247 thoughts on “The Stratocaster Appreciation Page”

  1. Fender Precision Bass 5 String
    AnonymAmyous

    I have a Fender precision bass that says Celebrating 50 years of excellence 1946-1996. The serial# is N567940. I would like to know how much it is worth?

  2. Squier stratocaster with label 1946-1996 50 years of excellence
    Anonymous

    Hi, I`d like to know about this guitar.. serial : YN689265 Made in China.. White.. do you know the year and the price for it these days? thank you very much.

    1. Re: fender stratocaster 1996 with label 1946-1996 50 years of ex
      Dave

      : Hi there, does somebody know if the model fender stratocaster from 1996 with te sticker 1946-1996 50 years of excellence Fender is something special? I was told that only 2000 items were made with this specific label? What is the value of this guitar, it’s a plus deluxe model I guess?

      : kind regards Dave

      1. Re: fender stratocaster 1996 with label 1946-1996 50 years of excellence.
        John B

        I have one of these in sunburst, says number S0950 of S2500, the S could mean sunbusrt so it’s rare but they might have made 10 or more colours so not that rare. I cannot see a serial number but I have not taken the neck off or looked inside. Mine has 22 frets, pearloid scratchplate and two separate string trees. Case is shaped with a red Fender inset label. I am thinking of selling it and trying to find out what to ask for it – it is totally mark free.

    2. Re: This popular thread has been given its own page :... Dave
      Dave

      Hi there, does everybody know if the model fender stratocaster from 1996 with te sticker 1946-1996 50 years of excellence Fender is something special? I was told that only 2000 items were made with this specific label? Wat is the value of this guitar, it’s a plus deluxr model I guess?

      kind regards Dave

      1. Stratocaster
        Phillip JonesAnonymous

        High I’m trying to value my Fender American Stratocaster it’s the 50 year of Excellence Model Number N 6142776, any ideas. I’ve got a Stratocaster Deluxe, so I want to get a Telecaster Deluxe instead of One of these 2 Strats. Which one should I sell

      2. "50 Years of Excellence" Strat
        Anonymous

        I am trying to ID a similar Stat from 1995 with the excellence plate on the rear of the headstock. Serial number is N53376, so I think it must be part of a standard production run. 1995 50 Years if Excellence Strat Oly white – 05; very dark rosewood fingerboard; 50 years of excellence sticker on back of standard size headstock; WBW pg; white SSS; standard trem 6 tail; whammy in case; missing trem plate on back; Fen fitted molded plush case.

        Any Ideas?

        Geoff Dolman

  3. Late 90's Japanese lefty Stratocaster Squire
    Henry

    I have a beautiful blonde finish lefty Stratocaster Squire with s/n V029188 and reads made in Japan, which based on the s/n tables tracks to late ’90s. This guitar has almost never been played (I’m not a lefty) an in immaculate condition with original hardshell Fender case, also in like new condition. What is the approximate resell value on this?

    thanks!
    Henry

    1. Re: Late 90's Japanese lefty Stratocaster (correction)
      Henry

      Just need to correct that this is NOT a Squire. The only wording on the headstock reads "Fender". To be more specific, the finish is a blonde, natural woodgrain finish.

      : I have a beautiful blonde finish lefty Stratocaster Squire with s/n V029188 and reads made in Japan, which based on the s/n tables tracks to late ’90s. This guitar has almost never been played (I’m not a lefty) an in immaculate condition with original hardshell Fender case, also in like new condition. What is the approximate resell value on this?

      : thanks!
      : Henry

  4. made in japan strat
    jerry

    recently purchased a made in japan strat serial number Q0 5361. I think it is a 70’s re-issue made in the 80’s, but the bottom pickup is different than the others- 2 horizontal bars rather than 5 dots, and it is marked seymour duncan. Also, the nut is metal with adjustment screws. Body is natural wood, maple neck. Anybody have any clues?

    1. Re: made in japan strat
      93strat

      : recently purchased a made in japan strat serial number Q0 5361. I think it is a 70’s re-issue made in the 80’s, but the bottom pickup is different than the others- 2 horizontal bars rather than 5 dots, and it is marked seymour duncan. Also, the nut is metal with adjustment screws. Body is natural wood, maple neck. Anybody have any clues?

      Hi, on the Fender site is a reference page. Q plus 5 digits is 1997-200 — crafted in Japan on the neck……….

      check the site………….http://www.fender.com/support/usa_instruments.php

      pick your axe from the links on the left……….good luck

      1. Re: made in japan strat
        d

        they made tons of different versions of strats in the 1980’s…coming mostly from japan. actually, when fender was bought out in the early 80’s, the new american owners looked to japan to start production again because-japan was killing the market with low priced well -(better than the american product!) fender copies (tokai, ibanez…) in fact, fender actually subcontracted these guys to do their japanese production!

        most jap fender solidbodies from that time have basswood bodies as opposed to ash, alder or poplar. many had locking nts and floyd rose type tremelos as they were in vogue then. (think van halen, etc.)

        i have one from the late 80’s. it’s made nicely. as for value, not much for resale but they are fine players.

        sounds like you may have a gibson style pu at the bridge. may have been stock, or someone stuck in a seymore duncun aftermarket. they are good p.u.s if you like that sound.

  5. 1962 Re-Issue Strat (American) Value?
    Tom

    What’s going on, hoping for some feedback on the value of my ’62 re-issue, American strat. SN: V102911. Sunburst, in EXCELLENT condition, w/ awesome tweed case, also in excellent condition. Possibly two nicks on the guitar anywhere, barely noticeable. Plays like a dream. Purchased for $699, don’t remember how many years ago, but quite some time ago. Thanks for any help or referring links.

  6. 1999 american deluxe fat strat
    kc

    anyone have an idea what a 1999 American Deluxe Fat strat 3 color sunburst 2single coil noisless 1 DH-1 humbucker rosewood fretboard abalone inlays in mint shape worth?

    1. Re: Korean Squier Strat Serial # E1022896
      Paul

      : my uncle gave me this guitar and i was just wondering what year it is.

      Probably anywhere from ’86 to ’88. One of the best Squiers made in my opinion.

      1. Re: Korean Squier Strat Serial # E1022896
        Micthetic

        : : my uncle gave me this guitar and i was just wondering what year it is.

        : Probably anywhere from ’86 to ’88. One of the best Squiers made in my opinion.

        : Couldn’t agree more, i’ve just bought an ‘E’ series with the Fender stamped,US fender spaced saddles (56mm),Gotoh tuners,1 piece Maple neck,solid Alder/Ash body.Plays really well, PUPs are a bit naff but these guitars are good enough to put some pretty esoteric pickups in, i might just put a set of US standard ones in for now. Great guitars absolute hidden gem.

        1. Re: Korean Squier Strat Serial # E1022896
          Jon Are

          : : : my uncle gave me this guitar and i was just wondering what year it is.

          : : Probably anywhere from ’86 to ’88. One of the best Squiers made in my opinion.

          : : Couldn’t agree more, i’ve just bought an ‘E’ series with the Fender stamped,US fender spaced saddles (56mm),Gotoh tuners,1 piece Maple neck,solid Alder/Ash body.Plays really well, PUPs are a bit naff but these guitars are good enough to put some pretty esoteric pickups in, i might just put a set of US standard ones in for now. Great guitars absolute hidden gem.

          Hi good people.
          I have a E 1003253 and it is great . All guitar docs and players have liked it.
          My cousin trades his 64 vintage with me for gigs he likes my squier better….Damn!!

          Anyway Fender have a hard time identifying this guitar upon request.

          Jon

    1. Re: Japan Squier Series Strat?
      auttasit jaingam

      : Hi, Im form Argentina, and Im planning to buy a Strat.
      : A guy from DR ( something like Ebay Here ) is offering me a Japanese fender stratocaster, Squier series….

      : I read that Fender Squier series Strats were made in MEX, but this guy says his guitar its a Japanese one, from 1993, with rosewood fingerboard and alder body…. no serial number yet, Im waiting for it…

      : do you think its real or no Fender Squier Series were made in Japan?

      : Please respond to my email adress if possible, thank you very much.

    2. Re: Japan Squier Series Strat?
      Lloyd Dias

      : Hi, Im form Argentina, and Im planning to buy a Strat.
      : A guy from DR ( something like Ebay Here ) is offering me a Japanese fender stratocaster, Squier series….

      : I read that Fender Squier series Strats were made in MEX, but this guy says his guitar its a Japanese one, from 1993, with rosewood fingerboard and alder body…. no serial number yet, Im waiting for it…

      : do you think its real or no Fender Squier Series were made in Japan?

      : Please respond to my email adress if possible, thank you very much.
      hello! yes they were made in japan and if you have a number that beginss with sq or jv they are very high quality but unless its in mint condition i wouldent go over 450.00 u.s.

    3. Re: This popular thread has been given its own page :... Napo
      Napo

      Hi, Im form Argentina, and Im planning to buy a Strat.
      A guy from DR ( something like Ebay Here ) is offering me a Japanese fender stratocaster, Squier series….

      I read that Fender Squier series Strats were made in MEX, but this guy says his guitar its a Japanese one, from 1993, with rosewood fingerboard and alder body…. no serial number yet, Im waiting for it…

      do you think its real or no Fender Squier Series were made in Japan?

      Please respond to my email adress if possible, thank you very much.

  7. Japan Strat ST62-500
    David Benjamin

    Can anyone throw any light on this instrument, please? The serial No is E978910. My web searching so far has not come up with anything with this particular model.
    Thanks, David

    1. st62 500's
      michae;

      David,
      I would say your strat is a 1989. The 9 following the E signifies this. I have an E series, E8——- which is a 1988. I also have a ST 62 500 which is an H serial no.
      Google “japan serial nos”

    2. Re: Japan Strat ST62-500
      david Benjamin

      : Can anyone throw any light on this instrument, please – Japan Strat ST62-500? The serial No is E978910. My web searching so far has not come up with anything with this particular model.
      : Thanks, David

  8. Fender Cyclone- sunburst
    Jimmy

    I have a sunburst Mexican made Fender Cyclone. I can’t find out anything about it at all. also i have a Squire from the 1980’s, it is neck through construction, floyd rose locking trem, two humbuckers and a single and says made in korea by Fender on the headstock. someone around town said it was fake. any info?

    1. Re: Korean made Squier Stratocaster E9 serial number.
      josh

      uhh, yeah…
      i’m having the same problem with mine, i got it of a friend for twenty bucks cuz the thing was trashed and i’ve been fixing it. but i noticed that it was not like normal squiers, there was no pickguard and the head is really pointy. but i think your right about the body being ash and the rosewood fretboard, i also think its a maple neck
      its serial nuber is E926742 im really just trying to find what year the stupid thing was made

      1. Re: Korean made Squier Stratocaster E9 serial number.
        ADRIAN MARTIN

        I HAVE AN SQUIER E935393 HAS 1 TUNE KNOB AND VOLUME KNOB 5 WAY SWITHC IT HAS 22 FRET NECK BLACK RED & BLUE TIPE LIKE REPTILE PAINT IT HAS FRONT AND BACK WAMI BAR AND HAVING SAME PROBLEM DONT KNOW WHEN IT WAS MAKE NUTTIN

      2. Re: Korean made Squier Stratocaster E9 serial number.
        barrie

        hey man that stupid guitar you talk of is a 1989 fender squier 1989 and it was made in korea it is part of the hm series i think its a hm2

    2. Re: This popular thread has been given its own page :... Stephan
      Stephan

      Help!

      My guitar has an identity problem. I can’t seem to make out what it is really. I obtained it back in 1989/90 at a local music store … so I have been been the sole owner (and I haven’t changed it’s ssetup. It is a Korean made Squier Stratocaster but it seems to have quite a few particulars I’ve not seen on any others. It has the narrow Strat body (not a simline) with the input jack on the edge rather than the face. It is a very heavy (compared top others I’ve toyed with)wood … so maybe Ash? It has one single coil in the neck position, one single coil in the mid position and one humbucker in the bridge position. She has a 5 way switch and one volume and 2 tone knobs. The neck is a bolt-on (4 bolts … while the Squier Stagemaster were a set neck). The fretboard (21 frets) is what appears to be Rosewood and feels as if it has a slight scalloping to the frets and has a truss rod. It has a Floyd Rose Locking Tremelo.
      I seem to recall (vaguely) something called a Contemporary Strat … or a HM Series Strat (?) … but the HMs had the headstock painted in either the body colour or black with bad 80’s graphics. It has so many things that point in one direction and then an equal number go in another.

      Any help in identifying her would be appreciated 🙂

    1. Early Squire Strat
      Pat Hughes

      I have a mint condition squire strat serial no. A000864
      Maple neck, with white body, 21 frets. made in Japan. Would anyone be able to tell me the year and type of strat it is. If possible, to also know if it has some kind of value.

    2. Re: This popular thread has been given its own page :... Jim Whitaker
      Jim Whitaker

      I have an squire strat E series with a maple neck and fretboard with this fender logo kahler locking nut and whammy bridge. the guitar is bright solid red. Ihave seen only one other like it and nobody seems to know any thing about this particular model. I would like to know if it is a rare model and what the value on this thing might be.it has a solid white pickguard and is all origional as far as I know.Any help would be greatly appreciated. oOh by the way the serial is E751377

      1. Re: 84-87 japanese stratocaster E serial number
        Keith

        : : anyone know where i could find the value of this guitar? thanks…
        : E733817

        The ‘E’ section of the serial means 198X’s and the 7 immidiately after means 1987. Therefore you have an 1987 model. If the logo is silver it’s a silver series. Typically sought after due to a ’60’s feel neck fine alder bodies and gotoh machine heads. Rest of the stuff on them is fairly average but with a heavy gotoh block, fender pup’s and perhaps dimarzio hardware (with correct setup/fret dress) these strat can play and sound as good as any american Fender or even the reissues.

  9. neck plate from strat
    al

    after looking at all the junk guitar parts these criminals on ebay are trying to sell for outrageous money. i picked out an old strat neckplate ive had for years it reads L74347 is it really worth anything? if so make me an offer.

  10. dating korean strat.
    rodney latchford

    Bought my 1962 copy fiesta red strat 2nd hand in 1984 it has genuine fender machine heads plus a plastic? gasket that fits under the neck security plate! serial No. is E1006105,also it has the xmas tree string guides.what year is it please? also any other info would be welcome.thanks.

  11. Whats the approx value of this?
    b0rn_l33t

    There a really nice mint condition Squire strat in the shop here, I believe it is Japanese made (In the 80’s/90’s) its cream in color with a white pickguard (I know squire no longer makes strats available in this color, only the American Fender’s come in this color now), it plays very well, and is in excellent condition (no real scratches or dings), they have a $175 price tag on it, is it worth it?

  12. tracing a strat by serial number
    stephan bruglemans

    hi,

    is it possible to trace a strat by its serial number ? I know you can find the built-year; but can we find details about what actual version of strat it is; like…is it a "standard" or "american standard" or "highway" or …… and if so, how can one do that ?

    thx for charing your veiew

    1. Re: Fender Strat HSS - Made in Japan
      suffian

      I just bought one too. I think its a fake. Im changing it for another one… I’ve checked no serial number TZ… mine was poorly printed on the neck heel and the workmanship was not good… thought the pickup and the sound are pretty much the same. i think the pickups are originally as intended.. im frm malaysia too gilbert

    2. Re: Fender Strat HSS - Made in Japan
      Pasha

      : I just bought a Fender Strat ( 2 single coil & 1 humbucker) , Made in Japan , sunburst,maple fretboard with serial number TZ 1860985. Does anybody out there has a similar T Z alphabets serial and also let me know what year of made and more information about this guitar will be great.

      Hey Gilbert….i recently bought a Fender strat, sunburst, Made in Mexico with the serial number TZ 1860981 from a local guitar shop in Lahore Pakistan. What’da F*** is going on here???? It came with original packing and stuff and the make and finish seems very respectable to qualify for an original strat even to an experienced eye. Normally i can tell the fake ones just by the quality of logo and "made in…" decals even if the body seems like original. The one i have has the logo and decals embeded in the finish resin coat. Normally on fake ones you can see the edges of decals and are pasted on top of the resin coat. I checked the Fender site and all Mexican made Fender start with the Alphabet "M". There is no TZ series either in Japan or anywhere else.

      If you find any clue to this serial number please let me know as well. Meanwhile that guitar shopkeeper has a lot of explaining to do…. 🙁

      Related Article:
      Fender Mustang Floor

      1. Fender Made in Japan
        Sergei

        Hi!
        i recently bought a Fender strat, black. Made in japan. Serial number – TZ 60979.

        If you can – let me know what year of made and more information about this guitar will be great.

        I write to you from asia (Kirgizstan), excuse me my english)))

        Thank you!

        1. Re: Fender Made in Japan
          Sergei

          : Hi!
          : i recently bought a Fender strat, black. Made in japan. Serial number – TZ 60979.

          : If you can – let me know what year of made and more information about this guitar will be great.

          : I write to you from asia (Kirgizstan), excuse me my english)))

          Please write on [email protected]

          : Thank you!

      2. Re: Fender Strat HSS - Made in Japan
        Eric

        Hello,
        I bought a strat off ebay (Seller no longer registered) that was shipped from China with the following SN: TZ 1860965 located at the top of the "heel" of the neck just above the pocket on the body where it is bolted on. Its a very nice guitar with vintage noiseless pickups, Maple neck. It says made in Mexico but the location and beginning prefix of the SN doesn’t match up. Could be a fake all right, but its a nice one! If anyone comes across any info I’d appreciate it.
        Regards, Eric

        : : I just bought a Fender Strat ( 2 single coil & 1 humbucker) , Made in Japan , sunburst,maple fretboard with serial number TZ 1860985. Does anybody out there has a similar T Z alphabets serial and also let me know what year of made and more information about this guitar will be great.

        : Hey Gilbert….i recently bought a Fender strat, sunburst, Made in Mexico with the serial number TZ 1860981 from a local guitar shop in Lahore Pakistan. What’da F*** is going on here???? It came with original packing and stuff and the make and finish seems very respectable to qualify for an original strat even to an experienced eye. Normally i can tell the fake ones just by the quality of logo and "made in…" decals even if the body seems like original. The one i have has the logo and decals embeded in the finish resin coat. Normally on fake ones you can see the edges of decals and are pasted on top of the resin coat. I checked the Fender site and all Mexican made Fender start with the Alphabet "M". There is no TZ series either in Japan or anywhere else.

        : If you find any clue to this serial number please let me know as well. Meanwhile that guitar shopkeeper has a lot of explaining to do…. 🙁

      3. Re: Fender Strat HSS - Made in Japan
        Gilbert Lai

        Hi Pasha, Any feed back from your guitar shopkeeper pertaining to your guitar. I was told by my local dealer that my guitar is made in Japan for their local use only. But some how, one container of the Fender guitars accidently slipped in to Malaysia.I am still unable to verfiy the gospel truth about it . But one thing for sure , the quality of the made is execellent, just like yours? Do you think is an original one.( is there anybody out there can shine the light on us?)

        1. Re: Fender Strat HSS - Made in Japan
          Pasha

          : Hi Pasha, Any feed back from your guitar shopkeeper pertaining to your guitar. I was told by my local dealer that my guitar is made in Japan for their local use only. But some how, one container of the Fender guitars accidently slipped in to Malaysia.I am still unable to verfiy the gospel truth about it . But one thing for sure , the quality of the made is execellent, just like yours? Do you think is an original one.( is there anybody out there can shine the light on us?)

          Isn’t it strange that a guitar made in Japan for "LOCAL USE" needed to be shipped by sea within Japan in a container?!?!!?

          My shopkeeper altogether denied that the serial number has anything to do with being original or indicating the make of the country. According to him Fender is no longer keeping tag of all the guitars made by them especially low cost stratocasters. Otherwise like you, my guitar seems as original as it can get. One thing i did notice is that the strings in my Fender strat were not Fender Bullets as indicatred on a sticker on the pickguard.

          1. Re: Fender Strat HSS - Made in Japan
            Coach George

            : : Hi Pasha, Any feed back from your guitar shopkeeper pertaining to your guitar. I was told by my local dealer that my guitar is made in Japan for their local use only. But some how, one container of the Fender guitars accidently slipped in to Malaysia.I am still unable to verfiy the gospel truth about it . But one thing for sure , the quality of the made is execellent, just like yours? Do you think is an original one.( is there anybody out there can shine the light on us?)

            : Isn’t it strange that a guitar made in Japan for "LOCAL USE" needed to be shipped by sea within Japan in a container?!?!!?

            : My shopkeeper altogether denied that the serial number has anything to do with being original or indicating the make of the country. According to him Fender is no longer keeping tag of all the guitars made by them especially low cost stratocasters. Otherwise like you, my guitar seems as original as it can get. One thing i did notice is that the strings in my Fender strat were not Fender Bullets as indicatred on a sticker on the pickguard.

            Sorry Dude, You got a Chinese Copy.
            Visit this site:
            http://www.paylessguitars.com/products.asp?pclass=FENDER%20ELECTRIC%20GUITAR&c_code=0005

            Or this one:
            http://www.bounry.com/product_info.php?cPath=66&products_id=816

    3. Re: This popular thread has been given its own page :... Gilbert Lai
      Gilbert Lai

      I just bought a Fender Strat ( 2 single coil & 1 humbucker) , Made in Japan , sunburst,maple fretboard with serial number TZ 1860985. Does anybody out there has a similar T Z alphabets serial and also let me know what year of made and more information about this guitar will be great.

      Related Article:
      Fender Mustang Floor

      1. Beat up "Fender Stratocaster"
        Tom

        Just bought a beat up guitar from a thrift shop. It says: Fender Stratocaster (lower case e’s), and size of both words is same.
        It has two double braces for strings, one pickup, arched bridge, rosewood fretboard. Plate on back just says MADE IN JAPAN with no serial number.
        A silver sticker on reverse says: 306-14049. What is this?

  13. Ulrich Roth
    Andy DelNero

    Anone have info and/or photos of Scorpions’ Ulrich Roth’s Strat from the ’70’s? It’s nearly impossible to find more info and pictures of Uli from the ’70’s, especially in regard to his equipment.

  14. korean/jap strat squier question
    ed

    I have a made in korea squier strat with an E serial number. Does that date it to the mid 80’s, when the Japanese factory was doing an E series?

  15. Value of S782358
    Kathy

    Interested in the value of a beautiful S782358. Guitar and case in great condition. Pickups are Dimarzio – don’t know if that is factory or if they have been changed, also how would that affect value. Thanks for any help!

    1. Re: Value of S782358
      Rodney

      Your guitar is Japanese manufactured, it was made in 1994-1995. The value of Japanese made Fender’s is approximately two thirds less than American. New, that guitar did not come stock with Dimarzio pickups. The Dimarzio’s are worth more than the guitar itself. You could sell that guitar for approximately $200.00 – $250.00 and that is a great deal.

  16. What year is this stratocaster?
    Lisa S

    Hello – I have scrolled through some sites with serial number listing, and have not found the series of our Strat. We inherited it a few years ago. The serial number is H101. The logo on the case has the "tail" under the Fender name. Any ideas of the age?
    Thanks
    Lisa

  17. MADINE standard srat copy
    squiz

    has anyone got any info on a MADINE STANDARD strat copy it is japanese poss late 70’s plays and sounds amazing much better than usa strat or my silverseries squier but never heard of a madine before.

  18. 1999 FENDER FORD MUSTANG 35TH ANNIVERSARY STRATOCASTER
    Pam

    I have the opportunity to buy one of these next week. I am wondering if I will be getting a good deal or not. Can anyone tell me the approximate value of one of these rare guitars in mint condition with COA? I think if you double click on my name it will give you my e-mail address. Please contact me with any information ASAP:)

    1. Re: 1999 FENDER FORD MUSTANG 35TH ANNIVERSARY STRATOCASTER
      John Patterson

      Hi – Did you ever get it? I have one. Just bought if for $5500. How did you do on yours?

      : I have the opportunity to buy one of these next week. I am wondering if I will be getting a good deal or not. Can anyone tell me the approximate value of one of these rare guitars in mint condition with COA? I think if you double click on my name it will give you my e-mail address. Please contact me with any information ASAP:)

  19. Did I get something special here???
    Skibum272

    Just bought a Jap Squire Wayne’s World Edition… serial number is M009999 (this the last one made?) anyone know more about these????

  20. what year is my strat?
    scott

    i have a strat with the serial number 532689.
    can anybody tell me what year it is and whether or not, according to that date, it is desirable.
    over and above it just being a strat, that is.

    1. Re: what year is my strat?
      Jimi

      : i have a japanese stratocaster with the serial number A025543.
      : can anybody tell me what year it is and whether or not, according to that date, it is desirable.
      : over and above it just being a strat, that is.I’d like to know what model it is, as it has a 2 tone sunburst with a vintage v neck with truss rod at the base in one piece maple, with a three layer 11 screw pickguard?

      1. Re: what year is my strat?
        Rodney

        Your guitar was manufactured in 1985-1986. It’s just another Japanese made Fender. They do not maintain the value that American made does. That guitar new, was around $300.00.

    1. Re: Strat Value
      ches davis

      : I have a fender strat, and I would like to know the history and value of it. I paid $500 for it and it is an american made guitar.I always wanted one and really wanted to know if it a real american made guitar worth up to $2000. If it is, then that is the one I was looking for.

  21. Jap Strat Squier Series
    Terry Symonds

    I have a Japanese built Strat with large Fender Logo with the words made in Japan underneath in small type. On the end of the headstock it has a small Suier logo with the word series. It is red with a single layer white pick-guard, a rose wood finger board and a light coloured neck with skunk stripe. Serial number is T010169 indicating a 94-95 construction, can anyone tell me anything else about it. For instance where does it stand value and quality wise compared to other Suiers/Fenders?

    Any info greatfully received.

    Terry

  22. MIJ Strat Bridge Wrench Question
    Marc (via moderator)

    I have an 80’s MIJ Strat. The .050 hex wrench that works on my American Strat and my Mexican Tele won’t seat itself in the MIJ Strat. Is there another size that fits it? Is it a special wrench?

    Thanks. Monk

  23. What the hell have I got here??
    Elliot

    Hi. I’ve got a 1993 Strat. Bought it new in Hong Kong whilst serving there with the Royal Navy. This is a natural finish strat with locking machine heads, roll nut, three sensor lace pickups (blue red and gold). Seems to have a standard tremlo system. Plays great, but no one seems to know what it is. It was bought brand new, so the pickups haven’t been added. It’s a 1993 edition. Any clues as to what it is exactly? Thanks.

  24. lake placid blue squire
    lake child

    hi can anyone tell – did fender introduce a fender squire strat in the year 2000 in aquamarine – or lake placid blue , possibly crafted in japan

    1. Re: Japanese Strat with only 2 control knobs
      Pat King

      : Hi Chris, I’ve got a black Fender jap strat,serial no E515938 with two control knobs,did you find out anything about this model?

      : Cheers
      Pat

      : Thanks

      : Chris

  25. what year is my strat?
    scott h.

    how can I find out what year my Strat when all I have to go on is the serial number and some music store guy’s hunch it is a ’73?
    Any help would be greatly appreciated.

    1. Re: What year is my Stratocastor
      Dwight Listmayer

      My friend, you have a 1979. They are nice, and often have black pickguards and plastic. Also known for their tone. Strat Man Dwight

  26. Deaf-Eddie mods & switches
    Andrew Listmayer

    I would have to call myself a Strat enthusiast and experimentor. I am thinking of putting one of the Stratocaster mod switches from http://www.deaf-eddie.net into one of my SINGLE coil Strats. I already have used a Lonestar Fat Strat with a Fat-O-Caster for Fatties mod and am impressed. Now I just got the Chromacaster mod. Has anybody else with an American Standard or Deluxe tried one of these out there and what do you think of it?

    Thanx, Andrew

  27. 1980's japenese fender stratocaster
    nathan

    hey do they sell them any more not the single coil ones the humbucker one because i own one and i got find it anywere and the one i got is second hand so

      1. Re: This popular thread has been given its own page :... Dwight Listmayer
        Dwight Listmayer

        Hi. I see there’s a good book out that is totally about the Stratocasters that were Made In Japan. Will put it on my wish list.

        Also on ebay, I continue to check out some pretty nice Strat examples that are for sale in Tokyo, under bluzeyguitar and sixstringkatana.

        Personally, while I like the MIJ Stratocasters for collecting purpose, I believe that if you’re gonna actually play them, they sound better with American or aftermarket pickups of some kind. Mine are now custom ordered handwounds from ElectroKraft – http://www.harmonycentral.com for more info.

        It’s a good thing that these Japanese-made Strats are well built and can handle the addition of better quality pickups, and can be played very SERIOUSLY, just because they look & feel good … good enough for the PRO’s out there.

        Yeah, when they were first introduced, Fender execs stateside thought they were a little too good. And I mean Dan Smith, for one. I thank Dan for all he did for the company.

        Take care and appreciate your Strats, Canada’s Strat Man

    1. Re: 1980's japenese fender stratocaster
      Dwight Listmayer

      : hey do they sell them any more not the single coil ones the humbucker one because i own one and i got find it anywere and the one i got is second hand so

      Once in awhile, Fender will come out with a new Japanese "re-issue", actually made by the Nippon-Gakki Company. They are quite good. It’s not likely that any of these Strats will include humbucker pickups again, since the original vintage models didn’t have them. You could find something like yours on ebay.

      Strat Man Dwight

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