Fender Lead II USA 1981/82 Wine Red Electric Guitar

This is a Fender Lead II electric guitar in Wine Red finish. The Fender Lead Series was first introduced under CBS in 1979 and contained the Lead I, II & III models. The Lead I had a single humbucker in the bridge. The Lead II had two X-1 single-coils and the Lead III was introduced later in 1982 and featured two humbuckers with coil splitting switches added to offer single-coil sounds. The idea was to offer a guitar at a more affordable price point than the Stratocaster which would still appeal to players with its neck shape and pickup options. Although the Lead Series enjoyed success amongst many popular players, it was never a big seller and was discontinued in 1982. Fender reintroduced the Lead III & III as part of the Player series in 2020.

Made in the USA in 1981/82, a bolt-on construction is employed and comprises an Alder body, Maple neck and 22 fret Rosewood fingerboard. Nickel/Chrome hardware is fitted including a 6-Saddle string-thru-body bridge with block saddles and CBS style ‘F’ stamped split-post tuning machines. A pair of single-coil pickups are installed and are wired to a 3-way toggle switch, phase reverse toggle, master volume and master tone controls.

The Maple neck plays very well, with Fender’s ‘C’ profile filling the hand nicely for a substantial yet articulate playing experience across the register. The Rosewood of the fretboard is pleasant under the fingers, and with its traditional 9.5” radius providing a nice balance between comfort when chord playing and practicality for lead lines. With medium jumbo frets the playing surface feels rock-solid, whilst string bending and vibrato techniques are smooth. The smaller body size feels great in the arms whilst also meaning that the controls are within easy reach.

The neck position is smooth and round, working very well for lead and solo tones. The bridge is of course brighter, providing plenty of Fender ‘twang’ and saturating into a searing distortion when driving the amp. The addition of a phase reverse switch provides a Strat-style ‘honk’ in the middle position, meaning that there are 4 distinct tones available before you’ve even touched the volume and tone controls or a pedal. A seriously cool little guitar which is sure to stand out from the crowd.

Luthier Report

Our ID: 1020926238111

Weight: 7.7lbs

Serial: E014353

Aesthetic Condition:

Headstock: Overall very good condition. Mild chipping of the lacquer finish can be see to the front face surrounding the tuning machines, these have exposed the wood beneath. The top front edge demonstrates several moderate indentations, piercing the finish, these continue to a lesser degree around the perimeter of the headstock. Light cracking and glue residue can be seen to where the fingerboard ends after the nut, this appears to be a past repair.

Neck: Overall very good condition. The rear of the neck displays light to mild indentations some of which have pierced the finish and discoloring the wood beneath, most notably at between frets 2-5 and in line with the 8th. These markings are consistent with a well played instrument of this age. Light scratching can be seen to the fingerboard with the most apparent being seen to the bass side 2nd fret, this can not be felt in the playing position.

Body: Overall very good condition. Moderate cracks to the finish can be seen to both the front and rear lower bout faces, these have not exposed the wood beneath. All aspects of the body display light to moderate scratching and indentations common, for a well payed guitar of this age. the most apparent scratching can be seen to the belly contour and center to the rear face consistent with past use.

Condition of Frets:

The frets demonstrate notable signs of use, not affecting playability. Denting and flattening of the frets is apparent throughout the register. There is moderate material remaining for any fret work the new owner may wish to perform.

Current Set Up:

Truss Rod: Fully functional. Truss rod tool (Flathead driver) not included.

Hardware: Overall very good condition. The bridge displays light tarnishing. The pick guard displays mild scratching which can be seen under direct light, consistent with regular past use.

Structural: No concerns or issues to note.

Height of the string from the 12th Fret-1.75mm - Bass 2mm

Please be aware that the action on a guitar may move slightly in transit and this measurement is the current height.

Strings on Guitar - 10-46

Electrics: Fully functional.

Case & Accessories

Stagg Hard Case

Fully functional and very good condition. All aspects of the case demonstrate light signs of previous use. All clasps, compartments and handles are functional.