat sound was on the studio version of What It Is. And he never beat the Strat sound on the two first DS albums.
And I don't understand the reason for the Texas Specials, not for clean tones anyway.
What It Is was recorded with the Schecter, right?
Really? I would have thought he used either the original red Strat or the white one he played slide on on Tracker.
We have to remember though that the red Schecter has Seymour Duncan pickups, which sound very different than the original Schecter pickups. Much more like a vintage Strat.
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IMO, Mark's last great Strat sound was on the studio version of What It Is. And he never beat the Strat sound on the two first DS albums.
And I don't understand the reason for the Texas Specials, not for clean tones anyway.
What It Is was recorded with the Schecter, right?
According from a brazilian magazine 'Cover Guitarra' MK himself confirms that both WII and STP are recorded with the CAR Schecter Strat.
Sorry my poor english
Do you perhaps have a scan of this?
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IMO, Mark's last great Strat sound was on the studio version of What It Is. And he never beat the Strat sound on the two first DS albums.
And I don't understand the reason for the Texas Specials, not for clean tones anyway.
What It Is was recorded with the Schecter, right?
According from a brazilian magazine 'Cover Guitarra' MK himself confirms that both WII and STP are recorded with the CAR Schecter Strat.
Sorry my poor english
Do you perhaps have a scan of this?
No. Not anymore.
I tried to find scans, but nobody has.
(https://www.enjoei.com.br/p/cover-guitarra-n-52-mark-knopfler-42254483)
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Sorry if this has been mentioned before, just came across these Fender schematics for the MK strat and it shows no tone control for the bridge pickup, mine most defiantly has!
I got mine S/H 11 years ago so it may have been modded before I got it.
Are the diagrams wrong? (quite possible) or has my guitar been modified?
https://p4.zdassets.com/hc/theme_assets/549136/200076499/011-7800A_SISD.pdf (https://p4.zdassets.com/hc/theme_assets/549136/200076499/011-7800A_SISD.pdf)
My MK strat is like the diagrams : no tone control for the bridge pickup.
Thanks.
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Sorry if this has been mentioned before, just came across these Fender schematics for the MK strat and it shows no tone control for the bridge pickup, mine most defiantly has!
I got mine S/H 11 years ago so it may have been modded before I got it.
Are the diagrams wrong? (quite possible) or has my guitar been modified?
https://p4.zdassets.com/hc/theme_assets/549136/200076499/011-7800A_SISD.pdf (https://p4.zdassets.com/hc/theme_assets/549136/200076499/011-7800A_SISD.pdf)
modded.. mine doesn't have it.. but luckily its not a degrading mod.. just one wire shouldered on to the pot.. easy to remove and restore to original spec.
Thank you, good to know.
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Sorry if this has been mentioned before, just came across these Fender schematics for the MK strat and it shows no tone control for the bridge pickup, mine most defiantly has!
I got mine S/H 11 years ago so it may have been modded before I got it.
Are the diagrams wrong? (quite possible) or has my guitar been modified?
https://p4.zdassets.com/hc/theme_assets/549136/200076499/011-7800A_SISD.pdf (https://p4.zdassets.com/hc/theme_assets/549136/200076499/011-7800A_SISD.pdf)
modded.. mine doesn't have it.. but luckily its not a degrading mod.. just one wire shouldered on to the pot.. easy to remove and restore to original spec.
Too many people have been dissatisfied with the Strat bridge pickup because of the original wiring. Adding it to the second time control makes so more useful. Back it down to 6, and it approaches the sound of a Tele pickup.
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strange because on other intreviews, Marks said that the song STP was on the 64 white strat
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strange because on other intreviews, Marks said that the song STP was on the 64 white strat
But people were talking about What It Is, not STP. Anyway, I think that's too specific anyway, personally, I don't care at all on which guitar he recorded it. Might be a Mexican strat for all we know, won't make the song even 0.001% less enjoyable.
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What It Is has a particularly beautiful guitar tone. I am not able to copy it on any of my guitars or amps. I don't think the the guitar is the key ingredient here because both his 1961 and his 1964 would sound pretty similar directionally as vintage Strats. The Schecter has a mahogany body, perhaps that changed things, but the pickups are Seymour Duncan Alnico II, so vintage style pickups again... I think he got a very good recording tone and that is always tricky to recreate.
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What It Is has a particularly beautiful guitar tone. I am not able to copy it on any of my guitars or amps. I don't think the the guitar is the key ingredient here because both his 1961 and his 1964 would sound pretty similar directionally as vintage Strats. The Schecter has a mahogany body, perhaps that changed things, but the pickups are Seymour Duncan Alnico II, so vintage style pickups again... I think he got a very good recording tone and that is always tricky to recreate.
I have to say that you can't really compare any sound to the sound that you hear on the record. I once heard, can't remember where or when, the isolated guitar part of What It Is without FX, and it sounded just like a regular guitar, absolutely nothing special about it, with squeaks and greenies, hum and stuff. I almost can't believe that you can turn this regular sound into the magic that you hear on the record. Chuck Ainlay is a true magician of his craft. He'll make my Squier sound like a million-dollar guitar.
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What It Is has a particularly beautiful guitar tone. I am not able to copy it on any of my guitars or amps. I don't think the the guitar is the key ingredient here because both his 1961 and his 1964 would sound pretty similar directionally as vintage Strats. The Schecter has a mahogany body, perhaps that changed things, but the pickups are Seymour Duncan Alnico II, so vintage style pickups again... I think he got a very good recording tone and that is always tricky to recreate.
Been listening to this a bit now, and the tone is actually quite midrangey and thick. It actually reminds me of the Pensa Suhr MK1 tone on Telegraph Road during the OES tour. It sounds like he's using a Tube Screamer or similar to boost the mids.
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Hey guys. I have some progress on the pickups MK (might) be using. I was inspired by this:
https://www.seymourduncan.com/artists/mark-knopfler
https://youtu.be/i8NBqAfAMqA
I wrote to the Seymour Duncan Custom Shop and voila! They confirmed that MK ordered vintage style Strat pickups from them. They declined to give the exact specs (this is their policy) but they said that the PUs were roughly in the ballpark of SSL1s. They could not say whether MK actually installed the PUs.
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Hey guys. I have some progress on the pickups MK (might) be using. I was inspired by this:
https://www.seymourduncan.com/artists/mark-knopfler
https://youtu.be/i8NBqAfAMqA
I wrote to the Seymour Duncan Custom Shop and voila! They confirmed that MK ordered vintage style Strat pickups from them. They declined to give the exact specs (this is their policy) but they said that the PUs were roughly in the ballpark of SSL1s. They could not say whether MK actually installed the PUs.
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He did, he used them live in his sig strat during the 2011 Bob Dylan tour on -if my memory serves me right- Forever Young.
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Perhaps I did not express myself well. The Lipstick Tube pickups are one type of PU that Seymour Duncan wound for MK, but they also admitted that MK ordered some SSL1 type of pickups. About these, SD cannot say whether MK actually used them
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A bit off-topic but I have always had a feeling that MK uses an SD in his Danelectro too. That pickup looks too shiny to be that old.
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Perhaps I did not express myself well. The Lipstick Tube pickups are one type of PU that Seymour Duncan wound for MK, but they also admitted that MK ordered some SSL1 type of pickups. About these, SD cannot say whether MK actually used them
That might have been during the time of development of the MK signature model? I seem to have read that he tried tons of pickups before settling on the Texas Specials.
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I don't think so. The story was that he tried tons of pickups at Fender. The PUs MK ordered at SD were hand wound 300 USD level pickups.
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This is the guitar with that pickups
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4roRlq_Qbo
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This is the guitar with that pickups
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4roRlq_Qbo
Again, these are the SD lipstick pickups. We don’t know if he ever used the “normal” SD pickups.
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Correct. The only trace we have is the confirmation from SD that MK ordered these SSL1 type of pickups.
I am thinking to order them as well but this is a tough one for 300 USD ;-)
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8HCNznnwZNg
The pinkest pink guitar I have ever seen is MK Strat.
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it depends very much on the light. In natural light, it is orange-red. In artificial light it can be pinkish red.
Note that in the video the tremolo n the demo rests against the body. It sounds a lot better like that. Just make sure you don't over tighten the springs so the lacquer doesn't break or dent. Best to do it with a tuner.
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My one never looks pink. :)
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I provided a small analysis further up why every MK Sig has to look a little pink. Essentially Fender Hot Rod Red is like Corsa Red (pure red with a certain intensity) but with a little additional shot of blue. As soon as the color reflects light being on the cooler side of the spectrum (e.g. LED), you will get the pink effect.
Fiesta Red has a bit of green and blue to it, so sometimes it looks pink, sometimes salmon, most often just orange-red. It all depends on the light. This is why it's impossible to photograph these guitars or you should take multiple pictures in varying lighting conditions.
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I provided a small analysis further up why every MK Sig has to look a little pink. Essentially Fender Hot Rod Red is like Corsa Red (pure red with a certain intensity) but with a little additional shot of blue. As soon as the color reflects light being on the cooler side of the spectrum (e.g. LED), you will get the pink effect.
Fiesta Red has a bit of green and blue to it, so sometimes it looks pink, sometimes salmon, most often just orange-red. It all depends on the light. This is why it's impossible to photograph these guitars or you should take multiple pictures in varying lighting conditions.
Very interesting, but not every MK sig is Hot Rod Red :)
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ah you refer to the Dakota... apologies, I missed that. Dakota is very cool!
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https://reverb.com/item/39692750-fender-stratocaster-mark-knopfler-hot-rod-red-2004
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https://reverb.com/item/39692750-fender-stratocaster-mark-knopfler-hot-rod-red-2004
Hoo mama. Not cheap!
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https://reverb.com/item/39692750-fender-stratocaster-mark-knopfler-hot-rod-red-2004
Hoo mama. Not cheap!
Yes, it costs more than my car... :lol
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Interesting only for die-hard fans and collectors.
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Yep, that looks like it's been out of it's case for a while, as the pick guard has "aged" and changed colour (mine is even more of a tan colour), but doesn't look as if it's been played. When I realised what had happened to the "mint green" pickguard on mine it went back into it's case and only comes out when I want to play it !
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Yep, that looks like it's been out of it's case for a while, as the pick guard has "aged" and changed colour (mine is even more of a tan colour), but doesn't look as if it's been played. When I realised what had happened to the "mint green" pickguard on mine it went back into it's case and only comes out when I want to play it !
Gotta add another 1,000$ for the price then since it’s “aged” now :lol
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Yep, that looks like it's been out of it's case for a while, as the pick guard has "aged" and changed colour (mine is even more of a tan colour), but doesn't look as if it's been played. When I realised what had happened to the "mint green" pickguard on mine it went back into it's case and only comes out when I want to play it !
Could just be the lighting.
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3Strats might have a point. The contrast between the pickup covers and the pickguard is less than usual, as if the pickguard lost some greeninsh hue. Alternatively, maybe somebody changed the plastics. the vendor might not know the guitar that well... but it looks superb like that for sure
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I'd say that has gone the same way as mine due to exposure to the light. I kept mine on a rack with the lower side facing the light. I realised it was changing colour from the mint green when I saw there were small lighter patches that had been in the shadow of the knobs and switch ! ( the value of mine is shot anyway as I've managed to put 3 small "dings" and a small scrape in the lacquer ) :smack The finish IS ridiculously delicate. You can see the pale "shadows" on this shot which was taken 6 years ago:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/dtvaviationimages/16680297931/in/album-72157627669196085/ (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dtvaviationimages/16680297931/in/album-72157627669196085/)
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I'd say that has gone the same way as mine due to exposure to the light. I kept mine on a rack with the lower side facing the light. I realised it was changing colour from the mint green when I saw there were small lighter patches that had been in the shadow of the knobs and switch ! ( the value of mine is shot anyway as I've managed to put 3 small "dings" and a small scrape in the lacquer ) :smack The finish IS ridiculously delicate. You can see the pale "shadows" on this shot which was taken 6 years ago:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/dtvaviationimages/16680297931/in/album-72157627669196085/ (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dtvaviationimages/16680297931/in/album-72157627669196085/)
That’s really funny!
That hasn’t happened to mine at all, although I guess it’s mostly been in it’s case when I’m not at a gig or rehearsal.
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https://reverb.com/item/39692750-fender-stratocaster-mark-knopfler-hot-rod-red-2004
Hoo mama. Not cheap!
Yes, it costs more than my car... :lol
Sold!
If it did sell for the asking price I would dare to say that the normalised market value soon is pushing 4000 Euro.
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Crazy, just put some Texas Specials in a Body / neck you're already happy with and you are good to go!
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Crazy, just put some Texas Specials in a Body / neck you're already happy with and you are good to go!
Might as well put a printed signature decal like on the "real deal" :lol
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https://guitarhunter.dk/product/fender-mark-knopfler-signature-stratocaster-in-hot-rod-red/
Possible lead (no pictures yet), somebody please scoop this up before I am tempted too lol....
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https://guitarhunter.dk/product/fender-mark-knopfler-signature-stratocaster-in-hot-rod-red/
Possible lead (no pictures yet), somebody please scoop this up before I am tempted too lol....
Pic
https://www.instagram.com/p/CNrv_kQMjSo/ (https://www.instagram.com/p/CNrv_kQMjSo/)
2150 Euro is a no-brainer
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https://guitarhunter.dk/product/fender-mark-knopfler-signature-stratocaster-in-hot-rod-red/
Possible lead (no pictures yet), somebody please scoop this up before I am tempted too lol....
Pic
https://www.instagram.com/p/CNrv_kQMjSo/ (https://www.instagram.com/p/CNrv_kQMjSo/)
2150 Euro is a no-brainer
The seller be like: Oh, I forgot to put one zero after the price, it's 21,500 euros! Because this 100% unique guitar will never be produced ever again!
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Already sold ;D
People must be lurking this thread pretty hard.
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One for sale here in the UK, not particularly far away from me......Quite a price I'd say...
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Fender-Mark-Knopfler-Stratocaster-/133732616549?_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l49286
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One for sale here in the UK, not particularly far away from me......Quite a price I'd say...
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Fender-Mark-Knopfler-Stratocaster-/133732616549?_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l49286
Especially for a beat-up guitar like this.
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One for sale here in the UK, not particularly far away from me......Quite a price I'd say...
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Fender-Mark-Knopfler-Stratocaster-/133732616549?_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l49286
Especially for a beat-up guitar like this.
Beat up and modded!
Let’s see if it sells.
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Love the deep scratch on the back coming from the tremolo cavity
Mine has the same, its where I slipped with the pliers when I was removing the springs before a string change!
:smack
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Love the deep scratch on the back coming from the tremolo cavity
Mine has the same, its where I slipped with the pliers when I was removing the springs before a string change!
:smack
I think the owner was inspired by the image on the magazine and tried to beat it up to look like Gary's Stratocaster :lol
By the way, it could be sold via Best Offer.
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I will be interested to see if it sells, it is almost identical condition to mine (my paintwork has a few more chips and marks) and the serial number is close to mine so I guess it is a 2010 model.
The best ones are used, but I would say that!
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Love the deep scratch on the back coming from the tremolo cavity
Mine has the same, its where I slipped with the pliers when I was removing the springs before a string change!
:smack
such stuff can normally be polished out by a good luthier if needed
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Love the deep scratch on the back coming from the tremolo cavity
Mine has the same, its where I slipped with the pliers when I was removing the springs before a string change!
:smack
Not on my MK strat but I managed to drop a soldering iron right on to the top of my Gretsch when I was changing pickups, you just curse yourself when you do it don't you!
I managed to get a close match with some nail polish and you can only see it if you are very close up now.
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Some of the marks on mine really tick me off as it is pure carelessness on my part, other wear marks are kinda cool I think.
May well get it re finished and start all over again!
I presume Mark stipulated no primer on this model which is probably why the paint falls off.
Still keen to see what a scruffy one sells for though.
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In the vintage guitar world a refinish typically devalues a guitar by 50%...
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I know, difficult decision!
When I first got it I bought it as it was a gorgeous red Strat at the right price. It could have been an AVRI, Clapton, Chris Rea, Marvin etc. I didn't really care, I wanted a red Strat and this one was available.
It has been used for gigs, lots of band practice/rehearsal and home use. It is only in the last few years that I realised what I had was a bit more rare than the average red Strat, by this time the damage was done!
Do you think a guitar like this would be more valuable in scruffy condition than re finished? Its hardly vintage but one day it will be I suppose!
I guess we will see if the one on Ebay sells.
Not planning on selling mine anyway, just interested.
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I know, difficult decision!
When I first got it I bought it as it was a gorgeous red Strat at the right price. It could have been an AVRI, Clapton, Chris Rea, Marvin etc. I didn't really care, I wanted a red Strat and this one was available.
It has been used for gigs, lots of band practice/rehearsal and home use. It is only in the last few years that I realised what I had was a bit more rare than the average red Strat, by this time the damage was done!
Do you think a guitar like this would be more valuable in scruffy condition than re finished? Its hardly vintage but one day it will be I suppose!
I guess we will see if the one on Ebay sells.
Not planning on selling mine anyway, just interested.
Apart from the printed MK signature, SE serial number, and some case candy, I'd say it's a pretty average Strat. I know hardcore fans always say that it's much better than a regular strat, but come on... Why does it need to? When I was a kid I used to look at it on the Fender website thinking "I'll never be able to buy this thing". It was something like $1000 for a beat-up one like this and $1500 for a mint one, I remember it pretty well. And this is exactly a price of an average "good" Strat.
The prices are truly offending me, for some reason Gibson Chet Atkins would never gain at price even after Chet Atkins' death and after the production ended back in 2001, but Mark Knopfler Stratocaster prices skyrocketed as if it was made out of gold and 150 guitars were made overall. People are just greedy AF, and I don't care that they think it's a rare guitar. They just want an extremely ridiculous margin and it pisses me off. I don't recommend buying this guitar.
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@Pavel the Knopfler Strat was great value when it was sold because, at least to my experience, it is in average better than an American Vintage Series or American Original Series. For the crazy values it is being sold now, it is certainly not worth it. I have written a couple of pages back: take that money, go to the Fender Custom Shop, get a clone of that guitar with some important sonic differences to the original like better trem block, hand wound pickups, side seam in the body, rift sawn neck. If you get a really great MK Sig at a moderate price you can try to upgrade these elements, but buying one for 3.5k and then upgrade is burning money.
Having owned that guitar for a couple of months now I think I would actually prefer Fiesta to Hot Rod Red as well...
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I know, difficult decision!
When I first got it I bought it as it was a gorgeous red Strat at the right price. It could have been an AVRI, Clapton, Chris Rea, Marvin etc. I didn't really care, I wanted a red Strat and this one was available.
It has been used for gigs, lots of band practice/rehearsal and home use. It is only in the last few years that I realised what I had was a bit more rare than the average red Strat, by this time the damage was done!
Do you think a guitar like this would be more valuable in scruffy condition than re finished? Its hardly vintage but one day it will be I suppose!
I guess we will see if the one on Ebay sells.
Not planning on selling mine anyway, just interested.
Apart from the printed MK signature, SE serial number, and some case candy, I'd say it's a pretty average Strat. I know hardcore fans always say that it's much better than a regular strat, but come on... Why does it need to? When I was a kid I used to look at it on the Fender website thinking "I'll never be able to buy this thing". It was something like $1000 for a beat-up one like this and $1500 for a mint one, I remember it pretty well. And this is exactly a price of an average "good" Strat.
The prices are truly offending me, for some reason Gibson Chet Atkins would never gain at price even after Chet Atkins' death and after the production ended back in 2001, but Mark Knopfler Stratocaster prices skyrocketed as if it was made out of gold and 150 guitars were made overall. People are just greedy AF, and I don't care that they think it's a rare guitar. They just want an extremely ridiculous margin and it pisses me off. I don't recommend buying this guitar.
I don't think you can accuse sellers of being greedy.
Any item is only worth what someone else will pay for it.
You keep making the point that it's just an "average" guitar and that all these other options are as good or better, but what these other guitars are NOT is an MK strat. If someone wants an MK strat, they are no longer made, so they will have to pay a premium.
I don't see why you should get offended about what other people choose to do with their money. Some people like cars/holidays/shoes/handbags/motorbikes/guitars. If they choose to spend their money on something it's not something you should concern yourself with.
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:clap
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:clap
It doesn't change the fact that whoever will purchase this guitar for 3500 pounds obviously was pretty bad at math in school. And the guy is obviously charging too much for a beaten instrument like that. He knows he bought it for less, we know it.
Heck, Mark recently sold his own guitar at auction, the guitar that he actually owned and it sold for less than this, please don't tell me that this is OK. I'm perfectly okay with people and their money, but when something's messed up, it's messed up.
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What's messed up is when someone exploits people in a difficult situation and charge unreasonably high prices for essential goods (food, water, clothes, etc.). A guitar is a luxury item that no-one is forced to buy.
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What's messed up is when someone exploits people in a difficult situation and charge unreasonably high prices for essential goods (food, water, clothes, etc.). A guitar is a luxury item that no-one is forced to buy.
Exactly.
No one is forcing anyone to buy this guitar. No one probably will buy this guitar, at that price anyway.
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:clap
It doesn't change the fact that whoever will purchase this guitar for 3500 pounds obviously was pretty bad at math in school. And the guy is obviously charging too much for a beaten instrument like that. He knows he bought it for less, we know it.
Heck, Mark recently sold his own guitar at auction, the guitar that he actually owned and it sold for less than this, please don't tell me that this is OK. I'm perfectly okay with people and their money, but when something's messed up, it's messed up.
Actually neither you or I have any idea how much he paid for this guitar.
And that’s quite right, because it’s none of our business.
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[/quote]
such stuff can normally be polished out by a good luthier if needed
[/quote]
Those marks on the back are more than just light scratches- as has been said- a pair of pliers or a screwdriver has slipped when the springs have been moved, and the back has been gouged. No amount of polishing will get rid of those marks. With that amount of damage I wouldn't even consider buying it unless I had a luthier lined up to strip it or fill the damage & respray the body, and I wouldn't pay half of what he's asking. edit- In fact I wouldn't pay £1000.
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:clap
It doesn't change the fact that whoever will purchase this guitar for 3500 pounds obviously was pretty bad at math in school. And the guy is obviously charging too much for a beaten instrument like that. He knows he bought it for less, we know it.
Heck, Mark recently sold his own guitar at auction, the guitar that he actually owned and it sold for less than this, please don't tell me that this is OK. I'm perfectly okay with people and their money, but when something's messed up, it's messed up.
Actually neither you or I have any idea how much he paid for this guitar.
And that’s quite right, because it’s none of our business.
Hey Dusty, with all due respect, I think you're overexaggerating a bit. This was a public auction, not some kind of a private deal, and the last time I checked the last bid for this guitar was around 2K dollars, and I don't think it was sold for much more. The same thing, this MK Strat is on public display on eBay, and I think people have the right to comment on the price. I know that there are a lot of people who can spend gazillion dollars on guitars and buy an MK Strat even for $5,000, but for the wast majority, this price is overkill. And you said it yourself, it won't be sold for this price anyway. And I think any MK Strat listing will generate controversy because everybody thinks it's a Holy Grail now apparently. Personally, I think the prices will go down as people will get that it's in fact not the Holy Grail.
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:clap
It doesn't change the fact that whoever will purchase this guitar for 3500 pounds obviously was pretty bad at math in school. And the guy is obviously charging too much for a beaten instrument like that. He knows he bought it for less, we know it.
Heck, Mark recently sold his own guitar at auction, the guitar that he actually owned and it sold for less than this, please don't tell me that this is OK. I'm perfectly okay with people and their money, but when something's messed up, it's messed up.
Actually neither you or I have any idea how much he paid for this guitar.
And that’s quite right, because it’s none of our business.
Hey Dusty, with all due respect, I think you're overexaggerating a bit. This was a public auction, not some kind of a private deal, and the last time I checked the last bid for this guitar was around 2K dollars, and I don't think it was sold for much more. The same thing, this MK Strat is on public display on eBay, and I think people have the right to comment on the price. I know that there are a lot of people who can spend gazillion dollars on guitars and buy an MK Strat even for $5,000, but for the wast majority, this price is overkill. And you said it yourself, it won't be sold for this price anyway. And I think any MK Strat listing will generate controversy because everybody thinks it's a Holy Grail now apparently. Personally, I think the prices will go down as people will get that it's in fact not the Holy Grail.
I don’t understand why you are offended then.
And I disagree that prices will go down. Prices of just about every signature model go up.
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@Dustyvalentino I would not agree. Only very few types Strats appreciate in value such as selected limited Masterbuilt Signature Strats (SRV), Strats built by certain Master Builders (J. English, sometimes J. Cruz or maybe C. Fleming in Japan), vintage Strats. The appreciation of the MK Strat is an absolute mystery to me. No other factory built sig Strat appreciated. Perhaps the OLY white version of the Mayer kept value. The Brazilian RW SRVs built in 1992 increased, but these guitars were REALLY rare.
It is impossible for Strats to keep value because the Fender factory shells them out in spades. In fact, they have never been more affordable in such a quality (take a 2nd hand Custom Shop Strat for a hair above 2k Euro shortly before Corona happened). Corona increased demand a bit because of more people staying at home but this will normalize when the pandemic is over.
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@Dustyvalentino I would not agree. Only very few types Strats appreciate in value such as selected limited Masterbuilt Signature Strats (SRV), Strats built by certain Master Builders (J. English, sometimes J. Cruz or maybe C. Fleming in Japan), vintage Strats. The appreciation of the MK Strat is an absolute mystery to me. No other factory built sig Strat appreciated. Perhaps the OLY white version of the Mayer kept value. The Brazilian RW SRVs built in 1992 increased, but these guitars were REALLY rare.
It is impossible for Strats to keep value because the Fender factory shells them out in spades. In fact, they have never been more affordable in such a quality (take a 2nd hand Custom Shop Strat for a hair above 2k Euro shortly before Corona happened). Corona increased demand a bit because of more people staying at home but this will normalize when the pandemic is over.
This guy did research which disagrees with you:
https://reverb.com/uk/news/signature-guitar-models-currently-climbing-in-price
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Look at the price of this one:
https://reverb.com/uk/item/39997365-fender-mark-knopfler-stratocaster-unplayed-early-serial-darker-red-ultimate-collectable?show_sold=true
Sold item!
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Look at the price of this one:
https://reverb.com/uk/item/39997365-fender-mark-knopfler-stratocaster-unplayed-early-serial-darker-red-ultimate-collectable?show_sold=true
Sold item!
— Oh, man, I just bought a Strat for 4K pounds, it's so amazing!
— What's so special about this Strat? Is it Custom Shop or Vintage or something like that?
— Well... It's a regular production guitar, it just has a sticker with Mark Knopfler signature on the headstock and some case candy.
— ???
— And yes, I paid 4 grand for that!
— Good on you son...
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Supply, demand, free market. It's very simple.
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Supply, demand, free market. It's very simple.
Correct. Funny that there is so much discussion about the prices of the strats when the Les Pauls sell for over £10k!
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Supply, demand, free market. It's very simple.
Correct. Funny that there is so much discussion about the prices of the strats when the Les Pauls sell for over £10k!
I think the problem is that we're all right in some ways, so there is no end to this discussion. Since you brought in Les Paul, I wonder if not for the Brothers In Arms cover, would National guitars be so damn expensive? Somebody please tell me why a guitar made from metal costs like an airplane or the most carefully crafted custom wooden guitar? Ah, supply, demand, free market. It's very simple.
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I think most people who have resonators are blues people rather than DS fans but I’m sue a couple have bought one because of the cover.
I have a Michael Messer Lightning, much cheaper than a real National but still very nice.
https://michaelmesser.co.uk/michael-messer-lightning
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
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Supply, demand, free market. It's very simple.
Correct. Funny that there is so much discussion about the prices of the strats when the Les Pauls sell for over £10k!
I think the problem is that we're all right in some ways, so there is no end to this discussion. Since you brought in Les Paul, I wonder if not for the Brothers In Arms cover, would National guitars be so damn expensive? Somebody please tell me why a guitar made from metal costs like an airplane or the most carefully crafted custom wooden guitar? Ah, supply, demand, free market. It's very simple.
I think you need a course in economics, Pavel. It IS all about supply and demand. The price of current Nationals (for example) is high because they are handcrafted in the US, then there is the value of the brand, dealer markup, etc., but in the end it's people's willingness to pay that determines the price.
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Supply, demand, free market. It's very simple.
Correct. Funny that there is so much discussion about the prices of the strats when the Les Pauls sell for over £10k!
I think the problem is that we're all right in some ways, so there is no end to this discussion. Since you brought in Les Paul, I wonder if not for the Brothers In Arms cover, would National guitars be so damn expensive? Somebody please tell me why a guitar made from metal costs like an airplane or the most carefully crafted custom wooden guitar? Ah, supply, demand, free market. It's very simple.
I think you need a course in economics, Pavel. It IS all about supply and demand. The price of current Nationals (for example) is high because they are handcrafted in the US, then there is the value of the brand, dealer markup, etc., but in the end it's people's willingness to pay that determines the price.
You're absolutely right, but we are discussing different matters, don't you think? I say that paying 3-4 grand for your average Strat is stupid, a number of posts here proved that it's better to buy a custom-built guitar for that money or whatever, and you say it's supply and demand. We're talking about different things! What it comes down to, is that if you are a die-hard fan, you will buy a signature Strat, a Les Paul, or a National for virtually any money, it doesn't really matter. Mark can auction his underpants with a starting bid of $1,000 and somebody will definitely buy it right away. I'm just not on that level to justify Mark's printed signature and the fact that this popular instrument is no longer in production with more than 100% price premium over the original price and that's all.
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Look at the price of this one:
https://reverb.com/uk/item/39997365-fender-mark-knopfler-stratocaster-unplayed-early-serial-darker-red-ultimate-collectable?show_sold=true
Sold item!
— Oh, man, I just bought a Strat for 4K pounds, it's so amazing!
— What's so special about this Strat? Is it Custom Shop or Vintage or something like that?
— Well... It's a regular production guitar, it just has a sticker with Mark Knopfler signature on the headstock and some case candy.
— ???
— And yes, I paid 4 grand for that!
— Good on you son...
I see what you did there :D
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a number of posts here proved that it's better to buy a custom-built guitar for that money or whatever, and you say it's supply and demand.
Nobody has proved anything, this is just a bunch of fools giving their opinions on the internet. :)
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@Dustyvalentino the Reverb article you provided shows some ultra niche Fender Signature models, not all Fender Signature models. I would just like to clearly point out to readers of this forum that in 99,9% of the cases a new Fender guitar is NOT an investment.
Even if you look at this chart: https://reverb-res.cloudinary.com/image/upload/v1558631391/editorial_graph-05_1000px_b7d6pz.png you see that the value growth of all other Sigs than the Knopfler is minuscule. What happened to the Knopfler is absolutely unexplainable to me.
It is absolutely clear that at the price levels of the Knopfler you can go to the Custom Shop and get a clone of the guitar with much better features. It is not worth it any more.
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@Dustyvalentino the Reverb article you provided shows some ultra niche Fender Signature models, not all Fender Signature models. I would just like to clearly point out to readers of this forum that in 99,9% of the cases a new Fender guitar is NOT an investment.
Even if you look at this chart: https://reverb-res.cloudinary.com/image/upload/v1558631391/editorial_graph-05_1000px_b7d6pz.png you see that the value growth of all other Sigs than the Knopfler is minuscule. What happened to the Knopfler is absolutely unexplainable to me.
It is absolutely clear that at the price levels of the Knopfler you can go to the Custom Shop and get a clone of the guitar with much better features. It is not worth it any more.
I’m not a financial advisor but in any case I would never recommend anyone buying a guitar as a in investment.
What a Knopfler Strat is worth is a matter of opinion. Some people would clearly rather have Knopfler Strat than a “better” custom shop instrument.
And the growth of the others may be minuscule, but it is growth, whereas most used guitars take a major drop in value.
Think I’m joking about Signature guitars increasing in value? Go try to buy a Squire Hello Kitty and come back to me. :)
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haha yes!
Anyway, I am tempted to sell my Knopfler at the current market prices and get myself a Masterbuilt Strat. I am not that tied to the signature on the headstock
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You definitely should in that case.
MK signed my one and I've played it on countless gigs over the last 18 years, there's no way I would ever sell mine, it has too much sentimental value.
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I have differing opinions regarding the MK Strat & the MK Les Paul.
The Strat is "the same guitar that Mark plays" but the Les Paul is "a copy of the guitar that Mark plays", even though he has a few and has used them live. It'll be interesting to see how much use the Les Pauls get on the next few albums when he has the real '58 & '59 to choose from. The Cynic in me says that he has a deal with Gibson and will have to be seen using the copies to help the marketing of the guitar - particularly at that price. I bought the Strat, but had no real interest in getting the Les Paul, partly because I know I'm not a good enough player to justify that price, but mostly because in my head it's a different thing being a "copy" . After using a Les Paul Studio for over 15 years I finally got myself a Les Paul Standard for £2,200 in January. My only regret is that I had to get a 60's model rather than a '50s model to get the colour I wanted. The tuners are not the vintage klusons and the tone & volume knobs are different, but I prefer the slimmer neck and it still looks like an old guitar.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/dtvaviationimages/50849527307/in/album-72157627669196085/ (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dtvaviationimages/50849527307/in/album-72157627669196085/)
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Beautiful Lester there 3strats.
The MK ones all sold out immediately and are like gold dust no so there’s no way MK has to market them. He will only play guitars he wants to play. And he’s been playing reissues for 20 years anyway.
I have to be honest and say I couldn’t tell the difference between the reissues and the 58 live, and I was looking out for it.
Also, MK’s 58 is a real mongrel that had Guild pickups in it at one point, so it probably doesn’t have the original pickups in it now.
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These new LP Standards look absolutely amazing. I've been eyeing them myself for a while now but may end up getting the Tribute model, a Gibson's entry level LP with no gloss and shine but still a good working machine for half the price. I am also tempted to swap pick ups for MK58's from Ingo's website at some point.
Dusty, that Lightning resonator looks really cool. Is it easily playable? Some of these vintage-style guitars are a real pain to play. Judging from clips on YT it sounds very authentic.
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Hi Kooba
Great to hear from you! You don’t post that much these days, which is a shame :)
The Michael Messer Lightning does indeed play well. He has a luthier set them up before they ship.
It’s kind of set up half way so you can play finger style or slide.
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Thanks Dusty, I'm more of a lurker these days but still present everyday :)
I will definitely look into getting one of these MM resonators. There is a store in Toronto that carries them so there is a chance for having them shipped to my neck of the woods.
National released a new "Raw Series" of cheaper, less glossy resonators last year which looked promising but the final price is still in the range of $3200-3500 so out of my range.
https://www.nationalguitars.com/product-page/nrp-raw
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Beautiful Lester there 3strats.
The MK ones all sold out immediately and are like gold dust no so there’s no way MK has to market them. He will only play guitars he wants to play. And he’s been playing reissues for 20 years anyway.
I have to be honest and say I couldn’t tell the difference between the reissues and the 58 live, and I was looking out for it.
Also, MK’s 58 is a real mongrel that had Guild pickups in it at one point, so it probably doesn’t have the original pickups in it now.
Thanks Dusty.
As far as I could tell he was using at least two of the MK Les Pauls on the last tour. The one he used for Why Aye Man appeared to have the Peter Green Mod
(reversed pickup). I asked Guy about this, and he said he'd check, but I didn't see a further reply about it.
Considering their age, I would think that a lot of the vintage Les Pauls have been "messed about with" and returned to their original specifications over the years. There is a market for the original pickups, A quick google came up with a set of '59 PAFs for £3600.00.
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What made you think that?
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
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about the Peter Green Mod? - I noticed & confirmed from photos that one of the pickups had the pole pieces in the wrong position ( i.e. turned through 180 degrees & put in upside down) - That in itself wouldn't make the guitar sound out of phase in the middle position, which is why I asked Guy if it had the modification.
It would certainly add to the "honk" in the tone on that song.
I also thought he used one of the MK models on Going Home but I can't be sure.
From my own photos, my opinion is that if he has a capo on a Les Paul it is most likely a reissue rather than the '58 or '59 but I can't be absolutely sure of that either.
In general, from reading posts on the Les Paul forum people are often asking questions about the originality of a guitar, and pickups do sometimes break & need replacing, or get damaged when someone decides to take the covers off - My Brother even had a modern '60's reissue in which one of the burstbuckers had a broken wire in a coil- so much for quality control.
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You are definitely correct about the capo.
His 58 has more than just a clipped wire, it had chunks chopped out of it!
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I don't know the history of either of Mark's "bursts" but the Humbucker was only introduced in 1957. Before that the Les Paul's were fitted with (smaller) P90 pickups and production of both continued for a while. It's quite possible Mark's '58 was built as a P90 model and was later "converted" to humbuckers by routing larger cavities for the pickups. Many of the Les Pauls produced in that era were goldtops, but were (professionally) stripped & refinished as sunbursts if there was a suspicion that there may have been flamed maple underneath the paint. Anything is possible when it comes to 1950's Les Pauls.
edit: I've just been looking at my photos from the last tour again. I do think he uses an MK model on Going Home. the guitar seems to have a bit more flame than the '58 and the headstock doesn't look as bashed about. Another "tell" is the guitar straps- I think the straps are fitted before the show and stay on the individual guitars so you can tell from that when he has changed between 2 similar guitars.
Going Home:
https://dtvaviationimages.co.uk/mark-knopfler-tour-photos/down-the-road-wherever-tour-2019/mk_0197lq/ (https://dtvaviationimages.co.uk/mark-knopfler-tour-photos/down-the-road-wherever-tour-2019/mk_0197lq/)
The '58 ( Silvertown Blues)
https://dtvaviationimages.co.uk/mark-knopfler-tour-photos/down-the-road-wherever-tour-2019/mk_0159lq/ (https://dtvaviationimages.co.uk/mark-knopfler-tour-photos/down-the-road-wherever-tour-2019/mk_0159lq/)
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The shift to humbuckers was 1957, his LP definitely had them originally, but it was subsequently hacked up.
I’ll try to find the info.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
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https://www.lespaulforum.com/index.php?threads/burst-pic-of-the-week-the-old-switcheroo.95644/
This is his guitar.
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Oh. Dear. Me. :smack
I hadn't seen any of that before. Thanks for the link.
Presumably someone wanted a coil tap or an out of phase option ! :disbelief
I've just been looking through my photos for one where his hand wasn't casting a shadow on that part of the guitar.
and I've got a few going back to 2005. They've done a good repair, but it's not invisible.
from the previous tour:
https://dtvaviationimages.co.uk/mark-knopfler-tour-photos/mark-knopfler-20515-tracker-tour/mk_0017lq/ (https://dtvaviationimages.co.uk/mark-knopfler-tour-photos/mark-knopfler-20515-tracker-tour/mk_0017lq/)
From the Shangri-La tour:
https://dtvaviationimages.co.uk/mark-knopfler-tour-photos/shangri-la-22505/mk_0111lq-2/ (https://dtvaviationimages.co.uk/mark-knopfler-tour-photos/shangri-la-22505/mk_0111lq-2/)
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I immediately noticed Mark was using a Peter Green mod on his LP. I like the look of pole pieces (screws) and I like the sound this mod produces.
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I read somewhere that MK used the out of phase position of his 1980s LP Standard on "Fade To Black"
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If around 2400 MK strats were made why do we have serial numbers in excess of 12000 out there?
Was the SE neck plate used for other models and only 2400 randomly fitted to the MK model?
Just wondering
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Where did the 2400 figure come from?
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First post on here, just before the owners list
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If around 2400 MK strats were made why do we have serial numbers in excess of 12000 out there?
Was the SE neck plate used for other models and only 2400 randomly fitted to the MK model?
Just wondering
Fender told me 2,400 were made in total but the numbers therefore are certainly not sequential....
They must clearly have been built in batches of a few at a time....that's obvious on the register..
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They certainly seem to be made in batches looking at the register!
I genuinely thought they started at SE00000 and ascended logically during the 10 years of production.
This cant be the case or there would be well over twelve thousand out there!
To the best of my knowledge the S prefix was only used for signature models, SN2 is a1992 Clapton strat, by that logic would some SE numbers have been previously used on 1980s signature models? Only Clapton and Malmsteen at that time I think?
Maybe I am overthinking this!
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They certainly seem to be made in batches looking at the register!
I genuinely thought they started at SE00000 and ascended logically during the 10 years of production.
This cant be the case or there would be well over twelve thousand out there!
To the best of my knowledge the S prefix was only used for signature models, SN2 is a1992 Clapton strat, by that logic would some SE numbers have been previously used on 1980s signature models? Only Clapton and Malmsteen at that time I think?
Maybe I am overthinking this!
I reckon you are spot on there. There is no evidence to say that they ascended logically at all in fact Fender have literally put 'SE' numbers to the MK guitars 'Willy Nilly' and think the SE prefix could well have been used on earlier guitars......
Look at some of the beasts in the owners list and some higher numbered Strats were built before some lower numbered Strats!!!
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They certainly seem to be made in batches looking at the register!
I genuinely thought they started at SE00000 and ascended logically during the 10 years of production.
This cant be the case or there would be well over twelve thousand out there!
To the best of my knowledge the S prefix was only used for signature models, SN2 is a1992 Clapton strat, by that logic would some SE numbers have been previously used on 1980s signature models? Only Clapton and Malmsteen at that time I think?
Maybe I am overthinking this!
I reckon you are spot on there. There is no evidence to say that they ascended logically at all in fact Fender have literally put 'SE' numbers to the MK guitars 'Willy Nilly' and think the SE prefix could well have been used on earlier guitars......
Look at some of the beasts in the owners list and some higher numbered Strats were built before some lower numbered Strats!!!
This only can get me thinking that there are for sure could be unauthorized copies since you can just guess the serial number.
By the way, you can remove me (Foma - Russia) from the list, I no longer have an MK signature neck, I sold it a long time ago.
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Think I am trying to see a pattern where there isnt one!
Just seems strange that apart from the fact that the numbers do ascend over time the numbers are so random.
Maybe Fender had thousands of plates made and stamped then MK pulled out of the deal and they threw most of them in the bin in a fit of rage! ;D ;D ;D
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I'm not expert on these stringed things but my passion for photography may be of benefit here. My Leica M lenses have serial numbers to show year of manufacture. These numbers are released in blocks of round numbers. As they are handmade to order (like the Strat) sometimes customers will be put on a waiting list if they run out of numbers, sometimes not all the allocated numbers are used up. Therefore there is no way of knowing the exact date unless you have the QC certificate.
I have a 90mm lens who's serial number dates it to 1973, but that particular model wasn't introduced until 1974! I think companies release serial numbers in blocks every year and so they aren't in order and can be up to a year out. The person in the factory will just look for a number that hasn't been used up.
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I'm not expert on these stringed things but my passion for photography may be of benefit here. My Leica M lenses have serial numbers to show year of manufacture. These numbers are released in blocks of round numbers. As they are handmade to order (like the Strat) sometimes customers will be put on a waiting list if they run out of numbers, sometimes not all the allocated numbers are used up. Therefore there is no way of knowing the exact date unless you have the QC certificate.
I have a 90mm lens who's serial number dates it to 1973, but that particular model wasn't introduced until 1974! I think companies release serial numbers in blocks every year and so they aren't in order and can be up to a year out. The person in the factory will just look for a number that hasn't been used up.
It feels extremely awkward that Fender doesn't have a proper serial number system, probably because this is a utilitarian tool and any part of it could be easily replaced as opposed to glued-in Les Paul necks and things like that. And because Fender guitars necks are often made before bodies and vice versa. To me personally numbering a Strat is useless anyway, since you can put a number plate with a serial number on any guitar and hence make it "genuine". I mean the neck and the body are not "together" by design. They should've numbered every part then, but that would make it more expensive for sure. So what exactly this serial number represent anyway? The serial number of a neck plate? Or a sticker? Who knows, who cares.
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The MK Strat numbering system is odd though for Fender. Usually you can tell the country and year of manufacture from the serial number alone, and it is on the headstock so can’t easily be swapped out.
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I often wondered why they used a transfer (decal) serial number on the neck, as necks (fretboards) wear out and are more likely to be changed. My Luthier once said he could send to Fender for new decals if he was replacing damaged ones on a genuine Fender guitar (or making a new neck for a genuine Fender). The problem is that a Fender can be built from parts by anyone with moderate skills and as long as there was a serial number on it (neck or metal plate) you would have to check with Fender or be a real expert in the model range to establish that it was a "partscaster". The only answer would be to emboss a serial number in the control cavity that matched the decal on the neck.
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I do like the serial number on the neck plate, its just traditional I suppose. One of the features of the MK Strat that I like.
Maybe unfairly I see the move to serial numbers as a decal as part of the decline in the quality of the instrument in the mid 70s.
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Same Strat but re-advertised - I guess because it's pretty expensive!!!!
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/133732616549?hash=item1f2315c965:g:tdUAAOSwF1lgfEcq
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Anyone else's MK strat having an evening in the sun?
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^^Lovely grain on that fretboard!
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That’s a most unfortunate ding, does emphasise what a crime it is to cover this beautiful swamp ash in a solid colour!
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If anyone is looking for an an affordable alternative to the MK strat check these out:
https://www.andertons.co.uk/guitar-dept/electric-guitars/stratocaster/squier-limited-edition-classic-vibe-60s-stratocaster-laurel-fingerboard-in-fiesta-red
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If anyone is looking for an an affordable alternative to the MK strat check these out:
https://www.andertons.co.uk/guitar-dept/electric-guitars/stratocaster/squier-limited-edition-classic-vibe-60s-stratocaster-laurel-fingerboard-in-fiesta-red (https://www.andertons.co.uk/guitar-dept/electric-guitars/stratocaster/squier-limited-edition-classic-vibe-60s-stratocaster-laurel-fingerboard-in-fiesta-red)
Very nice, I must say. With a good setup (and possibly better pickups - I say possibly), you really are 95% there, guitarwise.
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If anyone is looking for an an affordable alternative to the MK strat check these out:
https://www.andertons.co.uk/guitar-dept/electric-guitars/stratocaster/squier-limited-edition-classic-vibe-60s-stratocaster-laurel-fingerboard-in-fiesta-red (https://www.andertons.co.uk/guitar-dept/electric-guitars/stratocaster/squier-limited-edition-classic-vibe-60s-stratocaster-laurel-fingerboard-in-fiesta-red)
You might not even need pickups, the CV pickups are pretty highly regarded, and of course a lot of people don't like the Texas Specials!
Very nice, I must say. With a good setup (and possibly better pickups - I say possibly), you really are 95% there, guitarwise.
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If anyone is looking for an an affordable alternative to the MK strat check these out:
https://www.andertons.co.uk/guitar-dept/electric-guitars/stratocaster/squier-limited-edition-classic-vibe-60s-stratocaster-laurel-fingerboard-in-fiesta-red (https://www.andertons.co.uk/guitar-dept/electric-guitars/stratocaster/squier-limited-edition-classic-vibe-60s-stratocaster-laurel-fingerboard-in-fiesta-red)
You might not even need pickups, the CV pickups are pretty highly regarded, and of course a lot of people don't like the Texas Specials!
Very nice, I must say. With a good setup (and possibly better pickups - I say possibly), you really are 95% there, guitarwise.
As an owner of the cheapest Squier on sale (not even Classic Vibe!), I can agree that their stuff is insanely good for this money. I just bought an amp, Yamaha THR10II and the guitar sounds like a dream, you would never believe that's a 100$ guitar and a 400$ amp. Squier is my favourite company for its insane value/price score.
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If anyone is looking for an an affordable alternative to the MK strat check these out:
https://www.andertons.co.uk/guitar-dept/electric-guitars/stratocaster/squier-limited-edition-classic-vibe-60s-stratocaster-laurel-fingerboard-in-fiesta-red (https://www.andertons.co.uk/guitar-dept/electric-guitars/stratocaster/squier-limited-edition-classic-vibe-60s-stratocaster-laurel-fingerboard-in-fiesta-red)
Yes, I've had lots of Squier stuff over the years, never been disappointed.
Currently got this on order:
https://www.andertons.co.uk/squier-fsr-classic-vibe-60s-jaguar-shell-pink-matching-headstock
You might not even need pickups, the CV pickups are pretty highly regarded, and of course a lot of people don't like the Texas Specials!
Very nice, I must say. With a good setup (and possibly better pickups - I say possibly), you really are 95% there, guitarwise.
As an owner of the cheapest Squier on sale (not even Classic Vibe!), I can agree that their stuff is insanely good for this money. I just bought an amp, Yamaha THR10II and the guitar sounds like a dream, you would never believe that's a 100$ guitar and a 400$ amp. Squier is my favourite company for its insane value/price score.
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Just saw this article and the picture of Mark with his Strat:
https://www.guitarworld.com/news/mark-knopfler-donates-fender-strat
I think I see a decked tremolo here (trem plate resting to the body). As mentioned a while ago, this is the best tonal booster you could use in a Strat :)
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Just saw this article and the picture of Mark with his Strat:
https://www.guitarworld.com/news/mark-knopfler-donates-fender-strat
I think I see a decked tremolo here (trem plate resting to the body). As mentioned a while ago, this is the best tonal booster you could use in a Strat :)
Of course, I think it's a very good idea, if you're not going to use the tremolo on a guitar, just block it. I think he even did that on his Pensas? I remember seeing Floyd Rose but he never used it at all :lol
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Yes, was blocked. One of the old guitar magazines had Ron Eve saying he still liked having the Floyd for the tuning adjustments.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
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You can actually still use the trem, but only for dives, not for ups. It is pretty stiff then, so not as comfortable, but the Strat sounds significantly better. Decked trems are being used by John Mayer or Stevie Ray Vaughan. By contrast, Clapton BLOCKS his trem with a piece of wood behind the trem block. That gives you a different sound again. If you ever played a Clapton Strat you will notice that it has a very different acoustic sound to a non-blocked Strat. Decked Strats sounds similar in character but better (more depth, volume) than floating trem Strats.
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https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/265199182612?hash=item3dbf1a6314:g:mL4AAOSwfcZgTzes
A mint one for sale. Pricy, but at least that's a 100% original guitar and never played so it makes some sense. A collector's piece.
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Played twice! ;D
LE
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https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/265199182612?hash=item3dbf1a6314:g:mL4AAOSwfcZgTzes
A mint one for sale. Pricy, but at least that's a 100% original guitar and never played so it makes some sense. A collector's piece.
There is the "make offer button" so real price wanted is unknown.
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Thats a lot of money even if it was one of the early built models and to be honest that's quite outrageous even for a later built model like this one...shame he/she deliberately covers up the serial Number...
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Early models came with a brown case.
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Early models came with a brown case.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Indeed - making this a model from the last of the batches...
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The same seller also sells an ultra-rare Martin 000-40S Mark Knopfler:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/265199182419?_trkparms=aid%3D111001%26algo%3DREC.SEED%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20160908105057%26meid%3Df928b91a33af417c92863b41cd3a369c%26pid%3D100675%26rk%3D2%26rkt%3D15%26sd%3D265199182612%26itm%3D265199182419%26pmt%3D0%26noa%3D1%26pg%3D2380057%26brand%3DMartin&_trksid=p2380057.c100675.m4236&_trkparms=pageci%3Af1ee67c4-d474-11eb-831c-0621da914732%7Cparentrq%3A3b0e4b8817a0acf3c619e786fff4b198%7Ciid%3A1
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The same seller also sells an ultra-rare Martin 000-40S Mark Knopfler:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/265199182419?_trkparms=aid%3D111001%26algo%3DREC.SEED%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20160908105057%26meid%3Df928b91a33af417c92863b41cd3a369c%26pid%3D100675%26rk%3D2%26rkt%3D15%26sd%3D265199182612%26itm%3D265199182419%26pmt%3D0%26noa%3D1%26pg%3D2380057%26brand%3DMartin&_trksid=p2380057.c100675.m4236&_trkparms=pageci%3Af1ee67c4-d474-11eb-831c-0621da914732%7Cparentrq%3A3b0e4b8817a0acf3c619e786fff4b198%7Ciid%3A1
Now that is indeed a rare beast.
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The same seller also sells an ultra-rare Martin 000-40S Mark Knopfler:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/265199182419?_trkparms=aid%3D111001%26algo%3DREC.SEED%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20160908105057%26meid%3Df928b91a33af417c92863b41cd3a369c%26pid%3D100675%26rk%3D2%26rkt%3D15%26sd%3D265199182612%26itm%3D265199182419%26pmt%3D0%26noa%3D1%26pg%3D2380057%26brand%3DMartin&_trksid=p2380057.c100675.m4236&_trkparms=pageci%3Af1ee67c4-d474-11eb-831c-0621da914732%7Cparentrq%3A3b0e4b8817a0acf3c619e786fff4b198%7Ciid%3A1
Now that is indeed a rare beast.
Wow! Of course there were only 155 of those built too.....
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Now reduced in price...
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Fender-Mark-Knopfler-Stratocaster-/133832890234?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l49286&mkrid=710-127635-2958-0
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Good luck selling this one at that price!!
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/fender-stratocaster-Mark-Knopfler-Signature-RARE-/265199182612?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l49286&mkrid=710-127635-2958-0
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I guess the seller is banking on some rich collectors / fans out there for whom money is no object, so why not, I guess. For that money though you can get a Fender Custom Shop Strat with the same features, just better built.
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I guess the seller is banking on some rich collectors / fans out there for whom money is no object, so why not, I guess. For that money though you can get a Fender Custom Shop Strat with the same features, just better built.
You can it's true but it won't be a Knopfler....
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I guess the seller is banking on some rich collectors / fans out there for whom money is no object, so why not, I guess. For that money though you can get a Fender Custom Shop Strat with the same features, just better built.
You can it's true but it won't be a Knopfler....
Well, if the specs are identical, built by the same company, it is. It just doesn't have the signature. (But built by a Custom Shop team, it will be nicer than a Knopfler signature Strat.) These silly prices are only about limited supply and high demand.
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I guess the seller is banking on some rich collectors / fans out there for whom money is no object, so why not, I guess. For that money though you can get a Fender Custom Shop Strat with the same features, just better built.
You can it's true but it won't be a Knopfler....
Well, if the specs are identical, built by the same company, it is. It just doesn't have the signature. (But built by a Custom Shop team, it will be nicer than a Knopfler signature Strat.) These silly prices are only about limited supply and high demand.
Pays your money takes your choice my friend. I know what I'd rather have....
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I guess the seller is banking on some rich collectors / fans out there for whom money is no object, so why not, I guess. For that money though you can get a Fender Custom Shop Strat with the same features, just better built.
You can it's true but it won't be a Knopfler....
Well, if the specs are identical, built by the same company, it is. It just doesn't have the signature. (But built by a Custom Shop team, it will be nicer than a Knopfler signature Strat.) These silly prices are only about limited supply and high demand.
Pays your money takes your choice my friend. I know what I'd rather have....
So do I ;) :thumbsup
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Heads up Danish people!
Looks as if a real fine example is up for grabs.
16500 DKK equals to circa GBP 1890 or EUR 2220.
https://www.dba.dk/elguitar-fender-mark-knopfler/id-1082234221/ (https://www.dba.dk/elguitar-fender-mark-knopfler/id-1082234221/)
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Heads up Danish people!
Looks as if a real fine example is up for grabs.
16500 DKK equals to circa GBP 1890 or EUR 2220.
https://www.dba.dk/elguitar-fender-mark-knopfler/id-1082234221/ (https://www.dba.dk/elguitar-fender-mark-knopfler/id-1082234221/)
Wow, good find!! Looks like SE08350?? Which would make it a late 2010/11 edition.... Reasonable price too
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Heads up Danish people!
Looks as if a real fine example is up for grabs.
16500 DKK equals to circa GBP 1890 or EUR 2220.
https://www.dba.dk/elguitar-fender-mark-knopfler/id-1082234221/ (https://www.dba.dk/elguitar-fender-mark-knopfler/id-1082234221/)
Wow, good find!! Looks like SE08350?? Which would make it a late 2004 edition.... Reasonable price too
Indeed!
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How do you get the date from that serial?
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How do you get the date from that serial?
Looking at the current list and deducing the date from SE08189 from October 2010. Of course Fender will prove the actual date...
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#17 yet, overpriced
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/133845478000?hash=item1f29cfea70:g:sGoAAOSwPx5hE8Vn
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#17 yet, overpriced
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/133845478000?hash=item1f29cfea70:g:sGoAAOSwPx5hE8Vn
Good find! I wish them well selling it at that price....There may well be someone willing to pay it?!
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Again, the price only makes sense for collectors and fans, and as with everything else in a free market economy, it all depends on supply and demand.
But the seller writes that Mark is supposed to have been involved in selecting the wood. I doubt it, but does anyone know?
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Again, the price only makes sense for collectors and fans, and as with everything else in a free market economy, it all depends on supply and demand.
But the seller writes that Mark is supposed to have been involved in selecting the wood. I doubt it, but does anyone know?
There was something with regards the wood but cannot remember what. Unfortunately he's tinkered with the electrics so it's not solely original...
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Ah that's it, ALL MK strats are made from Ash and not the conventional Alder....
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Ah that's it, ALL MK strats are made from Ash and not the conventional Alder....
Yes, MK's specifications were swamp ash body and maple neck with rosewood fretboard, which is not a common combination. But the seller kind of suggested that MK had been involved in selecting the woods. I'd think the good people at Fender would know a bit more about wood selection than him LOL
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Ah that's it, ALL MK strats are made from Ash and not the conventional Alder....
Yes, MK's specifications were swamp ash body and maple neck with rosewood fretboard, which is not a common combination. But the seller kind of suggested that MK had been involved in selecting the woods. I'd think the good people at Fender would know a bit more about wood selection than him LOL
I agree unless MK is a bit of a woodturner??
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Ah that's it, ALL MK strats are made from Ash and not the conventional Alder....
Yes, MK's specifications were swamp ash body and maple neck with rosewood fretboard, which is not a common combination. But the seller kind of suggested that MK had been involved in selecting the woods. I'd think the good people at Fender would know a bit more about wood selection than him LOL
I agree unless MK is a bit of a woodturner??
I don't quite have that impression ha-ha
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Ah that's it, ALL MK strats are made from Ash and not the conventional Alder....
Yes, MK's specifications were swamp ash body and maple neck with rosewood fretboard, which is not a common combination. But the seller kind of suggested that MK had been involved in selecting the woods. I'd think the good people at Fender would know a bit more about wood selection than him LOL
I agree unless MK is a bit of a woodturner??
I don't quite have that impression ha-ha
I suspect he was shown the available woods and also the specs of them, he obviously chose what he thought or indeed what Fender advised....
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Just for comparison to some of the 'Highly' priced MK Sig examples currently on 'fleabay' a nice condition SE05506 sold for £1,900.00p..
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/234104029801?hash=item3681b00269:g:6YgAAOSwPSpg~Y1b#vi__app-cvip-panel
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Good, so we know what the actual going rate is for one of these now, not just crazy asking prices.
That looks like a nice one.
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Good, so we know what the actual going rate is for one of these now, not just crazy asking prices.
That looks like a nice one.
Indeed, it looked a lovely guitar, approx 2008/09 edition with original case and most of the 'candy' still present. Good price I'd say...
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I think I did a dumb thing in the heat of the moment!
A current, very popular (mostly with kids half my age) band were filming a video at a place close to my work.
A guy I know who works at the studio came to see me asking to borrow a Fender tremelo arm as one had gone missing and they were desperate. I went home and got my MK Strat (the only Fender I own) and left it with their guitar tec to use the tremelo arm or whole guitar as needed.
Until I see the video I will not know if they used the instrument but somehow I doubt it.
For some strange reason I then asked if the guys would sign the guitar for me, they did. Very kind of them.
Now I dont know if these guys have even heard of Mark Knopfler and I have their signatures on my M.K. Strat.
To T cut or not to T cut, that is the question.
First world problems eh?
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Ha.
I'll be the first to ask. Who are they?!
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I dont wanna say!
Just out of courtesy to them, lets say they are not a guitar based or rock band really. Without a doubt fantastic musicians though, fairly rare in this day and age.
I really appreciate them taking the time to sign my guitar but I am now wishing I had taken in another guitar for them to sign.
I feel SO ungrateful!
What would you do?
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I dont wanna say!
Just out of courtesy to them, lets say they are not a guitar based or rock band really. Without a doubt fantastic musicians though, fairly rare in this day and age.
I really appreciate them taking the time to sign my guitar but I am now wishing I had taken in another guitar for them to sign.
I feel SO ungrateful!
What would you do?
Eh, I don't understand. So you asked them clearly you want them to sign the guitar, they signed it and now you don't want it? :think :lol
I'd replace the body or wherever the signature is and keep the original part just in case I need to sell the guitar and also to preserve it.
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(http://)
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OK, so at 55 years old I got a bit star struck OK? ::)
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(http://)
Woody, oh, so it’s the Bay City Rollers. ;)
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Bastille
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Bastille
Trust you to be up to date with what the cool kids are into. :)
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Bastille
Trust you to be up to date with what the cool kids are into. :)
Just a bit of detection work! ;D
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@firmstools - I would leave it as it is. The band may be really huge in the near future and add value to your Fender! :wave
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@firmstools - I would leave it as it is. The band may be really huge in the near future and add value to your Fender! :wave
Think that is the best plan, The best thing would be if they did a collaboration with MK :lol
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And that's, my friends, what happens when MK stops signing guitars for people. They start to find alternatives! :lol
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Firmstools, quite a user name ;D
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I think I did a dumb thing in the heat of the moment!
A current, very popular (mostly with kids half my age) band were filming a video at a place close to my work.
A guy I know who works at the studio came to see me asking to borrow a Fender tremelo arm as one had gone missing and they were desperate. I went home and got my MK Strat (the only Fender I own) and left it with their guitar tec to use the tremelo arm or whole guitar as needed.
Until I see the video I will not know if they used the instrument but somehow I doubt it.
For some strange reason I then asked if the guys would sign the guitar for me, they did. Very kind of them.
Now I dont know if these guys have even heard of Mark Knopfler and I have their signatures on my M.K. Strat.
To T cut or not to T cut, that is the question.
First world problems eh?
Very trusting of you to lend them your MK in the first place, but as for the signatures- oh dear. At least you have a signature from Woody from Toy Story!
:smack :smack
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@firmstools - I would leave it as it is. The band may be really huge in the near future and add value to your Fender! :wave
On the other hand though......oh dear, oh dear....
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And that's, my friends, what happens when MK stops signing guitars for people. They start to find alternatives! :lol
Hahaha!!
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So shall I add a note in the owners listing that SE08909 is now graffitied!!!
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:) :) :) :)
Git
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Firmstools, quite a user name ;D
:lol :lol :lol :lol :lol :lol :smack
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:) :) :) :)
Git
?? :hmm
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:) :) :) :)
Git
?? :hmm
. Just a silly response to your graffiti comment😁
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:) :) :) :)
Git
?? :hmm
. Just a silly response to your graffiti comment😁
And that was my silly response to your silly response!!! Are you keeping those pen marks on the guitar?
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:) :) :) :)
Git
?? :hmm
. Just a silly response to your graffiti comment😁
And that was my silly response to your silly response!!! Are you keeping those pen marks on the guitar?
Why, do they annoy you? 😱
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Haha, it's your MK not mine!! but I thought you were asking how you might remove them in the original message you put on the thread...
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To T cut or not to T cut, that is the question.
I would get rid.
Firstly, I think any signatures on the body of a guitar look stupid. I was quite annoyed that MK signed the front of the headstock of mine instead of the back but hey ho.
Secondly, unless you have pictures of them signing, the signatures are basically worthless. In fact, with current MK sig prices they probably devalue the guitar.
Sorry! You asked!
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To T cut or not to T cut, that is the question.
I would get rid.
Firstly, I think any signatures on the body of a guitar look stupid. I was quite annoyed that MK signed the front of the headstock of mine instead of the back but hey ho.
Secondly, unless you have pictures of them signing, the signatures are basically worthless. In fact, with current MK sig prices they probably devalue the guitar.
Sorry! You asked!
All well and good but who wants an MK sig strat with a lot of pen marks on it??!!
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I've never been a fan of getting the body of a guitar signed. If I had the chance for Mark to sign mine, I'd ask him to put it on the back of the headstock where it's less likely to be worn off and doesn't affect the look of the guitar.
In this case, since the signatures are there, I would seek professional advice from a luthier before I tried to use T-Cut on a nitro finish in case it ruins it completely.
My luthier has a '60's strat that he has sanded or cut a black respray off to expose the original Fiesta red lacquer, but I don't know what he used, and last time I saw it the finish was still more satin than gloss.
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I have just noted that SE05506 sold for £1,900.00p on the 1st August 2021 - good fair price for a good condition MK Strat with all Candy present too....
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Fender-Stratocaster-Mark-Knopfler-/234104029801?hash=item3681b00269%3Ag%3A6YgAAOSwPSpg%7EY1b&nma=true&si=B45Q1PnDu5GNPZCHHktPXmItll8%253D&orig_cvip=true&nordt=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557
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that's soo cool pictures
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that's soo cool pictures
Someone has taken good care of their MK...
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thanks for sharing it would be highly appreciated
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No problem....
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great
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SE06754 for sale in Japan with best offer: https://www.ebay.com/itm/144252016630?hash=item21961717f6 (https://www.ebay.com/itm/144252016630?hash=item21961717f6)
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SE06754 for sale in Japan with best offer: https://www.ebay.com/itm/144252016630?hash=item21961717f6 (https://www.ebay.com/itm/144252016630?hash=item21961717f6)
Which makes that a circa 2010 model....
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SE11701 for sale in Glastonbury, UK....Good price too..
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mark-Knopfler-Signature-Fender-Stratocaster-/265361737391?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l49286&mkrid=710-127635-2958-0
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You now can customize your Strat in this online builder, looks cool: https://www.fender.com/en-US/mod-shop/stratocaster/0181900706.html (https://www.fender.com/en-US/mod-shop/stratocaster/0181900706.html)
Also, great to see the difference between Fiesta Red, Hot Rod Red, and Dakota Red in the official Fender app. And the difference is... Insane.
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You now can customize your Strat in this online builder, looks cool: https://www.fender.com/en-US/mod-shop/stratocaster/0181900706.html (https://www.fender.com/en-US/mod-shop/stratocaster/0181900706.html)
Also, great to see the difference between Fiesta Red, Hot Rod Red, and Dakota Red in the official Fender app. And the difference is... Insane.
Now that's very cool!! Wow!!!!
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Seems like a decent price for a “custom “ Strat.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
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Seems like a decent price for a “custom “ Strat.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Good price and a nice idea from Fender....
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Like quizzaiously has stated the differences between the Reds is mind blowing - select Dakota Red and then Hot Rod Red to see the big differences!!
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Like quizzaiously has stated the differences between the Reds is mind blowing - select Dakota Red and then Hot Rod Red to see the big differences!!
And that only makes me love Fiesta Red even more. I'm obsessed with this colour... I truly believe Strats looks absolutely the best in Fiesta Red, the genius amount of red and this pale tone, not as bright and in-your-face as Hot Rod Red.
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Hot Rod:
(https://cdn-webgl-ssr-prod.fluidconfigure.com/snapshot?recipe=53732211&customer=1547&product=21048&workflow=prod&camera=Front&apiKey=Fender-S1pirtOfRnRs1nc31946)
Fiesta:
(https://cdn-webgl-ssr-prod.fluidconfigure.com/snapshot?recipe=11191820&customer=1547&product=21048&workflow=prod&camera=Front&apiKey=Fender-S1pirtOfRnRs1nc31946)
Dakota:
(https://cdn-webgl-ssr-prod.fluidconfigure.com/snapshot?recipe=72460105&customer=1547&product=21048&workflow=prod&camera=Front&apiKey=Fender-S1pirtOfRnRs1nc31946)
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It's very accurate, my Dakota MK strat looks just like that.
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Hot Rod:
(https://cdn-webgl-ssr-prod.fluidconfigure.com/snapshot?recipe=53732211&customer=1547&product=21048&workflow=prod&camera=Front&apiKey=Fender-S1pirtOfRnRs1nc31946)
Fiesta:
(https://cdn-webgl-ssr-prod.fluidconfigure.com/snapshot?recipe=11191820&customer=1547&product=21048&workflow=prod&camera=Front&apiKey=Fender-S1pirtOfRnRs1nc31946)
Dakota:
(https://cdn-webgl-ssr-prod.fluidconfigure.com/snapshot?recipe=72460105&customer=1547&product=21048&workflow=prod&camera=Front&apiKey=Fender-S1pirtOfRnRs1nc31946)
Well done, its good to see the comparisons together....
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My two are most certainly Hot Rod Red....
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Like quizzaiously has stated the differences between the Reds is mind blowing - select Dakota Red and then Hot Rod Red to see the big differences!!
And that only makes me love Fiesta Red even more. I'm obsessed with this colour... I truly believe Strats looks absolutely the best in Fiesta Red, the genius amount of red and this pale tone, not as bright and in-your-face as Hot Rod Red.
I had a brand new Fender 'Classic 50s' Stratocaster in Fiesta Red and it was nice, but I still prefer Hot Rod Red personally......
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All shades of Classic Fender red are awesome
Please don't forget Cimarron Red (in between Fiesta and Dakota) as well as Candle Apple Red (metallic colour). There is also Torino Red which is relatively close to Hot Rod, but less pinkish. A prominent user of a Torino Red Strat is Pete Townshend. Torino is 80s lipstick red, so a very juicy, full shade of red, less dark then Dakota Red, no orange-greenish-salmon hue like Fiesta Red.
Then, there is the Mark Knopfler color on the 1961 Strat which I tried to name a while ago as Rosso Corsa (vintage Ferrari Red). I would love Fender to come up with a Masterbuilt version of the 1961 Strat with that color. Mark's 1961 is super odd in terms of looks because it the lacquer is new and shiny and the rest is vera old (yellowed plastics, yellowed lacquer)
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What red would we call the Schecter he used in the 80s?
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All shades of Classic Fender red are awesome
Please don't forget Cimarron Red (in between Fiesta and Dakota) as well as Candle Apple Red (metallic colour). There is also Torino Red which is relatively close to Hot Rod, but less pinkish. A prominent user of a Torino Red Strat is Pete Townshend. Torino is 80s lipstick red, so a very juicy, full shade of red, less dark then Dakota Red, no orange-greenish-salmon hue like Fiesta Red.
Then, there is the Mark Knopfler color on the 1961 Strat which I tried to name a while ago as Rosso Corsa (vintage Ferrari Red). I would love Fender to come up with a Masterbuilt version of the 1961 Strat with that color. Mark's 1961 is super odd in terms of looks because it the lacquer is new and shiny and the rest is vera old (yellowed plastics, yellowed lacquer)
I think that Strat is the one MK bought in wood finish and was painted by Steve Phillips in red.
David Knopfler also bought a Fender in wood finish that also Steve Phillips painted in black.
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What red would we call the Schecter he used in the 80s?
looks like Candy Apple Red to me. Note the metallic color appearance.
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All shades of Classic Fender red are awesome
Please don't forget Cimarron Red (in between Fiesta and Dakota) as well as Candle Apple Red (metallic colour). There is also Torino Red which is relatively close to Hot Rod, but less pinkish. A prominent user of a Torino Red Strat is Pete Townshend. Torino is 80s lipstick red, so a very juicy, full shade of red, less dark then Dakota Red, no orange-greenish-salmon hue like Fiesta Red.
Then, there is the Mark Knopfler color on the 1961 Strat which I tried to name a while ago as Rosso Corsa (vintage Ferrari Red). I would love Fender to come up with a Masterbuilt version of the 1961 Strat with that color. Mark's 1961 is super odd in terms of looks because it the lacquer is new and shiny and the rest is vera old (yellowed plastics, yellowed lacquer)
I think that Strat is the one MK bought in wood finish and was painted by Steve Phillips in red.
David Knopfler also bought a Fender in wood finish that also Steve Phillips painted in black.
I didn't know it was Steve Philips!!! Cool!!! The old "red" of the Knopfler Strat (pre mid 90s) was more Fiesta. After the relacquering it became this Rosso Corsa type of color...
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Oh yes, my Squier Mini is Torino Red and I LOVE this colour. It's beautiful.
(https://peachguitars.2dimg.com/114/14353-9_0f4e340a43.jpg)
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Oh yes, my Squier Mini is Torino Red and I LOVE this colour. It's beautiful.
(https://peachguitars.2dimg.com/114/14353-9_0f4e340a43.jpg)
Nice....
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i searched on google about Mark Knopfler and i reached here now i feel glad :)
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i searched on google about Mark Knopfler and i reached here now i feel glad :)
excellent..... :wave
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I love how Mark's managers look like nightclub bouncers.
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i searched on google about Mark Knopfler and i reached here now i feel glad :)
excellent..... :wave
Me too
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My almost 'local' music shop in Moscow sells Martin HD-40MK #228: https://skifmusic.ru/product/474168-akusticheskaya-gitara-martin-hd-40mk-mark-knopfler-signature-edition-228-natural-usa?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=skifmusiclive&utm_content=eT3Q98OyFTY (https://skifmusic.ru/product/474168-akusticheskaya-gitara-martin-hd-40mk-mark-knopfler-signature-edition-228-natural-usa?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=skifmusiclive&utm_content=eT3Q98OyFTY)
Though the price is truly insane, they ask 3 million rubles for it (40,000$), half the price of a new 1 room apartment in Saint Petersburg.
Would you buy it for 40,000?
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My almost 'local' music shop in Moscow sells Martin HD-40MK #228: https://skifmusic.ru/product/474168-akusticheskaya-gitara-martin-hd-40mk-mark-knopfler-signature-edition-228-natural-usa?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=skifmusiclive&utm_content=eT3Q98OyFTY (https://skifmusic.ru/product/474168-akusticheskaya-gitara-martin-hd-40mk-mark-knopfler-signature-edition-228-natural-usa?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=skifmusiclive&utm_content=eT3Q98OyFTY)
Though the price is truly insane, they ask 3 million rubles for it (40,000$), half the price of a new 1 room apartment in Saint Petersburg.
Would you buy it for 40,000?
If I was worth £20 million, yes.
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What a bargain!
https://reverb.com/item/48638443-fender-mark-knopfler-artist-series-signature-stratocaster (https://reverb.com/item/48638443-fender-mark-knopfler-artist-series-signature-stratocaster)
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What a bargain!
https://reverb.com/item/48638443-fender-mark-knopfler-artist-series-signature-stratocaster (https://reverb.com/item/48638443-fender-mark-knopfler-artist-series-signature-stratocaster)
LOL! Is that Custom Shop guitar previously owned by MK? Probably not :lol
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What a bargain!
https://reverb.com/item/48638443-fender-mark-knopfler-artist-series-signature-stratocaster (https://reverb.com/item/48638443-fender-mark-knopfler-artist-series-signature-stratocaster)
'Ow much'!!!! Its not even one of the first batch made! Its Serial number is SE06144 making it a 2009/10 issued model!
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Very nice neck for sure.
Do Harrods sell guitars?!
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Very nice neck for sure.
Do Harrods sell guitars?!
That expla9ns the huge price tag on this Sig Strat
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Very nice neck for sure.
Do Harrods sell guitars?!
It is said that if you go to Harrods and say you wanna buy an Elephant, they will sell it to you.
So, I guess they have anything.
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For that pricetag you can get two elephants! ;D
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Just like the $40,000 Martin from the Russian store I posted before. Ridiculous pricing and the only question is — are they crazy enough to think somebody will pull the plug on it? They will wait a million years for such a sucker.
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For that pricetag you can get two elephants! ;D
Hahaha!
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Very nice neck for sure.
Do Harrods sell guitars?!
It is said that if you go to Harrods and say you wanna buy an Elephant, they will sell it to you.
So, I guess they have anything.
Not online. If I remember rightly from my last visit there, there is indeed a musical instrument store in there. In fact I remember the late Rick Parfitt (Status Quo) playing at Harrods to promote his Fender Skins...
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Hi Guys!
I wanted to ask your opinion about this tone: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HhmkZ5yp8w4
This tone has a distinctive thickness to it. Reminds me also strongly of the thick tone in "What it is", which was clearly 2000, so this is not about the Texas Special pickups. Also, I had the TX Specials and they don't do this thing.
I see the Tone King Imperial in the background in the YouTube clip. This is also puzzling because but the clean channel of the Imperial is essentially a blackface. It does not have a mid knob on the clean channel. I don't have a Tone King but a have a Deluxe Reverb, so very close on paper. No chance to get this thickness in the sound. What I get is the old Dire Straits tone, think Six Blade Knife.
How to get the modern Knopfler clean tone?
And don't tell me fingers, please ;)
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Did you have the Texas Specials with an Ash body and rosewood board?
The Texas Specials are quite mid focussed in my experience.
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Hi Guys!
I wanted to ask your opinion about this tone: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HhmkZ5yp8w4 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HhmkZ5yp8w4)
This tone has a distinctive thickness to it. Reminds me also strongly of the thick tone in "What it is", which was clearly 2000, so this is not about the Texas Special pickups. Also, I had the TX Specials and they don't do this thing.
I see the Tone King Imperial in the background in the YouTube clip. This is also puzzling because but the clean channel of the Imperial is essentially a blackface. It does not have a mid knob on the clean channel. I don't have a Tone King but a have a Deluxe Reverb, so very close on paper. No chance to get this thickness in the sound. What I get is the old Dire Straits tone, think Six Blade Knife.
How to get the modern Knopfler clean tone?
And don't tell me fingers, please ;)
Firstly, Mark's clean tone isn't actually clean. I believe he actually sets the gain pretty high and picks lightly. This gives a lot of natural compression, but without the crunch. Then there is all that is done in post-production and mixing. I feel more gain than you'd set for pure clean, master volume set high (even full), mid knob bumped a little, and light picking should get you in the ballpark.
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Firstly, Mark's clean tone isn't actually clean. I believe he actually sets the gain pretty high and picks lightly. This gives a lot of natural compression, but without the crunch. Then there is all that is done in post-production and mixing. I feel more gain than you'd set for pure clean, master volume set high (even full), mid knob bumped a little, and light picking should get you in the ballpark.
Yeah, the sound could easily be tweaked in post. Don't forget it's a live album and DVD! It was mixed by Guy Fletcher though, so I'm pretty sure he would brag as usual about not using anything at all, but no doubt this sound is "too good to be true". I'd suggest searching for bootlegs of that tour for reference.
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No 1 Guitarshop in Sweden has one now. Looks nice, unknown date.
Circa €3500 / £2950.
https://no1guitar.se/sv/elgitarrer/172506-fender-artist-series-mark-knopfler-stratocaster-hot-rod-red.html (https://no1guitar.se/sv/elgitarrer/172506-fender-artist-series-mark-knopfler-stratocaster-hot-rod-red.html)
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Firstly, Mark's clean tone isn't actually clean. I believe he actually sets the gain pretty high and picks lightly. This gives a lot of natural compression, but without the crunch. Then there is all that is done in post-production and mixing. I feel more gain than you'd set for pure clean, master volume set high (even full), mid knob bumped a little, and light picking should get you in the ballpark.
Yeah, the sound could easily be tweaked in post. Don't forget it's a live album and DVD! It was mixed by Guy Fletcher though, so I'm pretty sure he would brag as usual about not using anything at all, but no doubt this sound is "too good to be true". I'd suggest searching for bootlegs of that tour for reference.
Thanks guys, feedback much appreciated!
I do have the Signature Model by the way but I have to admit I was too lazy to get it out. I used one of my other Strats - slab RW, alder body. When playing the master model I did notice a different underlaying tone. It must be the ash / rosewood combination indeed. A very special tone! Also, I set the bass side of the pickups a bit higher and that gave the notch position more meat.
What is still puzzling: the 'Why Worry' Tone reminds me so much of 'What It Is', and the latter is clearly before the Signature Model era. He would have done 'What It Is' with standard pickups, like in his 1961 or in his Schecter.
Good input on checking bootlegs. Here is one. https://youtu.be/lMcvm6z-aQo?t=203
Sounds the same to me...
Good point on the amp volume and light touch, will try it out once the family leaves the house ;)
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I'm not an expert but, for Why Worry, if you mean the BIA version, it's a Fender with Lindsay Fralin pick ups (I think) or others similar, but not Texas Special
MK fenders or schecter had very different pickups than his signature model.
As far as I know, MK guitars never had Texas Special until his model.
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I'm not an expert but, for Why Worry, if you mean the BIA version, it's a Fender with Lindsay Fralin pick ups (I think) or others similar, but not Texas Special
MK fenders or schecter had very different pickups than his signature model.
As far as I know, MK guitars never had Texas Special until his model.
Good insights on the BIA version, thanks!
I was asking about specifically the tone from the performance in the video clip from 2006, which constitutes the "modern" MK Strat tone to me. I also compared it to "What It Is"
Another question is whether MK actually HAS the TX Specials in his guitars because although he doesn't admit he is a massive tinkerer ;) For example, a while ago I reported here that Seymour Duncan had wound pickups for Knopfler in the last years.
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I'm not an expert but, for Why Worry, if you mean the BIA version, it's a Fender with Lindsay Fralin pick ups (I think) or others similar, but not Texas Special
MK fenders or schecter had very different pickups than his signature model.
As far as I know, MK guitars never had Texas Special until his model.
Good insights on the BIA version, thanks!
I was asking about specifically the tone from the performance in the video clip from 2006, which constitutes the "modern" MK Strat tone to me. I also compared it to "What It Is"
Another question is whether MK actually HAS the TX Specials in his guitars because although he doesn't admit he is a massive tinkerer ;) For example, a while ago I reported here that Seymour Duncan had wound pickups for Knopfler in the last years.
I'd say he's playing with his signature more or less since 2005, so anything prior to that, has to be other pickups.
Unless you mean ther versions played after he had his signature.
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No 1 Guitarshop in Sweden has one now. Looks nice, unknown date.
Circa €3500 / £2950.
https://no1guitar.se/sv/elgitarrer/172506-fender-artist-series-mark-knopfler-stratocaster-hot-rod-red.html (https://no1guitar.se/sv/elgitarrer/172506-fender-artist-series-mark-knopfler-stratocaster-hot-rod-red.html)
Looks dark, possibly Dakota red?
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No 1 Guitarshop in Sweden has one now. Looks nice, unknown date.
Circa €3500 / £2950.
https://no1guitar.se/sv/elgitarrer/172506-fender-artist-series-mark-knopfler-stratocaster-hot-rod-red.html (https://no1guitar.se/sv/elgitarrer/172506-fender-artist-series-mark-knopfler-stratocaster-hot-rod-red.html)
Looks dark, possibly Dakota red?
I once saw pictures of all the kind of reds for guitars and, well, some were quite clearly different, others are so similar that I won't notice the difference.
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BTW, here is the Reverb price guide:
https://reverb.com/uk/p/fender-mark-knopfler-artist-series-signature-stratocaster-hot-red#price-guide
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No 1 Guitarshop in Sweden has one now. Looks nice, unknown date.
Circa €3500 / £2950.
https://no1guitar.se/sv/elgitarrer/172506-fender-artist-series-mark-knopfler-stratocaster-hot-rod-red.html (https://no1guitar.se/sv/elgitarrer/172506-fender-artist-series-mark-knopfler-stratocaster-hot-rod-red.html)
Looks dark, possibly Dakota red?
I once saw pictures of all the kind of reds for guitars and, well, some were quite clearly different, others are so similar that I won't notice the difference.
Ingo has some good pics (including my guitar!)
https://www.mk-guitar.com/2011/09/27/the-wrong-colour-of-the-first-mark-knopfler-signature-strats/
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Dakota Red always gives me massive GAS.
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Guys I made progress on the "What it is" sound. It turned out to be trivial. I am 99,99999% sure Mark used his original 1961 on it, with the neck/middle pickup. The 1961, being a vintage Strat, has much weaker pickups than Texas Specials. Weaker means more transparent, less thick. In a funny way, a vintage Strat in neck middle sounds about as full as a Texas Special equipped MK Strat in middle bridge.
You cannot get that exact What It Is tone with the MK Strat. It will sound a little too dark and too thick.
Why Worry on All The Roadrunning is definitely a stock MK Strat with TX Specials. I tried to get that tone with my Masterbuilt 1961 Strat (vintage spec). No chance. My Masterbuilt sounds like early Dire Straits, can't help it ;) The MK Strat immediately delivered.
I will open the can of worms and say out loud proudly: a real MK fan needs both the MK Sig for the modern sound as well as a 1961 copy for his old sound.
Gosh I love Strats!!!
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I am 99,99999% sure Mark used his original 1961 on it, with the neck/middle pickup.
I had an old brazilian magazine called 'Cover Guitarra' that MK said he used his Schecter on WII and STP. He said that he doesn't play that guitar anymore because it have an small neck. But it sounded correct for these couple of songs.
This is the magazine: https://www.estantevirtual.com.br/bugiganga/jazz-editora-cover-guitarra-n%C2%BA-52-mark-knopfler-2292340404?show_suggestion=0
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I am 99,99999% sure Mark used his original 1961 on it, with the neck/middle pickup.
I had an old brazilian magazine called 'Cover Guitarra' that MK said he used his Schecter on WII and STP. He said that he doesn't play that guitar anymore because it have an small neck. But it sounded correct for these couple of songs.
This is the magazine: https://www.estantevirtual.com.br/bugiganga/jazz-editora-cover-guitarra-n%C2%BA-52-mark-knopfler-2292340404?show_suggestion=0
Ha! That's interesting. I love that when you only have a recording, everything's merely a speculation. Even the best ears make mistakes! I love breaking down songs that only exists on the record. You'll never know how it was played, but it's fun to guess.
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I am 99,99999% sure Mark used his original 1961 on it, with the neck/middle pickup.
I had an old brazilian magazine called 'Cover Guitarra' that MK said he used his Schecter on WII and STP. He said that he doesn't play that guitar anymore because it have an small neck. But it sounded correct for these couple of songs.
This is the magazine: https://www.estantevirtual.com.br/bugiganga/jazz-editora-cover-guitarra-n%C2%BA-52-mark-knopfler-2292340404?show_suggestion=0
Rolo do you have a scan?
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I am 99,99999% sure Mark used his original 1961 on it, with the neck/middle pickup.
I had an old brazilian magazine called 'Cover Guitarra' that MK said he used his Schecter on WII and STP. He said that he doesn't play that guitar anymore because it have an small neck. But it sounded correct for these couple of songs.
I've got a late 80's Japanese Fender Strat that I fitted with Tonerider pure vintage pickups ( late 50's/ early 60's tone). That gets very close to the WII / STP tone. ( & Sultans). Its definitely not the MK sig on those songs, I always thought it must have been the Schecter.
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I am 99,99999% sure Mark used his original 1961 on it, with the neck/middle pickup.
I had an old brazilian magazine called 'Cover Guitarra' that MK said he used his Schecter on WII and STP. He said that he doesn't play that guitar anymore because it have an small neck. But it sounded correct for these couple of songs.
I've got a late 80's Japanese Fender Strat that I fitted with Tonerider pure vintage pickups ( late 50's/ early 60's tone). That gets very close to the WII / STP tone. ( & Sultans). Its definitely not the MK sig on those songs, I always thought it must have been the Schecter.
Too early for the MK sig.
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I am 99,99999% sure Mark used his original 1961 on it, with the neck/middle pickup.
I had an old brazilian magazine called 'Cover Guitarra' that MK said he used his Schecter on WII and STP. He said that he doesn't play that guitar anymore because it have an small neck. But it sounded correct for these couple of songs.
I've got a late 80's Japanese Fender Strat that I fitted with Tonerider pure vintage pickups ( late 50's/ early 60's tone). That gets very close to the WII / STP tone. ( & Sultans). Its definitely not the MK sig on those songs, I always thought it must have been the Schecter.
the song STP is the 64 white strat (confirmed in interview by Mark) as it was on 2001 tour
for WII, I guess it's the 61 original strat, although an interview claimed it was the schecter. I thnink it was a mistake because at this time Mark most likely used his 61 fender rather than the schecter imho
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for WII, I guess it's the 61 original strat, although an interview claimed it was the schecter. I thnink it was a mistake because at this time Mark most likely used his 61 fender rather than the schecter imho
That's interesting - don't recall that interview. Might be true because I never thought he captured that guitar sound again playing it live.
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for WII, I guess it's the 61 original strat, although an interview claimed it was the schecter. I thnink it was a mistake because at this time Mark most likely used his 61 fender rather than the schecter imho
That's interesting - don't recall that interview. Might be true because I never thought he captured that guitar sound again playing it live.
I do not recall Mark using the neck/middle position (which I suspect he did for What It is) in concert on his Sig Strat at all. In my view this is because of the Texas Specials. They sound pretty thick, so he gets a very nice middle / bridge, but the neck/middle gets pretty thick. What It Is sounds more transparent in that position. It can well be he used the Schecter here because he applied the neck middle tone of the Schecter a lot live for "Local Hero" (just check "On The Night" or "A Night In London")
My 1961 Masterbuilt Strat gets me into WII with neck/middle very easily. You just need a hint of drive on it and you control things with your fingers.
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interesting insight, I always found the guitar sound on STP to be one of the best sounding strats sounds I ever heard.
Did someone ask Guy on his forum? He may have some pictures somewhere of them recording it?
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I actually found a recording of modern MK with a neck middle combo!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtxuWycNgfo
Note that this guitar is not his signature Strat though. I doubt it has Texas Specials. Sounds much more like a vintage voiced Strat to me. Gets into What It Is territory nicely....
MAYBE that guitar is actually a prototype of his vintage 1961 Strat and later he decided to take a swing for a more modern design... look at some little details: it has a "pat pend" instead of the MK Signature on the faceplate, it does have the string tree between the b string and the g string (indicating that this is not a Custom Shop guitar). It has smaller frets, too. Basically looks like an American Vintage Reissue Series in Hot Rod Red... If that was the case these PUs would be 57/62s. Also note the pickups covers and knobs. They are not aged white. Rather vintage white or parchment.
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Top detective work!
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Got a question regarding MK strat, curious to know the answer:
It has same thin neck as Am.Vintage reissue strat ‘62 ?
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Never compared. I'd say it's a medium thickness IMO, not thin or fat.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4untaljllM
I watch this John Mayer vid and still can't understand why MK Signature Strat is out of production and only exists in the expensive version. Signature instruments MUST be affordable, that's the opinion I'll take with me to my grave. I think this US$849.00 PRS Silver Sky SE sells like a champ.
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I wonder why Mark never tried a single PRS guitar. He played almost everything, except for guitars associated with metal, Jackson and Ibanez, stuff like that.
But PRS is making fine guitars, Paul Reed Smith himself is a nice guy, I especially love his attention to detail, from every material down to the tiniest bits.
Mark glorifies Pensa's guitars, but at the same time, they are on a level of Ferrari, and by comparison, PRS guitars are cheaper. But I wonder anyway.
UPD: Personally, I'm not a fan of their headstock design, it looks a bit out of place to me. The headstock means a lot in loving the instrument.
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Mark glorifies Pensa's guitars, but at the same time, they are on a level of Ferrari, and by comparison, PRS guitars are cheaper. But I wonder anyway.
It's Money That Matters ;D
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I wonder when Mark started buying expensive guitars ?
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I wonder when Mark started buying expensive guitars ?
I remember John said in his book that they started to receive a considerable amount of money only a few years after they started, so maybe custom Schecters in the color scheme of the Making Movies album could be Mark's first dive into the abyss of expensive guitars?
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Mark started buying Schecters because he needed guitars that could handle the heavy touring. Also, the Fenders made in the 70s were not very good instruments qualitywise. I remember Mark said in an article that the Schecters not necessarily sounded better, just that they were more reliable and better built.
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Were Schecters that expensive back then?
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Must have been. They were a small operation, made in-house custom parts, used exotic woods, etc. I found a price list from 1983. The price of a complete pickup assembly cost $230.00, which equals $680.00 in today's money.
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I suppose it what classes as expensive. If you are a working musician those numbers don't sound too high, you can claim it back as tools for work. Vintage guitars start getting expensive though.
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Mark started buying Schecters because he needed guitars that could handle the heavy touring. Also, the Fenders made in the 70s were not very good instruments qualitywise. I remember Mark said in an article that the Schecters not necessarily sounded better, just that they were more reliable and better built.
But what about "vintage" pre CBS Strats then? Of course, by this time even the 1954 Strat would be only 25 years old, the equivalent of buying a 1997 Strat today. I think it wasn't only the heavy touring thing, but just MK wanting to be different and try new things. Somebody would hand him this Schecter and he would go "I want that" like anybody would have even today.
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I think the eighties fashion was to play on "modern" guitars : superstrats, steinberger, schecter, pensa, and all stuff like that
you can see that all guitarists during the eighties tried new gear, digital effects, etc... Gilmour played his BMG pickups strat with Boss stompboxes etc...
digital recording was the new technology, and all music business had the aim to get the "perfect sound"
and then, in the nineties, after Kravitz went back to analog, using old sounboards and vintage mics... after grunge artists came back to old stompboxes like big muffs, vintage guitars and all, then you saw "old" artists using old gear again. Mark got his 58 and 59 LP, the jurassic strat... Gilmour used his big muff again, many artists recorded analog again, inclunding Mark, etc...
it depends on eras. When EC bought his 6 fifties strats in late sixties, they were not expensive.
But now of course, a strat from the fifties and sixties have extreme big value. because many guitarists made the "vintage guitars fashion". One of the first was Page when he got his 59 LP in late sixties.
But at the same time, Hendrix didn't play on "vintage" strats. He played on guitars maded during years he was playing : you can see him with 65-66 strats in his early years, while he played 68 strats in woodstock and Wight
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I think the eighties fashion was to play on "modern" guitars : superstrats, steinberger, schecter, pensa, and all stuff like that
you can see that all guitarists during the eighties tried new gear, digital effects, etc... Gilmour played his BMG pickups strat with Boss stompboxes etc...
digital recording was the new technology, and all music business had the aim to get the "perfect sound"
and then, in the nineties, after Kravitz went back to analog, using old sounboards and vintage mics... after grunge artists came back to old stompboxes like big muffs, vintage guitars and all, then you saw "old" artists using old gear again. Mark got his 58 and 59 LP, the jurassic strat... Gilmour used his big muff again, many artists recorded analog again, inclunding Mark, etc...
it depends on eras. When EC bought his 6 fifties strats in late sixties, they were not expensive.
But now of course, a strat from the fifties and sixties have extreme big value. because many guitarists made the "vintage guitars fashion". One of the first was Page when he got his 59 LP in late sixties.
But at the same time, Hendrix didn't play on "vintage" strats. He played on guitars maded during years he was playing : you can see him with 65-66 strats in his early years, while he played 68 strats in woodstock and Wight
Great analysis. I always laughed how Mark used this fancy Pensa with a Floyd Rose and locked everything, but never used a whammy bar on this guitar :lol
I liked more the sound of proper Strats anyway as he played in The Bug vs. everything else on a Pensa. So his later decision to play proper different guitars, including a Signature Strat and LP was so amazing.
But the truth is, he could play even a Mexican Strat and an Epiphone LP and would be as great of a guitar hero as he is. I wish he'd played cheap guitars more often, but Danelectro seems to be the only one, and Reverend to a certain extent.
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I suppose it what classes as expensive. If you are a working musician those numbers don't sound too high, you can claim it back as tools for work. Vintage guitars start getting expensive though.
It's not insanely expensive. I guess like a high-end boutique guitar today.
Vintage guitars are getting silly expensive due to scarcity and demand.
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But what about "vintage" pre CBS Strats then? Of course, by this time even the 1954 Strat would be only 25 years old, the equivalent of buying a 1997 Strat today. I think it wasn't only the heavy touring thing, but just MK wanting to be different and try new things. Somebody would hand him this Schecter and he would go "I want that" like anybody would have even today.
Pre-CBS guitars were better, but as you say MK was always open to try new things, so it was probably a combination of things. He was a youngish successful musician with suddenly lots of money, he started hanging around the cool music stores in NYC, and could buy whatever he wanted. I'm sure there weren't many guitars in the UK at the time with the quality of and as exotic as Schecters. Also, in those years, he didn't change guitars so often during shows, so his main guitar had to be very reliable. A Schecter seems like a very good choice.
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I think the eighties fashion was to play on "modern" guitars : superstrats, steinberger, schecter, pensa, and all stuff like that
you can see that all guitarists during the eighties tried new gear, digital effects, etc... Gilmour played his BMG pickups strat with Boss stompboxes etc...
digital recording was the new technology, and all music business had the aim to get the "perfect sound"
and then, in the nineties, after Kravitz went back to analog, using old sounboards and vintage mics... after grunge artists came back to old stompboxes like big muffs, vintage guitars and all, then you saw "old" artists using old gear again. Mark got his 58 and 59 LP, the jurassic strat... Gilmour used his big muff again, many artists recorded analog again, inclunding Mark, etc...
it depends on eras. When EC bought his 6 fifties strats in late sixties, they were not expensive.
But now of course, a strat from the fifties and sixties have extreme big value. because many guitarists made the "vintage guitars fashion". One of the first was Page when he got his 59 LP in late sixties.
But at the same time, Hendrix didn't play on "vintage" strats. He played on guitars maded during years he was playing : you can see him with 65-66 strats in his early years, while he played 68 strats in woodstock and Wight
Great analysis. I always laughed how Mark used this fancy Pensa with a Floyd Rose and locked everything, but never used a whammy bar on this guitar :lol
I liked more the sound of proper Strats anyway as he played in The Bug vs. everything else on a Pensa. So his later decision to play proper different guitars, including a Signature Strat and LP was so amazing.
But the truth is, he could play even a Mexican Strat and an Epiphone LP and would be as great of a guitar hero as he is. I wish he'd played cheap guitars more often, but Danelectro seems to be the only one, and Reverend to a certain extent.
The Strat on The Bug was Schecter anyway! (With Fender decal).
And he played Mexican strats in 2002 and nobody could tell the difference…
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The Strat on The Bug was Schecter anyway! (With Fender decal).
And he played Mexican strats in 2002 and nobody could tell the difference…
That The Bug Schecter is something extraordinary. It certainly has a soul, and the fact that MK still owns it and never sold it, or auctioned it or something, tells a lot. Out of all his guitars, should he offer me one, this white Strat would be on top of the list.
Mexican guitars are so well-built, it's a great alternative for somebody who don't want to spend the full price of "proper" guitars, but gets almost the same experience. They cut corners on cases and case candy more than on anything.
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A Mexican Fender, and even the lowest-level Squier, will sound great in the hands of a pro, provided it intonates well and stays in tune. In the case of Mark, the guitar would have been really well set up by Glenn Saggers and plugged into a great amp. Plus Mark sounds like Mark whatever he plays.
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I have a Squier Jaguar and it's a fantastic guitar.
Fender style guitars are pretty simple at the end of the day and you can build and sell a nicely functioning one for not much money.
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I have a Squier Jaguar and it's a fantastic guitar.
Fender style guitars are pretty simple at the end of the day and you can build and sell a nicely functioning one for not much money.
I just realized Squier actually even has a $100 SA-150 Dreadnought guitar! A whole acoustic guitar for $100, that's insane. And surely, it looks and feels like a piece of furniture because it's laminated wood and everything, but it plays nice and you can learn everything on it, it sounds decent.
Like cheap phones, cheap guitars get better and better, and Indonesian, Korean, and China-made instruments get to the point of questioning, are these USA-made ones THAT much better to pay sometimes 10-20 times extra? Because, there are China-made guitars not with laminated wood, but proper wood also. This, again, makes me think about affordable signature guitars. You can make an amazingly good MK Strat for $800, yes, it won't be a collector's dream like the current ones, but at least that would be a guitar you can actually buy. Like John Mayer's SE PRS.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Mv9Yc9PQfI
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Because as I said, I don't get the point of professional-grade signature instruments. If you're a professional, you probably already have multiple professional-grade instruments built to your own specifications, so all these especially Mark's acoustic guitars which cost like a car have absolutely no meaning to me, other than simply pleasing die-hard fans and collectors. I understand that the point is to "play the same guitar the artist plays", but you can't play like the artist anyway, especially MK, so what's the point.
To me, a signature instrument means the artist endorsing a brand, a guitar, preferably an affordable one, for people to learn how to play, not for collectors to fight over it. Our man has stopped signing guitars because people get overly crazy about it, at the same time launching a line of guitars with a price of an apartment. Luckily, a lot of artists get that signature instrument must be affordable, and Joe Bonamassa, Brian May, John Mayer, everybody sells affordable versions of their instruments.
If I want to play like Tommy Emmanuel, the last thing I want to do is to go out and buy his $10,000 signature Maton 808 TE Personal acoustic. No, thanks, a "regular" Gibson will do...
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I have a Squier Jaguar and it's a fantastic guitar.
Fender style guitars are pretty simple at the end of the day and you can build and sell a nicely functioning one for not much money.
I just realized Squier actually even has a $100 SA-150 Dreadnought guitar! A whole acoustic guitar for $100, that's insane. And surely, it looks and feels like a piece of furniture because it's laminated wood and everything, but it plays nice and you can learn everything on it, it sounds decent.
Like cheap phones, cheap guitars get better and better, and Indonesian, Korean, and China-made instruments get to the point of questioning, are these USA-made ones THAT much better to pay sometimes 10-20 times extra? Because, there are China-made guitars not with laminated wood, but proper wood also. This, again, makes me think about affordable signature guitars. You can make an amazingly good MK Strat for $800, yes, it won't be a collector's dream like the current ones, but at least that would be a guitar you can actually buy. Like John Mayer's SE PRS.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Mv9Yc9PQfI
I used to have a cheap Yamaha acoustic and that was a great guitar, I don't know how easy they are to get used in Russia but I would recommend them (F-310). They sell for around £50 used on ebay here in the UK.
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I used to have a cheap Yamaha acoustic and that was a great guitar, I don't know how easy they are to get used in Russia but I would recommend them (F-310). They sell for around £50 used on ebay here in the UK.
I've had multiple cheap Yamahas in my life actually! They make these cheap F-something guitars for half a century already, if not more. I have one from the 70s that is made out of laminate but sounds as if it's a solid top. Insane stuff, really. And made in Japan!
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https://www.ebay.com/itm/144549959360?hash=item21a7d956c0:g:CiEAAOSwci9ifEzq
2013 Fender Mark Knopfler Stratocaster Hot Rod Red for sale for US $5,699.00
Wow! Give me two, please!
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https://www.ebay.com/itm/144549959360?hash=item21a7d956c0:g:CiEAAOSwci9ifEzq
2013 Fender Mark Knopfler Stratocaster Hot Rod Red for sale for US $5,699.00
Wow! Give me two, please!
Ow much!!!!!
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https://www.ebay.com/itm/144549959360?hash=item21a7d956c0:g:CiEAAOSwci9ifEzq
2013 Fender Mark Knopfler Stratocaster Hot Rod Red for sale for US $5,699.00
Wow! Give me two, please!
Ow much!!!!!
Apparently, the guitar has been sold! Or he just ended the listing. I forgot to contact the seller to say he'd better list it for 10 grand, 5.7 is too little of a price.
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It says the seller ended it, I guess it sold some other way.
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https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/134082158998?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=lBEH3D0nRvm&sssrc=2349624&ssuid=Z48jxIShSha&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
Early serial number for sale last month. He paid £200 more than I did for mine.
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It's a free market, and with access to buyers from all over the world, chances are there's someone out there willing to pay up. A collector, a die-hard MK fan, or just someone with little common sense LOL To someone, that guitar is worth $5.6k, but it's based on something else than sheer "guitar quality".
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It's a free market, and with access to buyers from all over the world, chances are there's someone out there willing to pay up. A collector, a die-hard MK fan, or just someone with little common sense LOL To someone, that guitar is worth $5.6k, but it's based on something else than sheer "guitar quality".
Yes, and when the guitar was available from fender it was not sold at insane price and everybody could get it.
That said we still can find that the price asked now has risen ridiculously high movinf from an electric guitar to a collector object.
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It's a free market, and with access to buyers from all over the world, chances are there's someone out there willing to pay up. A collector, a die-hard MK fan, or just someone with little common sense LOL To someone, that guitar is worth $5.6k, but it's based on something else than sheer "guitar quality".
Yes, and when the guitar was available from fender it was not sold at insane price and everybody could get it.
That said we still can find that the price asked now has risen ridiculously high movinf from an electric guitar to a collector object.
The question is... Is that really a collector's item? I mean, at least 2400 of these were made. A collector's item is something of really low production, when owning it you feel like you're one of the lucky ones. I can't see this extra specialness in owning 1/2400 anything, it's like owning a Mazda Miata or something. The signature on this signature guitar isn't even real. People think it's a collector's item only because they stopped making it, it's a very crude and greedy way to think about something. If you stop producing anything in this world it will be harder to find, but it doesn't mean it's automatically a collector's item.
If you count in inflation, $1.500 in 2003 is approx $2400 in 2022. Okay, add to that the condition, how hard the guitar was played, if played at all, and the rarity factor, and it makes it to $3,000 tops. From where exactly do people pull out prices like $5,600?
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I feel like we’ve been down this road before! It’s worth precisely what someone will pay for it, nobody is holding a gun to anybody’s head.
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I feel like we’ve been down this road before! It’s worth precisely what someone will pay for it, nobody is holding a gun to anybody’s head.
Oh, yes! But until they re-issue it, the trouble will continue... The fact that people still buy it doesn't mean it's not overpriced. The fact that a tire change on a Bugatti cost $50,000 and somebody pays that much doesn't mean that it's not overpriced and that you can buy a whole brand new car with that money. It's priced like that just because you have no other options at all... Which again boils down to the luxury item, collector's item, whatever you gonna call it.
To me, this situation about MK Strat is a bit personal since I remember early on when I was a kid, I was "smelling" online Fender catalogs and MK Strat felt like something that I'll never get, despite the fact it's a fairly priced strat, and $1500 dollars is not even custom shop territory, it's a regular strat, but for almost any kid apart from Mark Knopfler's daughter — you can forget about it.
But as the time went by, and I finally would be able to buy it, they stop producing it, and all of the sudden it became this jewelry item. But it hasn't stopped being a regular strat though. It's not even vintage, there's no reason for it to be overpriced, whatsoever. It's not vintage, it's not terribly rare, it's not terribly unique, the signature isn't real, they screwed up production color, it has stock pickups in it, stock wiring, it's a regular strat, period.
So anybody buying it for 3-4 times the original cost knows that he's buying a luxury item, and not a guitar anymore.
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From where exactly do people pull out prices like $5,600?
Usually people do some research, follow the price trends of certain objects and get a "feel" for what someone may be willing to pay, and they give it a shot. If they get that price, great for them. If not, they either wait or lower the price. No magic here. Is it speculation? Sure. Is it illegal, or immoral? No. It's a luxury item and a free market, and people are free to charge whatever they want.