Question About the MIM 50th Anniversary Gold Stratocaster

[Phil In Ottawa]

I may be buying a MIM 2004 50th Annivesary Stratocaster.

I've been doing a lot of research about the guitar in order to know what to expect when I go look at it.

One thing has me puzzled. I've read some reviews (like this one) that say the the 50th Anniversary logo that appears on the trem block cover plate is just a sticker:

"Unlike the American version, this Mexican piece doesn’t have the 50th anniversary logo etched on the neck plate at the back. Instead, you get a cheap sticker on the plastic covering of the trem block. Disappointing."

But then I read elsewhere (like here) that the logo is laser-etched into the plate:

"The 50th Anniversary Golden Stratocaster celebrates the legacy of the most sought after guitar in history. Fender® will offer this guitar for the remainder of 2004 only. Along with the Classic Series Strat® guitar's standard appointments, it features an Aztec Gold finish, gold hardware, gold anodized pickguard , 50th Anniversary laser-etched backplate and a deluxe 50th Anniversary Vintage Tweed gig bag."

I've seen this picture of the back plate and it sure doesn't look like the logo is a sticker.

So if anyone owns one of these guitars or has seen one up close, can you confirm whether the logo is a sticker or etched in. I'm hoping it's the latter.

Thanks for your help

[fenson]

the logo is etched into the plastic . nice guitars I had 2 for several years

[Phil In Ottawa]

Thanks for the reply fenson.

Glad to hear the logo is etched. I really couldn't see Fender being so cheap that they would just use a sticker to identify the guitar as a 50th Anniversary model.

Also glad to hear you say it's a nice guitar. I'm going to see it tomorrow night and will more than likely be bringing it home with me. Can't wait

[Restless Native]

Did you get it bud? I like the one I've had for 2 years so much I'm looking to buy a second one to mod slightly!

[Phil In Ottawa]

Yes, I did buy it and I'm absolutely thrilled with the purchase. Great looking, great playing and great sounding guitar.

You can read my NGD post describing it here and you can see photos here if you are interested.