1981 Fender Lead I
Translucent Red
Made in the USA (Fullerton CA)
Serial: E109970
Luthier Measurements:
Nut Width: 1.61
Neck Thickness at 1st Fret: .89
Neck Thickness at 12th Fret: .97
Radius: 7.25
Scale: 25.5
Weight: 8 lbs 8.4 oz's
Comes in Original Hard Case w Trem Bar
$$$ It has just been professionally set up and dialed in for optimal tone and playability. It has low action with no buzzing. The frets are in perfect condition and polished to shine like a mirror, it is truly stage or studio ready/worthy. Including New Strings, Perfect Intonation, Truss Rod Adjustment and Low Action Read Our Feedback and Rest Assured, The Dude Abides!
🔥 1981 Fender USA Lead I – Translucent Red Firecracker w Ash Body – Killer Early-’80s Player! 🔥
Here’s a genuine Fullerton-built classic that delivers pure late-’70s/early-’80s Fender attitude: a 1981 Fender Lead I in stunning translucent red (often called Wine Red) over a beautiful ash body, paired with a maple neck and rosewood fretboard.
The Lead series was Fender’s smart, player-focused alternative to the Stratocaster—slightly smaller, more comfortable body contours, a return to the classic smaller headstock shape, and clever electronics that give you serious tonal versatility from a single pickup. This Lead I features the original Seth Lover-designed split-coil humbucker in the bridge, complete with the three-way coil selector (single coil / full humbucker / single coil) and series/parallel switch. That means you can go from thick, powerful humbucker roar to snappy single-coil clarity and everything in between—perfect for the rock, new wave, and hard rock sounds of the era.
Specs & Features
• Made in Fullerton, California, USA – 1981
• Ash body with translucent red (Wine Red) finish that lets the grain shine through
• Maple bolt-on neck with soft-C profile and rosewood fretboard
• 25.5” scale, 7.25” radius, 21 medium frets, dot inlays
• Original hardtail string-through-body bridge
• Master volume + tone, dual switching for maximum flexibility
• Classic chrome hardware and 3-ply pickguard
Condition & Playability
This is an overall great-playing guitar that still sounds exactly like it should—punchy, clear, and full of that authentic early-’80s Fender character. It has a few light scratches, dings, and a small wear spot on the front of the body (all clearly visible in the photos)—honest cosmetic wear that doesn’t affect the sound or feel. Nothing structural, no major issues.
It has been professionally set up and carefully dialed in for optimal tone and playability. The neck is comfortable, the action is smooth, the frets have plenty of life, and the electronics work perfectly. Plug it in and you’ll immediately understand why these Lead models have a devoted following among players who want something different from a standard Strat or Tele.
Whether you’re chasing period-correct tones, looking for a versatile hardtail rock machine, or simply want a cool, under-the-radar USA Fender from the golden Fullerton years, this 1981 Lead I in translucent red is ready to go.
Serious inquiries welcome—great player with classic looks and serious vibe!
🔥 This guitar (or bass) has been professionally set up and dialed in for optimal tone and playability. Unless otherwise noted in the listing, It features low action with no buzzing or dead spots, perfect intonation, a brand-new set of American-made Ernie Ball strings, and a straight neck with a fully functional truss rod. We make sure all frets are leveled, dressed, crowned, and polished to a mirror shine. The fingerboard has been thoroughly cleaned (unfinished rosewood and ebony boards are treated with Fret Doctor, a premium all-natural oil). All electronics function flawlessly. The guitar has been deep-cleaned and detailed and arrives stage- or studio-ready. 🔥
About The Guitar Dude
Three-time NAMM Top 100 Dealer worldwide. Specializing in premium Gibson, classic Fender guitars from all eras and the best Japanese made treasures. Known for the highest-quality consignment sales and custom layaway plans (available on select guitars and extendable beyond 45 days to fit your budget—contact us for details).
Often copied, never duplicated. Follow us on Facebook & Instagram for beautiful guitar content.
Consignment Services
Like what you see? Let us go to work for you. We offer the best and most fair priced consignment service on the planet! Look for me online. @TheGuitarDude
Our Guarantee
We stand behind every guitar we sell. “Good enough” is never good enough. Every instrument is inspected, set up, and tested by multiple people immediately before shipping. We deliver the highest standard of quality and have built a reputation as a three-time NAMM Top 100 Dealer since 2009. The Dude Abides.
Neck & Setup - (unless otherwise noted)
- Neck is perfectly straight with no truss-rod issues.
- Intonation is spot-on.
- Professionally set up with low action and new American-made strings.
- All frets are dressed, leveled, crowned (if needed), and all frets on all guitars are polished to shine like new with no divots.
Return Policy, Restocking Fees & No Tire-Kicking Policy
We follow Reverb’s 7-day return policy. However:
- You must
notify us in writing within 3 days of delivery (per tracking) of your intent to return.
- Original shipping and return shipping costs are not refunded unless the guitar is damaged in transit or is significantly not as described.
- A 15% restocking fee applies to all returns for any reason other than damage in transit or significantly not as described. Please note there is a 10% restocking fee on guitars that have been purchased and paid for - being off the market for more than 24 hours that have not been shipped or picked up by the carrier. We perform a final set up and change strings put when an order is placed and paid for. NO EXCEPTIONS
We do our best to honestly describe and photograph every guitar and most of the noticeable imperfections. That said, we are human, if something very small can be overseen, if tiny marks, dings or super fine scratches (normal wear) bother you, please don't buy.
We record demo videos of every guitar before shipping to document exact condition and performance. Additional photos, measurements, or in-hand descriptions are available upon request prior to purchase.
Minor adjustments and tweaks to a set up (for example to correct a slight buzz or truss-rod tweak) are normal after shipping due to carrier mishandling the package, climate & atmospheric changes, especially when moving from South Florida to colder or less humid environments. These slight issues do not constitute “significantly not as described.” Guitars must be returned in the exact same condition as received/advertised or additional repair/restocking fees will apply.
We are a small family owned and run business, not a big-chain retailer. We invest significant time, money and effort into every guitar. This is a NO TIRE-KICKING shop. There is no post purchase haggling, returns without restocking fees or partial refunds. If minor cosmetic marks, tiny imperfections, or the possibility of a post-shipping setup tweak makes you uncomfortable, please do not buy. Plenty of large retailers offer free trials and can absorb shipping costs—we do not.
Payment, Shipping & International Duties
- All items can be shipped internationally. Buyer is fully responsible for all import duties, taxes, and customs fees.
- We accept PayPal, PayPal Credit, Affirm, and other major payment methods.
- Most U.S. shipments are sent via UPS or FedEx with full insurance, tracking, and signature confirmation. All packages are professionally packed for maximum protection.
International Shipping Note
International shipping prices shown are for most countries. Certain countries have higher costs. We try and avoid USPS and mostly ship UPS, but USPS is the only available or reasonable carrier in certain situations. Express services (UPS, DHL, FedEx) are always available. We can’t under value merchandise as it can not be properly insured. If you would like to discuss different avenues, contact us by phone for a personalized quote.
Thank you for considering The Guitar Dude. We look forward to earning your business and delivering a guitar that exceeds your expectations. Contact us anytime for questions, consignment inquiries, layaway details, or a personalized shipping quote.
1981 Fender Lead I
Translucent Red
Made in the USA (Fullerton CA)
Serial: E109970
Luthier Measurements:
Nut Width: 1.61
Neck Thickness at 1st Fret: .89
Neck Thickness at 12th Fret: .97
Radius: 7.25
Scale: 25.5
Weight: 8 lbs 8.4 oz's
Comes in Original Hard Case w Trem Bar
$$$ It has just been professionally set up and dialed in for optimal tone and playability. It has low action with no buzzing. The frets are in perfect condition and polished to shine like a mirror, it is truly stage or studio ready/worthy. Including New Strings, Perfect Intonation, Truss Rod Adjustment and Low Action Read Our Feedback and Rest Assured, The Dude Abides!
🔥 1981 Fender USA Lead I – Translucent Red Firecracker w Ash Body – Killer Early-’80s Player! 🔥
Here’s a genuine Fullerton-built classic that delivers pure late-’70s/early-’80s Fender attitude: a 1981 Fender Lead I in stunning translucent red (often called Wine Red) over a beautiful ash body, paired with a maple neck and rosewood fretboard.
The Lead series was Fender’s smart, player-focused alternative to the Stratocaster—slightly smaller, more comfortable body contours, a return to the classic smaller headstock shape, and clever electronics that give you serious tonal versatility from a single pickup. This Lead I features the original Seth Lover-designed split-coil humbucker in the bridge, complete with the three-way coil selector (single coil / full humbucker / single coil) and series/parallel switch. That means you can go from thick, powerful humbucker roar to snappy single-coil clarity and everything in between—perfect for the rock, new wave, and hard rock sounds of the era.
Specs & Features
• Made in Fullerton, California, USA – 1981
• Ash body with translucent red (Wine Red) finish that lets the grain shine through
• Maple bolt-on neck with soft-C profile and rosewood fretboard
• 25.5” scale, 7.25” radius, 21 medium frets, dot inlays
• Original hardtail string-through-body bridge
• Master volume + tone, dual switching for maximum flexibility
• Classic chrome hardware and 3-ply pickguard
Condition & Playability
This is an overall great-playing guitar that still sounds exactly like it should—punchy, clear, and full of that authentic early-’80s Fender character. It has a few light scratches, dings, and a small wear spot on the front of the body (all clearly visible in the photos)—honest cosmetic wear that doesn’t affect the sound or feel. Nothing structural, no major issues.
It has been professionally set up and carefully dialed in for optimal tone and playability. The neck is comfortable, the action is smooth, the frets have plenty of life, and the electronics work perfectly. Plug it in and you’ll immediately understand why these Lead models have a devoted following among players who want something different from a standard Strat or Tele.
Whether you’re chasing period-correct tones, looking for a versatile hardtail rock machine, or simply want a cool, under-the-radar USA Fender from the golden Fullerton years, this 1981 Lead I in translucent red is ready to go.
Serious inquiries welcome—great player with classic looks and serious vibe!
🔥 This guitar (or bass) has been professionally set up and dialed in for optimal tone and playability. Unless otherwise noted in the listing, It features low action with no buzzing or dead spots, perfect intonation, a brand-new set of American-made Ernie Ball strings, and a straight neck with a fully functional truss rod. We make sure all frets are leveled, dressed, crowned, and polished to a mirror shine. The fingerboard has been thoroughly cleaned (unfinished rosewood and ebony boards are treated with Fret Doctor, a premium all-natural oil). All electronics function flawlessly. The guitar has been deep-cleaned and detailed and arrives stage- or studio-ready. 🔥
About The Guitar Dude
Three-time NAMM Top 100 Dealer worldwide. Specializing in premium Gibson, classic Fender guitars from all eras and the best Japanese made treasures. Known for the highest-quality consignment sales and custom layaway plans (available on select guitars and extendable beyond 45 days to fit your budget—contact us for details).
Often copied, never duplicated. Follow us on Facebook & Instagram for beautiful guitar content.
Consignment Services
Like what you see? Let us go to work for you. We offer the best and most fair priced consignment service on the planet! Look for me online. @TheGuitarDude
Our Guarantee
We stand behind every guitar we sell. “Good enough” is never good enough. Every instrument is inspected, set up, and tested by multiple people immediately before shipping. We deliver the highest standard of quality and have built a reputation as a three-time NAMM Top 100 Dealer since 2009. The Dude Abides.
Neck & Setup - (unless otherwise noted)
- Neck is perfectly straight with no truss-rod issues.
- Intonation is spot-on.
- Professionally set up with low action and new American-made strings.
- All frets are dressed, leveled, crowned (if needed), and all frets on all guitars are polished to shine like new with no divots.
Return Policy, Restocking Fees & No Tire-Kicking Policy
We follow Reverb’s 7-day return policy. However:
- You must
notify us in writing within 3 days of delivery (per tracking) of your intent to return.
- Original shipping and return shipping costs are not refunded unless the guitar is damaged in transit or is significantly not as described.
- A 15% restocking fee applies to all returns for any reason other than damage in transit or significantly not as described. Please note there is a 10% restocking fee on guitars that have been purchased and paid for - being off the market for more than 24 hours that have not been shipped or picked up by the carrier. We perform a final set up and change strings put when an order is placed and paid for. NO EXCEPTIONS
We do our best to honestly describe and photograph every guitar and most of the noticeable imperfections. That said, we are human, if something very small can be overseen, if tiny marks, dings or super fine scratches (normal wear) bother you, please don't buy.
We record demo videos of every guitar before shipping to document exact condition and performance. Additional photos, measurements, or in-hand descriptions are available upon request prior to purchase.
Minor adjustments and tweaks to a set up (for example to correct a slight buzz or truss-rod tweak) are normal after shipping due to carrier mishandling the package, climate & atmospheric changes, especially when moving from South Florida to colder or less humid environments. These slight issues do not constitute “significantly not as described.” Guitars must be returned in the exact same condition as received/advertised or additional repair/restocking fees will apply.
We are a small family owned and run business, not a big-chain retailer. We invest significant time, money and effort into every guitar. This is a NO TIRE-KICKING shop. There is no post purchase haggling, returns without restocking fees or partial refunds. If minor cosmetic marks, tiny imperfections, or the possibility of a post-shipping setup tweak makes you uncomfortable, please do not buy. Plenty of large retailers offer free trials and can absorb shipping costs—we do not.
Payment, Shipping & International Duties
- All items can be shipped internationally. Buyer is fully responsible for all import duties, taxes, and customs fees.
- We accept PayPal, PayPal Credit, Affirm, and other major payment methods.
- Most U.S. shipments are sent via UPS or FedEx with full insurance, tracking, and signature confirmation. All packages are professionally packed for maximum protection.
International Shipping Note
International shipping prices shown are for most countries. Certain countries have higher costs. We try and avoid USPS and mostly ship UPS, but USPS is the only available or reasonable carrier in certain situations. Express services (UPS, DHL, FedEx) are always available. We can’t under value merchandise as it can not be properly insured. If you would like to discuss different avenues, contact us by phone for a personalized quote.
Thank you for considering The Guitar Dude. We look forward to earning your business and delivering a guitar that exceeds your expectations. Contact us anytime for questions, consignment inquiries, layaway details, or a personalized shipping quote.
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