1983-91 Interceptor (All Body Styles)
MM's 1984 NAMM Show Interceptor (First-style X-body)

Photos
History
Registered Examples

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The following images of first-style X-body Interceptors are in the '84-'85 Memorabilia and Interceptor sections of the Pictures Gallery: The following images of second-style X-body Interceptors are in the '86-'87 Memorabilia and Interceptor sections of the Pictures Gallery: The following images of Strat-style body Interceptors are in the '88-'89 Memorabilia and Interceptor sections of the Pictures Gallery:

The first-style X-body Interceptor was made from 1983 to 1986 and has pretty much everything going for it in terms of collectibility - it's a very limited-production guitar that looks way cool and sounds and plays great. The guitar's cosmetics are clearly aimed at the heavy metal / "hair rock" set; Leo Fender hated the design and only approximately 70 guitars sneaked their way out of the factory before the model was cancelled.

The first-style guitars feature the G&L dual-fulcrum tremelo, front-loaded controls, and choice of pickup configurations - Sing/Sing/Sing or Hum/Hum (the latter employing the use of the slanted Cavalier humbuckers). In addition, there are a (presumably very small) handful of "transitional" guitars that feature the first-style body, but which have many features of the second-style guitars (rear-loaded controls, Kahler tremelo, Schaller humbuckers).

A second-style X-body design was also attempted a bit later - the second-style X-body Interceptor is exceedingly rare and quite sought-after by collectors. The guitar's body had a more "rounded" appearance than the first-style guitars, and featured a Kahler tremelo and rear-loaded controls. Choice of pickup configuration was again available, though Schaller humbuckers were used in place of the Cavalier humbuckers that appeared in the first-style guitars.

Though the second-style X-body Interceptors were clearly aimed at the "hair rock" market, the design is actually quite beautiful. Regardless, Leo Fender simply despised this guitar (as he did the first-style as well), and despite the fact that advertising materials for the guitar had already been put together, he put his foot down on the project before it ever reached official production. Hence the second-style X-bodies are all considered prototypes, and according to Vintage Guitar columnist Paul Bechtoldt there may only be as few as 8 to 12 in existence. The "experimental" nature of these prototypes can be observed by a visit to the Gallery on the site (see phpoto links above). Compare the finish and control placement on my 1986 example with the finish and control placement on the guitars in the ad slick.

As a side "tidbit", Joe Perry (lead guitarist for Aerosmith) reportedly owns a hot pink second-style X-body Interceptor - hopefully he'll register it!

The final Interceptor had a Strat-style body and hence was a bit more "conservative" in appearance than its dramatic X-bodied predecessors. It was again available with a variety of pickup offerings, though the Hum/Single/Single combination is by far the most common on this model. Production figures on the Strat-style guitars are not known though is thought that they are quite a bit more plentiful than the other Interceptor styles. Also note that there is rumored to be a third "X"-body style between the second-style X-bodies and this last Strat-style; however, the details on this are very sketchy, and the only "candidates" we know of so far are slight cosmetic one-offs of the second-style guitars.

Also check out this page on this page on Greg Gagliano's site for more information and specifications for first-style X-body and Strat-style body Interceptors.

Jos (aka yowhatsshakin) recently posted The Interceptor Guitar & Bass: Introduction and history.

And finally, if you submit an Interceptor to the Registry, please be sure to include clarification in the Comments field as to which style of Interceptor it is!

S/N
Model Neck Date Body Date Color Fretboard Body Bridge Other Features Owner
1. (None) Interceptor MAR 14, 1984 SEP ??, 1986 Red/Black Ebony Maple Kahler 2nd X-style. HH chrome HW No locking nut despite factory Kahler. Possibly an employee guitar. Modified with extra pot and moved switch scelerat
2. (None) Interceptor JUN 28, 1991 ??? ??, 1987   Rosewood Maple DF Vibrato System Body similar to 2nd-style Interceptor but has sharpened horns. No serial number. One-off deep black metallic finish. Sperzel locking tuners, 2 humbuckers, sickle headstock. The name GENE is written in neck pocket. Prototype? Employee guitar?  
3. (None) Interceptor     Vintage White (2001-present) Maple   Kahler According to your photos I have a rounded off interceptor x body with a neck from the third style interceptor. skizziks
4. G000002 Interceptor SEP 15, 1983 AUG 11, 1983 Red/Black Ebony Maple DF Vibrato System Leo Fender's X-body. Producton log verified. Flamed maple front & back, gold hardware. 2 humbucker pickups. Purchased from Gary Maki who got it from Dale Hyatt. Pocket: 'Built for Leo Fender 10-5-83 by Leo Crabtree', heel: '10-5-83 LCrb' yowhatsshakin
5. G000003 Interceptor     Red/Black Maple Maple DF Vibrato System This #3 Interceptor was produced on Aug. 24, 1983, the personal guitar of Dale Hyatt, one of only 6 with gold hardware, only 3 with the triple S pickups and gold; unique headstock logo; ad slick guitar for factory Registry Admin
6. G000015 Interceptor     Clear Red/Black Maple Maple DF Vibrato System 1-X Design, SSS, Gold H/W, Match H/Stk, papers/case. Photo in VG Mag., Photo & Featured in Willie G. Mosley's book "Everyman Guitars" , " The Further Adv. of Leo Fender"., Ex Cond. Personal. Heard rumor 1 of 3. Any Help? West Mobile Music
7. G011903 Interceptor SEP 15, 1983 AUG 11, 1983 Clear Red/Black Ebony Maple DF Vibrato System Flame maple 1st X-body with 2 Cavalier pickups. Grover tuners and DFV with string locking (F-100) saddles using a channel and set screw, both modified by Jack Charles of Quarterflash. He sold it to Attilio Panidissi. Original hard-shell case. yowhatsshakin
8. G012264 Interceptor SEP 15, 1983 AUG 11, 1983 Red/Black Ebony Maple DF Vibrato System 1st X-bodyInterceptor III with slight flame on the front of th body and 3 Nighthawk pups. Back is opaque Black. Dates are identical to G000002! Great player. Replacement spring cavity cover from ESI. yowhatsshakin
9. G012689 Interceptor     Clear Red/Black Ebony Maple DF Vibrato System 1st style Flame Maple X-body with matching clear red headstock & angled-offset humbuckers PhatGuitars
10. G014962 Interceptor     Clear Red/Black Ebony Maple DF Vibrato System N-O-S, X-body, flame maple top, black back & sides. Sickle headstock, nickel hardware, humbucker pickups. All paperwork & hang tag. (Hidden)
11. G015164 Interceptor ??? ??, 1991 ??? ??, 1991 Redburst Ebony Maple Fine Tuner, Pat Pend Flame Maple ~ left handed tremolo ~ Slanted Pickups - F-100 MFD Humbuckers ~ 3-way coil split ~ 1 of kind ~ prototype for the band Scorpions ~ final was not built due to Leo's death ~Leo Fender Signature Billy B
12. G015248 Interceptor     Natural Gloss Cocobolo Maple   1st style X-body (flame maple), single coil pu's, NAMM Show guitar Registry Admin
13. G015358 Interceptor MAY 21, 1984   Pearl Blueburst (aka Blue Pearl Sunburst) Ebony Maple   1st style X-body, single coil pu's Registry Admin
14. G015422 Interceptor MAY 7, 1984 ??? ??, 1984 Natural Gloss Ebony Maple DF Vibrato System 1st X body, Like new condition, two humbuckers, original pots, no cracks or wear, original hard case ViperJ
15. G015455 Interceptor APR 15, 1984 MAR ??, 1984 Clear Red/Black Ebony Maple DF Vibrato System 1st style X-body, Pickups SSS, The Former Owner Wrote "4/13/84 Completion Date" Yamato
16. G015514 Interceptor ??? ??, 1984 AUG 3, 1984 White Ebony Maple Kahler 1st style X-body, rear loaded controls, 2 Schaller humbuckers Yamato
17. G015527 Interceptor     Red/Black   Maple DF Vibrato System Original style Interceptor, Dual angled-offset Humbuckers Stonetree@adelphia....
18. G015608 Interceptor     Black Ebony Maple DF Vibrato System First body style with dual Cavalier humbuckers. Purchased used from a store in Orange, CA in 1994. Bridge pickup was custom rewound by Seymour Duncan (back when he still answered the phone at his shop) similar to Pearly Gates pickup. Beale Dabbs
19. G015644 Interceptor APR 18, 1984 DEC 9, 1983 Natural Gloss Ebony Maple DF Vibrato System One of the 8, including the two NAMM natural finished X-Bodies ever built. NOS, mint! GPD
20. G015657 Interceptor     Natural Gloss Ebony Maple DF Vibrato System Early Intercepter. It has Cavaler Pickups, and sports the rare & beautiful Flamed Maple Finish. I got this Axe from Tom who purchased it direct from Dale Hyatt. jefF-100
21. G015681 Interceptor MAY 14, 1984   Pearl Blueburst (aka Blue Pearl Sunburst) Ebony Maple   1st style X-body, Cavalier pu's  
22. G015690 Interceptor APR 18, 1984 APR ??, 1984 Clear Red/Black Ebony Maple DF Vibrato System 1st Style Body, SSS Pickups Yamato
23. G015702 Interceptor APR 18, 1984 MAR 13, 1984 Cherryburst Ebony Maple DF Vibrato System Tag states assembled 40 5-1-84. Also has this initials RC 4-25. 1st style X-body, Two offset Humbuckers Kahzmoe
24. G015709 Interceptor MAY 2, 1984   Cherryburst Ebony Maple DF Vibrato System Humbucking pickups (Hidden)
25. G015710 Interceptor     Cherryburst Ebony Maple DF Vibrato System 1st body style, color match headstock  
26. G015713 Interceptor APR 30, 1984   Red/Black Maple Maple DF Vibrato System Found in Italy. 1st style X-body. Completed 4/30/1984 according to logs.  
27. G015791 Interceptor OCT 23, 1999 NOV 25, 2003 Clear Red/Black Ebony Maple DF Vibrato System 1st Style X-Body, Pickups SSS Yamato
28. G015819 Interceptor JAN 9, 1984 MAR 3, 1984 Clear Red/Black Maple Maple DF Vibrato System 1st style X-body, ash body, Skyhawk pu\\\'s, # 3 neck Blackmore
29. G015920 Interceptor ??? ??, 1984 ??? ??, 1984 Red/Black Ebony Maple DF Vibrato System First Style Interceptor with Cavalier type Humbuckers, two tone Red/Black. Very PRETTY! Purchased from Bullfalo Bros on 03/26/05 and George Fullerton personally Signed this Instrument behind headstock in my presence. Much Thanks to George and Tim!! jefF-100
30. G015921 Interceptor     Black Ebony Maple DF Vibrato System First X-Body, Matching Black Headstock with Gold Decals, Black Crinkle Neck, Control & Trem Plates, 'Pat. Pend.' on Chrome Bridge, Single Coils PhatGuitars
31. G015945 Interceptor ??? ??, 1984 ??? ??, 1984 Black Ebony Maple DF Vibrato System 1st-style X-body in black, matching headstock, 3 MFD Nighthawk/Skyhawk SC, OHSC with all case candy, RC 5-7-84 on hang-tag, Schaller G&L tuners Peter Frieß
32. G015969 Interceptor     Clear Red/Black Maple Maple DF Vibrato System sickle-tit headstock, #2 neck; 2 HG type pick-ups Registry Admin
33. G015975 Interceptor   MAR 18, 1984 Clear Red/Black Ebony Maple DF Vibrato System 1st style X-body, 2 Cavalier pickups, flame maple body  
34. G015979 Interceptor     Cherryburst Ebony Maple DF Vibrato System Rare Beast! Twin Cavalier pickup version with special Cherry Pearl-burst finish. GPD
35. G016014 Interceptor     Clear Red/Black Ebony Maple DF Vibrato System 1st body style Interceptor. S/S/S pickups. Zombywoof
36. G016023 Interceptor     Black Maple   DF Vibrato System RA note: Completed 8/12/84 HB (Details from G&L factory log page posted on CLF Research facebook page) Registry Admin
37. G016032 Interceptor     Black Ebony   DF Vibrato System X-body w/3 single coils. Brought back from the dead by Gabe Dellevigne. A true relic! JoseyWales
38. G016039 Interceptor     Natural Gloss Ebony Maple DF Vibrato System RA note: Completed 5/2/84 Flame Maple (Details from G&L factory log page posted on CLF Research facebook page) Registry Admin
39. G016043 Interceptor     Black Maple   DF Vibrato System RA note: Completed 5/??/8? HB (Details from G&L factory log page posted on CLF Research facebook page) Registry Admin
40. G016193 Interceptor SEP 9, 1983 AUG 11, 1983 Red/Black Maple Maple DF Vibrato System This is a Dale Hyatt log-documented, 1983 NAMM show guitar, with NAMM under the neck pickup routing Registry Admin
41. G016664 Interceptor     Hot Pink Ebony   Kahler    
42. G016688 Interceptor JAN 14, 1986 OCT 2, 1984 Black Ebony Maple Kahler 2nd style X-body, all-black hardware and tuners. This guitar appears in the ad slick for the second-style X-body Interceptors. BWT
43. G017111 Interceptor     Black Ebony Maple Kahler Color match headstock, 3 mini toggles, SSS, X-Body, 1986 2nd body style Big Daddy
44. G017440 Interceptor ??? ??, 1987 ??? ??, 1986 Black Ebony   Kahler HH Design with 2 Schaller Humbuckers rickfoxrox@hotmail....
45. G017537 Interceptor   APR 18, 1984 Cherryburst Maple Maple DF Vibrato System 1st style X-body, maple body, sickle headstock  
46. G017884 Interceptor JAN 14, 1986 OCT 31, 1984 Clear Red/Black Ebony Maple Kahler 2nd style X-body Interceptor HH used in ad slick. Some minimal wear. With Kahler warranty card, order form, and guide. Cool form fit OHSC. yowhatsshakin
47. G018249 Interceptor JUL 24, 1986 MAY 12, 1986 Clear Red/Black Ebony Maple Kahler 2nd Style X-Body, Pickups HH Yamato
48. G018848 Interceptor     Clear Red/Black Ebony Maple Kahler 2nd-style X-body, chrome hardware, hum-hum BWT
49. G019583 Interceptor     Clear Red/Black Ebony Maple Kahler Second body style X-body, #4 neck with 25 inch radius, SSS pickup config w/ 3 mini-toggles, chrome hardware, interestingly made in 1987 after production of this style had ceased. Most likely a special order, second style, Interceptor Registry Admin
50. G020406 Interceptor MAY 8, 1984 MAR 6, 1987 Clear Red/Black Ebony Maple DF Vibrato System Transitional SSS prototype between 2nd X-body and 3rd style. Long horns, arm carve, belly contour but round bottom. Original buzzing Wilkinson roller nut replaced by bone, form fit case, Roy&Candy's Music tags. Heel marked 'OK', 'DH', 'F-100-1' stamp yowhatsshakin
51. G020492 Interceptor AUG 12, 1984   Black Ebony Maple Kahler 2nd Style X-Body, SSS pickups w/ 3 mini-toggles, chrome hardware, 2nd Green Neck Data 08-14-87 Yamato
52. G020641 Interceptor     Clear Red/Black Rosewood Maple Kahler   stewodonnell@optusn...
53. G020975 Interceptor JUL 24, 1986   Blue/Black Rosewood   DF Vibrato System 3rd (strat) body style, HH configuration. Neck contains an additional date of 19/Dec/87 (could be when it was converted to hook headstock). Toggle switch is above the knobs. Matching headstock. Fretboard dark/streaked (caramel ebony?) Green Thing
54. G021624 Interceptor     Tan/Gold Sparkle Rosewood   Fine Tuner, Pat # Latest body style, SSH, fine tuner bridge, sickle head, Tan/Gold. Same guitar used for ad slick and catalog. B Vestal
55. G021772 Interceptor     Blonde Rosewood   DF Vibrato System   dpennington30@yahoo...
56. G021900 Interceptor FEB 5, 1988 JAN 5, 1988 Tan/Gold Sparkle Rosewood Maple Fine Tuner, Pat # HSS. Sickle headstock, Leo Fender Fine Tuner Bridge/Tailpiece, #5 in neck pocket [Reg Admin note: Factory log info on G021900 completed May 2, 1988 Interceptor LF/V (Leo Fender vibrato) 4RW (#4 neck, rosewood board) TAN/GOL (tan/gold two-tone).] John O
57. G022045 Interceptor     Black Rosewood Maple Kahler second-style X-body with Strat-style headstock, purchased in 87 or 88 from a secretary at G&L, at the time she said "it's from the custom shop". paid $300. bigjohn33@gmail.com
58. G022251 Interceptor     Blue/Black Rosewood   Fine Tuner, Pat # Strat-style, Viking Blue w/ black trim Registry Admin
59. G022500 Interceptor JUL 18, 1988 FEB 18, 1988 Blue/Black Rosewood Swamp Ash DF Vibrato System Third Body Style Color blue/black with three single coil pickups GNLDAVE
60. G022514 Interceptor NOV 16, 1987 JUN 8, 1988 Clear Red Rosewood   Kahler The only LEFT HANDED Interceptor ever made? Gorgeous 3rd style clear red front and back with matching headstock. (Hidden)
61. G022537 Interceptor       Rosewood     guitar is not original color, original color is purple, but has been repainted grey. would like to know approxamate value. otttands@aol.com
62. G022555 Interceptor FEB 16, 1988   Black Rosewood   Fine Tuner, Pat # 3rd body style, matching black sickle headstock, Guitar Tech Locking nut, sing-sing-hum PhatGuitars
63. G022722 Interceptor ??? ??, 1988 ??? ??, 1988 White Rosewood Swamp Ash Fine Tuner, Pat Pend 3rd style body; 2 color body: white/grey (silver?) metallic; matching white sickle headstock by Leo Fender; 2 Schaller HB; Schaller machine heads; 3-way pickup selector switch, Vol/Tone/Tone; case is missing Peter Frieß
64. G022844 Interceptor     Natural Gloss Rosewood        
65. G022964 Interceptor JAN 16, 1988 JAN ??, 1988 Black       repair between neck pocket and pickup pocket  
66. G023198 Interceptor ??? ??, 1987 ??? ??, 1987   Rosewood   Fine Tuner, Pat # 1987-88 NOS with hang tags,Mint, two tone, Blue Pearl Flip-Flop/Cream white West Side Duck
67. G023300 Interceptor FEB 5, 1988 JAN 3, 1988 Blue/Black Rosewood Maple DF Vibrato System Last style Interceptor with 2 tone belaire green/black finish and matching headstock. #4 neck with S/S/H electronics. B Vestal
68. G023384 Interceptor ??? ??, 1987 ??? ??, 1987 Purple/White Maple   DF Vibrato System Beautiful third style, Sickle style headstock W/Leo Sig, Locking Sperzel Tuners, Excellent condition, HSS config, Monster sound! FZTNT
69. G023517 Interceptor     Tan/Gold Sparkle Rosewood   Fine Tuner, Pat # Longhorn style body. #4 neck. Body looks and sounds more like ash than other maple versions I've owned. B Vestal
70. G023534 Interceptor   ??? ??, 1988 Blue/Black Rosewood   Kahler Org. Owner, 2 tone Bahama Blue with black around the outer edge w/matching headstock, Original Kahaler bridge w/locking nut, 2 single coil & 1 Humbucker, Schaller strap locks, maple sanded neck OE, some minor nicks, Original case, Luv It! NEGLEGENZ
71. G023765 Interceptor SEP 8, 1988   Purple/Black Rosewood Maple Kahler Last body style w/matching Purple Headstock, chrome Hardware, #4 Neck, HSS, Kahler String Lock, OHSC, copy of sales log page; completed 9-13-88. Second date stamp neck FEB 16 1988. In pocket: "931-S". yowhatsshakin
72. G024104 Interceptor MAR 10, 1989 APR ??, 1988 White Ebony Maple Fine Tuner, Pat # Chrome Hardware, Added Center Humbucker Pickup.  
73. G024151 Interceptor MAY 21, 1990   Tan/Gold Sparkle Rosewood Maple DF Vibrato System 3rd body style, SSS pickups, matching sickle headstock with signature, white lettering, including "by Leo Fender", NOS purchase, 8.02LBS (Hidden)
74. G024195 Interceptor     Black Rosewood   Fine Tuner, Pat # 3rd style Interceptor with 2nd generation LFV with just a single arm socket. Teatless Black sickle headstock. From Borst Collection listed on Heritage Auctions site 10/26/2019  
75. G024286 Interceptor OCT 12, 1988 APR 12, 1988 Tan/Gold Sparkle Rosewood Maple Fine Tuner, Pat # 3rd style HSS. 2nd date stamp heel: SEP 1 1988. The '12' in pocket almost illegible and may be different. Leo Fender Pat. Pend. Vibrato Lock and 2nd gen. Leo Fender Vibrato. Teat-less, color matched sickle headstock. Matches my B019510 bass. yowhatsshakin
76. G024354 Interceptor     Purple/White Rosewood   DF Vibrato System 3rd body style, matching purple, sickle head stock, locking tuners, S/S/H  
77. G024394 Interceptor MAR 10, 1989 JUN 15, 1989 Clear Blue Rosewood Swamp Ash DF Vibrato System Super rare Interceptor SSS (3rd style). Bevels have same finish. Same harness as Invader and/or Interceptor HSS. Matching Clear Blue headstock, white lettering, including "by Leo Fender". Gorgeous guitar! yowhatsshakin
78. G024550 Interceptor MAR ??, 1988 ??? ??, 1988 Purple/White Maple   DF Vibrato System 3rd Style Body, Sickle Head Yamato
79. G024650 Interceptor     Purple/White Maple Swamp Ash DF Vibrato System 3rd body style; # 4 neck; 4/11/89 completion date gnlgod
80. G024748 Interceptor SEP 3, 1988 APR 17, 1988 Clear Red/Black Rosewood Maple DF Vibrato System 3rd body style, Schaller HH pickups, matching sickle headstock with signature, 8.5 lbs (Hidden)
81. G024854 Interceptor     Purple/White Rosewood   DF Vibrato System Last body style Interceptor, purple / white with matching sickle headstock. Locking tuners, S/S/H . Registry Admin
82. G024915 Interceptor ??? ??, 1988 ??? ??, 1988 Black Rosewood Poplar Fine Tuner, Pat # rare monochromatic black body, last style; rare fine tuner vibrato bridge, ambidextrous Registry Admin
83. G024985 Interceptor     Clear Red/Black Rosewood Maple DF Vibrato System [RA note: 3rd style HSS flame maple body, sickle headstock painted solid red-different then body color which has aged to burgundy] Color is burgundy with black trim. It is 1988 model (I think) with bridge humbucker and mid and neck single coils. richardheadensemble...
84. G025032 Interceptor     White Rosewood   Fine Tuner, Pat # 3rd style, hum-hum, Leo Fine Tuner vibrato (Pat. #), matching headstock SteveK
85. G027552 Interceptor ??? ??, 1990 DEC ??, 1990   Maple Maple DF Vibrato System Factory custom surf green body, custom toggle switches, 1 3/4" nut Wild Bill
86. G028366 Interceptor     Clear Red/Black Maple     Half of the fretboard is inlayed with what appears to be ebony. This inlay is set at an angle starting with the largest portion under the nut tapering to nothing at the last fret. zookeeper
87. G030188 Interceptor JUN 28, 1991 APR 18, 1984 Cherryburst Rosewood Maple DF Vibrato System Stunning example of the first style X-Body with the two slanted HG-2R cavalier pickups. Nitro finish on body and shiny poly on neck. Beautiful guitar, no sign it's been played. FZTNT
88. G034168 Interceptor JUL 20, 1992 APR 5, 1988 Sparkle Purple Rosewood Swamp Ash Fine Tuner, Pat Pend 3rd style, ash body, # 1 neck, sc-sc-hum, Fine Tuner Vibrato (Pat Pend), sickle headstock, MIJ pots, employee guitar  
89. G038067 Interceptor     Bahama Blue Maple   Fine Tuner, Pat Pend Third body style, sickle headstock, 2 humbuckers, sold by a Japanese guitar store  
90. G046256 Interceptor ??? ??, 1984 ??? ??, 1984 Red/Black Maple Swamp Ash DF Vibrato System Cavalier style HG-2 pick-ups, Black painted headstock. An employee built guitar from Brads personal collection JByrd
You can click the serial numbers in this column to edit the corresponding Instrument.
[Total Produced: Unknown]
[Total Registered to Date: 90]

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