I wasn't sure if this should be posted under "Other Guitars" or if it rightfully belongs here in the JEM/UV topic, but I'm sure the Moderators will make sure it lands in the right place

In 1983, Fender contacted Darren @ ATD to do a limited run of Strats & Teles in his unique multi-colored swirl. There were (300) guitars total done:

Strats Teles
Red-Black-White Swirl 108 21
Blue-Black-Yellow Swirl 105 21
Gold-Silver-White Swirl 37 8

Totals 250 50

I've always wanted a "Bowling Ball" Strat to complete my collection of Darren's swirls (I've got the UVMC, PMC, GMC & DNA already). I've searched and searched for one that I liked, although it's hard to be picky because the things are RARE! The only color combo that I've ever cared for are the red/black/white ones, so I've really limited myself. But...it's finally happened! I finally ran across a swirl that I just fell in love with. It's very similar to the "lizard" finish that occured on some of the DNA's.

The guitar arrived in pretty good shape with the exception of one finish chip and some scuffs on the back from a guitar stand. There is also some minor buckle worming on the back, but luckily the finish renders it nearly invisible. The single-ply white pickguard had been swapped out for a newer 3-ply black/white/black model, and the original bridge pickup was swapped for a Duncan Hot Rails (which sounds great by the way!). A nice surprise is that the neck is quite flamed-a rarity on these otherwise stock production model guitars.

Here are a couple of pics: (a "family" shot is in the works with all 5 swirls!)

Front: http://members.aol.com/vaijem777/bowlingfront.jpg

Back: http://members.aol.com/vaijem777/bowlingback.jpg

On top of having a killer swirl, the guitar actually plays and sounds pretty good! It had obviously not been played for quite some time, and had a nasty neck bow and a thick coating of dust & grime. But, after a couple of hours of intensive T.L.C., it's been resurrected!

I've moved the topic here as I figured a swirled Fender Strat is still a Fender Strat

I like the red ones best too

ATD Patterns are always ATD GOOOOOOOD Patterns.
WOW!!!! Beautifulllll swirls...

Tubarão

One nice bowling ball, and it'll cover a 7 - 10 split!

Wow! what a novelty! Chris got another cool guitar....

awesome man. How about a clear pickguard?

I was just gonna say, "That needs a clear pickguard."

Well...here's a group shot of the 5 swirls:

http://members.aol.com/vaijem777/swirls1.jpg

Not great quality, but the best my cheesy little digital camera can muster

I guess the photo could be called "Bloodlines", since it not only contains a little bit of DNA, but also has the "family tree" of the ATD swirl

As for the clear pickguard idea, that was my first though too! But, since the guitar is top routed, it just wouldn't look right to have that huge electronics cavity exposed. There are NO routings anywhere else on the guitar, as was the norm in '83. The trem is top-mounted, and the output jack is on the pickguard, replacing the 2nd tone control. It's be great to show more of the swirl though.

*looks at the Fender bridge*

Oh yeah....that'd be an early 80's Fender. Anytime something looks odd on a Strat or a Tele it's usually something in the early 80's.

Heh...my wife came in and let out a "blech" at the pics; she's not a fan of the swirls. She did however comment that it was an impressive collection and I most certainly concur. Seems like you've managed to get a great "one of each" setup together. Might be nice to keep those pics around for posterity.

LOL Yeah...not my favorite Fender trem, but...it was only on the '83-84 Strats. It's a Schaller "Freeflyte" system. Decent bridge, but not the best tremolo. VERY stiff action, and difficult to keep in tune. But...it's all about the swirl

I've got plenty of pics, but...I think I'll hang onto the guitars for posterity! LOL

Thank you all for the kind words though! Finally...one of my obsessions can be put to rest. On to the next one!

Hey, cool finish...almost looks like some real granite swirled in there. Not really my cup of tea, but a unique piece!
GK

Very cool indeed.... love the ATD family tree shot! I actually remember seeing some of the early "bowling balls" in stores. Some were pretty cool and I almost bought one.

Very impressive!

I saw this on [email protected] a couple of weeks back and was drooling over it.... too bad i couldn't afford it. very nice.