This is the guitar that I have is to play more Rock and Roll tunes on. It’s a lot lighter then the RD Artist but heavier then the Fender Duo Sonic. The width of the neck is right in between both of the other ones. The intonation is perfect for the Ozzie stuff but it’s not as wide for the Jazz approach. I find is fabulous for playing the electric version of Neon that allows me to use my thumb on the upper E string.
The 1980 Lead II and the 1982 Lead II are both fine guitars. The Lead II Manual, which I wish I had the original, went missing somewhere in my parents house in the 80’s.
Not many scratches (I think that they’re character markings like the colour of the neck being worn down) on the body. The pick guard on the other hand has lotz of character, because of my aggressive NOT THRASHING style of attack in my playing. I use the D’Aaddario True Blue medium strings on this puppy.
My Serial # is E0009736 which makes it made in 1980. The guitar came with a brown shoulder strap bag and that was it, bare bones. I purchased in Hong Kong by a foreign exchange student but, his name eludes me right now. He live at Mr. Zryrini’s house down the street from my parents home in Brantford. I remember him being a great guy who could play the guitar not that bad but, he sure looked like he was having a hell of a lot of fun playing it!
He was a bit strapped for money at the time so I bought it off him. He was always at our house that summer and i showed him tons of stuff. I really felt bad for the guy because he no did not have an axe to jam with at home so I lent him the one he sold, weird eh? I had to because there is nothing worse then stunting the growth of a guitar player!
nice story. got a question for ya, I’ve been looking at getting a fender strat but i don’t know that much about them. what can you tell me about them and would you reccomend it?
this is my tenth guitar and i want htis one to be great.
thanks
A 1957 is the best that I have ever played. The subtle
tones are fabulous. The feel is just what I am looking for. It is a must to at least go and try one out for yourself at a very reputable dealer. Be warned, they are not cheap. once the intonation is set for your playing style then look out, you’ll never put that thing down.
A guitar is quite the personal preference. It takes many weeks of playing the one that you want up against others that are within arms reach to judge against, to nail it down. that is what happened to me when I picked up my Larrivee L-03 acoustic. The thing with my Larrivee was that I had a great working budget of $4000.00 -5000.00 but I ended up with a much cheaper one! Don’t let the price dictate the one you end up with.
Do your homework and ask anyone you know who plays for their input, it’s really worth it.
Keep on Jammin’
I have a fender lead II that was made in the USA in Good condition. I also have the original case for it. The item # is E019105. What site should I go to to get the value amount?
thanks.
Cindy, in all honesty, I’m not sure? I have only bought guitars and as of the value, I guess it depends on how badly someone really wants it.
I just love my Fender and would never sell it for anything. I keep hearing stories of pissed of musicians who regret selling a guitar that they really liked or loved. This is how I value a guitar. People will always try to nickel and dime you forever and all you get is upset at them and your get your stress level up too high and that’s not good for ya.
Have you had any luck by just going to your local store and get a quick evaluation?
Keep on Jammin’
In the early 80’s I bought a Fender Lead _1_ serial# E114632 . I would like to find out what it is woworth. Ihave a Fender P bass, it came with amahogany neck and would like to change it to a maple neck.do you have any suggestions? Thank you,Maxwell
According to this one site, it seems that your Lead II was made around 1981-82. The site is http://www.21frets.com/dating_fenders.html. So go and check it out for yourself. I just read for quite a while and i almost forgot why I was there for! Senility is not too far away now isn’t it?
Keep on Jammin’ Maxwell
@Chris – thanks for that link to the 21frets site – just what I was looking for!
I wish I could afford a Fender Lead II – but back in the 80s I was only just breaking 2 figures (age)!
That’s funny Cheap Fender Strat! Now that your bigger, get up off your computer chair and get one … it’s worth it!
Keep on Jammin’
Interesting post! I have to say that I’ve always played a Fender and probably always will. Fender Guitars are THE BEST!
Got that one right tabs for Mandolin!
I just inherited/bought (long story) a 1980 Lead II which belonged to my grandfather. He was a musical genius to my family and nearly all of our hometown. He could play anything. In fact, he placed in the top 3 of the National Fiddlers Convention back in his time. But his pride and joy was his guitar collection. I don’t know much about guitars but I’m gonna learn if it kills me. I will pass on his passion to my own children so I feel compelled to get this right. I’m honored to have this.
I’m honoured to have one of these beauty’s in my collection Crystal!
I hope that you start to figure out how nice this guitar really is. I wish you all the luck in the world in your musical travels!!!
Keep on Jammin’ Crystal on that Fender Lead II