NND! Strat Plus/SRV fans; bet you've never seen one of these :)

lifelonggtrgeek

lifelonggtrgeek

Strat-Talker
Jan 13, 2015
195
Rocky Mts
That's right, you're seeing it correctly, it's gold (plated)! And you thought the brushed Wilkinson splits were hard to find........

Wilkinson custom built only a few of these nuts for Fender/SRV, to be used on the SRV signature Strat prototype (one of the non-split ones was/is on the prototype). YEP, Stevie used a Wilkinson roller nut on it.

They were custom slotted for his string set ( at that time: 11-15-19-28-38-58 ) and this one was an option for Stevie to use. It easily could have been tested out by Stevie if he had more time with the proto. Maybe not something that he would have changed, but regardless it was one that was built as an option for him.

Thought I'd share, because you'll never see one like this again, unless I decide to sell it. Plus, it's just cool.

Who gets so jazzed about a nut!!!??? I do! As my user name suggests, I'm a geek when it comes to this stuff, and am quite fortunate to have some stellar contacts :)

FYI, I am in the process of putting together an article about the SRV Signature prototype that Stevie played as I had the good fortune of being able to interview Larry Brooks (as mentioned in another thread I posted a while back), who was the artist relations builder at Fender who built the prototype with Stevie. This is a bit of a teaser I suppose, but keep an eye out. I have some mind-blowing information that I think you'll love if you're an SRV fan.
 

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lifelonggtrgeek

lifelonggtrgeek

Strat-Talker
Jan 13, 2015
195
Rocky Mts
Wolf5150 said:
Awesome find.
I can't even find the normal version.
How did you obtain it ?
Click to expand...

As mentioned, I have some good contacts;) Wouldn't it be killer on a Strat Plus/Ultra converted to gold hardware?? I've seen only a couple of Strat Plus' with gold hardware. I think I remember Scott Grove had one. I've never seen another gold split one though. There may be a few out there, but can't be more than a few...and no other splits that were slotted for SRV :D

I have an original split version and even have one in chrome too. The chrome and split satin will be for sale soon if you're looking.
 

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T

tinkertoy

Senior Stratmaster
Feb 10, 2020
1,091
In a state of sunshine
I had a 90 plus deluxe with the 2nd generation roller nut.

It wasn't that good until I adjusted one of the side plugs where the rollers were inserted. It was pushed in too much and was causing binding.

After that, it was an amazing piece! That coupled with careful bridge adjustment and I had a 2pt strat that stayed in tune 99% in tune. That was really cool.

I sold it shortly after to build my warmoth strat.

I wish they were still made. I'd buy a few
 
lifelonggtrgeek

lifelonggtrgeek

Strat-Talker
Jan 13, 2015
195
Rocky Mts
tinkertoy said:
I had a 90 plus deluxe with the 2nd generation roller nut.
Click to expand...
Those Strat Plus' are generally such nice Strats. The value of them has steadily gone up over the years too. I had an '87 graffiti yellow about 10 years ago that I definitely regret selling. I may regret selling this gold nut too. However, it just sits not being used, so hopefully someone will enjoy it.
 
P

PCollen

Senior Stratmaster
Feb 13, 2014
4,423
Florida
tinkertoy said:
I had a 90 plus deluxe with the 2nd generation roller nut.

It wasn't that good until I adjusted one of the side plugs where the rollers were inserted. It was pushed in too much and was causing binding.

After that, it was an amazing piece! That coupled with careful bridge adjustment and I had a 2pt strat that stayed in tune 99% in tune. That was really cool.

I sold it shortly after to build my warmoth strat.

I wish they were still made. I'd buy a few
Click to expand...
I have two early 90's Strat Plus guitars, E9 and N9 s/n's, both with 2nd gen Wilkinsons. I keep them both lubed, use only 10s or 9s, and have never had an issue with them tuning or otherwise.
 
Wound_Up

Wound_Up

You can call me Duane 😁
Jan 23, 2020
6,499
NW LA
lifelonggtrgeek said:
That's right, you're seeing it correctly, it's gold (plated)! And you thought the brushed Wilkinson splits were hard to find........

Wilkinson custom built only a few of these nuts for Fender/SRV, to be used on the SRV signature Strat prototype (one of the non-split ones was/is on the prototype). YEP, Stevie used a Wilkinson roller nut on it.

They were custom slotted for his string set ( at that time: 11-15-19-28-38-58 ) and this one was an option for Stevie to use. It easily could have been tested out by Stevie if he had more time with the proto. Maybe not something that he would have changed, but regardless it was one that was built as an option for him.

Thought I'd share, because you'll never see one like this again, unless I decide to sell it. Plus, it's just cool.

Who gets so jazzed about a nut!!!??? I do! As my user name suggests, I'm a geek when it comes to this stuff, and am quite fortunate to have some stellar contacts :)

FYI, I am in the process of putting together an article about the SRV Signature prototype that Stevie played as I had the good fortune of being able to interview Larry Brooks (as mentioned in another thread I posted a while back), who was the artist relations builder at Fender who built the prototype with Stevie. This is a bit of a teaser I suppose, but keep an eye out. I have some mind-blowing information that I think you'll love if you're an SRV fan.
Click to expand...
Same thing Jeff Beck used, isn't it? Wilkinson split roller nut? They're pretty expensive on Reverb. I looked a few days ago.
 
P

PCollen

Senior Stratmaster
Feb 13, 2014
4,423
Florida
lifelonggtrgeek said:
rueJust listed this Gold Wilkinson nut for sale on eBay, if anyone is interested...

www.ebay.com

Vintage Wilkinson Roller Split Nut GOLD Custom for THE Fender SRV Prototype! | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Vintage Wilkinson Roller Split Nut GOLD Custom for THE Fender SRV Prototype! at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!
www.ebay.com
Click to expand...
Nope.. I don't see the advantage of the split vs. gen 2 other than perhaps accommodating heavier strings.
 
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S

Stratattack72

Senior Stratmaster
Nov 4, 2010
1,064
pluton
I've heard a lot about the prototype Stevie played , but never saw pics or video footage of it . Is there anything out there ? The roller nut is really cool ! Sounds like a lot of thought went into this prototype.
 
lifelonggtrgeek

lifelonggtrgeek

Strat-Talker
Jan 13, 2015
195
Rocky Mts
Stratattack72 said:
I've heard a lot about the prototype Stevie played , but never saw pics or video footage of it . Is there anything out there ? The roller nut is really cool ! Sounds like a lot of thought went into this prototype.
Click to expand...
I haven't been able to find any video over the years, but I did have the amazing opportunity to play the prototype (or actually I just kind of held it in awe and tried not to drool on it...and I didn't want to break any strings since they are the originals that Stevie played)...I took a ton of pictures with it along side the first SRV Sig Strat that came off of the line (which is now my baby). My profile pic is of the prototype that Stevie played along with "#2", which is what Larry Brooks (Fender builder who was working with SRV) called it. I'd be happy to upload some more pics of the prototype...that probably needs it's own thread.
 
S

Stratattack72

Senior Stratmaster
Nov 4, 2010
1,064
pluton
That would be cool if you would do that . Be nice to see the whole guitar. Probably there is video footage , but noone has posted it .
 
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